For further information contact:
Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, Administrator
(941) 366-0801
Email: rose@rightaccordhealth.com
www.RightAccordHealth.com

July 19, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Good Deed to Benefit Local Organization

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

Kathryn Larkin, Client Relations & HR Manager of RIGHT ACCORD Private- Duty Home Health Care, participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) by being “locked-up in jail” in order to raise bail to benefit children with MDA. Larkin raised $230 and the funds will be able to help a child with one group session and one physical, occupational or respiratory therapy consultation.

The organization can be reached at www.mda.org

RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care provides an affordable solution for older individuals or couples capable of managing their physical needs or personal care, but who require non-medical assistance, light housework, meal preparation and/or companionship in order to remain at home. Right Accord provides services in Sarasota, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Venice, Siesta Key, Casey Key, North Port and neighboring towns.

RIGHT ACCORD services can be arranged for as little as three hours, or for as many as 24 hours, a day. Short term assistance or longer term care is available seven days a week, including holidays.

When a potential client contacts the company, RIGHT ACCORD will arrange a meeting with the client and his or her families to discuss what services are needed. “Cost is on an hourly basis, “Tamunday-Casanova said, “so hours can be decreased or increased based on changing needs.”

The company’s Caregivers are carefully selected individuals who are thoroughly screened, bonded and insured. “Special attention is given to matching Caregivers with clients to achieve the utmost compatibility, “Tamunday – Casanova said.

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

Studies have shown that the more medications people take, the more they take medications they don’t need. It is important to be aware of the medications being prescribed to you by your doctors and to be proactive in maintaining and managing your medications.

As elderly have more chronic conditions, the more medications will be prescribed by their physicians. It is therefore important to know each drug, its’ effect and side effects, drug interactions aside from its benefits.

At Right Accord, we developed a Health Care Passport for our seniors to assist with medication management at home. The friendly packet notebook is designed to encourage our seniors in Sarasota to become proactive with medication management.

The Right Accord Healthcare Passport contains information relating to medication management. In the medication record, it includes:

1. Name of Medication
2. Dosage and preparation
3. What is intended for
4. Name of doctor who prescribed the medication and when
5. How and when to take the medication
6. Color and shape
7. Possible side effects and warnings

We recommend that all medications including over the counter pills, herbal preparations, vitamins, etc. are listed on the passport.

The Right Accord Healthcare Passport is a great tool to take to your doctor’s appointment to show your physician the medications you are currently taking. Review with your physician the list and ask questions regarding the medications you have on the list.

Questions we encourage to ask your doctor on your next visit:

• Why do I take this medication? Is it for short term or long term use?
• How do I take the medications, how often, with or without food, etc?
• What are the side effects and what should I do if it occurs?
• Can I substitute for an alternative or generic?
• Does it duplicate with any of the medications I am taking?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• If I cut the pill in half, can it be as effective?
• Does it interact with other prescriptions that I have?
• How important are these prescription given my finances and overall health?
• Does my health or age make this drug unsafe for me?

Keeping and storage of your medication:

• Keeping your medicine in plain sight, in a cool, dry place like a kitchen countertop or desktop
• Do not place your medications in the refrigerator unless instructed by your pharmacist or indicated in the bottle
• Do not store your medicine in the bathroom where it can get damaged due to steam from shower or moisture.
• Set timers, reminders or alarms. You may set cell phones for alarm when traveling.
• When traveling or flying, take your medicines with you. Do not packed them with your checked in luggage.
• Avoid making last minute re-fills.

If you or your loved one is having difficulty managing medications at home or place of residence, Right Accord Private Duty-Home Health Care provides assistance with medications by certified caregivers trained by assisting elderly who prefers to stay at home instead with medication management. Free in-home care consultation for seniors in Sarasota and Manatee Counties who are looking for medication assistance or help at home with medication.

It is easier for people with disability or special needs to maintain physically and socially active in today’s society. Many people with disabilities now use scooters and wheelchairs to assist them in their transportation needs.

In addition,  with modern technology, people can now be transported in a specially equipped vans or public transportation vans designed for the handicapped and wheelchair dependent clients. Majority of public places such as restaurants, shopping malls, airport and supermarket are designed to accommodate people with disabilities which makes it more satisfying and comfortable for disabled people to come.

