Download pdf - Fall 2013 Magazine

Fall 2013

From The Heart Of Caregivers . . .

2 Real Services Fall 2013

Have you given much thought about your “encore” years? John did, over 12,000 biking miles ago when he moved to Greencroft Goshen, a Continuing Care Living Community. He’s still pedaling.

Oh, he wrote eight books too. Three in a second language. He’s just getting started.

Living in a Continuing Care Living Community alleviates the hassles of home ownership and provides easy access to assisted living and healthcare services. What a relief!

My Encore:Pedal and Pen

www.greencroftcommunities.org

Live, Here. For the Best of Your Life.

–John, 88 years young Greencroft Goshen resident

Begin your “encore” as early as age 55 in one of our Continuing Care Living Communities

Goshen, Middlebury, New Carlisle, South Bend Call us at 574-537-4150 to begin.

REAL ServicesWeb Site

www.realservices.org

• Learn about about our services• Make a referral for In-Home Services• Find job opportunities• Find volunteer opportunities• Request your free copy of REAL Connections• Request an Ad packet for REAL Connections

REALSERVICES

Area 2 Agency on AgingAdvisory Council

Ms. Dawn BielaMs. Cara CampbellMr. Hassan DabagiaMs. Jo FaulknerMs. Shirley GidleyMr. Bill GilroyMs. Pam GuntermanMs. Susan HawkMs. Pat HollarMr. J.P. HoyerMr. Hollis HughesMr. Cary Kelsey

Ms. Sally LaRoccaMr. Richard MahMs. Pam MathewsMs. Tara MorrisMs. Anita McCollesterMs. Pat McQuadeMr. Rey NiedMs. Mary Ann RichardsMs. Karla SchoofMr. Harvey SieffMs. Marquerite TaylorMs. Celesta Vaughan

or find us on the web

http://www.greencroft.org/

3www.realservices.org

ASCSeniorCare.com

“Where caring people make the difference!”

Caring People Make the DifferenceWhen you walk into American Senior Communities, the difference is clear: there is a passion our people bring to their work that you simply won’t find in any other senior healthcare community.

When someone chooses to live at American Senior Communities, we become an extension of their family. We take the time to get to know each of our residents and their families on a personal level. Our community is made up of individuals and with that in mind, we focus on serving individual needs.

“Some people search a lifetime for

their calling. I found my calling,

my extended family and a home

away from home at American

Senior Communities.”

–Ryan Levengood,Executive Director,

American Senior Communities.

For information on these and other Indiana locations, visit ASCSeniorCare.com

ELKHARTEast Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 574-264-1133Riverside Village 574-522-2020

SOUTH BENDCardinal Nursing & Rehabilitation 574-287-6501West Bend Nursing & Rehabilitation 574-282-1294

Our Services:

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Table of Contents

For Active and Informed Adults

Fall 2013

12

LETTERS6 Letter from the President of REAL Services8 Letter from the Director, Area Agency on Aging

FEATURE ARTICLES10 Caregivers16 Solutions/Resources for Family Caregivers16 What is a Support Group17 Adult Day Services18 REAL Services Merger22 Luncheon Event Of The Year24 REAL Room Makeover26 Tips For Living Your Best Life:

Memory Loss: What’s Normal and Not Normal as we Age

GENERAL INFORMATION20 The Federal Budget and Resulting Changes

28 Ask SHIP31 Volunteer Opportunities34 Office Locations

26

22 24

REAL Services, Inc. is a not-for profit corporation which serves the elderly and individuals of all income levels in the counties of St. Joseph,Elkhart, LaPorte, Fulton, Marshall and Kosciusko. The objective of REAL Services is to assist those we serve in maintaining their inde-pendence to the maximum degree possible and find meaning and satisfaction throughout their lives. Please contact us at 574-284-2644, 1-800-552-7928, or [email protected]

On The Cover: Jane Lorton and her mother Isabel Batson circa 1945


THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS

This magazine is made possible due to the support of our advertisers.

As consumers, when you support them –you support us. Please let them knowwhen you contact them, that you sawtheir ad in this magazine.

A listing of all those organizations whoadvertised in this issue, is located at theback of this publication.

On behalf of all of us, thank you!


CAREGIVING – It’s complicated.

Caregiving – I don’t presume to be an expert. But,after working for 28 years in programs and serviceswith our older generations, I have learned a fewthings. First and foremost – all of us can expect tofeel the impact of this experience called “caregiv-ing”. It is a fact of life that affects every socio-eco-nomic group and all ages. Although most us of do notplan for this role, or discuss the issue with our familyor friends, chances are that caregiving will in facttouch our lives.

I have also learned that: There is no “one size fits all” solution for caregiv-ing. Families, and the personalities within those fami-lies, are all unique and the end result is a distinct care-giving challenge that is different for each and everyfamily. The traditional family roles that were in placebefore there was a need to provide care continue aseach family navigates the responsibilities of caregiving.

• The organized and strong daughter may step for-ward to organize the care for her mother, andargue with her father over the best course ofaction.

• In another family, a mother who has always beendependent on her daughter may increase herdependence and have high expectations for herworking daughter.

• In yet another family, the mother who has alwaysbeen independent, and proud of her independ-ence, may not accept help at all. To her daugh-ter’s chagrin, this mother prefers to risk her ownsafety rather than accept help from her daughter.

Each family member brings his/her own perspectives,opinions, and ideas to the caregiving table. These arethe very traits that make up the family itself.Geographic separations, extended families, and blend-ed families help to further demonstrate how eachhousehold is distinctive. Since there is no playbook, no

one-size fits all plan for caregiving, each family is des-tined to determine what will work for them. Whilemany families proceed in a very private and confiden-tial manner, other families are inclined to discuss theirconcerns with friends and co-workers.

As noted earlier – I do not presume to be an expert onthe topic of caregiving, but I do know experts and Iknow that Northern Indiana is rich with resources.I do not know all the solutions to the caregiving puz-zle, but I am fortunate to know others that do haveanswers and can offer help. The first place to start:

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) atREAL Services. REAL Services was the pilot for theAging and Disability Resource Center model for theState of Indiana. The concept was initiated by theCenters for Medicare and the Administration on Agingso that families had one central place to turn to forinformation about Long Term Care. The Aging andDisability Resource Center is available to anyone inNorthern Indiana, regardless of age or income. Theprofessionals who work in the ADRC are experts whoknow all of the community resources, costs of servicesand the options available to caregivers. Anyone whocontacts the ADRC will speak with an “OptionsCounselor.” Each Options Counselor is speciallytrained, knowledgeable, compassionate, and under-standing. Options Counselors provide nonbiased infor-mation and arm caregivers with what is needed tomake good decisions. Options Counselors are pre-pared to discuss Medicare, Medicaid, Home CareProviders, Home Modifications and Repair, SeniorHousing Options, Elder Law Attorneys, Assisted LivingFacilities, Nursing Homes, Support Groups, and more.REAL Services is a private non-profit agency that existsto serve older adults. It is not tied to any medicalorganization or business. This allows the ADRC to beindependent in its recommendations. It is the ONEresource for answers and information about all things

Letter From The President

www.realservices.org 7

“Aging”. To contact the ADRC, call 574-284-2644 or 1-800-552-7928.

In addition to the ADRC, our community can to turn toAlzheimer’s and Dementia Services of NorthernIndiana – there is not a better trained or a more car-ing group than the staff and volunteers of Alzheimer’sand Dementia Services of Northern Indiana. In theireffort to assist family caregivers, Support Groups arecoordinated throughout Northern Indiana. In addition,regular training and education is offered to individualsand groups. Families and caregivers become betterequipped to provide care after learning more about thedisease, treatments and tips. In addition, an Adult DayService program is offered Monday through Fridaywhere specially trained Nursing, Social Service, andActivity professionals care for individuals with a varietyof disabilities. Caregivers from all over NorthernIndiana have stated that there is no better resourcethan Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services. To contactAlzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indianacall (574) 232-4121 or 1-888-303-0180.

Our community has services, education, information,and support – options as varied as the needs of eachunique caregiver. The best places to learn about theseresources are with the experts in the Aging and

Rebecca Zaseck,President/CEOREAL Services

REAL SERVICES INC.BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013

Mr. Edward G. BaerMs. Heather BirkeyMr. Bruce J. BonDurantSenator John E. BrodenDr. JoAnn M. BurkeMs. Mary Jo CampbellMs. Peggy CugginoMr. William W. CushwaMs. Mary K. DownesMr. Thomas S. EhlersMr. Steven A. GoldbergMs. Laura F. Hennings

Ms. Debra JenkinsMr. R. Wyatt MickMr. Peter H. MullenMs. Karen NevorskiMr. Daniel H. PfeiferMr. E. Jack ReedMr. Timothy D. SextonMs. Mary Jane StanleyMr. Steven C. WattsMs. Colette WolfsonSenator Joseph C. Zakas

Disability Resource Center of Northern Indiana – and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of NorthernIndiana.

Services from Center for Hospice Care are typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. ©2013 Center for Hospice Care

For more than 33 years, Center for Hospice Care has helped over

25,000 patients live their �nal months on their terms, providing the

depth of services they need to have the highest quality of life possible.

To learn more or self-refer, call anytime.

1-800-HOSPICE or CenterForHospice.org

Choose to make the most of life

http://centerforhospice.org/


Letter From The Director

It’s really just a word,until you’ve been one.Now it is an emotion-ally charged descrip-tor that elicits animmediate anddeliberate responsefrom me - always.I’ve been a caregiv-er and just hearingthe word can takeme back to thatexperience. It is aword that is imbuedwith emotion – joy,grief, compassion and adevastating sense of futility.

