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Plantation South Residents, E-Senior Services Chat with Eugeria! Radio

November 4, 2010 by eugeria

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Plantation South Residents, E-Senior Services Chat with Eugeria! Radio

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Greg Gerendas is not a native Texan, but acknowledges he got here as soon as he could! He was trained as a Lutheran pastor, and serves as the Executive Director for Senior Adult Services, a non-profit organization committed to caring for seniors as they face either short or long term changes in abilities caused by illness or age. Greg is also a Certified Mediator for Aging Issues Mediation (AIM), which is a division of E-Senior Services. AIM uses mediation to help resolve disagreements among family members regarding the care and well-being of an older loved one or between older adults and professional care providers. As mediation sessions play out, it often becomes obvious that education or additional resources need to be brought to bear. AIM is uniquely positioned to provide both the education and the additional resources required to bring resolution to a situation.

Originally from Cleveland, Dee Bergen grew up there, and attended the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She began practicing law in Chicago, moved to Minneapolis for a few years, then Omaha, and finally (!) Dallas. She initially spent her time on elder law issues like end of life planning, financial planning and care and capacity issues. Over time, she developed a desire to know more, so she attended Loyola University and also earned a Masters in Medical Ethics and Healthcare Policy. Like Greg, Dee is also a Certified Mediator, and has a passion to educate, in addition to her passion to serve the senior population. Last year she figured out how to combine the two by teaming up with Greg Gerendas to create AIM Mediation. To find out more about AIM Mediation and E-Senior Services, go to their website at www.e-seniorservices.com, or call them directly at (972) 809-0247.

Sarah Biehl is the Activities Director for Plantation South Assisted Living in Duluth. In her own words, Sarah is the “Director of Excitement”. Sarah shares her joy in working with residents and families of residents every day. Though a guest nearly a year ago, Sarah still seems surprised that she would actually get paid to go to work and have so much fun! Today she brought two of her resident with her to share their stories. Shirley Waters was born in Mississippi, lived in Charleston, Washington DC and Atlanta. She is the mother of seven children, and many grandchildren. Mickie Matheson is a Georgia Peach – born, raised and continues to live here! After working until she was 70, she started looking for a place where she could find both a sense of community and security. Both Mickie and Shirley are thrilled to be residents of Plantation South. Their favorite activity is watching Sarah! To meet Mickie, Shirley and Sarah and arrange a tour, call (770) 623-0617, stop in to visit, or check out their website at www.plantationsouth-duluth.com.

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Lue Taff, Shemanne’ Nickerson and Monica Perdew on Eugeria! Radio

October 27, 2010 by eugeria

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Lue Taff, Shemanne' Nickerson and Monica Perdew on Eugeria! Radio

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Born and raised in Arkansas, Lue Taff started her career working for Bill Clinton…indirectly. After earning an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and having trouble finding work in that field, Lue went to work for the State of Arkansas as a computer programmer. During this time as a computer programmer, Lue started doing some volunteer work in the community. She was paired with an elderly woman to support her in whatever way was needed. She became close friends with her, and developed a passion for serving the senior population. This led her to a Masters in Social Work in 1996, and seven years working in social work in a clinical environment. She became aware of an opportunity to lead the Elder Support Program at The Senior Source. Today, she is still the Director of the Elder Support Program, and loves the opportunity she has every day to make an impact on the lives of seniors and their families. Lue can be contacted at The Senior Source at (214) 823-5700, or visit their website at www.TheSeniorSource.org.

As a nursing student at Texas Christian University, Shemanne’ Nickerson spent part of her time working for a non-profit organization serving those suffering from Cerebral Palsy. Her work there so impacted her that it led her to change her major to Social Work. After graduating, Shemanne’ worked for three years with the AIDS/HIV population as a social worker. She then had an opportunity to become the Director of Case Management for a local rehab hospital, where she began to be exposed to the senior population. As a social worker in a rehab environment, Shemanne’s primary role is to transition patients from the hospital to the home. She realized that the needs of the senior population were a bit more complex than younger patients. Shemanne’ advises families to understand their diagnosis, to be involved in the decisions being made regarding a loved one’s care, to ask lots of questions and be aware that there are many options available for all types of treatments. To contact Shemanne’ directly, email her at snickerson33@gmail.com, or via phone at (817) 716-8830.

Monica Perdew is a native of Macon, Georgia, where she grew up and attended Mercer University. She began her career as and insurance counselor for GEICO for thirteen years. Subsequently, she moved to Houston to attend the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. After earning her law degree, she returned, with her husband, to Atlanta to start a family. She was privileged to be able to stay at home to be a full-time mom for a number of years. It was during this time that she noticed a lack of eye contact from her son, and that he was not responding to his name. After ruling out hearing loss and other conditions, Monica and her husband ultimately received a diagnosis of Autism for their son. This diagnosis fundamentally changed their lives. Monica is organizing a community event to benefit the Walden School at the Emory Autism Center. The event is a Community Yard Sale being held at Clairmont Presbyterian Church, 1994 Clairmont Road in Decatur, on November 20 from 8 am to 1 pm. Rent a space for only $25, or come out and shop! To register for the event, or contact Monica directly, email her at mdbaileylaw@aol.com, or call her at (404) 428-4828.

