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BMA Blog |
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Touching Lives · Providing Dignified Lifestyles
Posts Tagged ‘Assisted Living Community’
Thursday, January 10th, 2013
By Ellie Baum, Administrator of Heritage Woods of Chicago
 This is the second of two Blogs that we are posting about the senior living communities that recently were honored by BMA Management, Ltd., with 2012 Enriching Lives Awards. Heritage Woods of Chicago received First Place awards and Churchview Supportive Living. Also recognized were John Evans Supportive Living in Pekin, Illinois, and the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living communities in Charleston and Pekin, Illinois. Today’s Blog is about Heritage Woods of Chicago, an affordable assisted living community located on Chicago’s west side.
All too often residents of Heritage Woods of Chicago enter our community from less than ideal conditions. The west side of Chicago is recognized as a high crime area with shootings, gangs, drugs, poverty, and neglect.
Many of these seniors are estranged from family and do not have adequate support systems.
A homeless gentleman moved to our community from a nursing home. When he arrived he was wearing a pair of mismatched socks and had no shoes. We immediately purchased shoes, and provided clothing and apartment furnishings. Shortly after, we discovered that he had a drinking problem and learned he was not alone in his addiction. We secured a volunteer to facilitate an AA group and purchased “Big Books.” We supported him along with our residents in their sobriety. The resident began singing and showed us his true self and sense of humor. He won 2nd place in our Dancing with the Stars competition, joined a regular card group and made friends. He is just one of our success stories.
During Supportive Living Week the residents provided statements about how Supportive Living has made a difference in their lives. One resident stated that Heritage Woods of Chicago restored her self-esteem, while another shared that she regained her independence. The most profound letter stated that Heritage Woods of Chicago is a “place of healing.”
While there are countless stories of our staff’s dedication and commitment, our support extends beyond the walls of Heritage Woods of Chicago.
One gentleman was initially unable to move into our community from a homeless shelter as a result of an unjust criminal charge. The senior previously lived in Michigan and was charged as a sex offender, as a result of his incontinence, making him ineligible for residency. Heritage Woods of Chicago took the initiative to contact an attorney in Michigan who agreed to accept the case pro bono. After several months the attorney was successful in removing the sex offender charge and the resident then became a member of our community.
We are proud to be an active member of the West Side Coalition for Seniors. The Coalition surveyed the seniors to identify the most needed, yet inaccessible, health services for impoverished seniors. Heritage Woods of Chicago chaired the outreach committee for the past two years and pioneered an annual health fair. As a result of the screenings one senior was able to save his vision due to early detection of a serious eye condition. In addition, our employees volunteer their time each year to assist with the Coalition’s annual senior prom. The seniors enjoy dressing in their best attire for a formal banquet at McCormick Hyatt Regency complete with dancing, a full course menu, and the crowning of the royal court. We were excited when one of our residents was honored as Prince of the Prom in 2012.
Heritage Woods of Chicago is more than a community. We are a family that supports our residents with love, compassion, and dignity. It truly starts with love. A professional asked, “How do you do it? How do you help these seniors who bring a host of problems with them?” At Heritage Woods of Chicago “(we) give them love… and see what happens.”
Heritage Woods of Chicago is one of the 36 seniors living communities managed by BMA.
The community serves low-income seniors, including those on Medicaid,
who need some help to maintain their independence,
providing a wonderful alternative to a nursing home or to struggling alone at home.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
   
Tags: affordable assisted living, Assisted Living Community, Assisted Living in Chicago, assisted living in Illinois, Award, bma, Churchview Supportive Living, City of Chicago, Compassion, Dancing with the Stars, Dignity, Enriching Lives, Enriching Lives of Seniors, Heritage Woods of Charleston, Heritage Woods of Chicago, John Evans Supportive Living, Love, nursing home, older adults, Residents, Seniors, supportive living community, Supportive Living Week
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
By Christopher Dale, Administrator of Churchview Supportive Living
 This is the first of two Blogs that we are posting about the senior living communities that recently were honored by BMA Management, Ltd., with 2012 Enriching Lives Awards. Churchview Supportive Living and Heritage Woods of Chicago received First Place awards. Also recognized were John Evans Supportive Living in Pekin, Illinois, and the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living communities in Charleston and Pekin, Illinois. Today’s Blog is about Churchview Supportive Living, an affordable assisted living community located on Chicago’s southwest side.
