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National Geriatric Care Manager Month – Feinberg’s Ask the Care Manager Program

May 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

ask-manager

To celebrate National Geriatric Care Manager Month, Feinberg Consulting, Inc. will be reaching out to the community with an innovative program called, “Ask the Care Manager.”

Feinberg Consulting offers information, and support, to individuals involved in the complexities of caring for a loved one. “We play an important role in helping navigate the aging process.  As professional geriatric care managers, our nurses and social workers will help support individuals, and their families, with the challenges they are facing through advocacy and coordination of care,” explained Feinberg-Rivkin, a Certified Member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

If you have a question about caring for your loved one, please call to “Ask the Care Manager.”  “Ask the Care Manager” is an initiative to provide a safe place to gain free information, a listening ear, and a qualified and caring professional to help evaluate your situation and provide recommendations based on their extensive experience.

Feinberg Consulting’s Professional Geriatric Care Managers will be available 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST throughout the month of May to take calls. Their nurses and social workers can be reached toll free at 877-538-5425. All calls are private and you may choose to remain anonymous.

Filed Under: Assisted Living, Counseling Services, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, General Health, General Interest, Happiness, Healthy Living, News

Costs and Benefits

January 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

In 2010, a woman named Debra came to me seeking help. Her mother, Mrs. Landan, was recently discharged from the hospital, having experienced a major change in her functional status. Mrs. Landan, 88-years-old and widowed, lived in Florida while her daughter, Debra, lived and worked out of the country. Debra wanted to be by her mother’s side after her discharge from the hospital, but it was not feasible given her job and location. It pained her not to be with her mother, but then she learned what a Care Manager from Feinberg Consulting could do, and this is how both Debra and Mrs. Landan were able to find peace of mind.

Since Feinberg Consulting was hired, we’ve set up services and equipment to support Mrs. Landan and have continued to provide her with coordination, monitoring of care, medical services, and emotional support. We’ve helped her deal with a number of medical setbacks. Sleep disturbances, hallucinations, depression, severe itching, infections, and anxiety have plagued her over the past two and a half years. She also went from being ambulatory to requiring the use of a wheelchair. The Care Manager has helped the family through every change, keeping Debra updated and Mrs. Landan in good spirits.

Feinberg Consulting’s Care Manager has continued to ensure that Mrs. Landan’s quality of life is optimum, given her health needs. The expertise provided has made it possible for her to remain in her home. One of the services Debra and Mrs. Landan most appreciate is the detailed coordination. The Care Manager arranges so that medicines, groceries, clothing, and house upkeep are all handled in a way to make Mrs. Landan feel at ease. And when Mrs. Landan feels at ease, her daughter does too. What neither of them expected was how important their Care Manager proved to be in keeping their costs efficient. Without a Care Manager, Mrs. Landen would have moved to a private room at a nursing home facility in Florida – at a cost of nearly $93,440 annually (The 2011 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs). Since hiring her Care manager two and a half years ago, billable costs have averaged $22,872 a year. By choosing a Care Manager, Debra and Mrs. Landan have saved over $100,000.00 in just under three years.

Another high cost they faced was emergency travel. Having a Care Manager has helped Mrs. Landan’s whole family cut down on the costs of these last minute travel expenses. The average cost per emergency flight is $1300.00, plus the cost of taking time off work and other miscellaneous expenses. When Debra is able to come into town, the Care Manager ensures Debra gets the most out of her visits with her mother. The Care Manager sets up appointments, like the signing of the Living Wills, so that Debra and Mrs. Landan can quickly complete the necessary tasks and move on to quality time together. Debra, Mrs. Landan, and the rest of their family have expressed how grateful they are for being able to focus on the thing that really matters most – normal time with each other.

