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U.S. Congresswoman Visits Gardant Community
U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos visited the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living community that Gardant manages in Freeport, Illinois on Oct. 19.
She spent time meeting with residents and staff, talking about what is going on at the federal level, answering questions, visiting a resident's apartment and calling BINGO.
Rep. Bustos and two of her staff members were able to see and hear firsthand how the community makes a difference in the lives of older adults who need some help to maintain their independence.
Memory Care Opens in McHenry
White Oaks at McHenry has opened for occupancy. The community is located adjacent to the Heritage Woods of McHenry affordable assisted living community.
White Oaks is specially designed for and the staff is specially trained to serve individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. The focus is on providing residents with the opportunity to maintain a sense of purpose and belonging in all seasons of dementia.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare's Open Enrollment Period began earlier this month and runs through Thursday, Dec. 7. The Open Enrollment  Period may be the only time of year when individuals on Medicare can change their health and prescription drug plans.
Individuals on Medicare should check to see if their plan(s) will continue to be available, and what changes, if any, to coverage, cost, and the providers and pharmacies that are included in the network may be taking affect as of Jan. 1.
During the Open Enrollment Period, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid strongly encourages individuals on Medicare to compare what they have now with other options that may be available. There may be plans that can lower costs or better fit an individual's circumstances.
Centenarian Contest Winner
Pauline Moore, a resident of Heritage Woods of Centralia, was the winner of the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition's Centenarian Contest. Pauline celebrated her 105th Birthday on Aug. 9.
Pauline moved into Heritage Woods of Centralia in December 2012, shortly after she turned 100. She continues to be very active, participating in a daily exercise class and walking every day. She attributes her good health to lifelong healthy living.
Pauline started driving at the age of 12 in a Model-T Ford. She drove until the age of 100, and was never issued a ticket.
A true role model, she dedicated her time to her community. She was a Meals on Wheels volunteer and worked in polling places on Election Day. She was honored as Citizen of the Year in Mount Vernon, Illinois.
President Signs Elder Abuse Prevention Act
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, President Donald Trump signed into law legislation designed to crack down on elder abuse, especially telephone and e-mail financial scams.
According to Argentum, the nation's largest senior living association, the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act will improve the nation's ability to respond to elder abuse and the financial exploitation of seniors. The law also will encourage the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators who harass seniors; enhance data collection among local, state and federal agencies; and provide support for elder abuse prevention programs.
Risk Factors for Stroke
Despite all of the warnings and  prevention, screening and treatment efforts, research shows that there has been a widespread increase in the number of individuals with one or more of the risk factors for stroke, says an NPR report.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking and diabetes are among the risk factors.
Estimates are that four out of five first strokes are caused by risk factors that can be changed.
Banas to Serve as Panelist for Senior Housing Conference
Rick Banas of Gardant will serve as a panelist at the 9th Annual Chicago Senior Housing Real Estate Conference scheduled for Nov. 7 at the University Club of Chicago.
"Best of Our Abilities" Winners
Two residents of Deer Path of Huntley were selected as the winners of the Affordable Assisted Living
Coalition's "Best of Our Abilities" contest.
The contest is designed to recognize
men and women with disabilities who go out of their way to make their community a better place to live.
Deer Path of Huntley is one of two affordable assisted living managed by Gardant that is specially designed to serve adults 22 to 64 years of age with physical disabilities. The other is Gateway at River City in Peoria.
The "Best of Our Abilities" winners are Karen Moneyhon and Margie Wade. Karen teaches art at the community. Margie's accomplishments include setting up a GED class that meets at the community. She also established a resource center to assist residents with questions about education and health care.
Walking and Premature Death
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine indicates that even as little as under two hours of walking a week may considerably prolong life, notes a report by Ana Sandoiu posted Oct. 19 on the Medical News Today website.
Making a Difference in the Lives of 500+
Heritage Woods of Rockford celebrated its 10th Anniversary earlier this month with special parties for residents and their families and for referral sources.
Since opening on Oct. 15, 2007, the affordable assisted living community has made a difference in the lives of more than 500 older adults who have made the community their home.
Among those on hand to offer congratulations were Tiana McCall, Constituent Advocate for U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos; Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman; Illinois State Rep. Joe Sosnowski; and Einar Forsman, President and CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Four staff members were honored for 10 years of service - Angie Juarez, Housekeeper; Crystal Whitely, Dietary Aide; Randy MacDougall, Maintenance Director; and Yvonne Peterson, Director of Marketing.
Reducing the Risk of Falling
Falling is a serious problem for many older adults. In a Health Day report by Robert Preidt posted on the Medline Plus website, the chief of Geriatric Medicine for the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group shares tips for reducing the risk of falling.
Diabetes and Fractures
In another HealthDay report by Robert Preidt posted on Medline Plus, research indicates that older adults with Type 2 Diabetes appear to be at a higher risk for fractures.
Gardant CEO Attends NCAL Convention
Rod Burkett, Gardant's CEO, attended the 68th American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) Convention that was held earlier this month.
Rod is a member of the NCAL Board of Directors.
During the convention, NCAL Executive Director cited the attempt to reform Medicaid through block grants or per capita caps for the elderly and disabled "as the biggest threat to assisted living this year". The proposed reform to Medicaid "would have drastically cut the amount of money the federal government sends to the states over time" at a time when our country "is expecting the largest surge in the senior population we have ever seen."
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