REMINDER TO THANK YOUR ASSISTED LIVING WORKERS
The Villages of St. Peters
Even though families can only do window visits and some face to face visits outdoors with their loved ones, please take the time to thank your workers in assisted living that are doing their best to keep your family members safe and happy. The Villages of St. Peters will be celebrating with a list of happenings to show our appreciation to our dedicated employees. A kind note or a friendly thank you would be appreciated from our community and family members.
Lori Guilliams, lori.guilliams@nhccare.com, The Villages of St. Peters, 636-922-7600,
www.vofsp.com
SMARTCOMPANION VOICE TECHNOLOGY
Veterans Home Care
Veterans Home Care® (VHC) announces the launch of SmartCompanion®, an Echo® Alexa® device specially preprogrammed with new voice technology for seniors to reduce isolation and loneliness and replaces push-button medical alert systems. The launch was stepped up to meet the needs of seniors during the pandemic. Veterans or their surviving spouses eligible for VA benefits can receive the service as part of their flagship VetAssist® Program. The SmartCompanion delivers security and peace of mind 24/7. Seniors can make and receive voice-activated phone calls, including emergency calls, by just asking Alexa for help. Seniors enjoy Alexa's news and entertainment. A military grade security network makes it private and secured. Veterans Home Care helps wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who qualify and apply for a non-service-related disability pension from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, which pays for help with activities of daily living. VHC utilizes a national network of 3,800+ home care providers. Veterans Home Care is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the VA. Alexa and Echo are trademarks of Amazon Inc. or its affiliates.
Janet Jennewein, jjennewein@veteranshomecare.com, Veterans Home Care,
314-520-0668, www.veteranshomecare.com
BRIDGING THE GAP OF SENIOR COMMUNITY LIVING
Grey Matters Alliance
Introducing New Programs for Senior Communities and Home Health Agencies (Medical and Non-Medical) Gray Matters Alliance (GMA) is pleased to announce its latest programs, Assistive Living PLUS for Senior Communities and Assistive Living PLUS for Home Health Agencies. The new programs are designed to help communities and agencies with potential clients that inquired about their services but are “holding” off for whatever reason. The GMA System bridges that gap of “Not Now” to “I’m Ready”. The GMA System provides an intermediary solution (and beyond) that you can provide to your prospects or current clients, keeping your company connected and top of mind, at the same time demonstrating the value of your services or by adding more value to your existing services. While this program is valuable in normal circumstances, it is especially useful during the current crisis. Read More: file:///C:/Users/Owner/Desktop/Announcing%202%20New%20Programs.pdf
Vicki Spraul, vicki@graymattersalliance.com, Gray Matters Alliance, 314-266-2678,
www.graymattersalliance.com
AROUND THE CLOCK MEDICAL ALARMS
Our mission is to provide a medical alarm service to the elderly and ill that will enable them to remain independent in their own homes.
https://www.aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/
Call Us Today 573-334-7233.
Linda Bass, info@aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.caringnewsletter.com
TALK IN THE PARK
The Senior Learning Institute with the City of Chesterfield
October 22 – 10:00 a.m.
City of Chesterfield's - Talk In The Park West Pavilion, Central Park, 16365 Lydia Hill Drive Refreshments Provided It’s common to want to stay in our homes as long as possible. One of the ways to do that is to bring in resources, as need it. Be it help with meal prep, laundry, or just having someone to talk with to skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, there is an in-home solution for you. Our panel of experts will provide advice and answer your questions.
