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Carole Larkin and Diane Grainger Chat with Eugeria! Radio

June 24, 2010 by eugeria

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Carole Larkin and Diane Grainger Chat with Eugeria! Radio

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Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Carole Larkin has gradually worked her way south, through a number of career iterations. She started her career with the Welfare Department for the State of Ohio. She later became a Computer Aided Design engineer for HVAC systems in Clean Rooms. In the early 90s, Carole went to University of North Texas to get her Masters Degree in Applied Gerontology. Like many others, Carole ended up in the senior services arena through the experience of caring for a family member, in this case, her mother. Today she is the owner of ThirdAge Services, a geriatric care management consulting firm in Dallas. She specializes in helping families with Alzheimer’s and related dementias issues. She can be reached at (214) 649-1392, or visit her on the web at www.thirdageservices.com. She is also passionate about Puzzles to Remember, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes puzzles for seniors with dementia-related illnesses. Check out their website at www.puzzlestoremember.com.

A native of Alabama, Diane Grainger has been a nurse for 30 years. She spent her early years in the operating room. About twelve years ago, Diane became aware of a unique program started by Gwinnett Medical Center in 1994. This program, the Congregational Nurse Program, was designed to promote health and wellness to churches and their surrounding communities. This concept, started in the Chicago area by Dr. Granger Westberg posited that nurse involvement following a hospital stay would have a positive effect on continuing heath and wellness. Though she continue in her role at Gwinnett Medical Center, it was an idea that was tugging at her heart. About ten years ago, Lawrenceville First Baptist Church created a position for a congregational nurse. Diane applied, got the job, and has been there ever since. She loves the program, and sees her position as much more than a job – she sees it as a calling. Diane can be reached at (770) 963-5121, via email at diane@lawrencevillefbc.org, or on the web at www.lawrencevillefbc.org. For more information on Gwinnett Medical Center’s congregational nurse program, click here.

Eugeria! Radio Talks with Mary Lea Quinn and Jeff Young

June 9, 2010 by eugeria

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Eugeria! Radio Talks with Mary Lea Quinn and Jeff Young

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Mary Lea Quinn’s best friend is about to turn 70! Having a natural affinity for seniors, many of her friends over the years have been just a few years old than her. Educated at Auburn University, and then University of Denver, Mary Lea holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work. She is currently the Director of Community Relations for SarahCare Adult Day Care Centers. She is also the founder of the Atlanta chapter of the National Aging in Place Council (www.ageinplace.org). Mary Lea can be reached at (770) 476-8400. Visit SarahCare on the web at www.sarahcare.com.

Before Jeff Young worked with senior adults, he worked with animals. In fact, that’s how he developed his passion for seniors – by sharing a common interest in canaries with a senior. After semi-retirement from the pet business, Jeff was approached by a friend to simply provide maintenance services at a skilled nursing community. The next thing you know, Jeff is the Admissions Director for Briarcliff Haven, a 165 bed skilled nursing facility and subacute rehab center. To contact Jeff, or arrange a tour, call (404) 875-6456. Briarcliff Haven is also on the web at www.briarcliffhaven.com.

Back by Popular Demand! AIDS in the Senior Community

June 2, 2010 by eugeria

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Back by Popular Demand! AIDS in the Senior Community

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We at Eugeria! Radio understand this is an extremely sensitive topic. We want our listeners to know that we are interested in education and awareness. To that end, we want as many people as possible to hear this podcast. At the same time, though not explicit, please be advised that this podcast covers topics that may be uncomfortable to some listeners. Please send us your thoughts and/or questions. We are anxious to have an extended discussion on this subject. Thanks!

Kyle Monroe-Spencer is the Director of HIV Prevention for AIDGwinnett, a non-profit organization providing supportive services and prevention education to AIDS victims and their support network. After receiving a BS degree in Community Health in college, Kyle moved from Ohio to San Francisco. She then joined the Peace Corps and spent a number of years in Jamaica, initially involved in general health counseling, and then becoming very interested in HIV prevention. In 1996, Kyle moved to Atlanta to continue her work in AIDS education and prevention. Kyle tells us that an astonishing 28% of the new AIDS cases are in adults over age 55. Further, she notes that “most seniors believe this is a disease for the younger generation.” Her best advice is to become educated and take the simple measures to prevent the disease. Kyle can be reached at 678-990-6430, or visit their website at www.AIDGwinnett.org.

