For Better or For Worse - How do we cope when a spouse develops a chronic disease or disability?

For Better or For Worse - How do we cope when a spouse develops a chronic disease or disability?

When we say those lifetime vows, we naturally glance over the “for worse” part and focus on our ideal futures together. Raising a family, buying a home, having children and growing old together are the dreams we hold on to when we join together in matrimony.

Being fragile human beings, we may find that one partner becomes susceptible to disease and disability. Rarely are we prepared to face the life altering challenges that come with a spouse becoming disabled. A new “normal” is established when a family member is unable to work, has to travel to medical appointments and needs assistance with activities of daily living. This isn't just a major life change for the sick individual. It affects everyone in the household, especially you, as the patient's spouse or significant other, who may face new responsibilities of caring for your partner; often in addition to working and caring for children. 

There's no way to prepare for a serious illness in the family, especially one that seems to come out of the blue. We all learn how to cope with minor ailments as we age, but there's no set path for navigating all the aspects of a more serious condition and its effects on the family. And the reality is every family copes differently. Priorities and perspectives change and one of the “keys” to adapting to major life changes such as illness is creating a new vision for our lives and focusing on living in the here and now.

Build your “tool box” for handling long term medical challenges in a marriage:

• -          Assure your spouse that you are in it together. Listen to your spouse’s concerns and keep an open mind and an open heart while reminding them that you are in this for the long term.
• -          Plan to go to medical appointments together whenever possible. Decide what each of you wants to know, who will ask which questions and who will write things down. When treatment choices must be made, partners can help their spouse gather information and weigh the pros and cons.
• -          Communication can be a challenge in any relationship, but illness has a way of taking an emotional toll on everyone in the family. Instead of hiding from feelings of frustration, guilt and resentment, find a therapist that can work with both of you to express and work through the dark feelings that come up rather than suppressing them.
• -          You don't have to do everything perfectly—and you don't have to do it all yourself. Ordering takeout or hiring help to help with chores, errands, cleaning and help with companionship is acceptable, as is asking friends and relatives to help.
• -          Ask for help! Be specific with family and friends as to what tasks you would like help with.
• -          Make time to take care of yourself. It may feel like you have no time for yourself, but it's important to consider what small things you can do to employ self-care to keep your spirits up and keep yourself healthy in body, mind and spirit.

Resources to explore in obtaining assistance and in home support:

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care in an assisting living facility also qualifies.

http://www.veteranaid.org/program.php

What is the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Oregon?

When you are looking for information about services to address aging or disability needs, the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Oregon can help you learn about local public and privately paid options. The ADRC has trained professional staff who can help you and your family with immediate needs, or help you plan for the future.

https://adrcoforegon.org/consumer2/index.php

Public Funding Sources

The site listed below provides a local contact office for possible public funding sources to pay for some in-home support or respite care services. Contact local offices directly to inquire about eligibility and services offered.

http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/respite/pages/families/paying.aspx

Volunteer Services through the Department of Human Services Volunteers are an integral part of the Department of Human Services. There is a broad range of volunteer opportunities that help serve DHS clients and staff. Volunteers are recruited and placed in jobs that help to meet community and DHS customer needs. Volunteers provide personalized ways to help DHS clients, staff, offices, and communities in a wide variety of ways. http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/volunteer/pages/index.aspx

Brain Injury Alliance

The mission of the Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, advocacy, education, research, and support.

http://biaoregon.org/

National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Oregon Chapter

The Society offers many programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Find resources in your area to learn, connect, and get support.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/ORC

Wendy McInnis
www.lifetreepersonalservice.com

Do you still need a New Year Resolution Idea??

Well, it is January 23, 2014. Did you make a resolution this year?

            - It is Not too Late!

I have a great suggestion for you...

Organize Your Home!

Getting organized is a doable resolution to start off the 2014. It is a great resolution to choose when you consider that organized people experience lower stress and feel like they have a greater sense of control in their our often hurried lives. (Who wouldn't want that?)

Tackling home organization may seem like an overwhelming challenge, but the best way to stick to your resolution is to make a plan of action that is broken down into sections and steps that you will undertake one at a time. You will feel lighter as the year goes by, if you pick one area to focus on each month. You will meet each month with a new challenge and you will feel better about your life at the end of the year

I believe you can set yourself up to succeed if you have a written plan detailing what area you will tackle each month and what tools and hardware you may need to do the job. Organizing often includes de-cluttering and a plan needs to be made for what you will do with the items that you know no longer have a useful purpose in your life. Maybe plan a yard sale, or donate to your favorite charity thrift store.  

Some links to get some great ideas to help you create your plan of action.