At Feinberg Consulting we offer services in care management for families in all different situations. If you think that you or a loved one could benefit from care management services, please call Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm to “Ask the Care Manager” about information regarding care related issues. All calls are private and you may choose to remain anonymous. The number for this hotline is: 1-877-538-5425 ext. 120. “Ask the Care Manager” provides a safe place to gain information, a listening ear, and a qualified and caring professional to help evaluate your situation and provide recommendations based on their extensive experience. Take control and contact Feinberg Consulting for your care management needs.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Counseling Services, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, General Health, General Interest, News, Rehabilitation

Announcing May is National Geriatric Care Manager Month

March 22, 2012 Leave a Comment

Announcing New NAPGCM PR Initiative:

May is National Geriatric Care

Manager Month!

NAPGCM is excited to announce the launch of a national annual campaign to promote geriatric care management during the month of May.

We encourage you to participate in this important event. Members throughout the country will celebrate National Geriatric Care Manager Month by providing seminars, webinars, special events related to geriatric care management, open houses, and other educational activities for the public.

This is a great opportunity to promote your profession and your business at the same time. We encourage you to set up speaking opportunities during the month of May at Rotary Clubs and other Community Networking Groups to educate the public on the profession of Geriatric Care Management. Click here for a list of suggested activities, topics, and events during National Geriatric Care Management Month.

To assist you, NAPGCM will be offering our customizable PowerPoint presentation to all members at a 50% discount for the remainder of March and April. This product includes presentations appropriate for both professionals and consumers. Please take advantage of this opportunity and start setting up events now.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, General Health, General Interest, Happiness, Healthy Living, Life Care, Life Care Plan, Medicine, News, Rehabilitation, Retirement Home

The value of Networking

February 27, 2012 Leave a Comment

Human beings have a built-in need to socialize, to associate with other like-minded people. Well, most of us do – there are the odd hermit types who come to town only when the need arises, to buy groceries and such. Could you imagine living your life like this? Never talking with a single soul other than what is absolutely necessary? If you’re like me you feel the need to interact with others on a regular basis in order to maintain your sanity.

We can’t always choose those in our immediate circles – family members, neighbors, colleagues at work etc., and so we are often surrounded by people who have differing interests in life. Not that this is a bad thing – ‘different strokes for different folks’, as the saying goes. However, in order to better ourselves and our community we must seek out and share with others who share a similar interest.

This is where networking comes in. A network is a group of people who gather together in order to share experiences, contacts, and exchange information on particular topics. These include book and cooking clubs, dog-walking groups, local churches, political groups and self help networks. It is important for people who share a common disability, such as blindness or paralysis, to form or join a support network where they can address issues and share methods of dealing with their needs in everyday life. This is especially true for those who have become ill or suffer from addiction, and need to interact regularly with others who have the same issues.

One of the many benefits of the internet is its use as a social networking tool. In cyberspace you can meet and socialize with people from all over the world and talk about any topic you could possibly imagine. Many people choose to join Facebook or Twitter where they can converse informally and share thoughts with friends. There are more specific sites such as Live Journal or Blogger, business networks like LinkedIn as well as countless singles and dating networks. Whatever it is you’re into, there’s a social network for it.

When you choose to join a network – whether it is a physical or online one, there are a few things to consider. How can this network benefit you? What level of commitment does it require, and can you back out easily if it ends up not being your cup of tea? Who are the other members and (this applies especially to some larger online networks) could there be any possible concern for your safety or protection of private information? How much time is involved and can you invest that amount of time? How much is it likely to cost? If it is a physical network, then how far away is it? Don’t forget to factor in the time and cost of traveling if this could be a difficulty for you.

Do no matter how independent we like to be, we all have a need to network with others to help us lead fulfilling lives and at the same time be of help to our fellow humans.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Elder Care

Stress Relief

February 26, 2012 Leave a Comment

We are now well into the twenty first century, with seemingly endless technology at our disposal. All of these things, such as HDTVs, PS3s, cellular phones, iPods, iPads, and other computing devices serve to make things easier, but also contribute to the hustle and bustle of daily life. Cell phones in particular have enabled us to ‘free up’ more of our time which we can use to cram more meetings into the average day or even play games on the internet. All of this contributes extra stress to our brain’s workload. There are very few people alive today who are not burdened by too much stress. It affects us all in different ways, and a certain amount of stress can be good, even necessary. Whether you have a high or low threshold for stress chances are you’re getting too much of it.