When I think about what Churchview Supportive Living has done in the past year to enrich the lives of seniors, the first thing I am struck by is the compassion of the our staff, who work day in and day out with our residents. Some of our seniors who come to live at Churchview are the poorest of the poor- we have reached out to missions and homeless shelters and have provided sanctuary for seniors who have not had a stable roof over their heads, hot meals or a warm shower in ages. We enrich their lives, but we too are enriched by ministering to the neediest among us.
I am reminded too of a resident we recently moved in, who spent most of the last few years in a nursing home room with four other residents. I spent a lot of time visiting her in the nursing home, getting paperwork done and just getting to know her as a person. She told me enough about her life that I wondered how she had even survived up to this point. All of her belongings could fit in a grocery bag, and her most prized possessions were about dozen stuffed animals that she had managed to hold onto over the years.
While out team approaches everyone with the values of Love, Compassion and Dignity, there are times that your heart strings pull harder and together we worked to get her moved in as quickly as possible, furnished her apartment, found her clothes and a television set so she could watch her “shows”. Most of all though, we collectively put our arms around her – and that is not so much a physical thing – we hug our residents every day, but much more so an attitude that we care about her, that she’s safe here and that’s she around people that she can think of as family. There is hardly a day that goes by that she doesn’t tell me how much she loves living at Churchview and how we “rescued” her from the nursing home.
Sometimes a senior’s life is enriched by something new and different, and this example comes from our computer lab. As part of a federal grant program and in conjunction with a company called Connected Living, we were able to create a computer lab in our 5th floor lounge, teach residents basic computer skills – our oldest student so far is in his upper nineties – and supply them with lap tops. We have graduated 42 residents so far, and they are able to e-mail loved ones, surf the internet, play computer games and use technology that they may not have had access to if they weren’t part of our community. In the second year of the program, we provided outreach computer classes to the community at large, and have had seniors come to the building for classes.
I remarked some time ago, to someone, that for so many of our staff this is not so much a job as it is a calling. Our staff travel dangerous neighborhoods to get to Churchview; our building is in an area that at times is the most violent in the City of Chicago – and yet we’re here day in and day out because we’re committed to our residents. We enrich their lives, because we see this as our purpose in our lives. We reach out, we love and we care for our residents because we simply can’t imagine doing anything else but that. As one resident says, “It’s in our bones.”
Churchview Supportive Living was developed and is owned
by the Greater Southwest Development Corp. and is one
of the 36 seniors living communities managed by BMA.
The community serves low-income seniors, including those on Medicaid, who need some help to maintain their independence, providing a wonderful alternative to a nursing home or to struggling alone at home.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
Tags: affordable assisted living, Assisted Living Community, Assisted Living in Chicago, assisted living in Illinois, Award, bma, Churchview Supportive Living, City of Chicago, Compassion, Dignity, Enriching Lives, Enriching Lives of Seniors, Greater Southwest Development Corp, Heritage Woods of Charleston, Heritage Woods of Chicago, John Evans Supportive Living, Love, nursing home, older adults, Residents, Seniors, supportive living community
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Thursday, October 18th, 2012
By Rick Banas of assisted living provider BMA Management, Ltd.
During a recent informational program at the Cambridge House affordable assisted living community that BMA manages in Swansea, Illinois, Dentist Arthur Engelage talked about “How to Take Care of Your Teeth as You Age.”
The native of Belleville, Illinois, earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University (SIU). He has practiced in his hometown for 35 years.
He cited common problems experienced by older adults:
Dry Mouth – because your salvia diminishes as you age and due to the effects of some medications.
Broken Teeth because your teeth get brittle as you age.
Missing Teeth.
Cavities in the root of your teeth,
Arthritis which makes it more difficult to hold a tooth brush.
Tartar Build-Up because your teeth get rougher as you age.