For Home Organization, Rubbermaid and Organize.com have a variety of items that will help get you started on your Organizing Adventure.

http://www.rubbermaid.com/Pages/Home.aspx

http://www.organize.com/

Pendaflex and Smead are your go to sources for office and file organization

http://www.pendaflex.com/enUS/Home/default.html

http://www.smead.com/

Here are a few interesting links to blogs that offer free Home Organization "Printables" that you can use to help you get started:

http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2013/01/over-50-free-cleaning-and-organizing.html

http://www.thehouseholdplanner.com/free-printables/

If you are truly overwhelmed by the thought of taking up home organization, don’t hesitate to contact Life Tree Personal Service for a home organizing consultation. From organizing any room in your home, to your car, to your diaper bag, to your office space we are here to help!

Grocery Shopping Service in Bend, Oregon

Life Tree Personal Service LLC offers personalized grocery shopping service in Bend, Oregon.

How Does Life Tree's Shopping Service Work?

Contact us by phone or email and request a copy of our Grocery Shopping List. 

Per your wishes, we will send you a list that you can fill out and send back to us or we can meet with you in person to fill out your first order and make sure we understand  your preferences in food choices and store. We will complete your shopping and deliver your groceries to your door or kitchen. 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

You can either 

1.) Print and fill out (fax to 1-855-228-0451 or scan to lifetreepersonalservice@gmail.com) OR 

2.) Fill out on the computer by typing the numerical amount or size of item wanted to the left of item and email to lifetreepersonalservice@gmail.com 

You can also call Life Tree at 541-389-2591 to schedule an in home meeting.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      PLEASE INDICATE: 1. size or amount of item (ex. cream cheese - 8 oz.) 2. any particular brand (Bread - Sunbeam) - 3. Any particular flavor or kind (ex. Jelly - Grape) 4. number of items wanted if more than 1      *We will substitue a similar product if the requested item is not available unless otherwise indicated.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   NOTE: Please use additional spaces for shopping specifics. In order to guarantee delivery, please return this form no later than 24 hours prior to delivery date.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

How is a Senior Concierge Different than a Caregiver?

Central Oregon is home to numerous in-home care agencies that provide caregivers to seniors needing assistance in all or most areas of daily living. Understandably, some  have presumed that Life Tree Personal Service is just another home-care agency. Numerous people that I have spoke to have mentioned that they are not needing a care giver because they are healthy and can do things for themselves. 

There seems to be an underlying stigma attached to having a “caregiver”. The thought of having an assistant may conjure feelings of dependency or being  unable to care for oneself. The reality is that many "Baby Boomers" do not fit into this category of care needs, yet assistance might still be needed to provide a high quality lifestyle.

Caregivers managed by home-care agencies are nursing assistants usually referred to as  personal care aides, home health aides, or certified nursing assistants.  Their primary duties consist of personal care such as bathing, grooming, feeding and helping patients with physical therapy. Many senior adults do not have the need for the services a caregiver provides, but could use a helping hand with day to day activities like errand running, home management, assistance with technology or paperwork organization. People needing an occasional helping hand are good candidates of a senior concierge service.

Life Tree Personal Services Senior Concierge services are a good fit for active baby boomers, older adults and stressed out caregivers who do not need “home-care” but would like someone who can help carry some of the load of daily living, by being available several times a month  to help with a variety of tasks. The assistance of a concierge also increases a seniors well being and makes them less reliant, or feeling burdensome on family and friends.  

Life Tree is available to work with you to create a personal service plan by reviewing all areas of your life to determine how a concierge can assist you in lightening the load of responsibilities and duties. 

Like a hotel concierge, Life Tree Personal Service concierge assistants focus on customer service, going above and beyond to ensure that our clients personal service needs are our Top Priority! 

Life Tree Personal Service is now offering transportation to seniors in Bend, Oregon!

As part of our concierge service for seniors, Life Tree is also available to transport seniors to and from Medical Appointments in Bend.

We are more than just a taxi service, as we help you or your loved ones prepare for medical appointments, accompany them to appointments, assist with paper work, take notes during medical visits and report back to family and caregivers. Our services are provided on a 1-1 basis for each individual we serve.

In addition to medical appointments, there are other ways we can assist you:

-Accompany seniors to assist with shopping and errand running.

-Assistance with visiting family and friends

- Transportation and needed assistance to special events, such as weddings,        graduations and parties.

This service is available 7 days per week. We are available for a onetime appointment/ event or for regular scheduled times.

Please give us at least 72 hours notice so that we have available appointment times. 

We look forward to serving you!

Preparing your Central Oregon Home for the Winter Season.