Stress is what happens when your brain comes under too much pressure from external sources. Chemicals are then released into your blood stream and your heart beats faster. This is like a warning, and a small amount of it is necessary. Most of us are so used to this that we subconsciously ignore this warning and continue on doing what it was that caused the stress in the first place. This all becomes built up in our bodies and we need to release it every now and then in order to prevent mental harm.

First you must acknowledge that stress exists and identify where it is coming from. Could it be the bills (financial), traffic (daily life), family/relationship difficulties or work related? Do you have ‘too much on your plate’? Too many people pressurizing you at once? Expectations, whether internal or external, can quickly become greater than your ability to cope with them.

We must look to the real source, and not just the excuses we make. Learn to recognize how you feel when you are stressed (tired, irritated, angry etc.), and how your body reacts (tense muscles, clenching, heart pumping, sweaty palms). Write it down in a ‘stress journal’ and try to link the symptoms to specific events.

Do not allow people to pressurize you, and keep away from those people if possible. Avoid or minimize the situations which stress you the most. Keep a ‘to-do’ list. Learn to differentiate between urgent and important; do the important first. Then, if you have time, you can do some of the urgent things.

Avoid smoking, too much alcohol/caffeine or ‘comfort foods,’ watching too much television or computer, procrastinating, over-sleeping and under-sleeping. These habits might give you instant gratification, but they only cover up the issues and will contribute towards a more long-term problem.

Take a breather. Three deep breaths before stressful activity can make a world of difference. Walk up the stairs instead of the elevator or park your car in a far corner of the parking lot. If you have time, take up meditation or yoga.

Learn to express your feelings, and talk about them with those involved. Together, you can probably come up with a solution.

Seniors who have left the hustle and bustle of working life behind and whose families have grown up are not immune to stress. Retirement carries a whole new set of circumstances which are likely to cause stress. Managing stress throughout life is known to help us enjoy our later years.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, General Health, Healthy Living

Sharing and Contributing

February 25, 2012 Leave a Comment

No matter what we do in life, we cannot do it alone. Some possessive people try to hold on to what is theirs in fear that others will take it from them, but they wind up being miserable and their demise is soon to come. After they are gone people barely remember them, and they may beg for help but never get any. Sadly, we have all met people who fit into this category. They aren’t very attractive, are they?

On the opposite side of the coin there are those who are magnanimous and open-hearted. There is a certain magnetism about people who approach life in this manner, those who share with others around them and contribute to society in general. They will always be remembered for their compassionate and fulfilled lifestyles. These are character traits that we all could use a little more of. A small amount love and consideration can make this world a much better place for everyone.

Some of us cannot afford to share our physical wealth, nor should we be expected to. But if we do happen to have a little left over then it’s always a good gesture to help out those who are less fortunate. For example, my grandmother will always be remembered for her generosity of spirit, in that while she owned very little she was always eager to share what she did have.

If I let my neighbor borrow my lawnmower to cut his grass and he in turn lends me his hedge trimmer then we are developing community spirit while also reducing the need for both of us to own both items. Perhaps I have an elderly neighbor who cannot cut her own grass. Surely I can take a small amount of time every couple of weeks to do it for her. I need not ask for anything in return but I certainly will enjoy seeing a smile on her face and she on mine.

I might happen to have a high level of computer literacy, and what better way to use this than to be generous in helping my friend when his or her PC goes AWOL? Whilst not the purpose of my sharing these skills, this may get me invited to share someone else’s generosity in the form of home cooking, or some help in tidying that living room that has been neglected for months.

