How to Become a Senior Caregiver

Senior caregivers are in high demand. It’s a tough job, but it can pay well and is a rewarding career! You don’t need to be a medical practitioner or have years of experience to become a senior caregiver – you just need some basic training and education on how to care for seniors.

At Visiting Angels Prescott, we believe senior caregivers are extraordinary and serve a critical role in the lives of seniors. We’ll give you some tips on how to get started!

Volunteering

The best way to get your foot in the door is by volunteering your time to help neighbors, friends, or family caring for an elderly loved one. Allow yourself time to see if this line of work might be right for you. It doesn’t take much to bring some comfort to these seniors – and some relief to their family members! From helping with household tasks, to sitting with them while family members are at work, your time volunteering in your community can help you gain valuable experience. Make sure you mention your volunteer work when you apply for jobs – they may not ask about volunteer work on their application but sharing your experience can give you an added boost during an interview.

First Aid and CPR Training

Many in-home care companies encourage or require first aid and CPR training. Having this knowledge under your belt provides a valuable service to others and shows potential employers that you know what you’re doing and take your position seriously. First Aid and CPR training classes are available through the American Heart Association in almost every community.

Subject Knowledge

Learning can come in many forms –podcasts, books, and courses, just to name a few! We’ve found that listening to podcasts about family caregiving helps our companion caregivers learn the problems families face and how to manage those in the best way. Here are a few podcasts to start. Books written specifically for seniors about aging well are packed with great tips and ideas for ensuring your client’s care.

Join Caregiver Support Groups

Get to know other senior caregivers by joining a professional organization or caregiver support group. You can meet others in your community in the same boat as you, share tips and resources, and learn from each other’s experiences. You may even find professional opportunities through networking. Don’t forget about online communities, like Facebook, for more connection with others in the field.

Look For Training Programs

Many in-home care agencies offer certification programs, which will provide you with more hands-on experience and an opportunity to network with potential employers. Look for additional certifications, training, and education that will help you learn more about the field. CNA and PCA classes can also help you further your career in this field. These certifications aren’t necessary to start a fulfilling career in senior caregiving but can further your career and open more opportunities for different kinds of cases. CNA and PCA courses are available through a local vocational school or community college or online and take about three to six months to complete.

Visit A Career Fair

Career fairs are another great place to meet potential employers and get connected with people in the field. Many home care agencies will attend these events, as well as professional organizations and training services.

Determine Your Strengths

Decide what type of senior care you’d enjoy the most. For instance, Visiting Angels Prescott offers companion care, transportation services, and personal care. Our team is always looking for caregivers with unique skill sets that make them the perfect fit for the job.

Join the Visiting Angels Prescott Team

Beginning or changing to a career in senior caregiving is easier than you may think. We’re always searching for compassionate caregivers to match our elderly clients for various in-home care services. Our goal is to help seniors stay independent in their homes as long as possible. If you’d like to be a part of this goal, visit the website and fill out an employment form!

We are hiring in all regions:
Apply at https://careers.hireology.com/thumallcdbavisitingangels

Select the Job in your area. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Simple Exercises That Seniors Can Do From Home

Regular exercise is one of the best activities seniors can do to maintain—and enhance—their overall health. Some seniors may resist or fear physical exercise due to chronic health conditions or the potential for injury. The truth is, in most cases, the advantages outweigh the risks as long as the exercise program is appropriate for their physical condition.

Many health benefits exist for seniors who exercise regularly, including:

Muscle mass maintenance Mood and attitude improvement Mobility and balance improvement Cognitive ability improvement Immune system support Weight management

Prevention and management of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes No Gym, No Worries......Seniors don’t need a gym membership or fancy workout equipment to obtain these health benefits. They can do the following simple exercises in the comforts of home:

Chair exercises Chair exercises can be an alternative for seniors with mobility or standing issues. Chair exercises, performed with a chair and occasionally some light weights, strengthen a wide range of muscles. Good chair exercises to start with include:

Seated front shoulder raises (targets the chest and arms) Hold a pair of light weights at your side with palms facing toward the body. Sit with your back straight against the backrest of the chair. Keeping your core tight and your chest forward, slowly raise the weights until your arms are parallel to the floor. Then slowly lower your arms to the starting position.