The Farmers Almanac is predicting a cold, wet winter in Central Oregon! By being proactive, you can prevent damage from occurring, lower your energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home’s components, make your property safer and prepare for a beautiful spring. If you have not already done so, plan to set aside a weekend to prepare you home for the arrival of winter.  

Home, Windows and Doors

·         Check (and repair if needed) the weather stripping around windows and door frames to prevent heat loss. 

·         Replace all screens windows and doors with storm windows and doors. Examine wooden window frames for any signs of rot or decay. Repair or replace the framing if needed.

·         Check for drafts around both windows and doors. Caulk inside and out, where necessary, to keep heat from escaping.

·         Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace to ensure maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.

·         Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are in working order.

·         Remove air conditioners from windows or cover them with insulated liners, to prevent any drafts leaks.

·         Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces in the home and use a sealant to plug up leaks.

Lawn, Garden, and Deck

·         Trim overgrown branches back from the house and electrical wires in order to prevent iced-over branches from causing property damage or a power problem.

·         Shut off all outdoor faucets. Be sure to open the outdoor valve to allow any water to drain.

·         Spread low nitrogen fertilizer on your lawn and insulate the roots of your vulnerable plants with bark dust or mulch.

·         Ensure that rain and snow drain away from the house to avoid foundation problems.

·         Cover patio furniture with a heavy tarp or store inside a shed or garage to protect it from the weather elements.

·         Remove any attached hoses and store them away for the winter to prevent cracks, preserve their shapes, and prolong their life. 

·         Clean leaves, dirt, and pine needles between the boards of wooden decks to prevent mildew and mold growth.

·         Bring seasonal tools inside and spray them with a coating of lightweight oil for rust prevention.

·         If you have a sprinkler system, be sure to blow out the lines to prevent freezing and pipe damage.

·         Make sure you have an ample supply of ice melt or sand on hand for steps, walkways, and the driveway.

Gutters, Roof, and Drains

·         Check for missing, damaged or warped shingles and replace, as necessary

·         Check the gutters and downspouts for proper fastening, and re-secure if loose or sagging. 

·         Clean gutters of any debris. Make sure downspouts extend away from the house by at least 5 feet to prevent flooding and water damage from snow melt.

·         Ensure all vents and openings are covered to prevent birds, and rodents from getting inside to nest in a warm place.

Hire a Home Watch Inspector

If you will be away from your home during the winter months, you may want to hire a home watch professional to check on your home while you are away. Life Tree Personal Service and Home Watch LLC can check on your home while you are away and provide you with a detailed report and photos. This service provides peace of mind and can inform you of issues that need to be addressed before costly repairs are needed.

Call Life Tree at (541) 480-7601 for a free consultation.

 http://lifetreehomewatch.com/

Senior Concierge Service in Bend, Oregon Bringing Balance and Sanity to Caregivers.

Bringing Balance and Sanity to Caregivers

The Pew Research Center estimates that 47% American adults aged 40-65 are currently raising a child and supporting one or both parents at the same time.  This so called “Sandwich Generation” is feeling the crunch of supporting a multigenerational family. They face unique challenges in caring for their loved ones and often feel burdened.

The Senior Concierge industry is a new industry that is on the rise. A concierge can help bring balance and sanity back into the lives of caregivers. In the corporate world, concierges are often referred to as personal assistants. A Senior Concierge provides personal assistance to lighten the load of family caregivers by providing a wide arrange of non-medical services. Services range from daily welfare checks and companionship to seniors, help with home management, bill pay, errands, pet care, reminder services and much more.

The concept of “home” is highly significant as we age. All of us perceive home to be a part of our identity. That personal space where things are familiar, we maintain autonomy, independence and a sense of control. Many seniors today are choosing to “age at home” rather than find alternative living situations. Seniors feel secure and have a better quality of life when they have a local concierge available to assist with needs that arise. Sometimes, minor adaptations to the home environment and scheduled concierge assistance can made a huge difference in helping loved ones maintain independence. In addition, a concierge provides a warm human touch for a person who may feel lonely or isolated.

Senior Concierge’s also provide personal services to residents who reside in retirement communities. A concierge is a resource that a resident can use to increase their independence and get scheduled personal assistance to help with day to day necessities. The mission of a senior concierge is to enrich the lives of clients by delivering personal services that allow seniors to maintain an independent, dignified, quality lifestyle for as long as possible.

Life Tree Personal Service LLC, atwww.lifetreepersonalservice.com.

 (Pew Research Center, 2013) http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/files/2013/01/Sandwich_Generation_Report_FINAL_1-29.pdf