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2009-11-21

2009-11-18

2009-11-05

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Friday, May 08, 2009 10:11 PM

ASK A PROFESSIONAL: Where can I find help while caring for my loved one?

By LINDA BROWN, Ask A Professional

As an entire nation tries to come to grips with the aging Baby Boomers, Ottawa Retirement Village, 1100 W. 15th St., believes that even though it’s a demographic phenomenon, the real issue is better dealt with one family at a time.

Families have become more complex. Divorce and remarriage, blended with late-life childbearing, all have created new versions of the family. It’s likely we can expect new versions of caregiving as well.

“We recognize that the elderly and their families need more help and support in today’s ever-changing society,” Dee Shaffer, ORV marketing director, said.

“In an effort to offer that support, we have partnered with several area experts to help bridge the gap and extend a hand of hope, help and encouragement to our aging population in Franklin County and their families.”

The help will be offered at a series of free seminars, open to the public. The topics cover many of the concerns that are connected to the aging of the baby boom: dealing with grief and loss, finding funding options for elderly services, health, safety, and getting affairs in order.

“Caring for a loved one as they age is often an overwhelming commitment,” Shaffer said. “But many families willingly and graciously take this on. It’s a selfless responsibility, but helping an elderly person maintain their independence as long as possible is critically important to their well-being.”

Michelle Randall, admissions/social services director at ORV, said that it’s clear families need information and support to help them with major life decisions.

“In 27 years here, I’ve seen many changes that directly impact families and their elderly loved ones. Sometimes that change is good, and sometimes it’s very stressful and confusing.”

In hopes of relieving some of that stress and confusion Ron Kimes, a grief counselor at Lamb Roberts Funeral Home will conduct a one-hour seminar, “My Loved One is Dying: Dealing with Grief and Loss,” from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. The seminar will be at Village West, 1527 S. Twyman St.

Addressing funding options for elderly services will be the topic presented by Caren Rugg, East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging, and Cheryl Seymour, Social and Rehabilitation Services, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 25. This session will be at Village Plaza, 1042 W. 15th St.

“Warning Signs of Heart Attack and Stroke: What your family should know” will be presented by Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s John Drees and Aynsley Anderson, MA, RN, ICCE, CBE, ICD, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Village West.

“Preventing Falls and other Senior Health Hazards” which covers home safety tips for the elderly will be delivered by Aynsley Anderson, MA, RN, ICCE, CBE, ICD, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Village Plaza.

Dr. William Campbell, Frank Eye Center, will present “The Aging Eyes: Glaucoma, Cataract, Macular Degeneration, and Dry Eye” in September at Village West. The date is subject to change but for more information you may call Shaffer at (785) 242-5399.

Completing these free public forums will be Craig Dengel, Dengel & Son Mortuary, who will present “Getting Affairs in Order: Funeral and Pre-funeral Arrangements” from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Village Plaza.

Ottawa Retirement Village is a continuous care retirement center serving elderly adults in Ottawa and the surrounding areas, who have long-term or short-term healthcare needs. Services include: apartment living, assisted living, residential care and skilled nursing. ORV is Medicaid, Medicare and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) certified.

Linda Brown is marketing director for The Ottawa Herald. E-mail her at lbrown@ottawaherald.com.

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ASK A PROFESSIONAL: Where can I find help while caring for my loved one?

By LINDA BROWN, Ask A Professional

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.