Loose Fitting Dentures or Partials. He provided the following tips:
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day, especially between the time you have eaten dinner before you go to bed. Brush the front and back of your teeth. Brush your tongue because bacteria on your tongue can attack your teeth.
Use a soft tooth brush.
An electric tooth brush can be beneficial, especially for people who may have difficulty holding a tooth brush.
Floss daily.
Get your teeth polished on a regular basis as a smooth surface reduces the opportunity for plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth.
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash if you want to use a mouthwash. Not using mouthwash is better than using one that has alcohol because the alcohol can dry out your mouth. This can cause problems with your teeth and gums, interfere with digestion, cause problems with sleeping and speaking, and cause trouble swallowing.
Since salvia decreases at night, keep a glass of water by your bed.
Get your mouth in good condition while you are in good health because certain health conditions and some medications can make dental work more difficult.
 If you need dentures, mini-implants are now available to help secure dentures in your mouth.
If dry-mouth is a problem, your dentist can prescribe an alcohol-free mouth rinse for dry-mouth or you may want to use the over-the-counter Biotene product for dry mouth. For more information on Dental Care for Adults 60 Years of Age and Older, you can visit the Mouth Healthy website brought to you by the American Dental Association www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of affordable assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
Tags: affordable assisted living, American Dental Association, Assisted Living Community, assisted living illinois, Biotene Product, BMA Blog, BMA Management, BMA ssisted living, Cambridge House of Swansea, Dental Care, Dental Medicine, Dentist Arthur Engelage, Dentures, Dry Mouth, Missing Teeth, Mouth Healthy Website, older adults, Partial Dentures, Rick Banas, Root Cavities, senior living, Seniors, Southern Illinois University, supportive living, Tartar Build Up, Teeth
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Thursday, September 13th, 2012
 By Rick Banas of BMA Management, Ltd.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are saying this year will be one of the worst years we ever had for the flu, Lori Johnson, R.N., told those attending the “Preventing the Flu” informational program she conducted last week at the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living community that we manage in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Lori, who has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years, is with Regional Home Health Crossroads in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
The flu season usually begins in October and can last through the end of May, says the CDC.
There are things you can do to help reduce your risk of contracting the seasonal influenza virus and things you should do if you get the flu, Lori said.
Signs of the Flu
Just because you are not vomiting, does not mean you do not have the flu, Lori cautioned.
Symptoms of the flu include diarrhea, gas, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, abdominal pain and cramps, fever, feeling tired or weak. Headaches and muscle aches may also accompany these symptoms.
Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk
Since flu viruses can travel through the air, coming into close contact with a person or animal infected with the flu virus increases your risk of getting the flu.
- Avoid close contact with someone who has the flu.
- Do not drink from the same glass or share clothes or linens.
- Encourage everyone if your house to wash their hands with soap and water after they use the bathroom.
- Wash the clothes and towels that you use while you are ill separately from the rest of your laundry.
- Clean the surfaces in your homes with antibacterial cleaner or bleach.
- Use tissues to blow your nose and throw them away.
- Wash your hands before preparing or serving any meals.
Older adults also are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot. The shot, says Lori, may not keep you from getting the flu, but helps with the symptoms. The CDC recommends that you get the shot as soon as possible each year.
What To Do If You Get The Flu
- Make sure your stay hydrated. Dehydration is the biggest reason why people end up in hospitals. People do not realize how quickly they can become dehydrated. Dehydration can be life-threatening for people with health problems and for older adults. Without treatment, dehydration can affect your organs. Even if you feel sick or have been vomiting, suck on ice chips or take small sips of clear liquids often. Slowly increase the amount of clear liquids you drink.
- When you feel hungry, begin eating foods that are soft and bland such as bananas, clear soups, potatoes and applesauce. Do not have dairy products, alcohol, sugary drinks or drinks with caffeine until you feel better.
- Rest as much as possible. When you begin to feel better, slowly start to do more each day.
Seeking Medical Help
- Always contact your primary care physician should you have any concerns.