WellAware Systems and Interim Healthcare on Eugeria! Radio

October 21, 2010 by eugeria

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WellAware Systems and Interim Healthcare on Eugeria! Radio

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Lori Sulak has always had a soft place in her heart seniors. Growing up, she had a very strong relationship with her grandparents that led her to become a caregiver after she graduated from high school. Wanting to pursue a career serving the elderly, Lori went to University of North Texas, where she earned a BS in Gerontology, Sales and Marketing. Upon graduation, Lori took a job with the local Area Agency on Aging as an Ombudsman, advocating for seniors in long term care environments, particularly skilled nursing facilities. She later helped create the first advocacy program for seniors in the assisted living environment in Texas. Today Lori continues to advocate for seniors as the Director of Sales for WellAware Systems. A relatively young company, WellAware uses technology to help seniors stay safely in their homes, wherever home may be. They do this by providing passive monitoring technology that provides critical information on sleep habits, bathing habits, ambulation, vital signs and more in an easy to read “dashboard”. This information can then be used to address physical and emotional issues before they turn into a hospital visit. Contact Lori at (804) 615-0608, or visit their website at www.wellawaresystems.com.

Born and raised in Japan, Yoko Ellison left her family and her homeland to move to the United States when she was 18 years old. She attended university in Ohio, and after graduating, moved to a small town in Virginia to pursue a career in Theater Stage Management. After meeting and marrying her husband, they moved to Atlanta, where Yoko took a job as and Acitivities Director at an Assisted Living Facility in Dunwoody. She worked her way up to the Executive Director position before leaving to take a marketing and sales position with Griswold Special Care. From there, Yoko moved into the skilled care environment, and today is a Homecare Coordinator for Interim Healthcare.

A rare Atlanta native, Melody Juneau began her career as a nurse. She attended Georgia Baptist Nursing School, and later Georgia State University to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her first position after school was with Scottish Rite (now Children’s Hospital of Atlanta) in pediatrics. Melody spent about five years in full time nursing before she left to take a sales position with Medtronic, in the Neurostimulator Division. She went on to work for Pharma Thera selling home infusion services. After working for them for ten years, Melody migrated to the Home Health arena. For the past five years, Melody has been at Interim Healthcare working as a Homecare Coordinator.

Yoko can be reached at (678) 471-3369. Melody can be reached at (678) 468-6096. Visit Interim on the web at www.interimhealthcare.com/atlanta.

MDA of Greater Dallas and Southern Cross Mediation and Healthcare Consulting on Eugeria! Radio

October 13, 2010 by eugeria

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MDA of Greater Dallas and Southern Cross Mediation and Healthcare Consulting on Eugeria! Radio

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Fran Russ and Angela Presley have something unique in common! They both started their careers with the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater Dallas. A Dallas native, Angela went off to school in Lubbock at Texas Tech, and came back. Fran grew up in Houston, went to Baylor University, then came to Dallas to work for MDA. Today she is the Director of Business Development for MDA Dallas, while Angela is the Healthcare Services Coordinator. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to conquering more than 40 muscle diseases that affect a million Americans of all ages. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. To contact the Dallas Chapter of the MDA, call them at (972) 480-0011, or visit the national website at www.mda.org. And mark your calendars for March 5, 2011 for the annual MuscleWalk at Cowboy Stadium.

Kim Bunker is from the South…just barely. Growing up in Kentucky, she attended the University of Kentucky for her nursing degree. She did a little “missionary work” in the north (New York and New Jersey), and spent time in Florida before settling in Atlanta in 2004. She spent a good bit of her career in a clinical environment, including time in the ICU. During her time in acute clinical medicine, it became apparent to her, just as to last week’s guest, Angela Thomas, that there was a great need for patient advocacy on a more personal level. Five years ago this month, Kim started her company, Southern Cross Professional Nurse Consulting. Though she started out providing legal nurse consulting to attorneys, she was quickly overwhelmed with requests for assistance from families in the areas of both forensic nursing and geriatric care management. Look for an upcoming show with Kim focused on the fascinating topic of forensic nursing! In the mean time, you can contact Kim at (770) 317-8244, or via email at kimbunker@gmail.com. Check her out on the web at www.southerncrossmediation.com.

