So the “Aha” moment arrives. Circumstances make you realize two things. 1) I’m not as young as I used to be, and 2.) “Old age ain’t for sissies” as the great Bette Davis once said.

Gradually, or sometimes suddenly, it happens… we can’t keep up with household chores, we can’t see the street signs to drive safely, we give up cooking or we can’t walk without holding on to the furniture. And it begins, a nagging fear that we’re losing our independence. In fact, loss of independence is the biggest fear among seniors. So what is the typical senior response? Pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and keep on going, of course! Call in the kids to help out! They’re supposed to take care of us in our old age, aren’t they? Unfortunately, the kids have spouses and children of their own. And they have full time jobs, not to mention they live out of town. It’s time for a new strategy.

Many seniors are finding the solution to remaining independent at home lies outside the family circle with paid caregivers. Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, RN  of RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care explains, “Most seniors find caregivers in two ways.

The old way is to run a classified ad or hire through a temporary service. The senior bears all the “employer” responsibility for this kind of caregiver.”

Tamunday-Casanova  recommends seniors ask the following questions of independent caregivers:

1. What client references can you provide?
2. What is your experience/background?
3. Do you have any certificates or training? Is it current?
4. Have you worked with ( Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson, Cancer, etc)?
5. What would you do if I had medical emergency?
6. How much notice would I have if you could not come in for a day? Can you arrange your own substitutes?
7. How do I contact you?
8. Are you bonded? Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
9. Do you have liability insurance?

“These folks are usually less expensive but there’s a lot of risk involved in hiring them”, Tamunday-Casnova says. He continues, “The downside is:

• It‘s difficult to find the right person.  You are responsible for performing a criminal background check.
• You are responsible for finding a replacement if the caregiver is absent

• You bear the burden for withholding payroll taxes, and providing state mandated worker’s compensation coverage.

• You bear the burden for liability problems like theft from or damage to your property. “

The new way is to contract with a State licensed  Home Health Care – Companion Care Agency. These private agencies provide “in-home, non-medical care”. The number of agencies are growing quickly to meet the demands of a fast-growing senior population. They provide a wide range of services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, shopping & errands, and in many states including Florida,  including assistance with personal care. These one on one services can continue should the senior move into assisted living or even a nursing facility or hospital.”

Home Health Care and  Companion Care is usually available anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours a day. Payment is private pay and may be covered by long term care insurance policies or Veterans Aid and Attendant benefits.

Some questions Tamunday-Casanova suggests you ask a Home Care – Companion Care agency:

1. Do they have references from other clients?
2. What services will they be providing?
3. What training/experience do the caregivers have?
4. How do they supervise their caregivers?
5. Are the caregivers bonded and covered by workers compensation insurance?
6. What is the schedule for service?
7. How do I change the schedule?
8. What if I have a problem with a caregiver?
9. Does the agency have an emergency or after-hours phone number?
10. What are the financial arrangements?
11. Who owns the agency? Is it part of a larger organization?
12. Are the caregivers employees held accountable by the agency or independent contractors accountable to no one?
13. Does the agency carry Professional Liability Insurance?

The Pros:

• Service is easily customized for each client’s needs

• Extensive hours available

• Staff is screened and supervised

• Agency is responsible for all employer tasks like payroll, taxes, liability insurance, workers compensation, bonding

• Agency is responsible for providing a replacement should the assigned caregiver fail to arrive or need a day off.

Tamunday-Casanova says, “This service is more expensive than independent caregivers but the right agency will provide the most customizable, reliable, worry free, in- home service available.”

For FREE in-home care consultation or assessment, call 941.366.0801 or Toll Free 1.877.685.3889

Private Duty-Home Care services provided in Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Nokomis, Siesta Key, Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas.

Our seniors and their caregivers enjoy different activities in the area. Sarasota SpringFest is scheduled on March 19, 2011. A FREE day of Family Fun and local business expo from 9am-4pm. Fun, Food, Music, PAL’s Sailor Circus and Egg Hunts! For more information, visit www.SarasotaSpringfest.com or call 941.922.3866

Home Care Executive Earns Approval for Alzheimer’s Disease Training Provider

Sarasota, Florida, January 17, 2011.  Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, RN – RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care, Administrator and Owner becomes a certified Home Health Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) training provider through the Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging (FPECA), A Multi-University Consortium at the University of South Florida.

