ShareCare's newsletter, the Connector, is published every other month. Below are articles from recent publications. If you'd like to read complete newsletters, click on the links below. (Note: You'll need Adobe Reader to open the newsletters. Click here for their web site--it's a free download.) |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Munson Manor--A Home Away From HomeThe Munson Manor Hospitality House is a "home away from home" for family members who face the added stress of traveling during a loved one's hospitalization. The lovely facility, located behind Munson, is also available for patients and their caregivers who must provide their own lodging during outpatient treatments and procedures. Or for consideration is that getting to Traverse City the night before an EARLY morning appointment could make the day of a procedure less stressful. Cost range is $30 - $55. Special room payment arrangements are available to those in financial need. A reservation is advised by calling (231) 935-2300. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Bravo! For Aid—A letter to the EditorA recent letter to the editor of the Leelanau Enterprise from a SC member sang our praises, stating that she has been a member of SC since the early years, but recently was a beneficiary of this wonderful organization. The letter talked about some of the services we offer our members, and finally encouraged readers to find out more about us. We truly appreciated her kind words, and encourage others who have received our services to write to the editor. Your word of mouth is our best advertising tool! |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Commission on Aging (256-8121)—If you don’t already receive The Commission on Aging’s monthly newsletter, be sure to call them to have your name added to the mailing list. Each issue provides important information for older adults living in Leelanau County. For example, in this month’s newsletter they provided the following information:
Call the Commission On Aging (256-8121) or click here for more info. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
9-1-1Anne and Deb had the opportunity |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Personal Expo—Simple as ABCThis interesting concept came from one of our members—it’s worth passing on! Have your own personal Expo. It is as simple as ABC! A. Pick a day for your annual Expo. It can be your birthday, anniversary, child’s birthday, or any day you will remember annually. The important thing is to select a regular time. B. Do or arrange for the following:
C. Document what you’ve done. You can also use this day for other important things to review and perhaps change for piece of mind, which is part of your physical well being.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Care Coordination, Anne Kelly, RN, BSNThe best way for me to advocate for you or coordinate your care if
you’re coming home from the hospital, is to for me to communicate with
your care providers (doctors, nurses, or discharge planners). |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Medicare Rights CenterEvery month I receive an Email newsletter from the
Medicare Rights Center, and
with each newsletter I’m amazed by the amount of information they make
available regarding Medicare. An article in the Jan-Feb ‘08 issue of The
Medicare Counselor deals with “Getting the Most Out of Your Private Drug
Plan”. I don’t pretend to be an expert on Medicare, but I want to pass
on enough information about reducing the cost of your medications so
that you can approach a Medicare expert for more guidance if you are
having trouble in that area. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Resources for Older DriversSome of you may have parents or friends whose driving worries you. If so, it would be helpful for you read an article we have in the office from The Summer 2007 issue of the Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek Specialty Guide. In the article written by Patricia Russo-Meck, RN and Arlen Orhon Jech, RN they give suggestions such as, planning activities during daylight hours, not taking long trips, and finding alternate types of transportation. Below are some references listed in the article:
We have some of the articles in the office, and some can be found on the Internet, but please don’t hesitate to give us a call for help with this issue. —Anne Kelly |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cancer Support GroupA newly-formed cancer support group will hold its meetings on the
first Monday of every month from 5:15PM to 6:45PM, in rooms 148-149 at
the Northport Public School (enter from the main lobby and follow the
signs). |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Why Can’t I Remember My Address?Do you ever wonder if something you just did or said is a normal part of ageing, or if it might be related to early stages dementia? Perhaps you’ve already discussed this with your doctor, but you would like a second, more in depth, opinion. There are two clinics in Traverse City that deal with ageing issues, and while ShareCare does not endorse either clinic, we can say that our members have had positive experiences with both. Anne Kelly RN, BSN can guide you through the process of finding help, but please note that both clinics require a referral from your primary care provider. Do you ever wonder if something you just did or said is a normal part of ageing, or if it might be related to early stages dementia? Perhaps you’ve already discussed this with your doctor, but you would like a second, more in depth, opinion. There are two clinics in Traverse City that deal with ageing issues, and while ShareCare does not endorse either clinic, we can say that our members have had positive experiences with both. Anne Kelly RN, BSN can guide you through the process of finding help, but please note that both clinics require a referral from your primary care provider. The Geriatric Assessment Clinic (106 S. Madison Street, Traverse City) attempts to improve the quality of life for older adults and keep them independent for as long as possible. They address the following: The Geriatric Assessment Clinic (106 S. Madison Street, Traverse City) attempts to improve the quality of life for older adults and keep them independent for as long as possible. They address the following: home safety and living; placement guidance, patient and caregiver education; family/caregiver stress level; driving issues; prescription medication assistance; competency; depression and mental health; dementia; falling; polypharmacy; diet. During your visit you will meet with health care professionals who are trained in the special needs of older adults. The team includes: Medical Director (team leader, certified in gerontology); Certified Gerontology Nurse (conducts a home visit; assesses self-care skills); Social Worker (psychosocial assessments); Pharmacist (completes a medication profile and reviews for appropriateness). For more information call the Geriatric Assessment Clinic at 231-935-8127 or 231-935-6650. The Memory and Movement Disorder Clinic (1213 W. Front Street, Traverse City) provides an interdisciplinary team assessment for anyone experiencing memory concerns, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The clinic offers the following: a comprehensive neurological assessment, with additional testing, if indicated; assessment of caregiver knowledge and needs; information and recommendations regarding community support services; assistance with management of the dementia or movement disorder, as indicated. This clinic’s team includes the following professionals: Neurologist who performs a comprehensive neurological evaluation; R.N. who performs a nursing assessment and assesses activities of daily living and self-care skills; Social Worker who assesses family support and financial needs; performs a geriatric depression screening test, evaluates caregiver stress. For more information call the Memory and Movement Disorder Clinic 231-935- 0386. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Recognizing a StrokeSometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify, and unfortunately, the lack of awareness can spell disaster. A stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn to ask the three questions. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
FIVE WISHESFIVE WISHES is a document that, once filled out and signed, directs how you wish to be treated in the face of a serious illness. It also lets you list who you wish to designate as your patient advocate. If you would like help filling out a FIVE WISHES document, you can call the Advance Care Planning Department at Munson: 231-935-6176. They will send you a copy of the Five Wishes Document if you don’t already have one. Also, Anne Kelly, RN is able to help if you have questions while filling out your FIVE WISHES. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Choosing a PhysicianFor those of you looking for a physician to replace
Dr. Stafford, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself and
the doctors’ offices you may be considering:
Does s/he participate in Medicare? If not, you will pay the bill before leaving the doctor’s office and mail it into Medicare for partial reimbursement. Participation means that doctor accepts what Medicare is willing to pay for that visit. The Physician’s Referral office told me that all the doctors in the area can see their own patients if admitted to Munson, but most choose not to (for time-savings I suspect). Two who do follow their own are Dr. Mary Clifton, MD (internal medicine, Board Certified), and Dr. Carl Anders, MD (also internal medicine and Board Certified). The Physician’s Referral service depends on the doctors in the area to submit information for listing, so their list is not comprehensive. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