Tummy twists (targets the core) Sit toward the edge of the seat while keeping your core tight and the chest forward. Hold a medicine ball or similar object of comfortable weight in your lap with one hand on each side and elbows bent. Then, raise the medicine ball a few inches off your lap and rotate your body to the left, while keeping the medicine ball in front of your body. While holding the medicine ball, rotate your body to the middle, to the right, and back to the middle to complete a full repetition.

Chair squats (targets the legs) Sit toward the edge of the chair to allow for more room to move. Keep your core tight and back straight, make sure your chest is forward. While holding the medicine ball, rotate your body to the middle, to the right, and back to the middle to complete a full repetition. Then, slowly stand up until fully upright while keeping your knees pointed outward. Maintain the same knee orientation and slowly sit down.

Stretching exercises Stretches are great for increasing flexibility and relieving joint pain. Many stretches can be done in a chair or even on a bed for seniors with more limited mobility.

Overhead side stretch Stand straight with feet at hip-width. Raise your arms overhead and gently lean to one side. Hold for 10 to 30 seconds, and then return to center. Repeat the stretch on the other side.

Calf stretch Stand with one leg forward and slightly bent, and the other straight behind you. If needed, hold on to a wall or counter for support. Then gently press your rear heel into the floor until you feel your rear calf stretch. Hold for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat with the other leg.

Yoga and Tai Chi Joining an online yoga or tai chi class is another excellent way for seniors to exercise at home. Yoga and tai chi involve following an instructor through a series of poses while concentrating on breathing and focusing the mind.

Both tai chi and yoga improve balance, strength, and flexibility, but they are slightly different. Yoga focuses on holding poses and is performed standing or on the floor. Tai chi involves more fluid movement from pose to pose and is done standing. Both are great options for seniors.

Walking Whether walking in place at home or taking a stroll around the neighborhood or at a local park, walks are low impact and easy on joints. They also improve cardiovascular health and can be a great way for seniors to get out of the house and socialize.

Before committing to an exercise routine, it’s important to check with your loved one’s doctor to make sure the exercises seniors plan to perform are right for them.

Home Care Can Help Seniors to Exercise A Visiting Angels in-home caregiver can encourage your older loved one to exercise and stay active. Whether serving as a walking partner for strolls around the neighborhood or reminding your senior to do their physician-prescribed exercises, a qualified in-home caregiver will help your loved one take steps to maintain their fitness and quality of life.

Interested in more information about non-medical in-home care? You can help your senior loved ones by contacting Cecelia Jernegan at Visiting Angels Prescott region, Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Payson, and Show Low by calling 928-458-4729.

Become a caregiver and join the Angel family! Enjoy good health through exercise. Contact Cecelia Jernegan at 928-458-4729. For more information check out: www.visitingangels/flagstaff or www.visitingangels/prescott.

10 Kitchen Gadgets to Keep Seniors Safe!

No matter how much you try to ensure your senior loved ones are safe and secure at home, household accidents can still happen. Many of these mishaps take place in the kitchen.

Some of the dangers in the kitchen include:
Burns by boiling water or liquids
Slips and falls on floors
Cuts using knives and sharp objects
Irritations in the eyes
Accidental fires caused unattended stoves or ovens

While kitchen accidents can happen to anyone, seniors who live independently may be more vulnerable than most. Normal aging causes many changes to the body, such as decreased coordination, muscle loss, vision changes, and minor memory lapses. These changes may catch the elderly off guard and could lead to accidents and injuries in the kitchen. The risks increase if they are also experiencing signs of dementia.

