Chicago's Geriatric Care Manager Center of Excellence – Since 1991 • care managementChicago's Geriatric Care Manager Center of Excellence

Would You Want to Know?
Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease more than any other condition including cancer, heart disease, stroke or any other life-threatening diseases...
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February 23, 2021
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No Vaccine for the Other Plague
You’re fortunate that you haven’t contracted COVID, and you may even have received your first dose of a vaccine,...
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February 16, 2021
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What Tony Bennett Can Teach Us
Tony Bennet has arguably been one of those “one in a million” kind of musical talents, but sadly he...
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February 9, 2021
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Scamming as a Superspreader
We have all seen the advertisements for the on-line services that will help you find your ancestry by taking...
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February 2, 2021
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Until the Vaccine?
We have all been following the news on vaccine rollouts, and frankly you may have been as disappointed as...
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January 26, 2021
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Better than a Resolution
After nearly a year of a pandemic and its quarantine, we are all ready to get back to normal. ...
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January 12, 2021
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How the COVID Vaccines Work
If you’re like me, you have been following too much news on the pandemic, but hopefully you also have...
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December 15, 2020
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Too Good to Be True
With over 300 clinical trials on vaccines for COVID19, it perhaps is not a surprise that at least two...
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December 1, 2020
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The Other Global Health Crisis
Wearing a face mask is the new front line of defense against the spread of the war on COVID-19,...
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November 17, 2020
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One More Sign of COVID?
I have written about Alzheimer’s disease…a lot, its warning signs and caregiving probably more than any other topic. Even...
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October 6, 2020
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In the Caregiver's Words

Recent Client Praise

Making decisions on behalf of a loved one is not always easy. Yet the challenge can be eased with information. The most common questions I get as a geriatric care manager revolve around:

1. What should a caregiver do to address their loved one’s need?

2. How does a caregiver make choices among alternatives to help their loved one?

To help with both of these decisions there are a good many free resources available to everyone. Your older family member or someone else with special needs may be in Chicago and you may live in Nashville, but you can get good information from all your own nearby healthcare providers, legal advisers, financial consultants, or other experts. These individuals should be able to direct you to their own national member organizations or associates they personally know in another city. Local hospital discharge planners can be very helpful, because it is their job to get at least medical help for individuals who are preparing to return to their homes after a hospital stay. Just remember that their job ends at the hospital door for discharged patients, so they do have limitations.

You can also do in-home research at the click of your mouse. I have found a web site called senior citizen’s guide to be really helpful. It has city by city listings of health, housing, services, and activities by most major metropolitan areas. Even if your loved one is in a smaller community miles away, one of these metropolitan centers can be very helpful starting places in directing you to allied services within your target geography. Just contact them. Or contact a local public library, and ask for the reference librarian.

Here are some WEB resources to start:

AARP

Senior Options

Eldercare Web

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers

You will find some others on our CCM Resources page

Charlotte Bishop is a Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Case Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families throughout metropolitan Chicago. Please email your questions to Charlotte Bishop.,geriatric care manager Chicago,geriatric care Chicago
As if dementia sufferers don’t have enough quality of life challenges, we can add to the list dehydration. In addition to the other short term memory issues older adults with dementia may not recognize that they are dehydrated … or they simply forget to drink enough water. We have long known that older adults in general often do not drink enough water, in part because they just don’t feel thirst as acutely as younger people do. Some also worry about incontinence, so they cut back on that risk by taking in less water. Older adults also often are on medications that can deplete their water, and this is especially the case for older adults on some blood pressure medications or antidepressants. Add to this the simple fact that older adults need as much as fifty percent more water daily than their younger counterparts to function optimally, and you get the potential for a thirst epidemic. Forgetting to hydrate can have real health consequences. As an adult grows older and begins to take in less water, they effectively can amplify the effects of some of the medications they take, increasing their dose without changing their intake. Dehydrated adults are also prone to some infections, particularly urinary tract infections. They also are prone to dizziness, headaches, confusion and difficulty walking. Enter a British college student named Lewis Hornsby. Hornsby was a design student who noticed that his grandmother who suffered from dementia seemed simply to have little interest in drinking water, and this led to a perpetual dehydration for her. Hornsby came up with a concept he calls “Jelly Drops” that are brightly colored balls contained a bit more than an ounce of flavored water…a hydrating finger food. As a design student, we was very conscious of not making it look like a medicine, hence the bright colors in packaging that could have been suited to a box for chocolates or gummies. Jelly Drops may not be available where you or your older loved one resides, but that doesn’t mean you can’t engage your loved one with more appealing hydration. Try popsicles or smoothies. Some folk make prefer milkshakes, Ensure or sports drinks or any of the burgeoning number of bottled waters. Maybe add bubbles…just try to avoid carbonated drinks that also add sodium. Charlotte Bishop is an Aging Life Care Advisor, Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Care Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. She also is the co-author of How Do I Know You? A Caregiver’s Lifesaver for Dealing with Dementia.
The rest of the oft-quoted phrase is a pejorative about how “Nobody’s Home.” And we know it’s supposed to connote low wattage of an intellectual sort. Well, burglars who may be watching for when your mom and dad go on the vacations with which retired folks are supposed to be frequently indulging themselves are also watching to see if the lights are on. According to law enforcement they take the lights on as a sign that, in fact, nobody’s home. So what can one do to safeguard home? Well, the same bad guys also look to see if the lights go on at the same time a couple nights in a row, so timers are about as effective as letting the house stand all lit up all the time. Technology has a better answer…actually a couple of them that involve “smart lighting” that can be a safeguard both indoors and outside. Smart lighting outside can use motion detectors that sense anyone approaching the house and flood them in conspicuous lighting that burglars like to avoid. And these particular smart lights can be “trained” to respond to only larger disturbances, so that pesky moths do not have your porch flashing all night like a pinball machine. The sensor outside could also be set up to turn on a light or two inside the house to make it appear as if someone inside is alert to anyone approaching the house. You will want a sensor that also is “outdoor rated” to be sealed against moisture. Smart lighting inside can be a real safeguard against night time falls for an older loved one who may make the middle of the night run to the powder room. A small light can be a big assist for someone just starting to awaken, but already in motion down the hall. And both indoor and outdoor sensors can be set to turn themselves off after a desired lapse of time, again looking more real life. And there is a whole line of smart devices that connect home indoor and outdoor lighting to an app on a smart phone. And you don’t have to ask Siri to attend to the lighting for you. It is all literally in your hands. Of course, if you’re trying to be helpful to an older loved one you will want to confirm specifically when they are and are not home so that you don’t unsettle them with an unannounced light show. Charlotte Bishop is an Aging Life Care Advisor, Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Care Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. She also is the co-author of How Do I Know You? A Caregiver’s Lifesaver for Dealing with Dementia.
In the meantime, we invite you to download the below featured FREE white paper - offering both personal and professional advice for those who care for the elderly or people with special needs. Make sure to come back and visit us for more great FREE resources.

A Caregiver's Guide for Changes & AgingCoping with change can be difficult. It often involves tough decisions and conversations with the person you care for. Discover strategies to help you and your loved one feel more comfortable with transition.Download
We have all heard someone this season say, “It’s just a cold,” or “I have a touch of the flu,” or similar expressions that pretty much write off a lot of what is going around. And nobody gets pneumonia, right? Wrong! It may sound like a small number, but about 6 of every 1000 people in American will have a bout with what is termed “community-acquired” pneumonia this year. Still sounds small, but the rate triples for 65 to 69 year old people…18.2 per 1000. And for 85+ year olds, the number skyrockets to 52.3 cases per 1000 people. So, if you have an older loved one in your orbit, be vigilant to signs and symptoms that can tell you they have graduated to pneumonia. There are six signs that should alert you to something that deserves a visit to the doctor or emergency facility:
1. Productive cough – the kind that almost rattles with the mucous as a person coughs to clear their lungs.
2. Fever or not – Fever with a pneumonia infection is common among younger individuals, but pneumonia actually can suppress body temp in older cases.
3. Chest aches – While we are most often concerned about heart issues with chest pain, breathing with pneumonia can give similar symptoms.
4. Tired – While the immune system fights pneumonia, it takes energy away from the rest of the body resulting in fatigue.
5. Fuzzy head – The lungs are not the only congested organ; the brain gets a bit muddled with pneumonia also.
6. Breathless – With congested lungs, it should be no surprise that a patient with pneumonia may also be short of breath with even modest activities.
The rules of engagement with pneumonia are simple.
1. Doctors’ orders - especially with completing the full course of antibiotics…be sure your loved one takes all the pills prescribed.
2. Sleep – give the body a chance to devote its undivided attention to fighting the bug by resting and getting help around the house.
3. Fluids – think of it as “flushing” out the system, and it also helps get rid of the congestion in the lungs.
And remember that the risk may be lower for younger people, but the operating rules are pretty much the same. Give all the support you can to help your body fight the invaders too! Charlotte Bishop is an Aging Life Care Advisor, Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Care Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. She also is the co-author of How Do I Know You? A Caregiver’s Lifesaver for Dealing with Dementia.
Trusted Resources and Links
We have complied a list of resources that Creative Care Management has found to be extremely useful to clients in need of elderly care support. As a part of our services, we are able to connect you directly to resources and trusted colleagues best qualified for your specific situation.