Angela Thomas, Debra Furtado and Sally Eggleston On Eugeria! Radio

October 7, 2010 by eugeria

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Angela Thomas, Debra Furtado and Sally Eggleston On Eugeria! Radio

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Originally from Philadelphia, Angela Thomas knew early on that she wanted to help people as a career. After a few years of school in Colorado, she returned to Pennsylvania, where she earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Penn, and later her Masters in Nursing. After a 17 year “break” to raise her 5 children, Angela returned to the work force in Dallas as a hospital nurse. During her five years in the hospital, she observed that the needs of seniors were not always well-served in that environment. About the same time, Angela was caring for her husbands aunt in their home. These experiences drew out a passion for the elderly, and in 2006 she launched Caring with Grace. Named after her aunt-in-law, Caring with Grace focuses on assisting its client to enjoy a high quality of life and reach their maximum potential. Angela encourages independence, and works hard to create environments that meet that goal while maintaining security and safety. Angela can be reached by email at angela@caringwithgrace.com, via the telephone at (214) 789-6402, or visit her website at www.caringwithgrace.com.

Debra Furtado describes herself as a “corporate refugee”. Originally from the West Coast, and a UGA grad (and UGA parent), she spent a number of years consulting for AGL. While she was still in the corporate world she served as the Board Chair for Senior Connections, an organization whose mission is to maximize independence for seniors through advocacy, information and services. When the CEO left, Debra stepped in as the interim CEO. Now, six years later, it’s safe to say that “Interim” has been eliminated from her title!

Sally Eggleston is also a corporate refugee. She was one of nine children, born and raised near Erie, Pennsylvania. She later moved to Houston, Texas. After more than two decades in the corporate world, Sally recently had an opportunity to bring her talents to bear at Senior Connections as their Chief Marketing Officer. As Sally puts it, Senior Connections offered a cause that she can feel passionate about. Part of this passion she attributes to the example set by her 96 year old mother who learned to drive for the first time at age 69.

Senior Connections will deliver more than 500,000 meals this year, will provide nutrition counseling, in-home care and home repair to the seniors of DeKalb County. They also operate six senior centers and offer a variety of classes, activities and trips. Find out more about Senior Connections by calling (770) 455-7602, or visit them on the web at www.seniorconnectionsatl.org.

Eugeria! Radio Talks to John McNair and Helen Fredrick

September 29, 2010 by eugeria

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Eugeria! Radio Talks to John McNair and Helen Fredrick

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Originally from Jonesboro, Arkansas, John McNair graduated from law school at University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Wanting to further his education, John came to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University, ultimately received a Master of Tax Law degree. He began his private practice in 1983, and spent the first decade on estate planning, probate and taxation. Today, John is a Partner in the firm Barnett, McNair, Hall LLP. Over the past fifteen years, John has been thrilled to see his practice start to gravitate towards Elder Law. He takes particular satisfaction in being able to help seniors find funds to pay for their long term care, and in helping them preserve the estates they have worked so hard to build. Contact John via email at jmcnair@barnettmcnair.com, or via phone at (214) 691-7781. You can also visit his website at www.mcnair.elderlawanswers.com.

Helen Fredrick tells us that everything she’s done in her career thus far has led up to her current position as the Director of Plymouth Harbour’s Day Program for Older Adults. I love it when a plan comes together! An English major in college, Helen ultimately earned a Master of Social Work degree, and has worked in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Plymouth Harbour is a congregational respite program, and a non-profit ministry of the Central Congregational United Church of Christ. They are to celebrate their 20th year! Plymouth Harbour’s mission is to maintain and strengthen the abilities of older adults and to provide support to their caregivers. This respite program is available from 10 AM to 3 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. There is a Caregivers Support Group the meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 10:30 AM to 12PM. For more information about Plymouth Harbour, or schedule a visit, call Helen at (404) 633-4506, ext. 225. You can also visit them on the web at www.plymouth-harbor.org.

North Atlanta’s MemoryWalk and Taylor Settles of AmeriCorp

September 23, 2010 by eugeria

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North Atlanta's MemoryWalk and Taylor Settles of AmeriCorp

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Taylor Settles grew up in the panhandle of Texas. Tired of wind and bad weather, he made a move to the Dallas area, and never left. When Taylor was younger, his grandparents’ struggles with both Parkinsons and cancer made an indelible imprint on his life’s perspective. Coupled with his wife’s career in home health, and a mother-in-law who worked in healthcare for 30 plus years, it was almost inevitable that Taylor would also work in the healthcare field. Today he is Customer Relations Director for AmeriCorp Health Care Group Inc. Taylor loves his work because he is able to provide a broad range of services to his clients, from durable medical equipment to home health services to hospice. Taylor can be reached at 972-818-9488, or via email at tset35@aol.com.