Ted Gotltieb, ted@trustinted.com, The Senior Learning Institute, 314- 400-8102,
www.seniorlearninginstitute.com
REMOTE WITNESS AND DOCUMENT NOTARIZATION EXTENDED
Quinn Estate and Elder Law, LLC
Governor's Executive Order 20-14 Signed September 3, 2020 Executive Order Extending Remote Witnessing and Notarization of Documents This extends the ability to remotely witness and notarize documents until December 30, 2020. https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2020/eo14
Deirdre Cechin, dcechin@quinnestatelaw.com, Quinn Estate & Elder Law,LLC,
636-394-7242, www.quinnestatelaw.com
DEMENTIA CAREGIVER ONLINE SURVEY ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
St. Louis University
This is an opportunity for family or professional caregivers to participate in a survey study. If participants agree to take part in the study (which takes approximately 12-15 minutes to complete), they will complete an online survey on background information and characteristics of their caregiving experience. Additional questions will address the caregiver’s mental health, medical issues, family relationships and attitudes around caregiving. A random drawing will be done for participants who complete the survey for a chance at winning one of two $25 Amazon gift cards. This study is completely voluntary, and participants can choose to withdraw participation at any time. If any participants want to take part in this study, please click on the link below to start the survey. If you or any participants have any questions, you can contact the PI (Max Zubatsky) and 314-977-2496 or max.zubatsky@health.slu.edu Thank you. Survey: https://slu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4OvD1rZgZjwcpA9
Max Zubatsky, max.zubatsky@health.slu.edu, Saint Louis University, 314-977-2496,
https://slu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4OvD1rZgZjwcpA9
TITLE I, AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Charis Disability Advocates
Accommodations for the Disabled in the Workplace Under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process. These modifications enable an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity not only to get a job, but successfully perform their job tasks to the same extent as people without disabilities. The ADA requires reasonable accommodations as they relate to three aspects of employment: 1) ensuring equal opportunity in the application process; 2) enabling a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job; and 3) making it possible for an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. Examples of reasonable accommodations include making existing facilities accessible; job restructuring; part-time or modified work schedules; acquiring or modifying equipment; changing tests, training materials, or policies; and providing qualified readers or interpreters.
Karen Fick, info@charisdisability.com, Charis Disability Advocates, 314-236-0119,
www.charisdisability.com
TOOLS FOR SENIORS AT NO COST
Generations On Line
Generations on Line now offers no-cost tools for seniors to help develop technology skills. As the COVID pandemic has increased isolation and reliance on online communication, a national nonprofit devoted to digital literacy for seniors announces a series of easy, fast, and free tools to help more than a quarter of America’s 54 million older adults who struggle with the Internet. After training 116,000 seniors to overcome their fear of the Internet, Generations on Line (GoL) has created, tested and now launches the following remote-use COVID support tools:
2020 Census:www.EasyCensusHelp.org provides a safe preview and practice to give seniors the skills they will need to enter their information with confidence, said founder and CEO Tobey Dichter. The interactive website, developed with help from the regional Census office, includes quick training on filling in forms, previews of actual questions, and tips for Internet safety – all in a cheerful, age-respectful website, that adapts to smartphones, tablets, laptop and desktop computers.
Internet and More - “Easy Tablet Help for Seniors” is an app suited to Apple, Android or Amazon Fire devices to guide a novice through the basics with friendly, simple, large type, onscreen directions for using these portable devices, email and texting, searching, photos, apps, and online safety. GoL has just launched it for smartphones, as well as any tablet computer. “Many low and moderate income elders won’t have Wi-Fi and now can’t have anyone coming into their home to help them set it up, so we optimized our training and added information about data plans,” Ms. Dichter said. There is also a web version for those less comfortable with or unable to download an app www.generationsonline.org/apps.
Family Help - www.generationsonline.org/family will help families and caregivers support their older friends and relatives, with simple instructions, in short forms for printing, for everything from what to consider in choosing a device to coaching them through using the self-paced training.
Video Chat - Generations on Line has also added ZOOM to its suite of video chat training, as that has become popular for family gatherings. GoL is developing additional tools to help seniors join the virtual world during, and likely after, the pandemic of 2020. All programs are free. The organization is supported solely by charitable contributions. Pew Research 2019, www.generationsonline.org,Tobey Dichter, tobeydichter@gmail.com, 215-922-3244
CRAFT ALLIANCE PARTNERS WITH ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL
Artists as Educators: Craft Alliance’s Teaching Artists
Now thru February 15
Craft Alliance, one of the premier craft organizations in the country, is proud to partner with Saint Louis Lambert International Airport to present Artists as Educators: Craft Alliance’s Teaching Artists. The exhibition highlights the talented Craft Alliance faculty who inspire and elevate creativity in its studios. The exhibition runs mow thru February 15, 2021 in the Saint Louis Lambert International Airport Gallery East.
“Craft Alliance has a rich history of artists teaching in our studios,” says Stefanie Kirkland, Director of Galleries + Artists-in-Residence at Craft Alliance. “Our faculty is made up of exceptionally skilled practicing artists who teach classes for adults, as well as for children. Our teachers are hardworking artists and the driving force of leadership and passion that is present in our studio classrooms and in the community. We are excited to partner with Saint Louis Lambert International Airport to bring their inspiring work to a broader audience.”