Cooking and Baking Safety Tools for Seniors
New high-tech gadgets make it easy for older adults to get all the benefits of aging in place while reducing the risk of dangerous kitchen accidents.
Here are 10 gadgets to make cooking and baking safer for seniors:
Cut-resistant gloves and finger protectors

Chopping, slicing, and dicing meat and vegetables are some of the most common kitchen activities. Cut-resistant gloves or finger protectors can help the elderly handle knives in the kitchen to prevent nicks or cuts.

Safety cutting boards

Safety cutting boards can also help seniors avoid cuts in the kitchen. These boards come with a rubber surface to prevent it from sliding and also include rounded guides to keep a knife from straying off track.

Vegetable choppers

Knife-free vegetable choppers are available for people who prefer not to use knives. After peeling vegetables, simply place them inside the chopper and press down on the top to guarantee a perfect cut.

Electric can and jar openers

Many seniors have difficulty gripping and opening jars or cans because of conditions such as osteoarthritis. In these situations, electric can and jar openers can help prevent painful gripping and twisting. They can also lower the risk of cuts or other injuries from a sharp can lid or dropped glass jar.

Easy-pour electric kettles


Electric kettles help prevent burns by avoiding hot surfaces to heat water. Easy pour kettles go one step further by using a stand to tip the kettle directly into a mug, without needing to pick it up at all.

Clip-on strainers


Another way to prevent accidental scalding is through clip-on strainers. Simply clip the strainer onto a pan and pour the water out into the sink – no need to hold the strainer in place with one hand and aim with the other.

Kitchen timers


Kitchen timers are useful for older adults who are prone to memory lapses. These gadgets can alert an inattentive cook to the roast they left in the oven or the pasta that’s about to finish boiling.

Automatic shutoff stoves and ovens


Automatic shutoff ovens and stoves can help prevent overcooked food and fires in the kitchen. These are useful for seniors struggling with memory lapses.

Oven rack guards


Oven rack guards can help prevent accidental contact burns. They are made from heat-resistant material and can be clipped onto the front end of the oven rack to prevent a hand or arm from making contact with a hot surface.

Anti-fatigue, nonslip kitchen floor mats


For seniors who spend a lot of time standing in the kitchen, an anti-fatigue and nonslip kitchen mat can be a big help. These floor mats reduce pressure on the feet, knees, and lower back and provide a nonslip surface to stand on. They also alleviate stress on feet and knees.

In-Home Care Can Provide Household Safety for Seniors

Your senior loved one may need more than a gadget to keep them safe in the kitchen. Visiting Angels’ caregivers can serve as a watchful eye and another set of hands to assist with grocery shopping, cooking, and meal prep.

The safety and security of seniors are our primary concerns at Visiting Angels. Your local home care agency can provide you with peace of mind and perform a free in-home safety assessment at your convenience. Our care providers will carefully tailor services to your loved one’s specific safety concerns and challenges.

If you’re interested in more information about non-medical in-home care you can help your senior loved ones by contacting Cecelia Jernegan at Visiting Angels Prescott or Visiting Angels Flagstaff office at 928-458-4729.


Or www.visitingangels/flagstaff or www.visitingangels/prescott.

The Bluffs of Flagstaff ~ Flastaff's Newest Senior Living Community Opening Fall 2021

Our community will be opening its doors Fall of 2020. Visit us today to make your reservation now. Imagine an intimate and authentic retirement lifestyle enhanced by custom-tailored, five-star-quality service in an upscale community at the edge of a picturesque mountain forest. That’s exactly what life is like here at The Bluffs of Flagstaff.

In addition to beautiful yet homelike surroundings that create an atmosphere imbued with relaxed elegance, our community is full of friendship, resort-inspired amenities, top-tier services, and delicious, restaurant-style dining. Our signature Passion Program supports an active lifestyle through endless opportunities to both reminisce and make new memories. Plus, access to a complete continuum of care across independent living, assisted living, and memory care all on one campus offers peace of mind to both residents and their loved ones.