At that time in my life I was try-ing desperately to stay on top of allmy responsibilities and felt that bydividing my attention to my familyand to my mother, no one was get-ting a very good result. I rememberthinking that this wasn’t likely toend well. It’s especially hard tokeep your mind hopeful and opti-mistic when you know thatimprovement is unlikely and declineis almost certain. The most difficultpart for me was that I wasn’t privyto a timeline. In my mind I wouldhave at least had some sense ofcontrol if I knew what lay aheadand when to expect it. It seemedespecially cruel to experience daysof hope, followed quickly thereafterby rapid and unexplained decline.But such is the way for caregivers.

I did my best to stay on top ofeverything that my mother neededand to anticipate her next need. Iwas her advocate and her confidant,

even as she was losing herability to communicateand reason. But itwas especially chal-lenging to find joy.Most encounterswere troubling,grievous and over-whelmingly sad. Ittook a consciouseffort to find joy,but I found it. Ibegan every visitwith saying out loud,

“what will you teachme today, Mom”?

It helped me to believe thatthere was a lesson that I had tolearn about every encounter andevery visit. I needed to believe thatthere was some kind of good thatwould eventually come from her ill-ness and from my involvement. Ihad to believe I would be a betterperson or better able help to some-one else through their experience.There had to be purpose because Ididn’t want to believe the cruelty ofher disease could be “just because”.

What I learned about myself wasinvaluable, but what I learned abouther was golden. I could never havelearned what I did had we notshared all that precious time whenshe was so vulnerable. I receivedthe blessings of insight and under-standing about who she was andhow she had become the personshe had become, one who I hadoften locked horns with. When youlove someone there is no limit oncompassion or energy.

It was also that experience thattaught me to value humility. Thosereceiving the care, no matter howindependent or how proud, have toaccept help from anyone willing togive it. There is no room for pride,for arrogance, and no value in “sta-tus”. At that point, you’re hangingonto each thread and grateful tothose who will weave the threadsinto a blanket of love and compas-sion. Even the most proud arehumbled and caregivers know andrespect that. I learned not to judgebut to go to a place where onlycompassion resides.

Many times there were weeks ofhurtful and unkind comments thatcame from the depths of herdementia and confusion. But everynow and again, there would be atender and amazingly kind wordthat let me know how much shevalued our being a lifeline for her.Oddly, two years later I onlyremember the kind words not thehurtful ones. One of the gifts givento caregivers.

Close to the end of my mother’slife, I will always believe I wasgiven a glance into her future. Itwas an odd moment when I wastalking to her in the hope thatmaybe she could hear me, thoughshe herself was unable to communi-cate. I was telling her that wewould all be okay, that there wasno need to worry or to be afraid. Ireminded her that she would soongo to a wonderful place where shewould again see her parents and thebrothers she cherished. Suddenly

Careg iver .

and unexpectedly, I felt an overwhelming sense of hap-piness like I had never known before, my heart felt asthough it would burst and I was overcome with joy forher. All I could say was, “Oh Mom, it will be so won-derful”. I truly believe that in that one brief second, Iwas given a glimpse of what heaven is. From thatmoment until her death a few days later, I found apeace I hadn’t known in the year previ-ously as we witnessed her sudden illnessand slow decline.

And to me, those are the blessings ofbeing a caregiver. You witness the depthof your capacity to love someone, and ifyou keep your eyes and your heart open,you receive gifts that sustain you, forever.

In this issue, the amazing Jane Lortonhas managed to capture in words and pic-tures, the heart of a caregiver. You’ll seethey look just like you and I. You’ll alsosee that theirs is a heart unlike any other.It is tender, compassionate, loving andboundless. I hope you find their amazingstories an inspiration too if you are acaregiver yourself or know someone whois. And as our country continues to age, Ihope you remember the stories you’ve

read and continue to support programs that support thecaregivers who are out there weaving their blankets ofmercy.


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What is a caregiver? The Family Caregiver

Alliance defines caregiver as:“an unpaid individual (a spouse,partner, friend, neighbor, familymember) involved in assistinganother with activities of dailyliving and/or medical tasks.Formal caregivers are paid careproviders providing care inone’s home or in a care setting(daycare, residential, care facility, etc.) In November,2012, there were 65.7 million caregivers providing careto someone who is ill, disabled or aged. 52 millionprovide care to adults (aged 18+) with a disability orillness.” And according to Gallup research, more thanone in six Americans who have a full-time or part-timejob report that they assist with care for an elderly ordisabled family member, relative, or friend. Theeconomic impact of caregiving in 2009 was estimatedto be at $450 billion per year and will likely continueto be the largest source of long-term care services inthe U.S. since the aging population 65+ will more thandouble between 2000 and 2030, increasing to 71.5 mil-lion caregivers! The Evercare National Alliance forCaregiving Study of Caregivers – What They Spend,What they Sacrifice (2007) provides an important in-depth look at the financial and other “personal costs”of caregiving; it documented that as many as 17 millionpeople are spending on average more than 10% oftheir annual income on caregiving expenses. Thereport also revealed that family caregivers who have anannual median income of $43,026 spend on average$5531 each year on caregiving. Further, the study

reported that at lower incomelevels, the annual average costsremained about $5500 – makingthe financial burden evengreater. According to the survey,many family caregivers areinvolved in both providinghands-on care and paying forneeded goods and services.That being said, this issue ofREAL Connections is devoted to

the stories of informal caregivers in our communitiesand the impact caregiving has had on their lives. Theyare daughters, sons, wives, and mothers; they maywork beside you in your office; live in your neighbor-hood; they may even share your pew in church. Eachindividual has a unique story to tell and they eachhope that by sharing these very personal experiences,other caregivers will be encouraged to continue in theirown caregiving responsibilities. In addition, hopefully,other caregivers will be able to glean solutions fromthese stories in order to lighten their own caregivingburdens.

We have divided the stories into three (3) sections: #1. FEELING EMOTIONALLY BURDENED BYPROVIDING CARE FOR ANOTHER PERSON

#2. FEELING PHYSICALLY BURDENED BY PRO-VIDING CARE FOR ANOTHER PERSON and

#3. FEELING FINANCIALLY BURDENED BY PRO-VIDING CARE FOR ANOTHER PERSON


Careg ivers .

“ THERE ARE ONLY FOUR KINDS OFPEOPLE IN THE WORLD: THOSE WHOHAVE BEEN CAREGIVERS, THOSE WHOARE CURRENTLY CAREGIVERS, THOSEWHO WILL BE CAREGIVERS AND THOSE

WHO WILL NEED CAREGIVERS.”— Rosalynn Carter

Judy was one of the first care-givers to be interviewed. Her hus-band was diagnosed with earlyonset dementia when he was 59years old. Judy described her hus-band as her “soul mate” so this wasextremely difficult for her, for herhusband, as well as the rest of theirfamilies. “The emotional toll of pro-viding care for him has been heartbreaking. It has been so difficult towatch him lose the threads of theperson he used to be, and to feel

helpless knowing that I cannotmake it better for him, that there isno cure, and that it will only getworse. There are so many emotionsthat a caregiver goes through daily,depending upon the circumstancesof the moment, the stage of the dis-ease, and the length of time youhave been traveling on this journeytogether. Early on, there was shockat the diagnosis, fear of what it allmeant for both of us, anger that itwas happening, frustration with the

futility of the disease and what toexpect, pain in my heart for what hemust be experiencing, and a senseof total helplessness and devasta-tion. As his disease progressed, Ibecame overwhelmed by thetremendous loss and sense of griev-ing, but I also found that humor andpatience were key to helping usboth feel better. I am emotionallyrejuvenated by family and friendswho are compassionate and caring,

Feeling Emotionally Burdened By Providing Care For Another Person

Continued on page 11


but I am saddened by those whoare not able to deal with thechanges in him and would rather‘remember him as he was’, and thusbury their heads in the sand. Manyof those individuals have eitherdropped out of our lives or regularlyproffer excuses for their absence.As the years and disease have pro-gressed, I continue to be burdenedby the emotional loss of everythingthat we have shared together andthe future we had so carefullyplanned. I am saddened as I watchhim slowly decline, and I sometimesfeel sorry for myself that I am takingcare of my spouse as I would achild or an infant instead of enjoy-ing the strong, independent, accom-plished partner with whom I cher-ished sharing my life. However,there is no resentment toward himas he does not know, cannot speak,nor do most things for himself anymore. But he still smiles and givesme ‘rays of sunshine’ when he has amoment of clarity and responds tomy touch, or a kiss, or a smile.”Judy indicated that as time haspassed and as her husband’s condi-tion has deteriorated, she has beendrawn to various means for emo-tional support: “My mother is 86years old and we are very close. Ican call her any time to vent myfeelings. If I need to cry, I can cry.My friends are also very positiveand we support one another. Icould dwell on the negative — you

can choose to wallow in your situa-tion but you don’t have to.Alzheimer’s Services and their sup-port groups have been of utmostimportance during this diseaseprocess. It’s been important for meto know that someone else under-stands what I’m going through.”

Next, I interviewed Pam whowas the primary caregiver for hermother who has since died.“Emotional weightiness has a greatimpact on caregivers. While I cer-tainly experienced great on-goingemotional stirrings including sorrowfor what my mom was goingthrough, I also had emotions of loveand hope that prevented a ‘whirl-wind of heavy emotions’ from caus-ing an on-going downward spiralingemotional overload. Because of thelove and natural connection to mymom, emotions were always at theforefront of everything my familyand I did. The pain I felt was realand big; but the peace that Godgave was even more real.” Eventhough she was “emotionally bur-dened”, Pam’s church, her pastor,her faith gave her inner strength tocare for her mother. Pam recom-mends that caregivers need to carveout personal worship time whichwas so important to her in reducingthe emotional stress of caregiving.

