Especially during the holiday season, the heart of family gatherings often revolves around telling favorite tales with laughter, joy, and even some tears. These stories preserve family history and help us to understand where we have been and the people who took the journey with us. 

November is Family Stories Month.  With holiday gatherings on the horizon over the next few weeks, this is an ideal opportunity to plan ways to record your family’s stories for future generations.   

But where do you begin?  Easy. The first step is to think about questions to ask members of your family.  This walk down memory lane will awaken some of your own memories to share.  Here are some tips to start:

• One of the easiest ways to encourage your family members to delve into their memories is to create open ended questions or memory prompts to share for an upcoming gathering. 
• Write down a list of these questions or prompts and email them to family members prior to the gathering. 
• Encourage family members to write down or print out their stories to be compiled.  More stories will be added over time and shared with the whole family.  This can be done in electronic form or hard copies, depending upon the preferences of people who will read and save it. 
• At the holiday gathering, share memories that people remember. This is a fantastic chance for everyone to reminisce and have alternate memories of the same event!  

By preserving our family history, we can strengthen the bonds as well as hear amazing stories that are new to you.  Starting a project like this can bring family members closer together, especially by providing a connection to  ancestors or relatives living far away who you may have never met.  

CarePatrol knows the value of family.  We are proud to have supported families for over 30 years by providing the best senior care solutions by matching older adults to the right community for them.  How can we help your family? Reach out today to learn more about our services. 

September 10-16 is National Assisted Living Week, the perfect time to celebrate care and recognize the talents and dedication of the staff and volunteers who keep residents thriving, safe and healthy.  This year the theme selected by the National Center for Assisted Living or NCAL is “Season of Reflection.”

National Assisted Living Week was first celebrated in 1995 and was established by NCAL.  As the seasons change and we head into fall, it is also a great opportunity to reflect on the amazing professionals who inspire us with their determination and hard work to help residents live their best lives.

We continue to be inspired by the professionalism and care provided to residents by the staff and volunteers of communities, especially the core services that include:

• Medication management or assistance
• Exercise, health and wellness programs
• Meals and dining services
• Personal care services such as Activities of Daily Living
• Transportation arrangements
• Maintenance and housekeeping

Thank you for helping keep residents safe and engaged and for experiencing life to the fullest!

When searching for senior care options, CarePatrol should be the first call you make.  We have been giving families peace of mind for three decades. By asking the right questions, we can match your loved one with a community of care that is perfect for their unique needs. But our support doesn’t end there.

Your CarePatrol local senior care advisor will help arrange for tours of the communities on your shortlist, accompany you to visit the sites, and help you make this very important decision. We will even help make the move-in day less stressful.  Best of all, our services are at no cost to you and your family.  Experience the CarePatrol difference for yourself.

Starting a new hobby or even picking up one that you haven’t thought about for years has many documented scientific benefits.  These include: 

• Lower stress levels:  Hobbies are excellent stress reducers, allowing us the ability to handle the challenging events that come our way each day.  
• Increased joy:  Hobbies that give a sense of fulfillment will give you a better outlook as well as an improved feeling of purpose. 
• Better sleep:  Having a hobby that makes you happy can lead to a better quality sleep. 
• Improved physical health:  By engaging in a hobby you enjoy, you are more likely to have lower blood pressure, decreased stress and an overall sense of wellness. 

Hobbies help to stave off boredom and give a boost of self confidence.  There’s nothing more empowering than mastering a skill and being able to share this with others. If you are helping care for a loved one, you can encourage them to delve into an activity that will bring them joy.  There’s no better stress reliever or creative outlet than a hobby.  Some popular activities that you may want to consider for yourself or for someone you are caring for include:

• Yoga
• Meditation 
• Learning a New Language
• Puzzle Solving 
• Artistic Crafts 
• Cooking 
• Journaling 
• Photography 

What activity would you like to start?  Think about it and give yourself 30 days to try it out. You may just be amazed at how this simple act can lend so much to your life! 