The American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM)

The American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM)
AADMM is a national membership organization representing individuals and businesses in the growing profession of daily money management. These professionals bring clarity and order to an individual’s daily management of personal bills, budgets and record keeping to senior citizens, the disabled, busy professionals and others. They assist clients with activities such as bill paying, day-to-day banking, budgeting, insurance paperwork, and organizing records and receipts.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
The American Association of Retired Persons is not strictly for “geriatric” individuals. It is a nonprofit membership organization of individuals 50+ years of age. It is AARP’s mission through information and education, advocacy and service, to enhance quality of life by promoting independence, dignity, and purpose.

Administration on Aging (AOA)

Administration on Aging (AOA)
This is a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services that has listings of rights and resources for elders and others with special needs as well as programs for housing, nutrition and volunteer services. And it is searchable in eight languages.

Aging Info Radio

Aging Info Radio
Each week Sue Billings Zawacki interviews expert guests about issues germane both to geriatric care managers and the clients they serve on WJJG-AM 1530. She finds ways to help others get the resources and education needed as we all move forward on our aging journey.

Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary organization in Alzheimer care, support and research, providing services to those affected by Alzheimer’s; advocating for policy change and research funding toward prevention, treatment and cure.

Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter

Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter
The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter serves 68 counties with offices in Bloomington, Carbondale, Chicago, Joliet, Rockford, and Springfield.The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call us toll-free anytime day or night at 1.800.272.3900.

The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation

The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation educates people about this devastating disease. The mission of the website is to educate, engage, and create an online community with 24/7 access to information and support.

American Association for Homecare

American Association for Homecare
From home medical equipment to home health services and from rehab technology to respiratory/infusion therapy, AAHomecare is dedicated to quality health care services at home for geriatric and other clients with special needs.

American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society
Cancer is not just a condition of geriatric patients. The American Cancer Society website contains valuable resources including prevention and risk factors, treatment methods, detection guidelines, and patient services that help cancer patients of all ages and their families.

American Health Assistance Foundation

American Health Assistance Foundation
The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to finding cures for age-related degenerative diseases. The foundation currently funds research in three primary areas: Alzheimer’s disease, Macular Degeneration, and glaucoma. AHAF provides the public with free information about these diseases, including risk factors, preventive lifestyles, and current treatments and coping strategies. AHAF disseminates this information through their website, print publications, social and traditional media, email, and TV and radio public service announcements. The aim is to educate people about risk factors, the latest research, treatment options, risk reduction through healthy lifestyles, and ways to cope with the effects of these diseases.

Cancer Support Community

Cancer Support Community
Those who visit the site can become a member of their Living Room to join one of our many online support groups, which are facilitated by a licensed counselor. You can also participate in their online discussion boards 24/7 to share about issues that are important to you.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CMS is the federal agency that administers the Medicare program and monitors the Medicaid programs offered by each state. Its website is a tremendous source of health care information as well as how to make use of Medicare or Medicaid.

Chicago Bridge

Chicago Bridge
Chicago Bridge is a grassroots organization of emerging professionals in the field of aging committed to improving programs and services for older adults and caregivers. Their website features articles written by members on emerging topics and innovative programs in aging.

ElderCare Locator

ElderCare Locator
The ElderCare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults and caregivers in any U.S. community and a free national service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The ElderCare locator is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).

ElderDepot

ElderDepot
This site offers assisted living products for elders and others who may need help with activities of daily living. These include assistive devices for the bed, bath, dining, toileting, dressing, seeing, hearing and physically getting around.