That same advice was echoed byMartha, another caregiver who isstill providing care for her ownmother who is currently living in along-term care facility. Martha adds“I am always blessed to spend timewith my mother but at the sametime, it is challenging to spend allthe time with her that I would likebecause of other responsibilities.When I leave her, which could beemotionally burdensome, I just prayand ask God to care for my moth-er.”

Sharon is the parent of a spe-cial needs son who will soon betwenty years old. In addition,

Sharon is the primary contact for herparents who live in the Indianapolisarea. She and her husband feel theemotional stress of caregiving sincethey are unable toleave their son in thecare of ‘just’ anyother person. Hefunctions at the levelof an eighteen-month old childwhich means he hasto be toileted, fed,dressed, and bathed. And eventhough he is able to ambulate, herequires one-on-one supervision inorder to keep him safe. Sharon andher husband must coordinate theirschedules so that one of them iswith him at all times. “Being acaregiver is stressful and the familystress is unbelievable” Sharon adds.When Sharon is called away to assisther parents, the emotional stressescalates. For support, they reachout to both sides of their families aswell as to good friends and to theirfaith community. “Part is faith; partcomes from family; and part comesfrom friends.”

John and his wife Marlowwere living in Chicago when theymade the decision to relocate to theSouth Bend area in order to assisthis parents as their health began todecline. John’s father, who died in2010, suffered from dementia. Hismother is still living and thriving asare John and his wife. Theyseemed very happy as they haveinvested in a new business of pro-fessional caregiving, Home Instead. Even though John’s mother is cur-rently living in a local healthcarefacility, he remains a very “hands-on” caregiver. And John offered“my father had dementia, whichnone of us adequately understood atthe time, so we were not only feel-ing guilty but confused. And as thedisease progressed, the guilt and



Careg ivers .

care-fatigue got much stronger. Myfamily realized too late that you cangive all of the love and affection

you want, but if your loved one hasdementia, you need to be educatedin order to provide truly compas-sionate care.”

Kathleen, who provides carefor her father and is also his legalguardian says: “I find myself heart-broken, watching the decline in myfather’s condition. I am helpless inhelping him. I find few words thatwould ease this pain. I make everyeffort to share a warm smile or achuckle. I am in disbelief at what Iam seeing. Even though I am

mentally overwhelmed and exhaust-ed, I remind myself to stay peacefuland calm. I know that I over-ana-lyze, I worry about every detail, notonly how it will affect my dad butalso the other members of my fami-ly.” For Kathleen, (she has 3 sib-lings), prioritizing tasks, makingdecisions, keeping her dad engagedwith others is also emotionallydraining. She asks herself, at times,“How did I get put in charge? Did Imiss anything? Do I have to do allof this?”

Feeling Emotionally Burdened By Providing Care For Another PersonContinued from page 11

According to a report from theCenters for Disease Control andPrevention, caregiving exacts atremendous toll on caregivers’health and well-being and accountsfor significant costs to families andsociety as well. Family caregivinghas been tied to increased levels ofdepression and anxiety as well asincreased use of psychoactive med-ications, poorer physical health,compromised immune function, andincreased mortality. (Kiecolt-Glaser& Glaser, 2001) Estimates suggestthat between 40 and 70 per cent ofcaregivers have clinically significantsymptoms of depression. Overtime, caregiving may erode one’ssubjective experience of health.(Wight, 1998) Common complaintsamong caregivers include fatigue,not getting enough sleep, not eatingright, not exercising, and basicallynot taking care of “yourself”. Inaddition, trying to work and caregive, trying to be present to spouse,children, other family members,maintain friendships, and othersocial connections are major difficul-ties.

Our interviews with family care-givers reflected the findings in these

reports. Most said that their ownmedical appointments and dentalappointments were postponed on aregular basis because of their care-giving responsibilities. Sharon saidthat anything related to generalhealth, like dentist appointments orcheck-ups, gets postponed becauseof her caregiving responsibilities.And keeping connected to friends,going to lunch, other social situa-tions were sometimes delayed orput on hold. In addition, “becauseour son weighs 130 pounds and heis total care, which includes dress-ing, feeding, toileting and shower-ing, the physical wear on our bodiesin great.”

For Pam, the physical tasks ofcaregiving and working a full-timejob took its toll on her. Many nightsshe was unable to sleep. “Withboth the physical stress and themental stress…well, it was like asnowball rolling down the side of asnow covered hill — it kept grow-ing. Balance and developing sup-ports for oneself as a caregiver areextremely important. I highly rec-ommend regular times of relief andrefreshment for all caregivers. Toooften we hear that caregivers them-

selves getsick due totheir dutiesof caregiv-ing. I hopeevery care-giver read-ing thisreally hearsmy heart onthe matter: Caring for yourself is car-ing for your loved one. So I recom-mend that you do your best tomake care giving as much of a teameffort as you can.”

Because Martha’s mother is in along-term care facility, she reportsthat the physical toll has beenreduced significantly. Martha visitsher mother in the facility each weekbut at this time, her mother is not ina position to leave the facility foroutings. “When I used to take mymother out, if my husband or sonwere not with me, it was physicallychallenging moving her and herwheel chair. I bought a vehiclewith her and the wheelchair inmind.”

For Judy, “It is extremely easyto get so wrapped up in taking careof your loved one that you either

Feeling Physically Burdened By Providing Care For Another Person


forget to take care of yourself, oryou put off allowing yourself timeto rejuvenate because you are con-sumed by their well-being.Extreme stress, constant emotionalups and downs, balancing work andcaregiving, worry, eating late andnot getting enough sleep DOEScatch up with you. I found myselfgetting light headed, having resonat-ing sounds in my ears and beingunable to sleep longer than twohours at a time. And I was justexhausted. I learned that you needto take a little time to stop andsmell the roses and do some thingsfor yourself so that your frame ofmind can be on task when youmust be there for our loved one,and you are fresh enough to givehim the love, comfort, support andsoulful peace that only you can givehim. Being involved in anAlzheimer’s and DementiaCaregivers’ group has helped me toconfirm and reinforce that I need

not feel guilty about taking time formyself in order to be a better caregiver and comforter when I am withhim.”

For Marlow and J.P. providingpersonal care for his father was verydifficult. As the physical careneeds escalate—help with toileting,bathing, transfers, dressing—thephysical burden on the family care-

giver can seem overwhelming.“With my dad, whom I consideredmy best friend, I absolutely did notenjoy being involved with hisbathing and toileting. Nor did Ithrive on driving across town to‘pick dad up’ again after he fell andlay helplessly, like an overturnedturtle, desperately trying to get upon his own. It would have helpedif I’d known what I was doing. Still,you give care out of love and let thechips fall where they may.”

Kathleen does not live with herdad but because she is his legalguardian and primary caregiver, shefinds less time to pursue her inter-ests in golf and exercise. “There isless time for me, for my husband,for my activities, no time to sleep inon Saturday morning, and my housework gets further and furtherbehind.” “I do remind myself tostay peaceful and calm in spite ofeverything.”

According to the State of IndianaProfile, there are 720,000 informalcaregivers in our state providing 780million hours of care and is valuedto be $ 7,500,000!!!

Family caregivers face financialburdens in addition to Physical andEmotional Burdens. On average,the out-of-pocket expenses for afamily caregiver are $2400 a year.(AARP, 2007) And long-term care-giving has significant financial con-sequences, particularly for women.Many caregivers face the loss ofincome of the care recipient, loss oftheir own income if they reducetheir work hours or leave the jobmarket, loss of employer-basedmedical benefits, shrinking of sav-ings to pay caregiving costs, and athreat to their retirement incomedue to fewer contributions to pen-

sions and other retirement vehicles.(AARP, 2008)

Judy is a perfect example of thisscenario; her husband lost his busi-ness which meant she became thebreadwinner. “Oh my, where tobegin? This can be overwhelmingand it certainly adds to the alreadyexisting stress. Through Alzheimer’sand Dementia Services of NorthernIndiana, I was able to learn of someof the resources that are availablefor assistance, and in turn, learnedwhat we do and do not qualify forin terms of that assistance. I alsolearned that it is important to talk toan elder-care-attorney, if possible, toreview your options for the possibil-ity of financially sustaining yourselfas time passes and the caregivingprogressively becomes more expen-sive. Nothing is rosy in this picture.

I am thankful to have a job to helppay for his care outside of our homeas insurance does not pay for this

Feeling Financially Burdened By Providing Care For Another Person



Careg ivers .

care, but I know that we will ulti-mately have to begin using our‘retirement’ reserves, and I worrywhat that will mean for my futurelivelihood. Everyone’s situation istotally different, but no matter whatthe circumstances, this disease caus-es a tremendous on-going financialburden that weighs heavily on thecaregiver.”

For Sharon and her husband,the financial concern is great. “Ourwish is for our son to be able to livein a clean and safe environment.We realize that he will probably livefor another 50+ years so we need tohave money available to provide forhis living arrangements, clothes,food and medical expenses. Giventhis, we are constantly trying tofinancially plan for his life.”

For Pam, “I was fortunate in thatI did not lose money nor go intodebt while caring for my mom as Idid continue to work full-time. I dosuggest, however, that someonewho has had to reduce their workhours or quit working all together totake care of a loved one, seek finan-cial advice in doing so.”

Martha’s family decided to shareresponsibilities when their mom’sdementia progressed. One sister, anurse, takes care of all things med-ical; the oldest sister takes care offinances; the rest of the siblingscome together to assure that theirmother has visitors and socializationon a regular basis. The entire fami-ly comes together for holidays,birthdays, other special events,

because,for theirfamily,eventhoughmom isin along-term care

facility, it is important to carry ontheir traditions.

