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September 2007
In this Edition:
Sound Mind, Sound Body
Providing Help in Time of Need
Staff Highlights: Rona Bartelstone Family Celebrates
Sound Mind, Sound Body
by Linda Gaibel, LCSW, CMC
It is a well known fact that a positive attitude and vital involvement in life, wanting to "make a difference" are
important factors in successful aging. Sarah is an example of a woman who made a difference in history and who has been
living her life with vitality and zest. She took risks in her life, but now she can look back and feel proud that her
efforts really had an impact. She was referred to Rona Bartelstone Care Management and Home Healthcare because her son
and daughter-in-law who live in Arizona, were concerned that she was experiencing anxiety and depression as she was coping
with various health issues. When Linda Gaibel, a Geriatric Care Manager, met Sarah to do an assessment, she soon learned
that Sarah loved to reminisce and in fact had written a historical novel about her life. Even though she will soon turn 94,
she looks as if she is 74. Her mobility is that of a much younger person and she is still eloquent and charming as she
reminisces about her life. She agreed to see Linda for counseling on a weekly basis to help her cope with the inevitable
changes that come with aging. After a recent car accident, she reluctantly gave up her car and is having a hard time with
this loss of independence.
Sarah is well known for being one of the first women to take an active role in forming labor unions and she fought hard
for workers’ rights. In fact she was even invited to the White House to discuss important issues about the labor movement
with President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. Over dinner, when she spoke to President Roosevelt on behalf of labor unions,
the President commented to her that he enjoyed seeing the “"ire in her eyes" and he was influenced by her words. Sarah left
home in her early 20’s to fight for worker’s rights and to fight against racial inequality. She was a woman ahead of her time.
Currently she lives with her second husband in the independent section of a retirement community. She has taken an active
leadership role there, now completing her second year as President of the Residents’ Council.
Even without the opportunity of a college education, Sarah became self-educated and from her experience of writing brochures
on behalf of the labor unions, she developed a careet as a medical writer. She was eventually hired to do research at Yale
University and co-authored a book about parents and their first-born children. She would like to write about her current
experience living in a retirement setting.
Currently Sarah has been invited to speak about her life experiences in front of a social work class at Florida Atlantic
University. The students will learn from her long experience of showing leadership ability and from her experiences as an
early feminist. Her own self esteem will be enhanced as she shares her stories about her interesting life and history.
Despite a lot of stress in her life, she has kept her inner strength and is a good role model for how people can age
gracefully and can remain vibrant.
Because aging poses so many challenges, even people who are vital may sometimes need the support of a sensitive, listening
ear. Rona Bartelstone Care Managers have helped thousands of elders to put their lives in perspective, which helps them to maintain
their emotional vigor well into later life.
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Providing Help in Time of Need
by Barbara Harris, LCSW, CMC
Mr. Smith is an 84-year old gentleman who was referred to Rona Bartelstone Care Management & Home Healthcare by his attorney, Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown was concerned because Mr. Smith seemed confused and there was no family except an elderly, sick brother out of state. Mr. Brown had also observed that Mr. Smith’s house, where he lived alone, had become unkept, cluttered, and unclean, and his yard had become overgrown. Mr. Brown requested a comprehensive assessment of Mr. Smith’s situation with recommendations from Barbara Harris, the Care Manager.
After a few meetings with Mr. Smith the Care Manager informed Mr. Brown that, in order for Mr. Smith to continue living alone in his house, he would need some assistance during the day. Mr. Smith’s doctor had diagnosed him with high blood pressure, depression, and memory loss, although initially his memory loss did not appear to be extensive. However, he was unsteady on his feet, did not appear to be taking his medication properly, did not appear to be bathing regularly, was not paying his bills on time, and was totally dependent on his neighbor to take him shopping, although this relationship was coming to an end. To Mr. Smith’s credit, he had stopped driving after he had a minor accident driving the wrong way on a one-way street and his license had been suspended.