We all have had both good and bad experiences in our varied lifestyles. By sharing this wisdom we can help to prevent other people from making the same mistakes we have made, and can enjoy good times by going places and doing things which appeal to us on the recommendation of our associates.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living

Depression triggered by holidays, understanding your elder parents

December 26, 2011 Leave a Comment

Do you have elderly parents at home? If your answer to this question is yes, then it would interest you to know about the depression caused by holidays. If you are very observant, you would notice that each time the holidays approach, there seems to be changes in your elderly parents’ attitude and approach. In a situation where you live far away from them and only comes around during the holidays, watch closely and you would notice that they are not as active, physically as you have always known them. In some instances, they show symptoms of sadness or fatigue and as far as the holiday and their surroundings are concerned, they seem not to be interested. They are not alone, it is happening to lots of other aged men and women.

Based on a study through the National Institutes of Health, not fewer than two million People in America from 35 million aged 65 many older suffer from full-blown depression. It’s also believed that another 5 million people are afflicted by more gentle cases of depression. Which means that a substantial proportion from the senior population, about 20% is affected with depression, including the kind of depression triggered by holidays? It has additionally been confirmed that in proper diagnosis of many instances of depression within the seniors, difficulties happen to be experienced along with a bigger area of them goes without treatment.

One of the leading explanations why it’s been tough to identify any kind of depression within an seniors person is dependent on the truth that most occasions, the signs and symptoms are misinterpreted to become a kind of medical illness, lack of nutrition consequently of poor diet as well as dementia. Also, many people prefer to not accept that they’re depressed and in such instances, they won’t seek any kind of strategy to their condition. Whenever you growing up, learn more about depression regardless of the sort, despite the fact that it depression triggered by holidays, it might enable you to understand your seniors parents better whenever you meet these questions mood who knows them for as well as notice that they’re becoming less active, especially throughout the holidays.

At this time, you might be wondering what really causes depression. It’s not necessary to obtain confused. The holidays itself doesn’t cause any kind of depression, rather, it’s been discovered that since holidays do restore reminiscences of the items existence was once like while your folks were more youthful and more happy and therefore, brings up a depressed feeling inside them. One more reason for depression triggered by holidays is incorporated in the situation of losing a spouse or any other family member. Within the situation of your entire parent being late, the making it through parent would always suffer from depression throughout the holiday season since she or he had always shared individuals memorable moments using the lost spouse. Should you appreciate this, you are able to help your parent to scale with the depressing holidays. And to be blamed may be the moving at home to some care giving facility and alter in daily routine.

Feinberg would like to share their experiences with you. They are available to answer questions you have and provide information alongside resources. We are here to offer a hand-to-hand care for elderly parents even if you can’t. We can set up a time for you to call in and ask your questions.

Filed Under: Assisted Living, Elder Care, General Health

Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Month

December 21, 2011 Leave a Comment

Colorectal cancer is said to be a malignant tumor that arises from the inner walls of the large intestines. Various researches carried out have shown that the world over, colon and rectum cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer in women and the third leading cause of cancer in men. This is where colorectal cancer education and awareness month comes in. Although it has been confirmed that the frequency at which colorectal cancer occurs is not static, it is mostly common in Asia, Africa and the Western world. Based on this fact, those countries that adopted the western diets are witnessing more cases of colorectal cancer.

Due to the rate at which people are suffering and in most cases, dieing from this illness, it becomes necessary that awareness be created in order to minimize its occurrence and when it does occur, make it possible for early detection which increases the person’s chances of survival. For this reason, the month of March is set aside as the colorectal cancer education and awareness month the world over. It gives people the opportunity to learn more about colorectal cancer, preventive methods and best treatment methods. With this initiative, lots of lives have been saved since people have come to know more about the symptoms and the next actions to take when diagnosed with colon and rectum cancer.

It has been confirmed that not less than 140,000 cases of colon and rectum cancer is recorded every given year and in which case, about 56,000 persons do die from the ailment. It does not have to be so because with the efforts that are being made by the government, educational institutes and non-governmental agencies and organizations, colorectal cancer is a disease that at this stage is both preventable and curable if early detection and treatment is carried out. This is enough reason for us all to be interested in finding out more about colorectal cancer education and awareness month and what we stand to gain from having a good knowledge of colon and rectal cancer symptoms and treatments.