According to facts and figures reported by the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease. This figure includes 5.1 million people aged 65 and older and 200,000 individuals under age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that there are 500,000 Americans younger than 65 with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Of these, approximately 40 percent are estimated to have Alzheimer’s. One in eight people aged 65 and older (13 percent) have Alzheimer’s disease. Every 70 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s. By mid-century, someone will develop the disease every 33 seconds.  www.http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp

The Home Health Care Alzheimer’s Disease Certification is a two-hour State mandatory training required for employees hired to work with elderly in a home care setting. The curricula must be taught exactly as approved. No modifications are permitted. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) reserves the right to attend and monitor training courses, review records and course materials approved pursuant to State Rules and Florida Administrative Codes.

Upon successful completion of the ADRD training, the trainee shall be issued a certificate of completion by the approved training provider. The certificate shall include title of the approved training course and the DOEA curriculum approval number, the expiration date of curriculum, the number of hours of training, dates of attendance, location, trainee’s name, the providers name and DOEA approval number.

A list of all approved Home Health Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders curricula is posted on www.trainingonaging.usf.edu.

RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care specializes on clients with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Caregivers are trained, certified and undergo monthly in-service training to review on different home care procedures. Clients and families are assured that  home care providers assigned to their loved ones are experienced,  well aware of the disease process and care at different stages.

In-Home Care Services provided in Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Osprey, Nokomis, Casey Key and neighboring cities.

For free professional in-home care consultation and assessment, call 941.366.0801.

Alzheimer’s Support Groups are available in Sarasota, FL.

Alzheimer’s Association-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter affiliated support groups are for family members, caregivers, and others interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease.  Meetings are open to everyone and free of charge.  Support group facilitators have received training as required by Chapter and National Alzheimer’s Association standards.  For program information and to verify meeting dates, times, and locations, please use the telephone contacts listed below.  For other questions or to arrange free respite care so you can attend a group, call the  Sarasota office at (941) 365-8883 or 1-800-772-8672.

For further information contact:

Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, Administrator

(941) 366-0801

Email: rose@rightaccordhealth.com

www.RightAccordHealth.com

November 23, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Good Deed to Benefit Local Alzheimer’s Organization

Sarasota, November 23, 2010 RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care

Joined the Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association Annual Memory Walk  held on October 23, 2010. RIGHT ACCORD and its team of walkers donated over $1,000 and the association raised over $148,000 this year.

Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research — and it calls on people of all ages to take action in the fight. Year-round, the participants are leaders in the effort to defeat this devastating disease.

Participating in Memory Walk was fun with a group. We asked co-workers, family and friends to walk with us as a team. “I was amazed at how many people wanted to help.” Said Tamunday-Casanova.

Every Memory Walk participant was asked to raise money for the fight against Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association staff was there and ready to support us every step of the way with tips, tools and advice.

“Memory Walk was truly a unique experience. We saw the difference we can make as we walked to change the course of Alzheimer’s together. “said Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova

For more information on Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/flgulfcoast

The Company can be reached at (941)366-0801.

Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research — and it calls on people of all ages to take action in the fight. Year-round, our participants are leaders in the effort to defeat this devastating disease.

Currently more than 5 million elderly Americans have Alzheimer’s, and 78 million baby boomers who will soon become seniors  are at risk – unless we find a way to change the course of this disease.

We are determined to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. By participating in the 2010 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®,  We are committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.

RIGHT ACCORD is participating on this important event this fall. We are taking steps to raise money for the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, owner and Administrator of Right Accord Private Duty-Home Health Care  recently celebrated her birthday party and entertained friends with a cause. She was able to raise over $600 on one night.

RIGHT ACCORD is having other fun creative things to help meet the team’s fund raising goal this year. If you or your loved one had been affected by this disease or simply you want to donate for our cause, please click on this link:

http://memorywalk2010.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=338382&lis=0&kntae338382=E6365668011F42BFA1476321C3D53E0D&supId=289187517

The Florida Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is scheduled on October 23, 2010 at 8:00am at the Lido Beach Pavilion. For additional information or questions, please contact 1.800.272.3900 or visit: www.alz.org/FLGulfCoast

It is estimated that 5 million Americans are affected with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Ten percent are over age 65 and fifty percent are over the age of 85.