Up until this point, Mr. Smith had adamantly refused to let anyone else help him. Barbara Harris, the Care Manager spent several sessions with Mr. Smith discussing the advantages of having someone come in to help out “a little” and be able to drive him around when needed. She gained his trust by aligning with his desire to remain in his own home and he finally agreed that the only way he could achieve his goal was to have some help. He agreed (begrudgingly) to have home health aide 4-hours a day, 3 times a week.
After the aide’s first day, Mr. Smith requested that she come back the following day and stay longer. From that time on, the aide went every day for 5-6 hours. Mr. Smith wanted to go out frequently for lunches, shopping and other errands. The aide made sure he had clean clothes, a clean house, and healthy meals. In a short time, Mr. Smith began to look and feel much better. The Care Manager arranged for a nurse from Rona Bartelstone Care Management & Home Healthcare to visit him twice each month and make sure his medication boxes are filled correctly. The Care Manager takes him to his doctor appointments regularly, so that she can help to monitor his healthcare needs. The aide takes his blood pressure daily and she reports any change to the Director of Nursing immediately. The Care Manager also assists Mr. Smith with bill paying and she arranged for many of his bills to be paid automatically. Ms. Harris has also overseen many of the necessary house repairs to assure the safety of his home environment, including upgrading and repairs to the air conditioning system, the plumbing and the flooring. His homeowners insurance had lapsed and the Care Manager saw that it was reinstated. She arranged for the yard to be maintained twice a month.
Unfortunately, in recent months, Mr. Smith’s physical condition has begun to deteriorate considerably, along with his mental condition. A home health aide is now with him 24-hours each day since he now requires total care. However his desire to remain in his home is intact and by having the proper care, he is able to do so. Mr. Smith is successfully maintaining his goal of remaining at home for the balance of his life, despite his initial reluctance to have help.
Sometimes a little bit of help really does give us the freedom to achieve our goals!
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Staff Highlights: Rona Bartelstone Family Celebrates
SANDRA C. GOLDBERG, RN, (Sandy) is celebrating her 15th year working with Rona Bartelstone Care Management & Home Healthcare.
When asked about her longevity with Rona, Sandy stated "When you work for the best, where do you go from there."
Sandy is the Clinical Director of Home Health. In that position she supervises and trains our home health aides and certified nursing
aides, as well as providing personalized care management services. Her vibrant personality and positive outlook on life have enhanced her
natural abilities to help augment the quality of life for our clients. Sandy is a strong client advocate and over the years has been in a
position to ensure that each of her clients received the most excellent care and services.
We value her as a professional, treasure her as a person and wish her a very happy anniversary with many more years of dedicated service
to our clients.
NINA ROTHSTEIN, LCSW, LMHC, CMC, is celebrating her 13th year with us. When asked, why she works for Rona Bartelstone Care
Management & Home Healthcare, she said "Because I really believe in the philosophy, ethics and standards of practice of this Company."
Nina has provided care management services over the years to clients that range from two (2) to one hundred (100) years of age. Nina prides
herself on being a fervent client advocate and will go that extra mile to ensure that her clients are safe and receiving the services to which
they are entitled. Her clients and their families enjoy working with her lively personality and energetic style. Nina is very knowledgeable
regarding community services and keeps well informed of all the current resources that can provide quality care for her clients.
Our Company values Nina’s caring services and commitment to her clients and their families. We wish her a very happy anniversary along
with many continued years of outstanding services to our clients and their families.
Rona Bartelstone Care Management & Home Healthcare is proud to have Sandy and Nina as part of our caregiving family. It is exceptional
staff, such as these that enable our family to care for your family with devotion and commitment.
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Hurricane Preparedness Program: Peak Months of the 2007 Hurricane Season are August through October
Although June marks the official start of hurricane season, now is the time to save on our Hurricane Preparedness Program.
So far this season, there have been three Atlantic named storms (Andrea, Barry, and Chantal), which is slightly above average for June and July. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. However, the vast majority of the activity in 2007 is expected during the peak months of the season- August through October (ASO).*
We have recently introduced a new Hurricane Preparedness Program that can help you and your family be prepared this hurricane season. Click here for more information on our dynamic program.
* Information provided by National Weather Service
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