Jessica Goodhart, jessicagoodhart@craftaliiance.org
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS ASSISTANCE
Charis Disability Advocates
If you or a loved one are not yet of retirement age, but have health problems that would put you at high risk for return to work (considering the potential exposure to COVID-19), you or the loved one may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits or Supplemental Security Income. Some examples of medical impairments that would place a person at higher risk include chronic kidney or liver disease, pulmonary disease (emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, etc.), heart conditions, compromised immune system, HIV+ or AIDS, sickle cell disease, or diabetes mellitus.
Karen Fick, info@charisdisability.com, Charis Disability Advocates, 314-236-0119,
www.charisdisability.com
SERVICES EXPANDED
Power Mobility Equipment, LLC
We are excited to announce that in addition to servicing lift chairs, power chairs, and scooters we are expanding our services to include hospital beds. We now offer evaluation and repair services for beds out of warranty. Feel free to reach out if you know someone who has a powered Mobility unit with any issues or needs maintenance. And we will offer 20% off evaluation. Contact list and social distancing is performed our technicians also wear masks and gloves
Angela Haas, Stllady2015@gmail.com, Power mobility Equipment llc. 314-277-0851
VETERANS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Research Department at the St. Louis Veterans Administration
The St. Louis VA has received full approval to begin enrolling and treating patients in the study “Expanded Access to Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19”. Dr. Jay McDonald will be the St. Louis VA’s Principal Investigator for this study. This study will be using Plasma transfusions from recovered COVID-19 patients to current COVID-19 patients. This study is headquartered at the Mayo Clinic and provides our patients with access to convalescent plasma as a therapeutic for COVID-19. We are the first VA in the nation to bring this Plasma treatment to our Veterans! This cutting-edge research is going to help save the lives of many.
For specific information regarding the study please contact the
Principal Investigator, Dr. Jay McDonald, Phone: 314-652-4100, ext. 54862 or email: Jay.McDonald1@va.gov, or The Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) of Research and Development at the St. Louis VA: Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly Phone: 314-814-3231 or email: Ziyad.Al-Aly@va.gov.
Rebecca Kammer, Rebecca.kammer@va.gov
FOOD ASSISTANCE
St. Louis Area Foodbank
If you are someone you know is in need of food during this difficult time, please contact the St. Louis Area Foodbank for help. The Outeach Coordinators at the St. Louis Area Foodbank are available to help those in our community who are in need of food. Please contact the St. Louis Area Foodbank at 314-528-8622.
St. Louis Area Foodbank, Melissa Melton, Outreach Coordinator, 314-528-8622
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
MMJ Concierge
By the end of 2020, medical cannabis will be available to residents of the state of Missouri. Interested? What can medical marijuana do for my chronic pain? How do I get it? How do I get a license? Do I need a doctor referral? What are Missouri’s Qualifying Conditions? How much does it cost? Can I quit other pharmaceuticals? Do I smoke it? How do I know what to buy? As a previous investor in the industry, Ruthie Jayne, the MMJ Concierge, will lead seminars at your location with a lively power point or will provide private home visits, sharing with you the facts of MMJ. Ruthie Jayne-[LIFE] Moves with Care by Ruthie 314-277-7284 MoveswithCarebyRuthie@gmail.com Find me on Google: https://www.mmjconcierge.net/ Facebook-stl mmj concierege
Ruthie Jayne, moveswithcarebyruthie@gmail.com, MMJ Concierge, 314-277-7284,
www.mmjconcierge.net
LONG-TERM CARE COMMUNITY PPE LIST
VOYCE
VOYCE has created a list of PPE and morale needs of long-term care communities, and home care, hospice and adult day companies to help them connect with donors. The list can be found here: https://www.voycestl.org/services/covid-19-response. To have your facility or company's needs included please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/oFY5E97AAh7dBnWb6.
Marjorie Moore, mmoore@voycestl.org, VOYCE, 314-918-8222, www.voycestl.org
ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA SUPPORT ONLINE
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer's and dementia support, education, resources and guidance are available virtually, on the web or by phone through the Alzheimer's Association. Find more by going to www.alz.org/mohelp. For help at any time, any day, call our 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Cheryl Kinney, mckinney@alz.org, Alzheimer's Association, Greater Missouri Chapter
314-801-0442, www.alz.org/greatermissouri
NO-COST PHONE PROVIDED FOR HEAARING IMPAIRED
Caption Call
Safe at Home with CaptionCall. providing a no-cost phone for hearing impaired individuals. Many seniors, veterans, and others experience difficulty hearing on the phone, and CaptionCall provides a no-cost solution for that challenge. With everything happening right now with the COVID-19 virus and the “safe at home” order, we realize how important it is for anyone with hearing loss to stay in contact with family and friends and have reliable access to emergency services. There is no cost for the installation of the phone or the ongoing captioning service. The program is made possible by the American with Disabilities Act and is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The minimal taxes Americans pay on phone bills goes towards this fund that helps provide the captioning service. To learn more about CaptionCall or to request your no-cost captioning phone, go to www.captioncall.com or call your local CaptionCall account manager, Cheryl Green at 314-332-0661.