Adrienne Noble is the Information and Referral Specialist for Gwinnett County Senior Services. Originally from New York, Adrienne has become a vital force in her community by immersing herself in opportunities to serve the area’s seniors. From directing residents to County service locations, to assisting them in availing themselves of Gwinnett County’s senior services, to helping families think through the impact of an aging loved one that can no longer stay safe alone, Adrienne’s role is to provide answers! One of her roles is sitting on the Senior Issues Task Force. The topic of AIDS in the senior community is one of two key issues identified by this task force, and one in which Adrienne is particularly interestsed. Adrienne can be reached at (678) 377-4150, or via email at adrienne.noble@gwinnettcounty.com. Find about more about the services available to seniors through Gwinnett County at their website: www.gwinnettcounty.com.

A WWII Vet remembers D-Day; PK Beville & Second Wind Dreams; Leslie Finkley of Arbor Terrace

May 26, 2010 by eugeria

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A WWII Vet remembers D-Day; PK Beville & Second Wind Dreams; Leslie Finkley of Arbor Terrace

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Bob Jagers was born in Chicago in 1922. He later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attended Aquinas College. After two years of school, Bob enlisted in the Navy. He was assigned to a very large transport vessel called a Landing Ship Tank, or LST. Bob was involved in four invasions, including the Normandy invasion at Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Bob was later decorated for his role in treating wounded soldiers during the D-Day invasion. Bob returned home, and married his wife, Rose, in 1946. He later received both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering. He worked for Chrysler Corporate for more than 20 years, and retired in 1979. Since then, Mr. Jagers, at the age of 88, stays young by tutoring kids every week. He has authored two books, “Whales of WWII” and a book for kids, “The Inedible BLT”. To reach Mr. Jagers, or order one of his books, email him at rbjagers@hotmail.com.

Raised in Ohio, Leslie Finkley knew early on that she wanted to work with seniors. After graduating from University of Virginia with her Masters in Counseling, she thought she would have a career counseling seniors. She soon discovered that not too many seniors wanted the advice of a 24 year old! Consequently, Leslie decided to start working with seniors to get them more involved in day to day activities. This seemed to hit their sweet spot, and hers as well. Today, Leslie loves her job as the Activities Director at Arbor Terrace at Crabapple, where she helps her residents stay engaged through all different types of activities. At the same time, she now offers her counseling service to residents on a weekly basis! Leslie can be reached at 770-649-1009, or visit the community at www.at-crabapple.com.

To do justice to PK Beville’s resume’ would take many, many pages! She holds an MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, is a Certified Medical Assistant and a Certified General Mediator. She is the CEO of Geriatric Specialists, and is the Founder and President of Second Wind Dreams, a non-profit organization that is committed to both education of Caregivers, and to the fulfillment of Seniors’ dreams. One of PK’s most important achievements is the development of a program called the Virtual Dementia Tour. This program gives hope to those affected with Alzheimers and other dementia-related illnessses by giving family caregivers and healthcare professionals a glimpse into the world of the Dementia patient. This is done through a visual, sensory and tactical simulation that is absolutely eye-opening to participants! To learn more about the Virtual Dementia Tour, Second Wind Dreams or Geriatric Specialists, contact PK at (678) 624-0500, or email her at pk@secondwind.org. Visit their website at www.secondwind.org.

A Conversation with Dr. Joe Hannan, Tomie Galbreath and Sharon McNair

May 19, 2010 by eugeria

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A Conversation with Dr. Joe Hannan, Tomie Galbreath and Sharon McNair

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Originally from Maine, close to the Canadian border, Sharon McNair was destined to work with seniors. She grew up in a home where both her grandparents and her great grandparents lived in the house. She went off to schoo, and ultimately received a Masters degree in Gerontology. Sharon began her career as a social worker in a skilled nursing facility. In the mid-80s, Sharon wanted her parents to be close to her, so she put them on the waiting list at Gwinnett Christian Terrace. Not long after that, she went to work for Gwinnett Christian Terrace, and has been the Administrator ever since – nearly 25 years!