“My dad, with the help of mybrother, bought a long term care(LTC) policy which, I in my infinitewisdom, thought was expensive andsilly (this, at a time when my par-ents were both still highly function-al). A high school teacher with sixkids and a wife, how did dad con-clude that paying a substantial year-ly portion of his income as being asmart choice? As usual, he turnedout to be right.” This is a quotefrom John who also states “often thecaregiver is the Power of Attorney(POA) so now they have to be stew-ards over not only of their lovedone’s finances but also their ownfamily’s.” Sometimes this can be anoverwhelming burden for the care-giver.

Kathleen is the legal guardianfor her fatherso in additionto being acaregiver, shealso has thefinancialresponsibili-ties. She hasthree siblingsand “as a fam-ily we had tocome togetherat making decisions. This is soimportant, not only for each of usbut also for our dad. Having thesupport of my siblings has beenphenomenal.” Kathleen does makea recommendation for anyone whois thinking about guardianship:“When you become guardian, findout what your responsibilities andduties are. You don’t want any sur-prises down the line.” For Kathleen,her caregiving duties have, at times,been exhausting. She works full-time, so when necessary, she hastaken vacation hours to accomplishsome of her caregiving duties.

Continued from page 11

Caregiving….I wrote an articlesome years ago about my per-sonal caregiving story involvingmy 30-year old son who wentthrough a lengthy bone-marrowtransplant at the University ofIowa. I traveled there once eachweek throughout the summer of1994. In 2010 I found myself inanother long distance caregivingrole, to my mother who livedfour hundred miles away.

My mother was one of thehardest working, fearless, andgenerous individuals I have everknown. When my dad wasdrafted into World War II, mymother was left with 3 small chil-dren to care for and support. Iwas the youngest at age 5.(Cover photo) Over the years aswe’ve reminisced about thoseearly days, when food wasscarce, jobs were few, we wouldask how she managed to keepus together all by herself andshe’d give us the same answer, “I just did it.” And so it wasthroughout her life. My motherhad clarity of purpose and a pur-pose that impacted the lives ofeveryone she touched in a posi-tive way. She was always therefor anyone in need to do whatneeded to be done. She workedalongside my dad to support ourfamily until his death in 1978.But his death did not slow herdown as she continued workingwell into her late 80’s. When herhealth began to fail, it wasimportant to me to be there forher because she was alwaysthere for me. So in 2010, I start-ed out on another caregivingjourney.

Long distance caregiving cre-ates many issues that other care-

Conc lus ion


givers don’t always face.Making decisions based onconversations with the carerecipient and other familymembers, locatingresources, just knowingwhen to go, are all consid-erations not to mention allof the personal issues:Who will take care of myhouse, my dog? As mymother turned ninety, shewas diagnosed with conges-tive heart failure. She was hospital-ized then discharged home on asomewhat regular basis. I’m sureother seniors have experienced thesame yo-yoing, into the hospital forIV diuretics, home with assistanceuntil the fluid returns. In June,2012, my older brother died fromcomplications associated with can-cer. It seemed that after his deathour mother’s downward spiral esca-lated. Her hospital admissions anddischarges increased as did her con-fusion level. Her wish had alwaysbeen to spend her last days in herown home, in her own bed, withher family present. So, after thelast admission and in-hospital stay,her doctor asked for a family meet-ing to discuss Hospice. There werefive of us listening as the doctor andsocial worker explained the process.We were fortunate in that therewere enough of us to provide thecare mother needed in order to ful-fill her wishes. We were also keenlyaware that not all families have“hospice at home” as anoption…..Our numbers allowed usthis special gift. We took our moth-er home just before Thanksgivinglast year. She died on December3rd with my youngest brother andme sitting at her bedside…..she was95 years old.

Long-distance caregiving createdquite a challenge for me. While Iwanted to share the burden with mysiblings who lived closer to ourmother, my life was here, mychurch, my home, my friends. Theemotional ups and downs were dra-matic. When I was there, I feltguilty because I wasn’t here; when Iwas here, I felt guilty because I was-n’t there! And even though I am aseasoned driver, the physical andfinancial burdens of driving 800miles monthly took its toll. I onlyshare this with you, the reader, notto gain sympathy, but to emphasizewhat caregivers everywhere do on aregular basis, without thought totheir own personal health and totheir pocket books. I’m not anexception — I recently met awoman who lives in California buther parents are here in Indiana. Shetravels here often to assure that theirneeds are being met. And rememberSharon, the parent of a specialneeds son? She traveled recently tothe Indianapolis area for severaldays to assist her parents as theymoved out of their family home.Juggling long-distance caregivingwith her duties at home must bedaunting but Sharon does not com-plain….it’s what she does out oflove as a mother and as a daughter.She is a caregiver.

In Jai Pausch’s book Dream NewDreams, she talks about her role asher husband Randy’s primary care-giver for two years prior to hisdeath from pancreatic cancer in2008. “My dream is that my storywill legitimize what caregiversundergo willingly and bravely asthey care for a person they love.Patients need and deserve support,but it’s time for us, as a communityto understand the suffering that isshouldered, sometimes silently, byour family members, neighbors,friends, and co-workers. We needto offer help; we need to empathizewith that person taking on the dutyof overseeing the patient’s care andwell-being. Finally, we need to carefor the caregiver.” I highly recom-mend this book to everyone.

Caregivers are all around us.They command our deepest admira-tion and respect. ChristopherReeve once said “A hero is an ordi-nary individual who finds thestrength to persevere and endure inspite of overwhelming obstacles.” Ioffer my profound gratitude to Judy,Pam, Joan, Martha, Becky, Kathleen,Sharon, John, and Marlow for shar-ing your stories. In my book, youare all heroes!!

Caregiving articles by Jane Lorton

Post Script:For all of you who are care-

givers, please check out theResource Page, Adult DayServices, and the article onSupport Groups. And if you area “long-distance” caregiver, theADRC can provide informationregarding services all across thecountry. These are all options toassist you in your caregivingjourney.

"....it's time for us, as a communityto understand the suffering that isshouldered, sometimes silently, byour family members, neighbors,

friends, and co-workers. We need tocare for the caregiver."


You may know that the world’spopulation is aging — that thenumber of older people is expand-ing faster every day. By 2018, 65-year-olds will outnumber thoseunder 5 — a historic first. In 2050,developed countries are on trackto have half as many people under15 as they do over 60. In short, theage mix of the world is turningupside down and at unprecedentedrates. As we age we willencounter many new situations,and with these new situations, willcome questions. REAL Services hasa place to turn for answers. Ourtrained Aging and DisabilityResource Center Options Coun-selors can help navigate throughsome of the issues facing the agedand disabled and their caregivers.

One of the most stressful timesin the lives of the aging and theircaregivers can be when someoneneeds to step in and care for aloved one. The Aging andDisability Resource Center (ADRC)has trained Options Counselorsthat can help explain a wide vari-ety of options for care. They canspeak about Private Pay (out ofpocket) options, as well asMedicare, Medicaid Prior Authori-zation, and Home and CommunityBased Services Funding.

Sometimes, something as simpleas a piece of equipment can meanthe difference between staying athome and needing to consider aNursing Facility. The ADRC hasover 1700 program listings and 900agency listings that could help care

for a loved one. One thing is certain, the world

continues to change and as theworld changes, so will the face ofaging. Finding the answers to all ofthe different questions can beoverwhelming but REAL Servicescan help. You don’t need to knowall of the answers; you don’t evenhave to be able to verbalize aquestion. If you have an eldercareissue of any kind, know you cancontact our Aging and DisabilityResource Center at 574-284-2644 or1-800-552-7928. We are here tooffer options and solutions to eachunique caregiving situation. Theprofessionals who answer thephones are completely trained toaddress those eldercare issues.

We are here waiting to help.

Solutions/Resources for Family Caregivers

219-874-5211 • 1101 E. Coolspring Avenue Michigan City, IN 46360

Living here has its advantages.We provide Michigan City with a whole host of services including short-term rehab, skilled nursing services, respite care and adult day services. Call or stop by today for more information or to schedule your personal tour.

Support groups are meetingsheld for family members and orfriends who are caring for one witha disease diagnosis. There are sup-port groups for Alzheimer’s/demen-tia, Parkinson’s, Diabetes, Stroke,

Heart, and many others. Thesemeetings focus on providing, notonly the support of others in similarsituations, but education on the dis-ease process. Group leaders andmembers provide mutual emotional

What Is A Support Group? (Another Resource For Caregivers!)support, exchange coping skillswith one another, and problemsolve together. Issues discussedduring these meetings are kept con-fidential.

HOW WILL A SUPPORT GROUPHELP ME?

Through a support group youmay:— gain a better understanding ofthe disease— learn to deal with a crisis in aconstructive way— be with others having a similarexperience— get advice about a particularproblem— learn about available supportservices in your community— obtain support to safeguard yourown health and— get a break from caregivingresponsibilitiesTo find a support group in yourarea, contact the ADRC at 284-2644or 1-800-552-7928.

http://thearborsatmichigancity.com/


According to the Administration on Aging, Adult DayCenters provide another option for family caregiversand are designed to provide care and companionshipfor seniors who may need assistance or supervision dur-ing the day. These programs offer relief to family mem-bers who may need to work, handle personal business,or just relax while knowing their relative is safe andwell cared for. The goals of the program are to delayor prevent institutionalization, enhance self esteem andto increase or encourage socialization. Many caregiversare unaware of these centers so hopefully, by includingthis information, more caregivers will pursue this as anoption to relieve them, even for a few hours each weekor each day.