Caregiving is a natural thing for many people to do.  It is in our nature to help out a family member as they age or recover from a health setback.  There are 48 million unpaid caregivers in the United States, tending to the needs of family members.  

As caregivers struggle with the demands of their everyday lives including jobs, kids and the tasks that accompany running a household in addition to the worry of caring for an aging or sick loved one, caregiver burnout can become a reality.  These feelings can creep up over time so you may not even realize that you’re dealing with caregiver burnout.  

Would you recognize the signs of caregiver burnout? Though people can experience different symptoms, here are some of the universal red flags to be aware of:

• Lowered resistance to illness
• Withdrawing from friends and family 
• Changes in appetite 
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much 
• Mood swings including argumentative behavior, impatience and irritability 
• Lack of energy, hopelessness and depression
• Physical and emotional exhaustion 
• Difficulty in focusing or relaxing
• Lack of interest in things that normally bring joy 
• Neglecting your own physical or emotional needs 

Recognizing that you may be vulnerable to caregiver burnout is the first step to staying healthy.  It is important to know your limits and assess your personal situation to look for signs that you’re experiencing caregiver stress.  Develop a support system of trusted friends and family you can count on to talk to or for help with tasks, errands and easing your load of responsibilities.  Be sure to keep realistic goals and ask for help whenever you need it. 

Enlisting a CarePatrol Senior Care Advisor can help mitigate caregiver burnout.  At CarePatrol, we have made it our mission for the past three decades to help families find the right care solutions for their loved ones.  As experts in senior care advisory services, we have pre-screened communities to match the right care for our clients.  Our services are available at no cost to you and your family.  Reach out today and see how CarePatrol can help. 

*In Icelandic, the word is pabbi. In Estonian, it is isa. In Hawaiian, you would say e pāpā.  In Ireland, he is known as daid.  Here in the United States, we call him dad! 

*According to the U.S. Census Bureau, of the 35 million fathers who have kids under 18, 1.7 million are single dads.  

*Approximately only half of the Father’s Day cards that are purchased are actually given to dads.  About 15% of these are purchased for husbands, grandfathers, brothers, uncles and sons. 

*Neckties still rank as the most popular of all Father’s Day presents. 

*The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19th, 1910 and it originated in the United States.

*According to Yahoo Finance, the percentage of dads who stay at home to raise their kids doubled from Generation X to millennials. 

*Of the 72 million dads who reside in the United States, 29 million of them are also grandfathers. 

Happy Father’s Day from your local Senior Care Advisors at CarePatrol.  We’re here to help support dad with senior care solutions and give you peace of mind in the process.  Reach out to learn more today and treat dad like royalty.

• Women are becoming mothers for the first time at a more advanced age than in the past. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2020, the average age for a first time mom was 27.1 which was up from 24.9 years old in 2000.
• The second Sunday of May is the day that the most phone calls are made, topping any other day of the entire year as people near and far are connecting with their mothers on this very special day.  A staggering 122 million calls are expected to occur!
• Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914, as President Woodrow Wilson made the proclamation, giving people the opportunity to express love and reverence for the matriarchs of the country.
• Americans are slightly more generous on Mother’s Day than Father’s Day, according to a 2019 YouGov poll.  Although 33% of those asked said they normally spend more money on Mother’s Day, 6% reported spending more on Father’s Day.  And in an effort to keep things fair, 26% of people polled said they spend the same amount of money for both holidays.
• The word “mom” comes from the first sound that babies are able to say, which is the universal “ma” sound.  That is the reason that in many languages, this sound is reflected in the word chosen to be used for mother.

The relationship between mother and child is a special one.  If a change in your mother’s life causes growing concerns about her ability to remain independent at home, your local CarePatrol senior care advisor can help give you both peace of mind.  We understand the aging process and how health, social and financial concerns work together to influence outcomes.  We can help you find the right senior living solutions to honor your mom and help her thrive.