If a senior is ill or hospitalized, the case manager will initially arrange for non-emergency transportation if you require wheelchair or stretcher when you leave the hospital or rehab facility. When admitted to a nursing home,  rehabilitation facility or assisted living facility, a person may also need to be transported to doctor’s appointments and medical procedures. The case manager or social worker or facility scheduler will also arrange for non-emergency transportation.

Right Accord Transport is available in Sarasota and Manatee County to accommodate non-emergency transportation requiring wheelchair or stretcher. Caregivers such as  certified home health aides or certified nursing assistants or companions are available should you require special assistance when traveling to such as medical appointments,  social appointments, visiting friends or family, airport travel or going out of state travel.

At Right Accord Transport, it is our utmost goal to assist you in maximizing your independence and provide you with safety and comfort during your travel.

Our newest state of the art vans are designed to accommodate special mobility needs. The drivers are CPR certified and are very dependable and polite. Our rates are very reasonable and affordable.

To book your next non-emergency wheelchair or stretcher  transport with us, please call (941) 366-0801 or you may book on line by visiting our website at www.rightaccordhealth.com.

Right Accord Transport is available 24/7 in Sarasota and its neighboring areas such as Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Osprey, Venice, Nokomis, Casey Key, Bird Key.

Elderly nutrition and counseling is available in Sarasota, Florida.

How is it possible for someone to look at the person and tell whether that person’s body is well nourished? A well nourished person usually manifest physical evidence such as shiny hair, clear skin, firm flesh and good posture. People with good nutrition also shows more energy and is more alert.

Seniors are more prone to be undernourished due to the fact that they may not have the desire to eat or they may not have the energy to go to the supermarket and prepare themselves nutritious meals. In many cases, the elderly will feed themselves with snacks that are empty caloric foods  or would eat outside which often this type of diets are loaded with excessive fats, salt and cholesterol. Most diseases are aggravated by wrong diet such as hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, etc.

In home care assistance from a home health aide or caregivers from Right Accord Private Duty- Home Care in Sarasota, Florida are trained to provide proper nutrition to the elderly in the community. By utilizing the assistance from caregivers,  seniors are able to receive assistance from doing the food shopping and selecting proper foods and cooking a well balanced diet.

Right Accord caregivers in Sarasota have taken clients to receive nutrition counseling at the Sarasota Memorial for Outpatient  Nutrition Counseling Program and Lifestyle Coaching. Our clients have benefited from this program and improved their nutrition and lifestyle.

Insurance may cover this program therefore it is important to check with your insurance to verify coverage and costs.

The program offers a personalized nutrition counseling from a Registered and Licensed Dietitian such as special meal planning, individualized eating and lifestyle plans, computerized nutrition analysis, review of the senior’s blood work,  recipe make-overs, weight loss strategies, and tips for healthy cooking and dining.

For more information in the Sarasota Memorial Nutrition Counseling and Lifestyle Coaching Program, you may contact:

Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine/HealthPlex at 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL. Tel: (941) 917-7468 or visit www.smh.com.

Right Accord Private Duty-Home Care provides in-home care assistance to seniors  in Sarasota and its surrounding areas such as Venice, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Osprey, Nokomis, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch area.  For more information about Right Accord Services and schedule a free consultation or assessment, please call (941) 366-0801.

RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Care announced today its new affiliation with The Senior’s Choice (TSC), the nation’s largest network of independent senior care companies. As a member of TSC, RIGHT ACCORD leverages the experience and support of hundreds of home care companies across the U.S. The owner, Rosemarie Tamunday_Casanova, started the company in 2007 to provide affordable senior care solutions for older individuals or couples who require non-medical assistance, help at home, personal care, light housework, meal preparation, and/or companionship in order to remain at home. In the past year, Rosemarie began searching in earnest ways to improve her company’s service and efficiency.

According to Rosemarie, the new affiliation provides a “gold standard” of caregiver selection and best practices that today’s savvy seniors are demanding. ” As seniors become more knowledgeable about their care options, they seek higher quality from their providers. I’ve been quite impressed by the tools, resources, training and support available to me through The Senior’s Choice and I’ve always felt that my clients deserve the very best”, said Rosemarie,  “it was an easy decision to join The Senior’s Choice because everyone benefits, especially my senior clients”.

One-on-one service is what RIGHT ACCORD is acclaimed for and what their clients want. RIGHT ACCORD Caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded and insured and now, through affiliation with TSC, they are provided with senior care industry’s most comprehensive training. And Rosemarie gives special attention to matching caregivers with clients to achieve the utmost compatibility.

A Census Bureau report released in 2008 forecasted that the 65-plus population will grow to one in every five Americans by 2030 and one in every four in 2050. The fastest-growing segment of the population will be the people ages 85 and older, whose numbers are expected to triple to 19 million in 2050.

“Research shows that older people who remain at home live longer and happier lives that do people of similar circumstances that are forced to leave their homes and live in other environments. The vast majority of seniors want to stay in their own home instead and we’re committed to helping them achieve that for as long as possible,” said Rosemarie.

RIGHT ACCORD is licensed in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. It provides in-home care assistance services in Sarasota, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Venice, Nokomis, and all of Sarasota surrounding areas.

RIGHT ACCORD can be reached at (941) 366-0801

Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix.

Falls are the top cause of accidents in people over age 65. Falls are also the main cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths in older people.

Even older people who appear to be strong and well can fall. Falling is a real threat to their ability to live on their own.

What are some causes of falls?

The normal changes of aging, like poor eyesight or poor hearing, can make you more likely to fall. Illness and physical condition can affect your strength and balance. Poor lighting ot throw rugs in the home can make them more likely to trip or slip.

The side effects of some medicines can upset the balance and make them fall. Medicines for depression, sleep problems and high blood pressure often is the cause of falls. Some medicines for diabetes and heart conditions can also make unsteady on your feet.

Clients may be more likely to fall if they are taking four or more medicines. They are also likely to fall if there has been a change in the medication within the past two weeks.

Help can be done by simply looking around the house or place of residence by using this fall prevention checklist:

Check that pets are not in your way.

Check that you are not dizzy before starting to move.

Stand up slowly and walk carefully.

Check clutter to prevent slipping or tripping:

• keep clutter out of pathways
• keep e;ectrical cords out of the flow of traffic

Check all rugs, runners, and mats to prevent slipping or tripping.

• Rugs and runners tend to slide. Double-faced adhesive carpet tape or rubber mats can be used to prevent rugs from sliding. tack down carpet edges to avoid tripping or remove throw rugs.
• watch each step as you move to different surfaces.

Check the telephone so they can get help:

• Locate the telephone where it is accessible in the event of an accident that may leave the client unable to stand.
• Suggest by buying cordless phone to keep with them as they move about.
• Post emergency numbers near the phone
• Suggest using a medical alert call button system. It is a good safety feature to have.

Check cupboards and closets to ensure self-storage:

• Organize cupboards and closets. Place frequently used items on shelves between waist and shoulder level to prevent climbing or stooping which may risk in a fall.
• If they need to reach a high shelf, is there a sturdy stool.

Check the bathroom to prevent slips and falls:

• Equip bathtubs and showers with non-skid mats and adhesive strips to prevent slipping.
• Is there grab bars? They help client get in and out of the tub or shower safely. They also help prevent falls.
• Locate a light switch ( a glowing switch that can be seen in the dark ) near the entrance of the bathroom. Nightlights are helpful too.
• Suggest a shower bench to bathe.

RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care is committed to Fall Prevention at home for Sarasota and Manatee County senior residents. We provide a free in-home fall risk assessment done by our experienced clinicians to assist the elderly in keeping them safe at home and free from fall. A comprehensive fall assessment tool is used to find out what causes falls in the elderly at home and how we can help to prevent a fall. The clinician will inform seniors any modifications necessary depending on the outcome and degree of risk of the senior for falling. RIGHT ACCORD’s mission is to keep elderly in their homes as long as they possibly can.

As an estate planning attorney who meets with clients to discuss their estate needs, I have found over the years that there are number of myths that persist about wills, trusts and probate in the State of Florida. Before we delve into those myths though, it is even more crucial to know what 4 estate planning documents that every single individual should have at a minimum: a Last Will and Testament, a Health Care Surrogate, a Durable Power of Attorney and a Living Will.

This is not to say that more complicated estate planning techniques, beyond tha 4 minimum documents mentioned above, may be appropriate for certain individuals. This is where an education and counseling focused attorney can assist clients in learning how to best plan their estates to meet their goals and needs both while they are living and after they pass on. For the purposes of this article, however, I am just going to discuss the documents mentioned above and why they are so important for seniors living in Sarasota, Florida.

Wills vs. Trust

When a person dies, they have prepared either a Last Will and Testament which is called testate, or in the event that they have not prepared a Last Will and Testament,they die intestate. In either situation, their estate must be probated by the Florida Courts. The Florida Statutes provide the outline for the administration of a probate estate.

A will is a document which only begins to function at the time a person passes away. Essentially, it is an instruction book to the Executor (in Florida called a Personal Representative) about how to dispose of assets after all expenses and obligations of the Estate are taken care of following the person’s demise. In the event that there are minor children of the decedent, a guardian may be nominated within the Will to care for their personal and financial needs. therefore, a Will serves to take away the speculations about a person’s final wishes which may otherwise arise when a person dies intestate.

In my estate planning conferences with clients, many times I have heard these clients express the myth that if they die without a will, their entire estate will go to the State of Florida. As stated earlier in this article, the Florida Statutes provide for the administration of estates in our State. Those statutes also provide for how intestate estates will be distributed. In most cases, the assets are distributed to the family members in percentages which are set forth in the statutes. However, in very rare instances, when a person dies without family members, the estate would go to the State of Florida.

Regardless of whether or not it is a testate or intestate case, family members are protected from the decedent’s creditors by way of Family Allowance and Exempt Personal Property set asides. Through these provisions in the Florida Statutes, the surviving family members that were dependents of the decedent are entitled to receive up tp $18,000 per family expenses during the probate process. Under the exempt personal property provisions, the furniture, and personal automobiles owned by the decedent are also protected from creditors.

A few final thoughts regarding the Last Will and Testament and probate process. As a general rule, the probate process will take apporxiamtely six (6) months to a year depending on the variety of factors, which include but not limited to the state of the real estate market if there is a real property to be sold. Within the provisions of a Will, a testator cannot project his testemetary wishes beyond the time frame of the probate process; ie. he cannot control the disposition of his assets beyond the grave. Should a testator decide what wishes to retain control over how the assets are distributed over time to his beneficiaries, then he may wish to consider the use of a Revocable Living Trust which provides more options both during life and thereafter.

Trusts have been used for hundred of years. The basic trust agreement consists of a Grantor who appoints a Trustee to manage the assets of the estate for the benefit of certain named individuals.Over the years, Florida has enacted numerous statutory provisions governing trusts,the most recent and sweeping changes occur in 2007, which substantially changed the Florida Trust Code completly.

Unlike a Will, when trust is formed it is a separate and distinct entity from its creator, the Grantor. In other words, when the grantor appoints a trustee to manage assets for the benefit of the individuals he has selected, a separate legal entity comes into existence, which holds title to the assets. Due to the fact that this is a separate legal entity, it can exist long after the Grantor’s death, thereby providing for distribution of assets far into the future according to the Grantor’s wishes.

As an estate planning attorney, not only do I concern myself with designing strategies that minimize a client’s exposure to creditor’s attacks, but also try to reduce their overall estate tax liability at the time of death. Both of these objectives may be attained by focusing on the client’s goals and determining the appropriate estate planning strategy for them. However, it is also important to focus on the client’s needs during their life. Therefore, I recommend to clients that they try to anticipate and provide the necessary tools to deal with periods of incapacity. With that in mind, almost all clients that I prepare a will or trust for will also receive a set of power of attorneys.

Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney grants immediate authority to a trusted individual to buy, sell, mortgage, and many other financial powers that become invaluable during a period of incapacity as a result of illness or accident. Unlike a general power of attorney, the power conferred is durable, meaning it is unaffected by the person’s disability.

Health care Surrogate and Living Will

The designation of health care surrogate and living will are also durable powers. However, they are specifically limited to medical and hospital settings. Through the preparation of these documents prior to the time a person is incapacitated, a person can express their wishes for their medical care during periods when they are unable to do so. This can become especially important in the event of a serious or catastrophic illness at a hospital, hospice or nursing home.

By preparing a living will and designation of health care surrogate when they are well, these documents enable a seriously ill or comatose patient to designate a trusted friend or family member to prevent the use of respirators and other heroic medical treatments and life sustaining measures that may be viewed as only extending life when there is no reasonable hope or expectation of recovery.

In conclusion, this has been a very brief discussion of estate planning options. Numerous options exist for advanced planning techniques for those individuals who are interested in qualifying for Medicaid benefits, as well as asset protection for high-net worth individuals but may be interested in meeting with me to discuss estate planning or one of my other practice areas, please contact me at (941) 906-7585 or visit my website at www.kinglawpl.com.

]]> http://rightaccordhealth.com/estate-planning-in-florida-senior-legal-and-financial-literacy/feed 0 http://rightaccordhealth.com/our-new-site-is-in-the-news http://rightaccordhealth.com/our-new-site-is-in-the-news#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 17:24:58 +0000 admin http://rightaccordhealth.com/?p=321

Reverse Mortgages offer benefits for impaired elders. These funds are quickly available to homeowners so that they can deal with long-term care needs as they arise. The funds can be used for any purpose, such as paying for family caregivers, home modifications, or a care coordinator. The Reverse Mortgage gives consumers considerable flexibility in managing their financial assets over time.

Seniors who are unfamiliar with reverse mortgages often are fearful about taking out this type of loan. The most common concern is that they will lose their home instead of having financial security. Others believe that this financial option is very risky and should only be used by someone who is facing dire financial circumstances. More education will help address these concerns. Many consumers do not understand that the mortgage insurance offers important protections to borrowers who continue to live at home for the long term.

6.1 million Seniors are coping with functional limitations. These are the seniors that would benefit most from reverse mortgages because they are not well served by traditional sources of long-term care financing that target elders with a high level of impairment. Only the sickest seniors may be eligible to receive services through Medicaid programs. Similarly, long-term care insurance policy holders typically must need help with two or more ADL’s to trigger their home care benefits. Thus making it difficult for seniors with limited financial resources and moderate levels of impairment to get timely help before they face a debilitating and costly – crisis.

The reverse mortgage resources could have a significant impact on the well-being of impaired seniors and their families. By having money of their own to pay for home care elders can maintain their dignity, as well as retain some independence and control over their lives. For spouses and other family caregivers, these supports can help reduce the financial, emotional, and physical strain that often comes with caring for impaired elder

For more information, education or free consultation on Reverse Mortgages here is the link. www.blondinreverse.com or contact Your Local Reverse Mortgage Specialist at (941) 400-0962

The team here at Right Accord Health agree fully with the opinion that it is always better stay at home instead of having a senior moved into a home. We provide our services to Sarasota, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Venice and the surrounding areas.

Generally speaking, these senior transportation services are more suited to helping people who are slightly more immobile than the rest of the population.  I’m sure we’ve all seen, and felt sorry for, an older person who is struggling to get off a bus (usually with some kind soul helping out) but with everyone huffing and puffing about the time taken to do so.  This behaviour by ‘the masses’  is, and will be, around for much time.  So will the high steps to get on and off the bus to begin with.

Most forms of transport that cater for seniors have wider doors, seats and some have air suspension that lower the bus to the ground when people get on and off.  One thing that is hugely important is that everyone on that bus is in the same situation and there certainly wont be anyone complaining about the time taken to get through the door.  An added bonus is that the driver will have been employed to drive the minibus or transport because of a decent, relaxed and helpful mannerism.

The specialist kind of non-emergency transport usually has to be booked through an agency and is date, time and distance specific. You have willl have to provide details of the immobile client with regards to wheelchair or stretcher uses, their height and weight. If your loved one is medically stable but requires medication to be close at hand or needs a care provider to escort them most transport services are closely aligned with senior care provider agencies so they can help with your needs.

For non-emergency senior transportation services, they can be found through your local church, charities provide transport to their centers where they usually have activites, the local Town Hall will either have information or have their own transport, shopping centers or malls can provide means of transport as well.