Most often Adult Day Services are open during nor-mal business hours and may provide a variety of servic-es such as meals, exercise, socialization and recreation.Some may offer to dispense medications, and giveshowers.

In Indiana, in order to become Medicaid certified,there are Three (3) different levels of Services Level 1 Basic Adult Day Services:

a) Monitor and or supervise all activities of daily liv-ing (ADL’s are defined as dressing, bathing, eating,walking, and toileting) with assistance provided asneeded.

b) Comprehensive, therapeutic activities.c) Assure health assessment and intermittent moni-

toring of health status.d) Monitor self-administration of medication.e) Ability to provide appropriate structure and super-

vision for those with mild cognitive impairment. f) Minimum staff ratio: 1 staff to each 8 participants.

Level 2 Enhanced Adult Day Services:Basic service (level 1) requirements must be met.

Additionally:a) Provide hands-on-assistance with 2 or more ADL’s

or hands-on assistance with bathing or other personalcare.

b Health assessment with regular monitoring or inter-vention with health status.

c) Dispense or supervise the dispensing of medica-tion to clients.

d) Psychosocial needs assessed and addressedincluding counseling as needed for participants andcaregivers.

e) Ability to provide therapeutic structure, supervi-sion and intervention for those with mild to moderatecognitive impairments.

f) Minimum staff ratio: 1 staff for each 6 participants.

Level 3 Intensive Adult Day ServicesBasic (level 1) and Enhanced (level 2) service

requirements must be met. Additionally:a) Hands on assistance or supervision with all ADL’s

and personal care.b) One or more direct health intervention’s required.c) Rehabilitation and restorative services including

physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational ther-apies coordinated or available.

d) Ability to provide therapeutic intervention toaddress dynamic psychosocial needs such as depressionor family issues affecting care.

e) Ability to provide therapeutic interventions to per-son with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.

f) Minimum staff ratio: 1 staff for each 4 participants.We visited two Adult Day providers in our service

area, Milton Adult Day Services in South Bend andRiverview Adult Day Services in Elkhart. We werepleasantly surprised to be met with smiling, happyfaces, not only by the participants but the staff as well.Everyone seemed to be busy and engaged in one activi-ty or another. Both of these facilities provide all 3 lev-els of care and tailor plans of care specifically based onindividual need and functioning ability. These plans arechanged and or modified on a regular basis as needed.

There are a number of Adult Day Service providersin our 5-county area so we suggest that you contact theADRC for a complete listing. (574-284-2644 or 1-800-552-7928) Not all centers provide the above services.Many provide activities for recreation and socializationbut no assistance for medical needs. It is imperative thatcaregivers tour the prospective facility and ask questionsrelated to the needs of your care recipient. Preparequestions in advance, noting any special needs or con-cerns you may have.

Many caregivers we interviewed spoke highly ofAdult Day Services, not only for the benefit of theirloved one but also, the significance in having a fewhours of free time. It was the best solution for them toget a break from their daily caregiving responsibilities.If you are in a stressful, caregiving situation, pleasemake the phone call. You will be glad you did.

Adult Day Services

Sometimes you will never knowthe true value of a moment until

it becomes a memory.– Anonymous

Real Services Fall 201318

“As Right As Rain”Effective July 1, 2013,

Alzheimer’s andDementia Services ofNorthern Indianabecame a Division ofREAL Services, Inc.After much considera-tion and review, thegoverning Boards ofDirectors of both organi-zations determined thatthe merger was a win-win for clients, families,the employees, and thecommunity.

Alzheimer’s andDementia Services ofNorthern Indiana andREAL Services share acommon mission – tosupport the elderly andtheir caregivers. Ourvalues are aligned inthat those we servecome first and foremost.And, we share a mutual respect andadmiration for each other’s organiza-tion, staff expertise, and programs.

Beyond our shared mission andvalues, there are many advantagesto pursuing this merger:

* Efficiencies with a shared finan-cial and benefit administration.

* Efficiencies with a combinedcall center staff

* Efficiencies with program deliv-ery

* Efficiencies through sharedtechnology

* New competencies because ofshared knowledge and expert-ise

* Access to new funding sources* Lower meal costs for MiltonAdult Day Services

* Expanded funding sources forTransportation

* Improved services for clientsthrough a one stop philosophy

As one Board member put it“This is as right as rain”.

To make a great effort even bet-ter, the merger was supported bythe Community Foundation of St.Joseph County. A grant was provid-ed through the Milton Fund to offsetthe costs associated with this impor-tant project. The project was alsofunded through the Wells Fargocharitable trust.

This formal partnership was initi-ated when the current ExecutiveDirector of Alzheimer’s andDementia Services of NorthernIndiana, Bill Jack, decided that hewould retire by January of 2014.REAL Services and Alzheimer’s andDementia Services had worked onmany important projects in the past,with both organizations working inthe spirit of cooperation and coordi-nation to best serve the elderly andtheir families. The conversation log-

ically turned to a formalpartnership that wouldstrengthen both organiza-tions and increase thefocus on those served.

Bill Jack has servedthose with Alzheimer’sdisease and their familiesfor over 15 years. Hehas done so with dedica-tion, integrity, financialknow-how, and deepcompassion. He, hisBoard of Directors, staff,and volunteers havegrown the agency intoone that provides moreoptions, more informa-tion, more support, inmore locations through-out northern Indiana,reaching out to familiesin Elkhart, Jasper,Kosciusko, Lake, LaPorte.Marshall. Newton, Porter,

Pulaski, St. Joseph, and Starke coun-ties. They have created a placewhere families can turn to for helpin caring for a loved one. Thisagency, Alzheimer’s and DementiaServices of Northern Indiana, is avision that has been realized.

With that, families will see nochanges in the quality or quantity ofprograms provided by the staff andvolunteers who serve them. Eventhe logo will remain the same. Alldonations and gifts designated forAlzheimer’s and Dementia Servicesof Northern Indiana will be directedfor that purpose.

Effective January 1, 2014,Alzheimer’s and Dementia Servicesof Northern Indiana will have a newDirector. Her name is Pam Huffer.She is working with Bill Jack tolearn all aspects of his agency, themission, its values and its clients.The goal is for a seamless transition

Pictured above: left to right, Steve Watts, Chairman of theBoard of Directors/REAL Services, Inc.; Rebecca RileyZaseck, President/CEO REAL Services; Bill Jack,Executive Director/Alzheimer's and Dementia Services ofNorthern Indiana; and Colette Wolfson, Chairman of theBoard of Directors/Alzheimer's and Dementia Services ofNorthern Indiana.

www.realservices.org 19

for all involved. Pam is qualified for her newresponsibilities because of her proven track record inprogram development, management, budgeting, andserving those with dementia. Her previous rolesincluded Coordinator of the Guardianship Programand the Director of Client Services for the Area 2Agency on Aging. Pam will take what she haslearned from Bill Jack, combine that with her exten-sive experience, and work to serve the growing pop-ulation of those who have Alzheimer’s disease anddementia.

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Long before the recent “govern-ment shut-down”, the AdvocacyCommittee of the Area 2 Agency onAging invited Mr. Marc Goldwein,Senior Policy Director, Committee fora Responsible Federal Budget, tospeak at a public forum scheduledThursday, October 3, 2013 at theKroc Center. Mr. Jim Rahilly,Chairperson Area 2 Agency on AgingAdvocacy Committee and Ms. JuneLyle, State Director of AARP, Indiana,both commented on the committee’sforesight in scheduling such anevent in light of recent develop-ments at the federal level!! After aglowing introduction, Mr. Goldweinapproached the podium and said: “Iused to be an optimist!”

Some of the excerpts from hispresentation and from his work onthe Committee for a ResponsibleFederal Budget:

“A number of people haveargued that little or no further actionis needed to address the nation’sgrowing national debt. TheCommittee for a Responsible FederalBudget (CRFB) responded to theseclaims in February with the analysisOur Debt Problems are Far FromSolved, which showed that $2.4 tril-lion in new savings over ten yearswas needed to put the debt on aclear downward path as a share ofthe economy. Now, the improvedbudget projections from theCongressional Budget Office (CBO)have revived this discussion.

The good news is that the latestprojections from the CBO show asignificant improvement in debt lev-els. Our latest CRFB RealisticBaseline now shows the debt risingto 75% of GDP as opposed to 79%by 2023. However, much of thisimprovement is due to short-termimprovements that will change thelevel but not the trajectory of debt.We estimate putting the debt on a

clear downward path as a share ofthe economy will still require at least$2.2 trillion of deficit reduction rela-tive to our CRFB Realistic Baselineover the next ten years. If policy-makers retain the across-the-board‘sequestration’ until it expires in2021, $1.6 trillion in further savingswill still be necessary to put the debton a clear downward path.

Progress has been made and it isextremely encouraging to see thatdeficits are coming down. Yet,despite the progress made in enact-ing substantial short-term and tem-porary deficit reduction, policymak-ers have done little to combat thepressures of population aging, healthcare cost-growth, and an outdatedtax code that will lead to a risingdebt trajectory. Whether policymak-ers replace or retain the sequester, acombination of new spending cuts,entitlement reforms, and tax reformswill be needed to help support long-term economic growth and put thedebt on a clear downward path rela-tive to the economy.”

1. Our debt level is at 12 trilliondollars which is 70% of ourGDP (Gross Domestic Product)and has never been this highduring peace time.

2. It is a myth that our debt prob-lem has been solved.

3. Our debt level will continue togo on an upward rise — nocountry can sustain this level

4. Our country has not dealt withour aging population or our ris-ing health care costs. Thelargest group in AmericanHistory (Baby Boomers) will beapplying for Social Security.The aging population is livinglonger thus on Social Securitylonger, on Medicare longer.Revenue has not kept up.