This should set you wondering about the prevention, detection and treatment methods that would help people survive this ailment called colorectal cancer. Some of these techniques and methods includes but not limited to maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercises and going for regular screenings in the clinic. In a case where a diagnosis confirms you or a loved one is suffering from the ailment, the most common treatment method is surgery in order to ensure total cure. This is done in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The more you know about colorectal cancer education and awareness month, the better for you and others close to you.

As far as colon and rectal cancer is concerned, all hope is not lost. Researches have confirmed that out of every 100% cases of colorectal cancer, there has been a success rate of 80 to 90% treatment leading to restored normal health, especially if the cancer is detected early and treatment started immediately. In a case where the detection was done late leading to late commencement of treatment, there has been a success rate of 50%. Know more about colorectal cancer education and awareness month and kick against colorectal cancer.

Filed Under: Assisted Living, Day Holidays

Feinberg Consulting Presents an Autumn Caregiver’s Support Group

August 25, 2011 2 Comments

Fall Gently Into Autumn With People Who Care

Are you feeling stressed with the responsibilities of caring for a loved one?  Are you feeling that you don’t have enough time for yourself?  Are you physically and emotionally exhausted?  Are you feeling isolated and looking for new ways to cope and reduce stress?

We understand that sometimes caring for a loved one faced with a medical condition can be an emotional struggle and you may need a supportive shoulder.

Beginning in October, we will meet monthly to lend guidance to those who care for family members with a variety of medical illnesses. We will  offer stress-reducing strategies and coping skills through facilitation and peer support.

Feinberg Consulting is here to join in your commitment to create a greater quality of life for those you love.

Meet Our Facilitator

Jo Elyn Nyman received a masters in Counseling from Oakland University.  She spent five years in Post Graduate work studying analytical psychology at the Jungian Institute of Chicago as well as the Florida Association of Jungian Analysts.  As part of her holistic focus to therapy,  She has also studied alternative therapeutic modalities such as EMDR, EFT, and TAT.  Jo Elyn’s work experience started in the non-profit world working with at-risk adolescents as well as victims of domestic violence, providing individual as well as family therapy.  She facilitated groups ranging from parenting to sexual assault and has extensive experience in assisting with caregiver stress, needs and coping strategies.

Jo Elyn has been in private practice for six years and holds a certification as a Yoga instructor with a strong emphasis on the mind-body connection.

The Caregiver’s Support Group will meet the 2nd Thursday of each month, beginning October 13, 2011

from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at the Feinberg Consulting Offices in Farmington Hills, MI.

Seating is limited.  $120 for the six session series.  Please call Susie at 877-538-5425  or email at ssteinberg@feinbergconsulting.com to reserve your place before September 29, 2011.

 

 

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Cancer Awareness, Counseling Services, Domestic Violence, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, General Health, General Interest, Happiness, Healthy Living, News

Who Are Family Caregivers?

June 29, 2011 Leave a Comment

Any person caring for a loved one who is elderly, ill or disabled is considered to be a family caregiver.  A caregiver may provide physical, emotional or mental help to a person suffering from challenges that prevent them from doing things on their own.

Family caregivers may fall under the following types of categories:

  • Adult children
  • Parents (Mom or Dad)
  • Spouse
  • Other family members such as grandparents, nephews, cousins
  • Close friends
  • Neighbors

Most family caregivers take upon the role unexpectedly and at times feel inadequate or ill-prepared.  As hospitals and nursing homes release patients at an earlier rate than one may expect, more and more family caregivers are needed to step up and assume the role.

Studies have shown that most caregivers are women but more and more men are stepping into the role as the family caregiver.  In general, family caregivers come in all walks of life, ethnicity and gender.  No one is immune to having a loved one age or become physically impaired.  With the aging process, additional care is generally inevitable.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Family Caregivers Tagged With: