Aug 10
23
Plan For Memory Walk Now
The time is now to plan for the 2010 Memory Walk. This is the largest event to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Go to the Alzheimer’s Association to find a walk in your area. Over 600 walks are scheduled around the United States in the next few months. And Maria Shriver has the inaugural Maria’s March on Alzheimer’s in Long Beach, CA. Check out the Alzheimer’s Association link for that great story, too.
Posted in Alzheimer's by .
Aug 10
12
Disability Etiquette
IndependenceFirst, the resource for people with disabilities, developed the Do’s and Don’ts of Disability Etiquette. This is a great follow up to the recent anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Click to read, and then follow their handy tips for people with disabilities.
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July 26 is the celebration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. The idea of celebrating American freedom twice in July is highlighted in a recent community column in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel titled ADA’s Birthday: Freedom at 20. Flags can fly on this day, too.
See all the facts about the Americans with Disabilities Act in a summary provided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It is a law that is made for all generations. And continues to be updated when needed.
Also, stay on top of the current impact of this law and the challenges that lie ahead at Bloomberg Businessweek.
Posted in Disabilities Independent Living by .
The Breakthrough Ride has started.
This is a cross-country bike ride by Alzheimer’s researchers to tell Congress to make Alzheimer’s a national priority now. 50,000 signatures are needed.
You can sign the Alzheimer’s National Priority petition here. Join the movement!
The Alzheimer’s Association site says “The toughest hill to climb is Capitol Hill.”
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Jul 10
12
Medical Alert Systems – TWO Types
Here is a replay of a comment made to the LinkedIn group, The Elder Care Network, in a discussion on the merits of the two types of medical alert systems.
And I will do it using the simplest of terms. Both types (purchase and monthly fee) of medical alert systems (“help I’ve fallen”) have a valuable role to play.
The purchase product is ideal for the person with “minor” medical or physical issues. A call to a family member is all that is needed. Family members nearby can respond to these issues.
“Major” medical or physical issues where history and time are critical is appropriate for the monthly fee product. A call to trained operators who can make professional judgements is valuable.
The water resistant vs waterproof discussion should be tabled. Waterproof means it will work at the depths of the ocean. Too late then 
What is important is that healthcare consumers be aware of their options and not be paying for more than they may need.
Posted in Independent Living by .
Jul 10
5
Independence
The long holiday weekend celebrating the Fourth of July is recognition of the efforts of our founding fathers 234 years ago. They took steps into a giant unknown when declaring independence.
Aging grandparents and parents have a similar challenge, but on a personal level. After years of living their lives as they wanted to, the effects of age begin to make their own declaration. The level of independence becomes a question for family members to be involved with, sooner rather than later.
“People don’t fear aging, they fear disability and dependence”, says Marsha Vollbrecht.
These are the fears that make a declaration of independence by aging grandparents and parents as challenging on a personal level as a war among two groups that were once one nation.
Posted in Independent Living by .
Jun 10
29
Last Day of Home Safety Month
Be sure to take advantage of talking with seniors about how their home can be safer. For more information go to the best website for seniors.
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