5. By 2031-2033 Social Security

will be gone unless there isreform

6. By 2024-26 Medicare will beinsolvent unless action is taken

7. “You can’t cut your way out ofthis, you can’t grow your wayout of this, entitlement reformwon’t do it — we need allthree.”

8. The government shutdown isan unacceptable way to govern.

9. There is a positive note inregard to the tax code. Bothparties are working togethertoward tax reform.

10. We need to work together. Ascitizens we need to call ourrepresentatives, write letters,visit web sites, and send e-mailsadvocating for change.

11. We are faced with difficultproblems but they are notinsurmountable.Mr. Goldwein received his B.A.

degree in political science and anM.A. degree in economics fromJohns Hopkins University where hecurrently teaches economics. In2010 he spent nine months asAssociate Director of the NationalCommission on Fiscal Responsibilityand Reform (The FiscalCommission), and in 2011 he spentthree months as a senior budgetanalyst on the Joint SelectCommittee on Deficit Reduction(The Super Committee). He has alsoconducted research for theGovernment Accountability Office,the World Bank, the Historian’sOffice at the Social SecurityAdministration, and the Institute ofGovernmental Studies at UCBerkeley. He is frequently quoted ina number of major media outletsincluding The Washington Post, CNNMoney, McClatchy Newspapers, andthe Associated Press.

The New Federal Budget And Resulting Changes


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A record attendance of over 700 peoplejoined us for REAL Services/Area 2 Agency onAging’s Age of Excellence Awards Luncheonheld on May 16, 2013 at the Century Center indowntown South Bend. The event was filledwith honor and gratitude as 111 people fromSt. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaPorte andMarshall Counties were celebrated for their self-less giving. Highlighting the luncheon werenine award winners and six-time GrammyAward winner and singer/song writer, AmyGrant! The atmosphere was electrifying as AmyGrant shared about her journey with her moth-er and father who both were diagnosed withAlzheimer’s disease. She also shared about herexperiences with Notre Dame Coach AraParseghian and the loss of his three grandchil-dren to Neimann-Pick Type C disease whichwas so touching and moving. Amy also madethe audience laugh and smile while she toldstories and sang and played old favorites andnew songs from her recently released CD enti-tled “How Mercy Looks from Here.” It was aluncheon that the region will always remember!

Those honored at Age of Excellence areamong some 65.7 million caregivers in the UnitedStates. The sea of these long-term caregivers contributemore than $450 billion dollars of care to over 30% ofthe nation’s population. With the number of those overage 65 doubling from 35.1 million to 72 million in just30 years, the human value and economic impact ofunpaid caregivers is phenomenal.

It is for these reasons, and in great appreciation, thatREAL Services/Area 2 Agency on Aging host this annualevent where ordinary people are recognized for extra-ordinary acts of kindness to loved ones and their com-munities. Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center wasthe Premiere Sponsor and co-host of this year’s event.Other major contributors included: Memorial HomeCare, American Senior Communities, Help At Home,Inc., Peacock and Company, Inc. and StanzFoodservices, Inc.

Every person nominated was so very special; and theaward winners along with their categories were:

• Education Award - Mrs. Fox’s Class of NorthWebster Elementary School

• Volunteer Group of the Year - Parrot Heads ofMichiana

• Caregiver of the Year Older Adult - Vera Burger • Business of the Year - Home Instead SeniorCare

• Professional of the Year - Janice Wilkinson• Caregiver of the Year for a Disabled Person -Bethany Cullum

• Kimble Volunteer of the Year - David Burke• Volunteer of the Year Under Age 60 - TommeOwens

• Hoosier Lifetime Award - J. Larry Neff. The Hoosier Lifetime Award winner, J. Larry Neff, is

currently President and CEO of Goodwill Industries ofMichiana, Inc. and has spent his life serving peopleboth locally, nationally and abroad. He’s been anactive board member for many organizations whosefocus is on serving and increasing the quality of life forpeople with a myriad of needs. Larry has served on theUnited Way Executive Council, Neighborhood HousingService Board, Public Sector Welfare Committee,Workforce Investment Board in addition to holdingmany leadership positions at his church. Under hisleadership at Goodwill Industries, a number of pro-grams that now provide training and placement serviceswere instituted and in 2012 these initiatives providedservices to over 5,687 clients and 752 job placements inthe St. Joseph County community. Larry’s achieve-ments have also been recognized by his receipt of theCommunity Foundation of St. Joseph County LeightonAward for Nonprofit Excellence and the South Bend

The Luncheon Event Of The Year. . . Was Awesome!

Pictured above: Steve Watts – Chairman of the Board ofREAL Services; J. Larry Neff – President and CEO ofGoodwill; and Amy Grant – performer, singer, song writer.


Community Hall of Fame compliment hisaward for the REAL Services HoosierLifetime Award. We’re grateful for LarryNeff and people like him who make ourcommunity great. Mr. Neff has also beennominated for the State of Indiana’s 2013Governor’s Service Award.

An honorary lifetime award was givento 92 year old Judge Robert L. Miller, IIIwho has served in both the public and pri-vate sector most of his life. Judge Miller isa decorated military serviceman whoreceived the Sagamore of the WabashAward in 1966 which is the highest honorbestowed by the Governor of the State ofIndiana.

Please check our REAL Services websitefrequently for the announcement of our2014 Age of Excellence Luncheon date sothat you too can share in this wonderfulannual community event! Saying “ThankYou” never gets old. Nominations arereceived all year-round and can be sent toPam Harris, REAL Services, Inc., 1151 S.Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601, e-mailed to [email protected] orphone (574) 284-7104.

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– Anonymous

https://www.facebook.com/INSMP

https://beaconhealthhomecare.com/?utm_source=tv_print&utm_medium=tv_print&utm_content=2013_tv_print&utm_campaign=homecare


Room Makeover Becomesa House Makeover

Room Makeover Becomesa House Makeover

“Well, that’s nice.”

That was the response of Janice Conlon, winner ofthe Grand Prize in the 2013 REAL Room Makeover,when she was informed that she had won the BigPRIZE in the REAL Services REAL Room MakeoverRaffle. The caller thought perhaps she didn’t under-stand the message, so he responded, “Aren’t you excit-ed!” Janice responded, “I could scream if you want meto.” We couldn’t help but smile.

Janice has lived in her South Bend home for 42years. A modest home in a modest neighborhood, herstreet is lined with very large trees, giving a real senseof establishment and permanency. Although in herearly 70s, Janice only retired in November 2011 afterworking in the South Bend Post Office for 28 years.She served in the United States Navy as a hospitalcorpsman and then spent 11 years in the NavalReserves. Other than military duty, only a six-year stint

with Bank of America inCalifornia took her out ofIndiana.

Janice has deep roots andconnections with MishawakaHigh School from which she grad-uated. She regularly socializes with herfriends (“go out with the girls”) from high school days.In addition she works out three days a week at theFitness Center to stay positive and busy. She alsoenjoys frequenting the Italian Clubs of Mishawaka.

Asked about why she entered the Raffle, Janice wasquick to point out how much she appreciated REALServices. “You do such good work,” she said, recount-ing her personal experience of her mother receivingmeals through Meals on Wheels and a professionalassessment for nursing facility placement.


Janice has decided on a “house makeover” whichwill update and spruce and brighten up her wholehouse. You can see the gleam in her eye when sheimagines what that might look like as she talks to thedesign representative from Peacock and Company.

Beyond the fun of our grand prize winner receivinga house makeover, the REAL Room Makeover Rafflegrossed $86,500. Net proceeds from the raffle will beused to support the Guardianship Program of REAL

Services (a program that serves as legal guardian forelderly citizens who have no one else to advocate forthem) and the Foster Grandparent Program (a programthe places volunteer low-income “Grandparents” inschools and day care centers to mentor children).

REAL Services is grateful to everyone for a very suc-cessful event! Congratulations to all the prize winners,although in the eyes of REAL Services, everyone whopurchased a ticket was a winner.

Grand Prize Drawing August 28Janice Conlon - South Bend, winner of the Grand Prize, a $25,000 roommakeover by Peacock and CompanyAnn Marie Thomas - South BendBabs Maza - South BendTim Leman - EdwardsburgMichelle & Gary DeBeck - South BendPam Myers - MishawakaHarry Paege - South BendJoe - Steve & Bob - South BendSandra Zielinski - South BendJoseph & Holly Hosinski - GrangerEd Druelinger - GrangerMonique Weaver - GrangerCindy Frame - South BendF. P. Nagy - South BendMary Esmay - PlymouthMarcy Mangus - South BendKym Allsop - MishawakaJohn & Jo Broden - South BendKathleen Kish - South BendRay McQueen - South BendFrank Kopetski - South Bend

Barbara Dzikowski - South BendJacqueline Vanderputten - South BendJames Cummings - Winfield, ILAnita Golba - South BendDorothy Kryder - South BendLinda Lamar - South BendJoseph Seliga - PlymouthTammy Knitta - GoshenMichael Ernzen - GrangerKirt & Judy Scherer - South BendChelle Dolniak - MishawakaVincent Slaby - New CarlisleSteve Pischalko - GrangerShauna Luthringer - LakevilleTim Leman - EdwardsburgMartin & Katheline Wills - South BendAndrea Mather - South BendJay & Marylee Mattern - WalkertonJanice Seliga - PlymouthWanda Miedema - ElkhartDebra Jessup - North LibertyJohn & Lisa Fredlake - GrangerJames Davis - MishawakaCheryl O’Connor - South Bend

Heather & Kevin Gary - GoshenHenry & Nancy Mascotte - South BendPat Smith - NilesAnne Cushwa - Brooklyn, NYBryce Hughes - Russiaville, IN

Early Bird Drawing June 14Margaret Parent - OsceolaMark Wobbe - GrangerJulie Helman - South BendRilla Campbell - GrangerCathy Wannerton - GrangerMichael Ernzen - GrangerNicole Lehman - South BendVirginia Fish - Bristol

Summertime Drawing July 26Birdie McElroy - South BendMonique Weaver - GrangerMichael Ernzen - GrangerMary Klinedinst - North LibertyKaren Koch - South BendJoyce Stifel - South BendRonda & Craig Losee - GrangerJaci Harris - South Bend

WINNERS OF THE 2013 REAL ROOM MAKEOVER RAFFLE

The REAL Room Makeover Raffle simply would notbe a success without the hard work of our rafflecommittee and area businesses. We deeply appreci-

ate the support of these wonderful organizationsthat donated prizes to make the event a success. Weare grateful. Thank you.