- Contact your caregiver or physician if you are not urinating as much as you usually do; you have a fever; you continue to vomit or have diarrhea, even after treatment; or if you mouth or eyes are dry.
- If you are living in an assisted living community, do not hesitate to contact the nurse or other staff member.
The flu is a serious contagious disease. Complications can lead to hospitalizations and death. And seniors are among those most at risk for developing serious complications.
More information also can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of affordable assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
Tags: Affordable Assisted Living Community, assisted living, Assisted Living Community, Caregiver, CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dehydration, Flu, Flu Virus, Heritage Woods of Mt. Vernon, Lori Johnson, Preventing the Flu, Regional Home Health Crossroads, Regional Home Health Crossroads in Mt. Vernon, Seeking Medical Help, Seniors, Signs of the Flu
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Thursday, June 28th, 2012
By Rick Banas of assisted living provider BMA Management, Ltd.
Tonight, Grammy-award winning country singer Glen Campbell will be performing at Ravinia in nearby Highland Park, Illinois. Just a year ago, in June 2011, the man known for songs such as “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Wichita Lineman” bravely announced that he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. His performance at Ravinia is part of his “Goodbye Tour.”
As one of the 76 million that are part of the Baby Boomer generation, I grew up listening to Glen and can vividly recall watching the “Glen Campbell Good time Hour” variety show on CBS.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that steals memories, independence and eventually one’s life, Heather Mulder told those of us in attendance at the educational program that she conducted earlier this month at our Bridle Brook of Mahomet assisted living and memory care community in Champaign County, Illinois.
Heather is the Manager of Consumer Education and Outreach for the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). She was speaking on “The Boomer Generation: What You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s Disease.”
The impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the Boomer Generation will be tremendous, Heather noted.
Right now, there are 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, and the disease is the 6th leading cause of death in our country, Heather said.
Last year, the first of the Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – started to turn 65. On average over the next 19 years, 10,000 a day will be celebrating their 65th birthday.
With this age wave, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is estimated to grow to between 11 and 16 million by the year 2050.
At 65, one in every eight individuals has Alzheimer’s. After 65, your risk of developing the disease doubles every five years.
The onset of the disease is gradual, and there is evidence that the disease starts forming 10 to 20 years before a person starts showing symptoms. The course and length varies from person to person.
The disease causes problems well beyond just forgetting. It affects a person’s ability to make choices, a person’s mood, and a person’s ability to meet personal needs.
Alzheimer’s disease also will have a significant impact on Baby Boomers in another way. Many Boomers are going to be serving as a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Caregiving can take its toll on the health of the caregiver.
There is hope, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, and there are treatments that are showing potential for slowing the progression of the disease, Heather stressed.
Better heart health equals better brain health. Physical activity is one of the best ways to protect your brain. Stay socially active.
One of the goals of the Alzheimer’s Association is to reduce the risk of dementia by promoting better brain health. The association also is working to advance research and provide care and support for those affected.
To learn more about Baby Boomers and Alzheimer’s disease, a report on “Generation Alzheimer’s: The Defining Disease of the Baby Boomers” is available from the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/boomers
Among the ways that you can help the Association in its efforts, Heather says, is by learning and sharing the facts, telling your story, advocating for funding and participating in clinical trials and events such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Illinois Chapter has walks scheduled in various locations in August, September and October, including on Sept. 15 in Macomb, which is the home of our Grand Prairie affordable assisted living community, and on Sept. 22 in Pekin, which is the home of our John Evans affordable assisted living community. You can obtain more information at www.alz.org/illinoiscentral
With the first Baby Boomers turning 65 in 2011, the Alzheimer’s Association took steps during the Rose Parade on Jan. 2, 2011 to remind us that “It’s Time to Face Alzheimer’s.” The “The Boomer Express” float was honored with the parade’s President’s Award for having the most effective use of flowers.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of affordable assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Assisted Living Community, Baby Boomer generation, Baby Boomers, Bridle Brook of Mahomet, Generation Alzheimer’s: The Defining Disease of the Baby Boomers, Glen Campbell, Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, Heather Mulder, John Evans SLC, President’s Award, Rhinestone Cowboy, The Boomer Express
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