Tomie Galbreath is a world traveler! Born in West Virginia and raised in Texas, Tomie eventually ended up back in Atlanta with her husband. When she came to Gwinnett Christian Terrace to be the Activities Director and Service Coordinator seven years ago, she had no real experience working with seniors. According to Tomie, she thought to herself, “Well, I’m a senior, what would I be interested in? What would draw me out of my apartment?” She hasn’t looked back since, and tells us that she finds her job so rewarding because she gets to see reluctant residents “blossom and come out of their shells.” Tomie and Sharon can be reached at (770) 925-2300. You can also visit their website at www.christianterrace.com.

Dr. Joe Hannan is an Internist by trade. Raised in New Jersey, and educated at Gettysburg College, Dr. Hannan received his medical education in Europe. He returned to the US to do his residency. When his partner offered up three clients in a skilled nursing facility, Dr. Hannan was quick to accept. Over the years, he has focused his practice on the senior community. Today, Dr. Hannan is the Medical Director for two Manor Care facilities in the Atlanta area. He also serves several other facilities and a hospice. To reach Dr. Hannan at Manor Care, just look for the guy with the baseball hat and the crazy tie!

Eugeria! Radio Talks with Caroline Griswold and Chuck and Dara McMillan

May 13, 2010 by eugeria

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Eugeria! Radio Talks with Caroline Griswold and Chuck and Dara McMillan

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Caroline Griswold grew up wanting to make a difference in peoples’ lives. A Gwinnett County resident since the age of six, Caroline received her Associates Degree in Behavioral Science from Georgia Military College, then went on to University of Georgia to get her Bachelors Degree in Social Work. Caroline observed social workers making a huge difference when her grandmother struggled with cancer at an early age, and it made a lasting impact on her. Today, Caroline is a Social Worker at Gwinnett Medical Center’s Center for Neurosciences. She loves her work there because she has the opportunity and the encouragement to put patients and families first! Caroline can be reached at (678) 312-066, or via email at cgriswold@gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.

Chuck and Dara McMillian are the owners of a unique company called My Accessable Home. Though there are a few other companies in the Atlanta area that specialize in renovations for seniors and disabled adults, their business is unique in that they bring a wholistic approach to the process. This is due, in large part, to Dara’s background in social work. Dara grew up in a family of health care professionals. She received her Masters in Social Work from Boston University, and spent more than a decade as a social worker and a geriatric care coordinator. Dara moved to the Atlanta are in 1996. Chuck McMillan, on the other hand, grew up in Sandy Springs. He has spent most of his career in the remodeling business. Blending the talents of the two McMillans has resulted in an incredible benefit to their clients as they truly understand both the physical and social needs of their clients and what will be needed to make their home safe to live in as they age. Chuck and Dara can be reached at (770) 715-5242. Visit them on the web at www.myaccessablehome.com.

A Chat with the Residents of Delmar Gardens – Doris Anderson, Salty and Lillian Wyatt and Olympia LaMattina

May 5, 2010 by eugeria

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A Chat with the Residents of Delmar Gardens - Doris Anderson, Salty and Lillian Wyatt and Olympia LaMattina

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Jennifer Thilo will tell you that she has one of the best jobs in the world. After listening to her residents rave about Delmar Gardens, we think you may agree. Jennifer has been the Executive Director of Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett for nearly 15 years. After majoring in English and Poetry, it was natural for her to gravitate toward serving the senior population (Hmmm…). Jennifer attributes the success of her community to the incredible team that supports her on a daily basis. We think it may have to do with the fact that there’s no job that she asks her staff to do that she wouldn’t do herself (including driving the bus!)

One of the most important roles in Delmar Gardens’ skilled nursing community is the Director of Social Services. Hilly Beckford accomplishes this task with enthusiasm and passion. Even as a teenager, Hilly says that she enjoyed her mom’s friends more than the kids her own age. She agrees with Jennifer with respect to the team of professionals that comprise the Delmar Gardens family. Hilly notes, “Walls don’t give people care, people do”. This philosophy seems to permeate the entire Delmar Gardens team.

For the first time, Eugeria! Radio had the privilege of chatting directly with a number of individuals that are on the receiving end of the senior services market. Their stories are funny and compelling. Doris Anderson is from Norfolk, Virginia. She is the Resident Counci President, and is active in the Bridge Club. She’s been a resident of Delmar Gardens for four years. Her advice to our listeners is to stay upbeat, have faith, and don’t worry!

