Wednesday, January 7, 2009
AARP Legislative Update
On Monday, the Florida Legislature began their two week special session to tackle the $2.3 billion deficit for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2008-2009. The legislature has proposed reductions to home and community-based services with even more extensive reductions to nursing homes. AARP has voiced our concern and disappointment for the proposals and the potential ramifications of such actions. Since elders want to remain in their homes as they age, home and community based care services provide the most desirable cost-effective care. Reductions to nursing homes will likely result in cuts to staffing and quality of care for residents. As the state faces an additional budget deficit for 2009-2010, AARP will continue to work to hold the legislature accountable to examine revenue and efficiency options during the 2009 Legislative Session. To that end, AARP has partnered with the Children's Home Society of Florida, Community Based Care of Seminole, Florida Coalition for Children, Florida Tax Watch and groups across the state to form Florida's People - Florida's Promise. This initiative is asking members of the legislature to think of fresh solutions to the budget deficit as opposed to continued cuts to vital services. We will maintain this work during the 2009 Regular Session. Please visit www.floridaspeople.org to find out more about this initiative including the revenue and efficiency options we have set forth thus far. You may also visit www.aarp.org/fl to learn more about the work AARP is doing here in Florida.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Singing the "Post-holiday" Blues
Finally, the holidays are over!! As the season unfolds and the decorations are all put away for next year, I find myself wondering "What next?". Many of us oftentimes feel this time of year progressively disappointed, sad and stressed.
Imagine for a moment that you have survived many of your cherished friends and family members, or that you have spent the holidays alone. Many Seniors have these feelings, especially during the holiday season. Not only have they survived many of their friends and family they have a deep sadness over the contrast between "then" and "now". The bittersweet memories of the past outshine the present day circumstances and they tend to feel unable to focus or experience pleasure in the "now". Many Seniors find themselves hitting that "reality" brick wall during the holiday season and find themselves feeling that their holiday expectations for the holiday fall, while their feelings of loneliness, sadness and despair plummet.
If your loved one seems a bit "down" and not focused, whether it is "post- holiday" or any other day during the year, there are ways to help. Try to help them realize the "New Year" brings promise. Share with them old photos, get together with old friends and family members they especially enjoy, create "special events" and new opportunities for them to look forward to.
I find that just spending quality time with my loved ones not only makes them feel better but it also makes me feel better.
Some of my most memorable times with my grandparents where the times that they spent telling me of "the good ol' days". I will cherish these memories and often reflect on these throughout the year. I challenge you this year to spend more time with your loved ones, it will make you both feel better, I promise!!
Imagine for a moment that you have survived many of your cherished friends and family members, or that you have spent the holidays alone. Many Seniors have these feelings, especially during the holiday season. Not only have they survived many of their friends and family they have a deep sadness over the contrast between "then" and "now". The bittersweet memories of the past outshine the present day circumstances and they tend to feel unable to focus or experience pleasure in the "now". Many Seniors find themselves hitting that "reality" brick wall during the holiday season and find themselves feeling that their holiday expectations for the holiday fall, while their feelings of loneliness, sadness and despair plummet.
If your loved one seems a bit "down" and not focused, whether it is "post- holiday" or any other day during the year, there are ways to help. Try to help them realize the "New Year" brings promise. Share with them old photos, get together with old friends and family members they especially enjoy, create "special events" and new opportunities for them to look forward to.
I find that just spending quality time with my loved ones not only makes them feel better but it also makes me feel better.
Some of my most memorable times with my grandparents where the times that they spent telling me of "the good ol' days". I will cherish these memories and often reflect on these throughout the year. I challenge you this year to spend more time with your loved ones, it will make you both feel better, I promise!!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Changes are a coming to GCMS
Happy New Year!
Things are busy here at GCMS, after taking a few days off during the holidays we are ready to rock and roll and have lots of ideas on the table to roll out during the next year!
This year is going to be a banner year for Geriatric Care Management Solutions! Beginning in January we will be D.B.A. "Senior Transitions"! We have worked hard to offer more opportunities to our clients and their caregivers and will be talking about these changes over the next few weeks.
We are also proud to announce that we are going to be rolling out our new website in a few days. This new and improved website is packed full of information, articles and help guides that concern Seniors and their care givers!
We look forward to an awesome year and look forward to helping you take care of your loved one!
Things are busy here at GCMS, after taking a few days off during the holidays we are ready to rock and roll and have lots of ideas on the table to roll out during the next year!
This year is going to be a banner year for Geriatric Care Management Solutions! Beginning in January we will be D.B.A. "Senior Transitions"! We have worked hard to offer more opportunities to our clients and their caregivers and will be talking about these changes over the next few weeks.
We are also proud to announce that we are going to be rolling out our new website in a few days. This new and improved website is packed full of information, articles and help guides that concern Seniors and their care givers!
We look forward to an awesome year and look forward to helping you take care of your loved one!
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