COMAR, is the official compilation of all administrative regulations issued by agencies of the state of Maryland. The COMAR regulations are reviewed and updated frequently. The following regulations apply to all assisted living and memory care communities and are the key points to look for when evaluating facilities: 

1. Licensure requirements and procedures. Make sure the facility is licensed in the state of Maryland, by the Office of Healthcare Quality. 
2. Uniform disclosure statement. A document that explains exactly the amenities and care abilities of the community. Review this – it includes the details about what services the facility can provide, what care ability they are authorized to perform (i.e., lifting, sliding scale insulin, catheter).
3. Quality assurance program. All RALs need to have this in place. It is a requirement for assisted living communities to have a quality assurance program, including how to use incident reports for accidents such as falls.
4. A staffing plan and defined rules. All RALs need to have their plan documented, i.e., for when an awake caregiver is needed at night, or having a care provider on premise 24/7. For example, dementia patients require awake care 24/7. 
5. Requirements for staff training. Trainings such as CPR, medication management, and dementia training are critical for competent staff and compliance.
6. A delegating nurse. Every RAL must have a registered nurse staff member who will complete a resident assessment upon admission and at least every 45 days for each resident or when a resident’s condition changes, such as in declining health, running a temperature, or developing a new cough. 
7. A preadmission requirement: RALs in Maryland must require a few things of each new resident prior to move in: A physician pre-check/Doctors orders called Healthcare Care Practitioner Assessment Form, an advanced directive in the Maryland form (MOLST), a TB test, AND NOW A COVID Vaccine or negative covid test. 
8. Clients plan of care guidance.  Every resident must have a specific plan of care, which the caregivers must follow. An example of a “plan of care” is what kind of diet is medically needed or the need for oxygen and how often. 
9. Meal standards. Each RAL must meet requirements for meals that are balanced & nutritional and planned in advance. The plan must be posted for the whole month, and must include protein, fruit, and vegetables. The Maryland Office of Healthcare Quality will audit the facility for this requirement. 
10. Medication management. Medications must be managed and given to residents by a licensed medication technician. In most cases the residents medical list must be reviewed quarterly by a pharmacist. 
11. Resident record requirements. There must be established protocols on how the facility must chart the health needs for each resident. Each resident has a health record or log which is stored in a locked cabinet. 
12. Resident rights documentation.  COMAR requires each RAL to post necessary documentation about resident rights. These rights include the right to be treated with respect, dignity, consideration, and full recognition of a resident’s human dignity and individuality. 
13. Smoking rules must be posted. Smoking is only allowed outside in a designated area.
14. Bathroom minimums. Each RAL must have one bathroom per every 4 residents.
15. Posted Emergency Plans. Facilities must have a posted emergency preparedness plan and additional safety measures in place. For example, they are required to have accessible fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms.
16. Residential agreements. All residents must be provided for signature a residential agreement.

Maryland COMAR rules apply to all RAL communities, from those that are large and have 200 residents to communities that are small and have only 3 residents. The above regulations are those most relevant to consider when evaluating a residential facility. They provide a clear picture of the type of care, official safety measures in place, and establish clear guidelines for consistency and professionalism. The goal of the COMAR regulations is to keep residents healthy, happy, and well cared for.  CarePatrol will have this information for you and make this process very easy for you to chose a RAL. 

Imagine living openly, marching in pride parades and fundraising for community causes important to you, but then having to hide who you are in your own home out of fear that you will not be accepted by your caregivers. This a sad reality for a growing number of LGBT+ older adults, but as a helping professional you can make a difference.

By the end of this educational program, participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of understanding LGBT+ terminology and using terms appropriately
• Identify historical oppression and trauma experienced by LGBT+ older adults, barriers to accessing services, and ways to create a more welcoming LGBT+ environment
• Describe ways to provide agile and inclusive care based on current research findings, best practices and field experience

As businesswomen and CarePatrol franchise owners, these women approach their role with the utmost care and compassion. Join us in celebrating their contributions. Read about their leadership journey and insights.

Kim M. Seidl (CarePatrol of Greater Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin)

How long have owned/been involved with a CarePatrol franchise?