Cheryl Green, cgreen@captioncall.com, CaptionCall, 314-332-0661, www.captioncall.com
NAVIGATE THROUGH DRIVING CONCERNS
Gray Matters Alliance
Gray Matters Alliance adds two OTs to help families navigate through driving concerns with older loved ones. Gray Matters Alliance is happy to announce that Aaron Milligan, COTA/L and Lyndsey Boyer, MOT OTR/L have completed certification in the Beyond Driving with Dignity program through Keeping Us Safe. They are now available to help families determine whether it’s time for their older loved one to retire from driving. This is a very contentious and emotional topic for families, we are here to help take that burden off of them. Please read the press release for more information: file:///C:/Users/Owner/Desktop/Mediarelease.AMLBBDD.pdf
Vicki Spraul, vicki@graymattersalliance.com, Gray Matters Alliance, 314-266-2678,
www.graymattersalliance.com
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Lighthouse for the Blind Industries
Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis (LHB), a not-for-profit manufacturing and packaging organization with a dedicated social service mission (http://www.lhbindustries.com), achieved its best financial results in 2019 since 2012. The charitable business, also known as LHB Industries, Inc., ended 2019 with total revenue of approximately $27 million, an increase of 8.7% percent over 2018 year-end results. LHB also secured 20 new products for its liquid filling business and hired four new employees in 2019. LHB currently employs 53 people who are legally blind and expects to hire additional blind and legally blind personnel to help support the new business. LHB acquired SKILCRAFT® Pine Oil Disinfectant products and co-branded SKILCRAFT Diversey® floor care products through an award process with National Industries for the Blind, a government agency that employs people who are blind or have significant disabilities. The disinfectant and floor products are “sister products” that are produced on a new fill line located at the Lighthouse’s Berkeley facility in St. Louis County.
Jeff Dunap, jmdpr2@gmail.com, Lighthouse for the Blind–Saint Louis,
314-423-4333, https://lhbindustries.com
TUTORING SERVICES
BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
Bilingual International Assistant Services' customized US Citizenship Program for Elderly Legal Permanent Resident is actively enrolling clients. Eligible individuals must be 60 or older and a legal permanent Missouri resident for at least 5 years. Our services include: One -on-one tutoring in clients’ home Preparation in the native language (if eligible) Language support for document translation & in-person interview (if eligible) Study materials and practice USCIS interviews Basic case management & client advocacy: education about voter registration; Medicare counseling and enrollment; government records status updates Representation at USCIS interview Assistance with exemptions and medical waivers. Our Department of Justice Accredited Representatives are very knowledgeable and experienced in the naturalization process. For information, please call 314-645-7900, ext. 203
Ellen Sherman, ellen.sherman@bilingualstl.org, Bilingual International Assistance Services, 314-645-7800, www.bilingualstl.org
2020 MONTHLY CAREGIVER CLASSES
Barnes Jewish West County Hospital
Second Tuesday of the month – 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
All classes will be held in the East conference room off the main lobby. To register, call: 314-542-9378
Oct. 13 Home Care Choices & How to find assistance at home
Learn about the difference between insurance-approved skilled home care and other home care choices, including private duty, home medical equipment, supplies, and other resources to help in the care of your loved one.
Nov. 10 Legal Matters and Goals of Care
An attorney will present information on important legal matters to address with your loved ones. A palliative social worker will share ways to discuss goals of care and long-term planning. Advance Directives will be discussed.
Dec 8 Alternate Therapies
There are many ways to cope with stress and different therapies will be discussed, such as music therapy, massage therapy, pet therapy, and more. This will be an experiential class, with enough room for personal questions and needs.
Heather Bell, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW, Social Worker, BJC Hospice and Palliative Home Care, 1935 Belt Way Dr., St. Louis, MO 63114, 314-872-5050.