Olympia LaMattina moved to Delmar Gardens with her husband just over two years ago. After his passing, Olympia tells us that the community at Delmar Gardens rallied around her to help her realize that she had friends there that were committed to supporting her through the grieving process. Salty Wyatt was captured in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. He spent 4 1/2 months as a prisoner of war, then went back and spent 15 years as a hurricane hunter. After an additional 22 years with Wachovia, he finally retired. His wife, Lillian’s claim to fame is that she put up with him for so many years. She wishes he would go back to work! (Just kidding!)

Eugeria! Radio Chats with Evercare Hospice: Eric Williams, Mary Beth Pulaski and Carol Mullen

April 28, 2010 by eugeria

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Eugeria! Radio Chats with Evercare Hospice: Eric Williams, Mary Beth Pulaski and Carol Mullen

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Though he didn’t realize it at the time, Eric Williams has been a fan of hospice since he was 10 years old. Eric’s older brother died of an inoperable brain tumor at the age of 14. Later in life, when he was introduced to the hospice concept, he realized what a positive impact hospice could have played, had his family been aware of it at the time. Eric is currently the Executive Director of the Atlanta Office of Evercare Hospice and Palliative Care, a division of United Health Group. He is well-prepared for this role, both by education and by work experience. Eric received a BA in Social Work from Georgia State University. He went on to get Masters degrees from both Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has worked in hospice for seventeen years. Eric, and the rest of his team, can be reached at (770) 417-2018. Also visit them on the web at www.evercarehospice.com for a deeper look at their philosophy and a wide array of resources for families.

Mary Beth Pulaski was a newly minted RN when she came to Atlanta 15 years ago. She first observed hospice through the eyes of her sister’s volunteer work. Later, both her parents got involved in hospice, and at the age of 83, her dad is still a hospice volunteer! So it seems inevitable that Mary Beth ended up doing hospice work herself. Today, she is the Clinical Director for Evercare Hospice, where she loves her job, and especially loves the gifted team she works with on a day to day basis. When asked about her counsel to new or prospective hospice patients, she advised that each person should ask the question, “What do I want my life to be like?” Not what should I have done, or what will I do tomorrow, but what will I do today!

Our final guest this morning is often the first face a prospective hospice patient sees from Evercare Hospice. Carol Mullen is the Community Outreach Representative. Her job is to educate healthcare professionals, prospective patients and their families about hospice and palliative care, and to equip them to make informed decisions about how they will live the rest of their lives. Originally from Illinois, Carol has lived too many places to list here. Six years ago, Carol and her husband moved to Atlanta to be close to one of nine of their children. After working for an assisted living community, and then owning her own homecare company, Carol was introduced to Evercare Hospice. She is thrilled to be able to bring the possibility of a good quality of life to her patients and their families. To find out more about the services Evercare Hospice provides, contact Carol at (770) 417-2018.

Managing and Financing the Cost of Long Term Care – Part 2 of 2

April 21, 2010 by eugeria

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Managing and Financing the Cost of Long Term Care - Part 2 of 2

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N. Wallace Kelleman, “Wally” to her friends, is nearly an institution in the Atlanta Elder Law community. A lifelong student, Wally attended law school in the late 1980s, and graduated with two law degrees – one from Western New England College of Law, and one from Emory School of Law. After 38 years as an RN, Wally recognized a gaping hole in the services available to Atlanta’s senior population, and formed The Kelleman Law Firm. As one might expect, Wally spends time with clients helping with a broad range of issues, including estate planning and asset protection. But more importantly, in Wally’s own words, she is “the conscience of the client or family.” She is asking the difficult questions like, “who will support you when you are no longer able to support yourself?” Wally can be reached via e-mail at attynwk@aol.com, or by phone at (770) 736-0369. Visit her website at www.kellemanlaw.com, or visit www.nolo.com and drill down to Gwinnett County, Georgia.

After earning degrees in both English and History, Dan Munster did what anybody would do with those two degrees. He went back to school to study Law! Upon completion of his law degree, Dan had the privilege of working for Atlanta Legal Aid for five years. During his tenure there, he was allowed to choose the area of law he wanted to practice. Dan chose the Senior Citizens Law Project as a result of his relationship with his paternal grandmother, and her experiences as a senior. Dan started his own private practice in 1999, and now is one of Georgia’s foremost experts in Medicare and Medicaid. Dan can be reached 404-920-0521, or visit his website at www.georgiaelderlaw.net.