We are passionate about providing the best retirement lifestyle for all of our residents. After all, we may call this idyllic place we’ve created The Bluffs of Flagstaff — but our residents simply call it home.

Experience Senior Living for All Seasons Near Walnut Canyon in Majestic Flagstaff

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​We are offering private tours at our new offsite Welcome Center and are currently taking reservations to secure your apartment of choice. The Bluffs of Flagstaff is offering many incentives for early reservations, so please call 928-291-2710 or visit us on the web at The Bluffs of Flagstaff.

https://civitasseniorliving.com/our-communities/the-bluffs-of-flagstaff/

Quality of Life For Seniors & Fall Prevention

Every second of every day, an older adult suffers a fall in the U.S. – making falls the number one cause of injury and death from injury among older Americans. In fact, according to the CDC, “One out of every four older adults will fall each year” making this a health concern for the population over 65 years old. About 36 million older adults fall each year and 3 million older adults are treated in emergency care for an injury related to a fall. However, falls are preventable and do not need to be a normal part of aging. You can take steps to reduce your risk of falling.

https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/fall-prevention-is-a-necessary-part-of-senior-quality-of-life/

Visiting Angels ~ Care Specialist of the Year Award!

Glassford Place Senior Living Community Receives Its First COVID-19 Vaccine To Patients & Staff

Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona Receives 2021 Best of Home Care - Leader in Excellence Award

Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, Cottonwood, Show Low, Payson – Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona announced today that it received the distinguished 2021 Best of Home Care –Leader in Excellence Award from Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in quality assurance for home care.

The Leader in Excellence Award is the highest recognition awarded by Home Care Pulse and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics. As a Leader in Excellence, Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona is now ranked among the top 10% of home care providers participating in the nationwide Home Care Pulse Satisfaction Management Program.

This accomplishment demonstrated long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. To qualify for this award, 10% of Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by Home Care Pulse. Over a 12-month period, Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, etc. Using feedback from clients and employees, as well as quality benchmarks from Home Care Pulse, the Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona management team set goals to reach the highest level of excellence possible.

Katrina Poole Director of Care for the Northern Arizona offices stated: “These awards are only possible when you have great caregivers and great staff.  They make the difference”. We are so honored to once again receive this award for 2021”.    The Best of Home Care – Leader in Excellence Award highlights the top-performing home care businesses in the nation. Home Care Pulse believes that by honoring these providers, families looking for in-home care for a loved one will be able to recognize and choose a trusted home care provider.

“At Home Care Pulse, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations,” says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse. “When we see agencies like Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona that have made an effort to provide outstanding care and employment experiences, we know we’re on the right track. Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona has worked extremely hard to provide high-quality care and employment, and their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. This award allows them to provide proof of quality to potential and new clients and caregivers.” 

To find out more about Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona commitment to excellence, please visit https://www.visitingangels.com/flagstaff/home or https://www.visitingangels.com/prescott/home 
or call 928-220-4100. 

About Home Care Pulse

Home Care Pulse is the industry’s leading firm in satisfaction research, quality assurance, and caregiver training. On behalf of home care businesses across North America, Home Care Pulse gathers unbiased satisfaction ratings from clients and caregivers and detailed feedback to ensure the best in-home care possible can be provided. Powerful online reports allow businesses to identify needs and take action to reduce increase satisfaction, reduce caregiver turnover, and address client needs. Home Care Pulse combines detailed client/caregiver insights with top-rated caregiver training through In The Know. For more information, please call Home Care Pulse at (877) 307-8573 or visit homecarepulse.com.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition

 We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the Northern Arizona SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide 

Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition
 Who We Are

Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition is a community-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit established in 1992 to solve the critical social issue of older adults living alone without family or friends to help assist them with activities crucial to their independence so they can remain in their homes.

