Kiwanis October 23 Program: Micki Chaput, RN, Director of Senior Services of the Chathams spoke on their many activities.

Micki Chaput, RN, Director of Senior Services of the Chathams (on left) with Joan May, President of Kiwanis. At the October 23 Kiwanis meeting, Micki gave an overview of the many services provided to residents of the Chathams and other Seniors in the general area. Visit their website to learn more about the organization.

August 14 Kiwanis Program: Jamie Gormley spoke on Family First Home Care.

Tom Mullin introduced Jamie Gormley, who spoke about Family First Home Care. Jamie has been doing human and senior services work for over 20 years.

Robert Petroro started Family First Home Care about five years ago. The company provides services to seniors so they can stay where they are and services come to them. Some clients want to stay in their homes instead of moving to a facility. The company has certified home health aids – licensed and bonded care givers. She provided the audience with helpful hints and what to look for when services are needed.

The company is located in Morris Plains, NJ. They have about 148 home health aids and care givers. The company is licensed, bonded and insured. Before selecting a home care company, clients should ask the company a number of questions. Jamie left a list of top ten questions to ask. A difference to check on is registry versus full service. Lower cost registry services also provide fewer services.

Family First Home Care will help clients work with Long Term Care Insurance companies, for those clients who have coverage. Long Term Care policies require the client to pay the first 90 days of coverage. Family First provides documentation assistance for clients to get reimbursed.

Clients should make sure that care-givers are screened, that background checks have been done. First Home does extensive research into care-givers they provide.

Jamie left a brochure for everyone. The company can provide a variety of care givers covering a variety of time periods, from four hours to live-in. They also do an assessment to determine needs. Their aim is to be a full service agency. Follow-ups are provided. Fees are competitive. To learn more about Family First Home Care, please check their website.

Program: On June 7, Mary Cuoski and Deborah Castro spoke about the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey.

For over 110 years, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey has provided quality health care to residents of the greater Morris County area.  In photo above, Dick Plambeck welcomed Visiting Nurse Association speakers Mary Cuoski (L) and Deborah Castro (R), who gave a comprehensive presentation on the organization and its services. The population is living longer and the many older citizens require assistance. Over 44 million American adults provide care for an aging loved one, and that number will rise. VNANNJ provides help and support for the care givers.

Respite Care is offered to provide a break for someone serving in the caregiver role. HHA service a provided to relieve full time caregivers of their workload. The Friendship House Adult Day Care Services are offered to those with Alzheimer’s.  Community Health Programs include In-Home Caregiver Education, House Calls for Groceries, Philips Lifeline and Telehealth. Medicare can help recipients who are eligible.

How can the VNANNJ help? They are a Medicare certified Homecare agency in Morris County, provide all services required and will work with your MD to plan care. Call them at 1-800-WE-VISIT or go the website: http://vnannj.org/.

Angel Duncan of Morris County Senior Helpers speaks on “How to Sustain your Brain”

Angel Duncan, Program Director of Morris County Senior Helpers, a private home-care company, spoke on “How to Sustain your Brain” at the August 10 Kiwanis meeting held at Charlie Brown’s Restaurant. Herb Ramo (in the photo on the left) introduced Ms. Duncan. Her talk focused on Alzheimer’s disease (5.2 million Americans have it) and steps people can take to deal with it. More common in women, the disease has a genetic link. It can be caused by other factors, like head injuries.

We can sustain the brain through nutrition - the Mediterranean diet helps. Antioxidants and Omega 3 foods are helpful for the brain. Supplements help as well. Red wine is OK.

Another thing that helps is exercise such as walking, swimming, biking and mild weight training.

An important activity is socialization with other people. Maintaining healthy relationships helps.

Don’t dwell on all that bad news on TV and newspapers – look for good things to be involved in. It is good to have healthy routines in your daily life. Do things you enjoy (like Kiwanis Club).

Try mixing up activities – use you left hand instead of your normal right hand to brush your teeth. These exercises slow you down and help build brain cells. Try out new things. Use it or lose it.

Manage stress – try breathing exercises. Get adequate sleep – 71 % of Americans have a sleep disorder, mostly caused by stress. Naps are OK (20-30 minute in the afternoon). Do everything in moderation. Force yourself to slow down.

Art and music therapy are helpful for people who already have Alzheimer’s. The role of seizures is being studied. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s but research is giving hopeful results.

Click here to visit Morris County Senior Helpers’ website.