Government for Seniors

Government for Seniors
This is a very customer friendly site with advice and resources for a range is issues that elders or others with special needs will face. It is maintained by the Social Security Administration and offers a special feature which allows you to locate services within your own community like where to get a reverse mortgage, consumer protection from fraud and more.

Gordon Gault P.C. – Area Elder Law Attorneys

Gordon Gault P.C. – Area Elder Law Attorneys
Chicago, Illinois, transactional attorney Gordon F. Gault is a seasoned lawyer who offers clients reasonable fees, a hands-on, personal approach and the knowledge and insight in elder law gained from 33 years of experience.

Illinois Department on Aging

Illinois Department on Aging
This Agency helps elders or others with special needs live independently in their own homes and communities. The agency also serves the families and teach younger people about the realities of aging, so many of their programs have an intergenerational emphasis. They also work with area agencies on aging, community-based service providers and older people themselves.

Merck Manual of Geriatrics

Merck Manual of Geriatrics
This is the source that the professionals consult for the challenges they face as geriatric care managers. It is a searchable online resource with an alphabetical index with health information for seniors, their families and caregivers.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., is a nonprofit association which assists lawyers, bar organizations, and others who work with older clients and their families. The website is a resource of information, education, networking, and assistance to those involved with legal services for the elderly and disabled. The NAELA website also has search capabilities to help locate an Elder or Special Needs Law attorney in your area.

National Alliance for Caregiving

National Alliance for Caregiving
NAC is a Bethesda based association of caregiving professional organizations (including the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers) that provides information, support, and national advocacy on behalf of caregivers.

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers
The National Association of Geriatric Care Managers is a volunteer nonprofit association with over 2,000 members. Its mission is to advance professional geriatric care management through education, collaboration, and leadership. To the public it provides information as well as a directory of members nation-wide.

National Association of Social Workers

National Association of Social Workers
Not specifically focused on the geriatric segment, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world. They strengthen and unify the profession, promote the development of social work practice, and advance sound social policies that benefit elders and others with special needs.

National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform

National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform
The mission of the National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform is to advocate on behalf of and improve the quality of life of geriatric and other residents in the nation’s nursing homes.

National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (formerly NCCNHR)

National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (formerly NCCNHR)
The mission of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care is to represent consumers at the national level for quality long-term care, services and supports.

National Family Caregivers Association

National Family Caregivers Association
The National Family Caregivers Association offers services in the areas of information and education, support and validation, and public awareness and advocacy, toward the goal of minimizing the disparity between a caregiver’s quality of life and that of mainstream Americans.

National Gerontological Nursing Association

National Gerontological Nursing Association
The National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA) is dedicated to the clinical care of older adults across diverse care settings. Members include clinicians, educators, and researchers. They are a tremendous source of information on all aspects of aging and the older patient.

National Guardianship Association

National Guardianship Association
The National Guardianship Association provides educational, training, and networking opportunities for guardians of elders and others with special needs; promotes the highest levels of values, standards and ethics; and is dedicated to advancing the nationally recognized standard of excellence.

National Senior Citizens Law Center

National Senior Citizens Law Center
The National Senior Citizens Law Center (NSCLC) advocates nationwide on behalf of the geriatric population and beyond. They reach out to low-income elderly individuals and persons with disabilities providing litigation assistance, research and consulting support, national policy representation, training and manuals, and periodicals.

Retirement Living

Retirement Living
This is a comprehensive website that offers not just information on residential options, but also useful information for senior living and lifestyles. It can also offer listings of services or communities by geography that can help seniors and their adult children make informed decisions.

SeniorNet

SeniorNet
SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization of computer using adults 50 years and older. Their mission is to provide these older adults with computer and internet education to learn new and enhance existing computer skills.

Services for Adults Staying in their Homes

Services for Adults Staying in their Homes
A trusted community nonprofit founded in 1975, Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes (SASI) helps adults who, due to aging, illness or injury, need assistance to be safe and comfortable at home. SASI is licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health to provide home care as both a Home Services Agency and a Home Services Placement Agency.

Quit Smoking

Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking isn't easy. You know that, everybody knows that. But it's not impossible! At “Quit Smoking Community,” their entire purpose is to help people learn how to quit smoking once and for all.

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