December, 2011 Newsletter
Published December 7, 2011 | 
Chronicles of a Professional Guardian
Serving the community as a Professional Guardian for over 20 years, I’ve had to discover unique solutions to difficult problems. I’ve decided it’s time to give back, and share some of my knowledge. It is my hope that this information can help others provide better services and care to our elderly and disabled population.
Giving Back
Image Credit: S_H / stock.xchng
December is in full swing, and while most of us are gearing up for holiday feasts and celebrations, there are many seniors in Florida (and all over the country) who won’t know the joy of the holidays.
For these seniors the holidays can be a cold and lonely time. They see everyone else in their facility visiting with family and friends, and receiving presents, yet they’re sitting in the corner, watching out the window for family who will never appear. They wait longingly for the mail, hoping to receive a card, letter, or package from someone showing they care, yet day by day they end up empty-handed and broken-hearted.
And then there are the seniors who don’t have any family, the ones who have no one to share the joy of the season with. In a season meant for giving, can’t we find it in our hearts to give a little more to someone who desperately needs it?
The holidays do not need to be this lonely for seniors. There are many ways that we can give back to the generation that has sacrificed so much for us.
Donate Gifts
If you are short on time this season, one of the ways you can give back to the seniors in our community is to pick up something extra when you’re out shopping, and then donate it to an organization running a senior gift drive. You may also donate them to Assisted Living Facilities and Skilled Nursing Facilities, for the staff to provide to their less fortunate residents. *Important note: Do not just drop items off at random facilities. Call to inquire if they could use the supplies before delivering.*
Common items needed by seniors include:
- Blankets
- Robes / Pajamas / Slippers
- Sweaters
- Toiletry items such as shampoo and conditioner, soap, and lotion
- Gift cards to grocery and retail stores for food and personal supplies
- Treats like holiday chocolate and candy (This is more of a want, but is still nice to receive!)
Volunteer
If you have a little free time to spare, volunteer at an organization that helps with seniors in need. There are many community organizations aimed at helping seniors, who need help to provide these services.
Meals on Wheels – Meals on Wheels is a program which most counties have, that delivers meals to at-home seniors in need. They are often in need of drivers. If you have reliable transportation, and a few hours (regularly) that you can volunteer, this may be a good match. Contact your county’s Meals on Wheels program today to inquire about how you can help.
Hospice – Hospice is an organization that provides end-of-life care, whose aim is to make people comfortable during their last days. Many hospice organizations need volunteers to spend time with these individuals, and their families. Contact your local Hospice organization today to see how you can help.
Local Skilled Nursing Facilities – Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) are facilities that provide a high level of medical care to their residents. The people in SNFs are often there because they require extensive care (such as with bed bound individuals), or because they are staying for rehab and recovery (such as after a fall / broken hip). Sometimes SNFs use volunteers to run social activities, like BINGO. Contact your local SNF today to inquire about their volunteer needs.
Websites for Volunteer Opportunities
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
http://www.handsonorlando.com/
Spend Time
The best gift of all requires no money – the gift of time. Spending a little time with a senior can make a big impact in the quality and longevity of their life.
This can be as simple as reaching out to an elderly neighbor, and visiting with them more often. Or, if you know they are going to be alone for the holiday, invite them over for dinner. There is usually more than enough food to go around anyway, so what is one more person at the table?
Also, many of the organizations mentioned above (and more) need volunteers to socialize and spend time with seniors. Often, this requires little more than just having a conversation with a senior, or spending some time walking around outside with them (if they are able).
These are just a few ways you can help seniors in need this holiday season. But, you don’t have to wait until the holidays to spread some much needed cheer and love to a senior. These suggestions for showing love and compassion can (and should) be used throughout the year to help bring joy and cheer to seniors in the community.
Tip of the Month
There are 10 common medications with patents that expire in 2011 and 2012. Once the patent expires, companies are allowed to make generic versions of the same medication. This could mean big savings for those taking these drugs.
The list includes Lipior, Zyprexa, Levaquin, Seroquel and more. For a complete list, visit:
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/27/top-selling-drugs-are-about-to-lose-patent-protection-ready/
Did You Know?
The Medicare donut hole can be filled totally and permanently (and not with raspberry-cheese filling) when dual eligibility of both Medicare and Medicaid is obtained, even if the individual is over income and/or over assets?
Upcoming Events
As active members of the community, you can often find us around town speaking and educating professionals and the public on Guardianship, and caring for the elderly and disabled. Here’s where we’ll be next.
- 12/9/2011 – Seniors Christmas Banquet hosted by the Seniors Intervention Group – Table Sponsorship – Timacuan Country Club, Lake Mary, FL
If you would like Theresa Barton to speak at one of your events, contact us at 407.786.6033. Don’t delay, call today as her schedule fills up quickly!
Do What You’re Great At and Love — Let Us Handle the Rest!
Guardian Care Management & Benefits Services, Inc. provides:
- Professional Guardianship Services
- Private Case Management
- Benefits Consulting & Medicaid Applications
- Full Guardianship Support Services
We can help, call us today!
407.786.6033