Our mission is to provide accessible transportation and programs, through volunteer services, to support adults in need of assistance to maintain their independence and quality of life at home.

Over 250 volunteers provide assistive services that include: transportation to medical and other appointments, rides to the grocery store, shopping, and other errands, business assistance such as bill paying and sorting, and handy person help. Volunteers also provide respite assistance to in-home caregivers and patient scribe assistance during medical appointments. Volunteers also conduct activities to ensure clients are regularly visited and stay connected through friendly visits and phone calling.  VVCC also loans Guardian Angel emergency alert units to qualified adults who are at risk for falling and provide pet assistance for low income clients.

Coronavirus Legal Resource Center ~ Legal Shield

The Coronavirus pandemic has raised several legal questions and concerns. Getting sound legal advice and support at a time like this can go a long way in reducing your stress and protecting your rights. 

LegalShield lawyers have been working around the clock to provide 4.4 million people and businesses the guidance they need. We are committed to remaining open and available throughout the pandemic to provide legal support.

 

Learn more about how to protect yourself and your legal rights during these uncertain times. Please share with people you care about. Visit our Coronavirus Legal Resource Center here: 

https://covid19.wearelegalshield.com/?utm_source=pbls.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=wals-623&utm_campaign=user_nancywinters

 

Thank you for your allowing our attorneys to help you through our membership.  Who do you know that my need some legal advice during this pandemic? 

 

Please let me know if we may be of service!

Nancy Winters

Small Business & Group Benefits Specialist

LegalShield & IDShield

​901-210-3194

VIKOR SCIENTIFIC Approved Testing for COVID-19

"Vikor Scientific™ is a high complexity CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina that has been approved to test for COVID-19 as of 3-23-2020. The testing will be conducted via the QuantStudio™ 12K Flex Open Array from Thermo Fisher, which is an industry-leading instrument for PCR testing and has the capacity for high throughput, allowing Vikor to test a high volume of patients daily.

Vikor’s testing has a 24-hour turn-around-time upon sample arrival at the lab and can accurately detect over 40 pathogens known to cause respiratory illness.  Just as important, they have one of the largest antibiotic resistance gene panels on the commercial market. Our test reports provide quantitative pathogen results, resistance gene identification and pharmacy guided recommendations.  Should any further assistance be needed, our infectious disease trained PharmDs are available by phone for personal patient consultations. Test results are faxed and loaded onto our portal for easy access.

In effort to protect our most vulnerable population, Vikor Scientific has prioritized offering Respira-ID with COVID-19 testing to LTC facilities nationwide for all symptomatic or exposed patients at risk. Vikor has a step-by-step implementation process that educates the staff on proper collection, completion of the paperwork and obtaining test results.

It is vital during this time to remember that while the COVID-19 virus is our most recent and urgent pathogen invading the United States, there are other significant pathogens that cause hospitalization and death daily.  Vikor’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Bill W. Massey, urges providers to conduct full panel testing to not only detect or rule out COVID-19, but to also determine what may be causing the patient’s symptoms. The causative pathogen could be viral, bacterial, or co-infection and lead to significant illness, hospitalizations, and death.

To date the coinfection rate for patients 65 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19 with Vikor has been 76.1% with some patients having up 5 coinfections. The significance of this data cannot be understated clinically as both the COVID-19 virus and the coinfection must be treated at the same time. These coinfection leads to secondary infections which is the main causes of bacterial pneumonia which is treatable.        

Sincerely yours,

Bernie"

Bernie Wahl

Account Manager

(C) 602-499-3673

(F) 602-560-2463

bwahl@vikorscientific.com

www.vikorscientific.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Connolly Real Estate Connection

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the

Northern Arizona SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options 

Eve Connolly offers 16 years as a Real Estate Professional serving the Quad City area.  The last 5 years my specialty is working with the Baby Boomer generation and Beyond. 