Z-StoneMemorial Health & LifestyleBob Miller’s Appliance &Mattress Showroom

South Bend Country Club/Grill on the Green

Simply Catering to YouDrive & ShineSouth Bend Silver HawksEnergy Audit ServicesChristiana Creek Country Club

Seven Peaks Water ParkSheets Electric, Inc.Richard Plumbing, Inc.

Four Winds Heating and Air Conditioning

Brookwood Golf ExperienceMartin’s SupermarketsLuxe Home InteriorsErskine Park Golf ClubElbel Park Golf ClubMomper InsulationUniversity of Notre DameWarren Golf Course at Notre Dame

South Bend SymphonyBlackthorn Golf ClubIvy Court Inn & SuitesRuth’s Chris Steakhouse

Bonefish GrillCafé NavarreDiamond Jim’s JewelryTraditions PhotographyLaSalle GrillCulvers of MishawakaSouth Bend Civic TheatreLandmark LiquorsTriumph FitnessLe PeepSalon RougeTGIFriday’sGranite City Food & BreweryHair CraftersTippecanoe Place

H & H MechanicalLacopo’s PizzeriaMaury’s PubBarnaby’sUptown Kitchen or The Mark Dine & Tap

A Casperson BooksRed LobsterNoa Noa Wood Grill & Sushi Bar

Wiegand’s Service CenterCiao’s Italian RestaurantOliva’s Bar & RestaurantTiki Tan


Memory Loss:What’s Normal and Not Normal as We Age?

by Barbara Dzikowski, program director for Alzheimer’s Services of Northern Indiana

Beginning today, we are introducing an article onthis topic…..what you can do, what to be aware of asyou get older in order to live life to your highestpotential. This will be a regular feature in each of ourissues so watch this space for more information onhow to “LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AS YOU AGE”. We willcover a variety of issues/topics relevant to olderadults. If you would like to offer a suggestion on aparticular topic, kindly drop us a line, an e-mail, orphone call to express your thoughts. REAL Servicescontact information can be found at the bottom ofthe Table of Contents page.

Many of us simply keep on doing the same thingswe’ve done all our lives, regardless of the impact itmay have on our physical, emotional, or mental well-being. And let’s face it, as we age, most of us gothrough changes that may require adjustments in ourhabits and routines. For example, we may have beenexercise enthusiasts all of our lives, i.e. running, jog-ging, doing aerobics, or other cardio activities butnow find that those activities are just too strenuous.It might be time to jog 3 miles instead of 5; or tochange the high-impact aerobics to “water” aerobics;

or to walk 5 miles instead of jogging. Our bodieschange as we age so we need to make adjustments.However, DO NOT STOP exercising; merely changethe duration and intensity of those exercises.

Another major concern we face as we age is ourmemory….we begin to wonder if we’re experiencingdementia or something worse when we forget whywe went into another room, or when we get to thegrocery store and we forgot our list and just can’tseem to remember those 20 items? Our first articlewill address those concerns and answer many of ourquestions. This is a great article to share with familyand friends of all ages. I recently had breakfast witha “young” friend of mine and she said her husband isalready worrying about his memory, afraid he’s in thebeginning stages of dementia. I cautioned her andsuggested she do some reading on the subject—maybe what he is experiencing is “normal”!!

Barbara Dzikowski, program director forAlzheimer’s Services of Northern Indiana is well-versed on this topic and her article focuses on mem-ory. Thank you Barb for being our first guest authorin this new series!

What’s Normal?We’ve all done it — missed an

appointment, forgotten a name, ormisplaced our keys. As we age,especially after the age of fifty, weall experience changes in memoryfrom time to time. Commonchanges include increased difficultywith short-term memory (for exam-ple, remembering if you took yourmedication today or where you putdown your reading glasses); a slow-down in the ability to recall infor-mation (for example, that “tip of thetongue” experience when a piece ofinformation that you know tem-

porarily slips your mind); and takinglonger to learn new things (forexample, trying to learn the comput-er or a new language for the firsttime as an older adult).

These changes are normal, andthey can be annoying. Most of usrefer to such times as “seniormoments.” But these sporadic glitch-es do not affect our ability to liveour normal, day-to-day lives as wehave always done.

What’s Not?When memory changes get pro-

gressively worse and do begin to

disrupt everyday life, this is a signof something more serious thatneeds to be checked out by a physi-cian. There are numerous things thataffect memory, including many con-ditions that can be treated. And so,whether you are age 25 or age 125,it is vital to get a thorough diagnosiswhen memory problems arise.

Dementia is one of the most mis-understood medical terms in ourmodern society. “Dementia” is notreally a medical diagnosis. Rather, itis an umbrella term to describe acluster of symptoms, which are theloss of cognitive function (thinking,

Tips For Living Your Best Life As You Age


reasoning, and remembering) that isso severe that a person is havingtrouble managing their day-to-dayroutine. Below are some of thecommon warning signs of dementia.

Symptoms of DementiaEven though we’ve all experiencedmost of these at one time or anoth-er, if these symptoms are happeningfrequently enough to disrupt dailylife, it is important to consult aphysician to determine the cause.Increased incidence of short-termmemory loss (for example, frequent-ly missing appointments, repeatingthe same stories or asking the samequestions, not taking medicationscorrectly)Difficulty doing familiar tasks orusing familiar objects (for example,problems with cooking, driving,using appliances)Difficulty making decisions (forexample, getting confused whensorting the daily mail, overwhelmedby a menu and can’t make a choice)Communication changes (for exam-ple, frequently losing your place inthe middle of a conversation, forget-ting common words, difficulty nam-ing objects, using the wrong word)Chronically losing or misplacingthings (to the point you’re spendingmuch of your day hunting for famil-iar objects)Getting lost or disoriented easily,sometimes even in familiar places Problems with managing financesand complicated tasks (for example,managing your checkbook and pay-ing bills)Problems with judgment, connectingthe dots from A to B, or saying anddoing things that don’t make sense(for example, becoming easy preyto telemarketers, impulsive shoppingor buying inordinate amounts of thesame item, not being able to prob-lem-solve)Onset of changes in personality(When people are losing their cog-nitive abilities, they begin to livemore by their emotions, rather than

by logic. For this rea-son, you might experi-ence sudden moodshifts throughout theday – sudden confu-sion, fear, anger, suspi-cion.)Loss of interest, orunwillingness to partic-ipate, in previouslyenjoyed activities (forexample, avoidingthese activities ratherthan risk making amistake in public ornot being able to han-dle the situation.)

Treatable Causes of DementiaDementia always has acause. So, if you orsomeone you love isexperiencing the symptoms ofdementia, it is wise to seek medicalattention to determine what condi-tion is causing your symptoms ofdementia. The family physician is agood place to start. If he/she cannotdetermine a cause for your symp-toms, the physician should refer youto a neurologist.

It is not difficult to “rule out”treatable causes of dementia ordementia symptoms that are causedby other chronic conditions. Someof the most common treatable caus-es of dementia are things like med-ications, depression, chronic stress,alcohol or drug abuse, chronicinsomnia or sleep disorders, dehy-dration, vitamin B12 deficiency orother metabolic imbalance, low thy-roid, infections (such as urinary tractinfection), and poorly-controlled dia-betes. Other types of chronic condi-tions, such as lung and heart prob-lems, can also lead to poor oxygenlevels in the brain, resulting inmemory problems during certainperiods of the day.

Progressive Causes of Dementia“True” or progressive dementia is

caused by conditions likeAlzheimer’s disease, vascular (ormulti-infarct) dementia, frontotem-poral dementia, or Lewy-Body dis-ease. Even though there is not yeta cure for any of these progressiveconditions, there are some FDA-approved medications that can helpmanage symptoms. There is also agreat deal that families and friendscan do to support diagnosed indi-viduals throughout the stages oftheir dementia and maximize theirretained abilities and independence.

That’s where agencies likeAlzheimer’s & Dementia Services ofNorthern Indiana come into play.For over thirty years, we haveoffered free programs and servicesto eleven counties in northernIndiana in the way of disease educa-tion, counseling, support, telephonehelpline, written materials, website,newsletter, and more. Our primarygoal is to support families who aredealing with dementia and teachthem strategies, tips, and smallchanges they can make in their dailyroutine that can really go a longway to positively support lovedones with dementia.


November, 2013

SHIP is a free, unbiased counseling program provided by the Indiana State Department of Insurance. To schedule an appointment with SHIP, call 1-800-452-4800, TTY 1-866-846-0139 or visit www.Medicare.IN.gov to find your local site.