In 1907, Dr. Alois Alzheimer  discovered the disease. A comprehensive physical and neurologic examination  will establish a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is also confirmed by using MRI or CT Scan and documenting the person’s behavior changes over time.

There are different medications used to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease such as Exelon, Reminyl and Aricept. Some doctors prescribe medications for anxiety or  insomnia in order for the client to rest or participate in activities of daily living.

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease (Courtesy of The Alzheimer’s Association):

1. Memory Loss That Affects Job Skills
2. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks
3. Problems With Languages
4. Disorientation of Time And Place
5. Poor Or Decreased Judgement
6. Problems With Abstract Thinking
7. Misplacing Things
8. Changes In Mood Or Behavior
9. Changes in Personality
10. Loss of Initiative

To take care of someone with Alzheimer’s Disease require a great deal of patience and understanding of the disease process and the client.

The most difficult part of caring for clients with Alzheimer’s Disease is when they wander around. Wandering is a very common manifestation of agitated behavior among people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Increase in wandering can be due to frustration, fatigue, fear or discomfort. The person looks for places to remedy their pain, discomfort or suffering by looking for places such as bathroom or a familiar face. Sometimes they wander because they want to escape a noise or tension or  performs old routine such as going to work or pick up a family member.

Right Accord Private Duty-Home Care provides in-home care assistance to seniors in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The caregivers includes home health aides, certified nursing assistants and companions have undergone training  in Alzheimer’s Disease.  The Administrator is also a Certified Home Health Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) Training Provider.

The good news is, the Sarasota Police Department Project Lifesaver Program has a coordinated program designed to protect the wandering people with Alzheimer’s Disease and brings peace of mind to families, caregivers and the community as a whole in Sarasota County.

The program works by contacting the Sarasota Police Department’s Project Lifesaver Program Administrator to complete an application. Once accepted to the program, a radio transmitter is placed on the person’s wrist.

If the participant is lost or missing, the Sarasota Police Department has a specialized tracking equipment to locate the transmitter the participant is wearing.

For more information on this program, please call (941) 954-7056 or visit www.sarasotagov.com.

To provide assistance to your loved one by providing a one to one care and keeping them safe at home,  please call our care coordinator to set-up a free consultation and assessment for in-home care at (941) 366-0801.

Right Accord Private Duty Home care is available in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and its neighboring towns such as Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Lido Key, Nokomis, Osprey, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton area.

Family caregivers are faced with difficult problems especially when caring for someone with debilitating condition such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Parkinson’s Disease.

Caregivers need to examine what they know about their resources and what they know about themselves. Here are some helpful questions:

• How have you coped with stressful situations in the past?
• How do you typically respond to stress?
• How does stress affect you?
• What are the emotional and physical effects you usually have when stressed?
• Do you believe you are capable of solving most problems?
• Do you believe you must do everything yourself?
• Can other people be helpful even though they cannot provide help like you?
• If you were having trouble managing a problem, who would you go for help?
• Are you really helpful when you are feeling stressed?

Supportive services are available for caregivers in Sarasota. Senior Friendship Centers has a Caregiver Resource Center called the Living Room. The Adult Day Services provide the comforts of home with trained staff and volunteers facilitating social, educational, and recreational activities.  Caregivers and families are assured their loved one is treated respectfully and with personal attention.

Caregiver Support Group meets Thursdays, 10 am – 11:30 am for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia – related diseases.

Evening Caregiver Support Group meets Tuesdays, 6pm-7pm facilitated by Paula Falk, Director of CRC. Telephone (941) 556-3268.

Monthly Support Group meets third Monday of the month at 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm. Individuals who are no longer caregiving and would like to meet with others who are dealing with life transitions are welcome to join.

Weekly Journaling Group meets on Fridays from 1pm-2:30pm. Journaling provides participants an opportunity to express themselves through writing, promotes healing and peace of mind.

For more information of the different available support groups and activities at the Sarasota Senior Friendship Center, please call (941) 556-3268.

Senior Friendship Center is located at:

1820 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, Florida 34236.