I assist, homeowners, in selling their home due to wanting to down size from two story home to a single level home, overwhelmed with current maintenance, health issues and/or capacity issues that may require we work with adult children, siblings, or Trustees with power of attorney in place. 

No matter what the reason for making a move, two consistent constants that I have experienced when seniors decide to sell their home are deferred maintenance and emotional attachments. 

In some cases it is financial, but in a majority of cases it is establishing a system or a road-map in how to tackle the process to make the move. 

I am a hands on person and believe in teamwork. I have established a template how to assist you in your move to your next home, with resources, when needed, to work within the close of escrow timeline.  

Call me today and let's talk about your needs and how I can assist you! 

Connolly Real Estate Connection

N. Eve Connolly, Broker/Owner

CRS, GRI, ePro,

Senior Real Estate Specialist

Certified Senior Advisor

Vetted and Fingerprinted

Buying and Selling Real Estate is different for Seniors than any other age group. Specializing in serving Baby Boomer and Beyond

“Raising the Bar in Customer Services”

Free Comparable Analysis

Free Home Staging (Former Professional Stager)

Pre-Listing Preparation Counseling

Deferred Maintenance Resources

Local and National Realtor Referral Resource

  Phone: (928) 713-0756

 eve8835@gmail.com    www.RetirementInPrescott.comm

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Love My Senior Moments

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the 

Northern Arizona SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options

For the homeowner to go through one of the most expensive and challenging transitions is when the decision is to sell their home. 

We understand this to be a very personal journey for our seniors to go through and we advise them to find a CSA (certified senior advisor) professional, who has knowledge about aging, health, social and financial issues that effect the majority of seniors and have experience in such an important transition. All types of services such as house hold chores, hair washing if they are mobile, paying billis, health checks ( checking in to make sure they are o.k.) usually every couple of days or by phone with an in home check once a week. Grocery shopping all the daily stuff that makes things easier.

If you want to stay where you are, the sale of your home is not necessary.  However, if you are looking to relocate, first and foremost are the questions of where will you move to, how will you pay for it and most important is how you will live. Once these three questions have been answered, we assist our seniors by aligning our self with their vision and mission through respect and encouragement in order to bring and keep unity. 

This is accomplished through establishing a system that works for the homeowner to keep their autonomy and an effective timeline to reach the organizational objectives. Should challenges occur (red flags) we are there to promote and protect their interests. The CSA code of ethics are: Competence, Honesty, Trustworthiness, Fairness and Professionalism. 

Call us today to learn more about our personalized senior services.  

Connolly Real Estate Connection

N. Eve Connolly, Broker/Owner

CRS, GRI, ePro,

Senior Real Estate Specialist

Certified Senior Advisor

Vetted and Fingerprinted

Buying and Selling Real Estate is different for Seniors than any other age group. Specializing in serving Baby Boomer and Beyond

“Raising the Bar in Customer Services”

Free Comparable Analysis

Free Home Staging (Former Professional Stager)

Pre-Listing Preparation Counseling

Deferred Maintenance Resources

Local and National Realtor Referral Resource

  Phone: (928) 713-0756

 eve8835@gmail.com    www.RetirementInPrescott.comm

People Who Care Executive Director Job Opening - Prescott Arizona

Living with Alzheimer's: When YOU Are the Statistic

LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S: WHEN YOU ARE THE STATISTIC


Tucsonan Kathleen McCormack, an accomplished woman with a long and varied career in health policy, gerontology and career coaching, now has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  

For a health professional like her, the irony of living with Alzheimer’s disease is particularly poignant.

Having known Kathleen for 22 years, I recognized that she was showing some signs of cognitive decline. Greeting cards started coming a month or more before my birthday.  She began missing birthday lunch gatherings (including her own) because she couldn’t find the restaurant.

Terry, her husband of 50 years, noticed something as well. 