Every 70 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. It’s that time of year again! It is time for the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature fund-raising event, the 2010 MemoryWalk. Thanks to Sarah Biehl, Activity Director for Plantation South of Duluth, we were privileged to have a full house representing the North Fulton Gwinnett County Memory Walk. Shannon Grady came to the Alzheimers Association from another non-profit. She has a real heart for her work because she watched her mother care for her step father through an 11 year battle with Alzheimers. Susan Howard, of Highwood Properties, and Lauri Mayo, of Patterson Heating and Air have similar stories about how their lives have been impacted by Alzheimers and other demential-related illnesses. Susan and Laurie are co-chairs for this year’s event. This event is held to honor and remember those who have been impacted by this terrible disease. It raises funds for education and services to fight the disease and support both victims of the disease and their families. The best part is that all the funds raised in Georgia STAY in Georgia. Please come out and show your support for this event on Saturday, October 9 at the Duluth Town Green. Registration starts at 8:30, and the 3 mile walk starts around 9:30. For more information, go to www.alz.org/georgia, or www.georgiamemorywalk.org.

Chatting with Adam Mandel, Elvis Rogers and Jill Butler

September 15, 2010 by eugeria

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Chatting with Adam Mandel, Elvis Rogers and Jill Butler

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Coming to the Senior Services industry in a bit of a circuitous fashion, Adam Mandel earned an MBA from University of Texas. After spending time in the restaurant business and franchising, Adam had a personal experience that changed the course of his career. His mother had both hip and knee replacements, and came home in a wheel chair. Adam observed that during her recovery, his mother was really confined to a single room in her home due to narrow doorways and stairs. As Adam looked for solutions, the entrepreneur in him suggested that there was a real need for experts in the field of Universal Design – a concept that purports improved accessibility and safety in the home, without sacrificing aesthetics. Today, Adam is one of the owners of Independent Living Design, a firm committed to the design and implementation of safe, accessible and beautiful enhancements to the homes of seniors and disabled adults that improve their ability to stay safely in their homes. Check out his website at www.independentlivingdesign.com, or call him directly at 214-505-6051.

Originally from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Elvis Rogers is the Dining Service Coordinator for Freedom Pointe Roswell, and Brookdale Senior Living Community. Elvis is responsible for preparing a share of the 118,000 meals per day served to seniors living in Brookdale communities around the country. Elvis is also honored to be a contestant vying for the Title of Ultimate Chef America, an event to educate the public on Heart Healthy Dining for the senior population. Though it is a six city event, the Atlanta event will be held at Chambrel Roswell on Thursday, September 23 from 4pm to 7pm. Come out and enjoy food samples and visit with various senior services vendors that will have booths set up at the event. There will also be a silent auction at this event to benefit the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation. To reserve your spot for this event, please call (770) 594-4616 by September 17.

Jill Butler has known since age 15 that she wanted to work with seniors, when she began working in a continuing care retirement center in her native Charlotte, North Carolina. She went on to pursue a recreation degree in geriatrics in college. When her husband was transferred to Atlanta, Jill found Chambrel. Today, Jill is Director of Sales and Marketing for Chambrel of Roswell. Chambrel is an independent living center situated on an idyllic 35 acre campus that was formerly an apple orchard. Jill tells us that one of the features of Chambrel is their Optimum Life Program that inspires wellness. Call Jill at 770-594-4600 to arrange a tour, or visit their website at www.brookdaleliving.com.

A Conversation with Renee Stout and Mark Shekerow

September 9, 2010 by eugeria

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A Conversation with Renee Stout and Mark Shekerow

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Like so many others, Renee Stout became interested in serving the senior community through a personal experience. She describes her grandmother as her “soul mate”. When her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, Renee left sales job in Dallas to care for her in Rhode Island. Born and raised in central Connecticut, Renee earned a degree in marketing from Central Connecticut University. After spending a number of years in the manufacturing intdustry, and fresh from her Caregiving experience with her grandmother, Renee started working in sales and marketing for a senior independent living community and then later, an assisted living community. Today Renee is the Director of Business Development for Halo Medical Service, an emergency and non-emergency transport company serving the Dallas metro area. To find out more about Halo Medical Service, visit their website at www.haloms.com, or call them at (972) 228-3555.

Mark Shekerow has been in the printing business for 30 years. Originally from Rhode Island, Mark came to Atlanta via Washington DC and Orlando in 1990. Today Mark is the CEO and Publisher of Regional Caregiver Magazine, currently published in three local markets: Atlanta, Orlando and Charlotte. Originally the idea of his creative director, JoAnn Pauley, the magazine was born out of a frustration for the lack of resources for family caregivers. Thus, the purpose and vision of Regional Caregiver Magazine is to provide a localized resource for caregivers. According to Mark, the primary need of caregivers is information, and that is exactly what he provides in his magazine. Check out the latest issue of the magazine at www.sgcaregiver.com, or contact Mark directly at 404-683-7776.