Q: I know it’s Open Enrollment, and I think I want to make changes to my Medicare Advantage Plan. How can I find out what plans are available for me and how much they’ll cost? A: You can always call the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-452-4800 for help or to make an appointment to meet with one of our trained SHIP counselors for assistance.

Another great resource is the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov. This website has a great search tool that allows you to find specific information within the site.

On the Medicare website, you will find the popular Medicare & You handbook. A quick way to find the information you’re looking for in this handbook is to search for specific topics. You can find the handbook at this link. http://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf You can even sign up to receive an email with a link to the handbook each time it is updated.

One of the most popular features of www.medicare.gov this time of year is the Plan Finder tool.

Whether you currently have a Part D Drug Plan, Medicare Advantage Plan, or Original Medicare, this online tool can help you compare your health care and prescription plan options side-by-side.

To get started, you will need to enter your:

zip code

name

Medicare number

effective for Part A date

date of birth

The results will show you a comparison of premiums, deductibles, and additional information for each plan that is available. It will also tell you how that plan is rated.

Once you have chosen a plan, you can enroll in that plan right from the website. Your new plan will begin January 1, 2014.

From www.medicare.gov, you can sign up for Medicare, file an appeal or grievance, find suppliers of Home Medical

Equipment, print important forms, and more.

Some of the other resources this website offers include:

Find doctors & other health professionals

Find nursing homes

Find hospitals

Find home health services

Find dialysis facilities

Find health & drug plans

Find suppliers of medical equipment & supplies

You can visit the SHIP website www.medicare.in.gov as well for Open Enrollment Events in your area, important phone numbers, and links to Medicare related resources.

If you have questions about your Part D Plan, Open Enrollment, or anything else related to Medicare, contact SHIP for help. Call 1-800-452-4800, or visit www.medicare.in.gov. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.


574-247-7400

1215 Trinity PlaceMishawaka, IN 46545

www.jeaseniorliving.com

“Meaningful Moments”Our distinctive dementia-care program

designed to honor the individual life story of each resident, while addressing their unique

needs throughout the aging experience.

http://www.jeaseniorliving.com/


Also known as Kosciusko CountyCouncil on Aging and Aged, Inc.

800 North Park Avenue • Warsaw, IN 46580Please call 574-267-2012 for information and services.

Providing Transportation (since 1978), Mobile Meals(since 1974), Weekend/Emergency Meals (since 2002)

and Homemaking Services (since 1976) to some 14,000seniors age 60 and older living in Kosciusko County.

KOSCIUSKO COMMUNITYSENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER (SAC)

The SAC is designed to provide a place for seniorsage 50 and older to socialize at events and activitiesand get educational information to improve their lives.Please call 574-268-2132 for information and

to receive a monthly SAC NewsletterThe future belongs to those who paid for it . . . Senior Citizens

http://www.miltonads.org/

http://www.kosciuskoseniorservices.org/

http://homecareassistance.com/


Come be an extension of our agency by volunteering for a REAL Services program

REALSERVICES

REAL and Alzheimer’s ServicesVolunteer Opportunities!

all individuals, groups, businesses, and familiesare encouraged to apply for one-time or ongoing projects . . .

MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERHelp provide healthy meals to homebound sen-iors by delivering a hot lunch and prepared din-ner to their home. You can deliver once a week ormore.St. Joseph County only.

group | individual | ongoing projects

GUARDIANSHIP ADVOCATEServe as an advocate for an elderly person forwhom REAL Services is the legal guardian. Visit,check on their care, and advocate for their inter-ests and preferences. St. Joseph, Marshall andElkhart Counties only.


SEASONAL PROJECTS• yard work — rake, mow, trim bushes• painting — interior or exterior• snow removal — shovel and/or salt


HOUSE CLEANINGHelp with simple house cleaning tasks, or gathera group to do “deep” cleaning and larger organi-zational projects


NURSING FACILITY FRIENDLY VISITORMeet regularly with local nursing home residentsthat don’t typically have visitors. Sit and talk, orincorporate creative projects.

group | individual | one-time or ongoing projects

SMP PROGRAM VOLUNTEERHelp protect individuals and the future of our gov-ernment programs by volunteering with theSenior Medicare Patrol program. This programempowers seniors to prevent health care fraud.

individual | ongoing projects

HANDYMANHelp with simple household repairs. Tasks rangefrom changing light bulbs to fixing a leaky faucet!


OFFICE VOLUNTEERHelp with mailings, brochures, and other adminis-trative office tasks. Both small and large projectsfor various REAL departments.

group | individual | one-time or ongoing projects

GROCERY SHOPPERPurchase groceries for homebound adults. Gettheir list, shop for them, and unload the groceries.

individual | one-time or ongoing projects

ADULT DAY SERVICES VOLUNTEERAssist with activities at Milton Adult Day Center.

Volunteer once a year, weekly, or monthly.

HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMSBe a leader for workshops which educate individ-uals on how to live a more healthy life withchronic conditions; teach practical strategies toprevent falls. Programs scheduled in Elkhart,Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, and St. JosephCounties.

See page 32 for Sign-Up Form


Alzheimer’s andDementia Services of

Northern Indiana Board of Directors

Name

Address

City State Zip

Daytime Phone

E-mail

� Meals on Wheels� Guardian Vol. Advocate� Nursing Facility Friendly Visitor� SMP Program� Seasonal Projects� Housecleaning� Handyman� Office Volunteer� Grocery Shopper� Adult Day Services� Health Education Program

� I am � My group is interested in the following program(s):

CONTACT US TODAY! Volunteer Department: 1151 S. Michigan Street, P.O. Box 1835, South Bend, IN 46634 (574) 284-2644 or (800) 552-7982 — www.realservices.org click on “volunteers”

SIGN ME UP!

Due to the sensitive nature of the clients we serve, it is Agency policy that we cannot utilizevolunteers with any type of criminal history. Thank you for your understanding.

REAL and Alzheimer’s Services Volunteer Opportunities

Ms. Paula AbrahamMs. Heather BirkyMr. Alan FeldbaumMs. Kimberly GeigerMr. JP HoyerMs. Trina Lynch-JacksonMs. Malana MaherMr. John MauchMs. Casey NortonMs. Judy NyeMs. Laura Ambler O’SullivanMs. Wendy PageMs. Michelle StesiakMs. Kim WilsonMs. Colette WolfsonMr. Dan Wolfson

http://www.alzni.org/


Call us at 574-277-4121 for a free in-home

assessment.

Personal Care Medication Reminders Companion Care Housekeeping & Meal Preparation Shopping & Errands Incidental Transportation

provides compassionate in-home care that helps older adults live happy, fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own homes. Our wide range of services promote independence and wellbeing. We call it Interactive Caregiving®, a unique approach provided by special caregivers called All to help keep minds, bodies and lives active, happy and healthy.

www.comfortkeepers.com

We aim to keep her that way.

Quality, Dependable Non-Medical In-Home Care

Family, like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.

– Anonymous

http://holycrossvillage.com/

http://comfortkeepers.com/


REAL Services, Inc, is a not-for-profitcorporation which serves elderly andindividuals of all income levels in thecounties of St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaPorte,Marshall, Fulton, and Kosciusko. Theobjective of REAL Services is to assistthose we serve in maintaining their inde-pendence to the maximum degree possible and finding meaningand satisfaction throughout their lives.

REAL Connections is published by REAL Services, Inc. Unauthorizedreproduction in any manner is strictly prohibited. REAL Connectionsis published for older adults in St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall,and LaPorte counties. This publication is supported by the adver-tisers—our thanks for their support.

REAL Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, reli-gion, sex, age, disability, national origin, or ancestry. In cooperationwith the Family and Social Services Administration.

REAL Services, Inc. Office Locations

Area Agency on Aging Case Management Offices

REAL Services

Regional Kitchen

for Independent Living

Advertiser Index

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana page 32

American Senior Communities page 3

Arbors at Michigan City page 16

Beacon Health System page 23

Center for Hospice page 7

Comfort Keepers page 33

Greencroft Communities page 2

Guardian Medical Monitoring page 19

Healthwin page 9

Heritage Point Alzheimer’s Special Care Center page 29

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame page 33

Home Care Assistance page 30

Home Instead Senior Care page 9

IU Goshen Home Medical Back Cover

Kosciusko Community Senior Services page 30

Laven Insurance page 19

M-Y Home Care page 19

Milton Adult Day Services page 30

North Woods Village page 21

SMP Indiana page 23

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center page 35

Senior Helpers page 19

REAL Services Regional Kitchenfor Independent Living

Meals on WheelsMeals for 38 Nutrition Sites

121 Garst St., South Bend, IN 46601(574) 256-1649

Elkhart County3701 S. Main St.

#1005 (120)Elkhart, IN 46517(574) 875-0606

LaPorte County1700 Lincolnway

Suite VLaPorte, IN 46350

(219) 324-4199877-324-4199

(moving in February 2014to Swanson Activity Center)

Kosciusko County720 Winona Av.

Warsaw, IN 46580(574) 269-1173

Marshall County510 W. Adams St.

Suite #260Plymouth, IN 46563

(574) 936-3175

St. Joseph County1151 S. Michigan St.

South Bend, IN 46601(574) 284-2644

800-552-7928 (IN Only)

Caregiver Connection317 S. Kenmore St.

South Bend, IN 46619(574) 251-2590

Area Agency on AgingCase Management Offices


http://www.sjmed.com/

REALSERVICES

P.O. Box 18351151 S. Michigan StreetSouth Bend, IN 46634

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMilford, INPermit No. 2

Look no further.We offer a complete line of Home Medical Equipment:

574.533.0626

Goshen Home Medical

http://www.iuhgoshenhomemedical.com/