“When I had my first inklings that Kathleen was having short-term memory problems, I waited for awhile and also consulted with other family members to make sure before I sat down with her to discuss it.  Although she was resistant, Kathleen allowed me to be present during her next consult with her doctor (an internal medicine specialist). Well, not only did Kathleen resist (at first) but so did her PCP.  This surprised me.”

Eight months and several appointments later, Kathleen got her referral—and diagnosis.  How is she dealing with it?

“It’s a long and winding road that plays out differently for everyone,” she notes, and there are emotional ups and downs from day to day.  “This is not like surgery or an illness, when you expect to get better and to recover.  In our culture, people expect to get better.”

The first step is deciding what to say—and when. “For all of us, the question is, ‘Whom do you talk to?  Whom do you tell?’”

Managing the family’s response is another important consideration.  “They’re going through their own feelings of anger, sorrow and denial,” she says.

Now, she wants to help others facing a similar diagnosis.

Two of her siblings also have begun to exhibit signs of memory loss. Urging them to be proactive, Kathleen has taken on the delicate and difficult task of encouraging them to have a neurological assessment.

Because of her health industry background, Kathleen understands the importance of research.  She is participating in a worldwide study of individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease on gantenerumab, a prospective drug developed by Hoffmann LaRoche and Genentech.  She does not know if she has the placebo or the drug.  

When the study concludes in two years, all randomized participants will have access to the drug, if it proves safe and effective.

In the meantime, she has found an unexpected upside. “I’ve started writing rhyming poetry, something I’ve never done before.”   

Terry also is upbeat about his wife’s journey.

“Right now, Kathleen is doing well, and I see small improvements in her ability to remember things. This may be because of the behavioral modifications that she has made herself, after doing her own research on short-term memory improvement. It could also be from the positive effect of the study drug, or maybe just a placebo effect. Regardless, I am hoping that this will continue.”

---by Jodi Goalstone.  She serves on the Regional Leadership Committee of the Alzheimer Association’s Desert Southwest Chapter in Southern Arizona.  https://www.alz.org/dsw

Rancher Services Coordinator Job Opportunity in Camp Verde Arizona at Rainbow Acres

Rainbow Acres is seeking a
Full Time Rancher Services Coordinator 
responsible for implementing a holistic care plan for each special needs resident (Rancher) with a focus on transition and retention.  With work closely with the Admissions team, Health and Wellness staff and Caregivers.  Will be responsible for the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program in accordance with EAGLE accreditation and the standards set out by the organization.

Must be able to take initiative to address the needs of incoming residents and current residents in seasons of increased need.  This is a safety sensitive position.  Evidence of strong Christian commitment is desirable.

Minimum Qualifications:
* Master's degree in Social Work or in a related field such as Special Education Five years experience working with Special Needs adults aged 18 and older.
* Highly effective verbal and written communication skills

*Establish and maintain effective work relationships with Ranchers, Families, Caregivers, other employees, volunteers and the general public

* Ability to work with both people and processes.

*Evidence of strong ethical standards and moral character is essential along with sensitivity to the needs of the Ranchers.

Benefits: 
Excellent benefits include medical, dental and vision, life insurance, generous sick leave and vacation accrual, 9 paid holidays a year including employee's birthday, 403.b retirement that Rainbow Acres contributes $50.00 per month.

Mission Statement for Rainbow Acres Rainbow Acres, a residential
Christian community with heart, empowers persons with developmental disabilities to live to his/her fullest potential with dignity and purpose.

You may apply online at www.rainbowacres.com.  
Click the "Serve Here" tab and fill out the online application
and attach your resume.

Rainbow Acres is an Equal Opportunity Employer

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, Jill Anderson, GRI, ABR, CNE

I am the real estate agent in Prescott and the Phoenix area your family can rely on to work hard for you! A REALTOR® who is familiar with the new housing developments, market conditions, property features, area schools and employment is important to finding the right home and closing your real estate transaction uninterrupted. I truly enjoy the opportunity of helping my clients experience the best possible outcome when buying or selling their home!