Heather Bell, 314-872-5050
HOME LIQUIDATION ASSISTANCE
Harrisons Auctions
Do you need assistance liquidating personal property or business owners liquidating assets? We offer 30 plus years-experience. We can help many with options to choose from. Free consultation 314-230-6470. Floyd D. Harrison Sr.
Floyd Harrison, harrisonsauction@aol.com, Floyd D. Harrison Sr, 314-230-6470
OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY
University City Outpatient Clinic
Did You Know? Medicaid Beneficiaries Can Now Get Outpatient Physical Therapy. That’s right! Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) now pays for outpatient physical therapy, called Medicaid Alternative Pain Management Physical Therapy. To qualify, you must not be homebound and: Be 21 years of age or older Be MO HealthNet eligible Have a chronic neck or back pain diagnosis Have a chronic pain post traumatic injury diagnosis AW Health Care Outpatient Physical Therapy Services Therapy services can help patients get pain relief without the use of addictive medicines. We are now seeing patients at our University City Outpatient Clinic located at: AW Health Care 7308 Balson Avenue University City, MO 63130 If you would like to find out more about if Medicaid Alternative Pain Management Physical Therapy can help you, contact: AW Health Care 314-726-5600 extension 470 or 471.
Rebecca Boerner, r.boerner@awhealthcare.net, AW Health Care, 314-726-5600,
www.awhealthcare.com
DEMENTIA COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Aging Ahead
Aging Ahead, along with other AAA's in Missouri have partnered with Dementia Friendly America and the Dementia Friends USA initiative by joining the global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Our Community Options Specialists and Senior Center Administrators finished their training course and are now certified Dementia Friends Champion volunteers. They will have the opportunity to be in the community increasing awareness about dementia, how it affects people and the ways we all can help. We want to recognize our staff and their passion for making Aging Ahead apart of this great program. For more information you can visit www.dementiafriendsusa.org.
Stephanie Patrick, spatrick@agingahead.org, Aging Ahead, 636-207-0847,
https://www.agingahead.org/who-we-are/careers/
DRIVING WITH DIGNITY PROGRAM
Keeping Us Safe, LLC
Erin Dwyer, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), is now a Beyond Driving with Dignity professional through Keeping Us Safe, LLC. She helps families determine if their loved one should retire from driving in the privacy of their own car and home. The program involves cognitive assessments, learning conversations, and a driving exercise. Workbooks are also available to families who wish to do this on their own. Please call or email for more information, Erin Dwyer, erin@seniorcareauthority.com, 314-451-2255.
Erin Dwyer, Senior Care Authority, 314-451-2255, www.seniorcare-stlouis.com
AGING ANSWERS RADIO SHOW
KWRH-LP 92.9 FM
Mondays, 1:00 p.m. and Fridays, 1:30 p.m.
“The Aging Answers Show” Addresses 65+ questions. Topics include the Medicare Maze, Importance of POAs, Choosing Your Next Move, New Devices to Keep You in Your Home and much more. The 30-minute show airs Mondays at 1:00 p.m. and repeats on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. There is also a link to hear all shows on www.maryculverhome.org/about-us. For topic suggestions contact Gina March at 314-966-6034. Founded in 1866, the Mary Culver Home provides highly personalized nursing care for women with vision impairments. It is located at 221 West Washington Avenue, Kirkwood, MO 63122. For more information, contact 314-966-6034 or visit www.maryculverhome.org.
Gina March, gina@maryculverhome.org, The Mary Culver Home for Visually Impaired Women, 314-966-6034, www.MaryCulverHome.org
FREE LOANS FOR HOME HEALTH EQUIPMENT
St. Louis HELP Website
Wednesday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
St. Louis HELP has New Website For free loans of home health equipment – from manual and electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches, canes, hospital beds, lift chairs and more – visit the new website of The St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program (St. Louis HELP) at https://www.stlhelp.org The new website explains how the nonprofit organization provides free loans of home health devices to anyone recovering from accidents, illness and surgery, including children, senior citizens and people who are disabled. The not-for-profit organization founded in 2008 serves more than 6,000 people a year in metro St. Louis with free loans of home medical equipment. Our free lending warehouse is open Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the St. Louis suburb of Olivette. To learn more about St. Louis Help see http://www.stlhelp.org or call 314-567-4700 to discuss any needs for home medical
Jeff Dunlap, jmdpr2@gmail.com, St. Louis HELP Warehouse, 314-567-4700, www.stlhelp.org/equipmentloans