I can help you find the perfect house and transition to your new home seamlessly.  I would love to help you research market areas and community features, as well as prepare you for the steps required to successfully sell your home for top dollar. With more than 18 years of experience and ranked in the top 1% in Arizona, I will bring the skills and experience to navigate through any challenge. Whether you're buying, selling, investing or just doing research, you'll need an agent who understands technology, negotiating, problem solving, & market conditions and how to apply it to a successful closing.

Thank you,

Jill Anderson, GRI, ABR, CNE

Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty

34305 N Scottsdale Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85266

Exceptional Service…Remarkable Results!

Jillandersonrealtor.com

602.617.6794

928-792-1242 (Prescott Office)

480.624.3458 (Fax)

Area Agency on Aging Full Time Job Posting for Show Low & Flagstaff Arizona

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Legal Shield & ID Shield

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the 

Northern Arizona SPOTLIGHT Senior Services &
Living Options Guide

  

How We Got Here:    In 1969, our founder, Harland Stonecipher, had an epiphany. He found himself financially unprepared for the legal costs he incurred from an accident, even though it wasn’t his fault. From that day forward, he was determined to make sure everyone had affordable access to legal care—no matter how traumatic or trivial the situation. Thus, LegalShield was born.

Access for all:   Legal issues can be costly. Decades ago, our own founder discovered that the hard way. So we’re leveling the playing field. With affordable access to trusted legal counsel, you can focus more on the issue at hand, and less on whether you can afford it.

Worry Less, Live More:   We believe that by educating, protecting, and serving our members, we can improve their lives dramatically. With a law firm by your side, you can walk through life knowing you are protected every step of the way.

Legal Coverage without the Complexity:   In short, life can be unpredictable, and the law can be complicated. We’ve created a model for legal coverage in which you know exactly what you’re getting and precisely how much you’re paying for it. Once you sign up, you can sit back, relax, and know you’re covered by an entire law firm.

Our Mission For more than 40 years, our goal has been to take a straightforward, practical approach to legal coverage. We carried those same values through to the LegalShield process itself, laid out below in three easy steps:

Step 1: Become a Member:   Pick a plan for your family or your small business. You'll be connected with a local team of lawyers with extensive knowledge of regional laws and regulations. After you’re signed up, download the app to communicate with your firm in just a few clicks.

Step 2: Go About Your Day:   No one plans on legal trouble. But when life throws you a curveball, we can make sense of the legal complexities and help you come out on top. From estate planning and traffic violations to family law and civil litigation—no matter what trouble you run into, give your team a call. Your representative will be in touch within hours.

Step 3: Huddle With Your Lawyer:  Now it’s time to strategize. Your lawyer will review your case and discuss your options with you. It could be as simple as reviewing a document, writing a demand letter, or making a phone call on your behalf. Should the issue lead to some time in court—whether as a defendant or a plaintiff—you get at least 25% off your lawyer’s hourly rates, even if the issue started before you were a member. At the end of it all, you can breathe easy. The biggest benefit of LegalShield is knowing you have a legal team in your side. Worry less. Live more. We’ve got you covered.

LegalShield is a pioneer in providing legal plans for over 45 years. Our mission for over 45 years has been a straightforward, practical approach. In a perfect world, you’d never need a lawyer, but in an unpredictable world it helps to have a team of lawyers on your side. LegalShield has made smart legal coverage simple - in the form of accessible, affordable, full-service coverage Identity theft impacts millions of people each year.  IDShield is also protecting our members.  Criminals are using a variety of scams & hacks to collect & steal your personal information. Dark web, social and identity and credit monitoring are all part of our service. Should your identity be stolen, we offer full restoration services as part of your membership.

Contact Nancy Winters, Independent Associate  

https://nancywinters.wearelegalshield.com

ncwiwnters88@yahoo.com 

901.210.3194