We’ve been in the senior care market for 15 years. In 2007 we opened Senior Helpers Home Care and quickly grew to one of the top offices in the nation. My husband, Todd, and I found ourselves doing the work of a “Senior Care Advisor,” so in 2012 we opened Assisted Transition, a senior placement franchise. Subsequently, that brand was purchased by CarePatrol and we have grown to the top office in the nation in 2020 and 2021.

Why decide to open a franchise?

My business experience includes owning and operating a four-diamond inn and restaurant, so I am familiar with the challenges and rewards of small business ownership. Pursuing a franchise was an attractive option because of the market value of a national brand, standardized systems and training, and support from both a franchisor and the franchise community. Although we are part of the nation’s oldest and largest senior placement organization, we are locally owned and operated with expertise and impact in our local communities.

What were you doing, career-wise, before becoming a franchise owner? Please share anything in your personal life that encouraged you to become a franchise owner.

In the era of corporate downsizing and consolidation, I was in Chicago with Illinois Bell when the five midwestern Bell companies merged to create Ameritech. It was a turbulent time when “headcount” was the buzzword and a person’s loyalty, seniority, and ability did not guarantee job security. My husband and I both decided to move to Wisconsin and pursue opening a bed and breakfast inn. Our collective backgrounds and degrees were in Hotel and Restaurant Management and we shared a love for hospitality.

Both of our parents owned small businesses so we determined to “flee” corporate America and set a course to open a small business where our success and security was driven by our effort, skill, and determination. Before the eventual sale of our restaurant and inn, I served on the Board of the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association and was named their Innkeeper of the Year in 1999. We had also been designated “One of America’s Top Ten Romantic Inns” and received a AAA Four-Diamond award, one of few small inns in the Midwest with this recognition.

What is your market area and number of locations?

We work with seniors and their families to find safe, appropriate, and affordable senior care and housing solutions. Our service area includes the Greater Milwaukee area, extending south to Illinois and encompassing a good portion of Southeastern Wisconsin.

What motivates you most about owning a CarePatrol franchise?

With every business that I have owned, my goal is not just to meet the needs of our clients but to provide meaningful and rewarding employment for our staff. As a business owner who has also experienced challenging employers, my objective is always to be a serving leader to the staff so they feel equipped, valued, and fairly compensated for the work that they do. We work hard, collaborate constantly, and celebrate often!

As a woman business owner and leader, what advice would you like to share with other women in business?

Women should never cease to be their true selves in the marketplace. We are empowered when we use our God-given gifts and talents to effect change, benefit others, and achieve success. Be aware that we impact others in our spheres of influence – from the family room to the board room. Whatever the work, do it with diligence, integrity, and kindness and be tuned into the applause of heaven.

What is your favorite quote?

I have two favorites: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) and “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Wendy Rickenbach-Barclay (CarePatrol Gulf Coast)

How long have owned/been involved with a CarePatrol franchise?

I have been with CarePatrol for 9 years.

Why decide to open a franchise? What were you doing, career wise, before becoming a franchise owner?

I worked on Wall Street for 18 years and when the market collapsed in 2008 my firm was sold and I found myself at a career crossroad. I did some consulting projects for various companies and never felt like I had a "home." After five years of consulting, I made the decision to go back to college to be a corporate litigator. Three months before I was to start college, I met a franchise broker who asked if I had ever thought about owning my own business. I was honest and told him that everyone I knew that had ever started a business had failed. That is when he told me about buying a franchise.

During our consultation, he had me do some assessments to better understand my life goals and to see what type of business would potentially be a good fit for me. What we learned is that I don't get rattled in crises given my former career, I am able to take very complex information and simplify it so that others can receive the information, I wanted to do something that was part of my ministry to serve others and I wanted to work in a field that was recession proof.

Please share anything in your personal life that encouraged you to become a franchise owner.

I grew up in a small farm town in Indiana.  I loved growing up there and have wonderful memories and friends.  However, I always felt like I wanted something bigger/different. My journey to Wall Street is a story in and of itself but I have always had a deep desire to control my own destiny.  I definitely took an unconventional path to get to where I am in business.  Growing up on a small farm you wake up early and go to bed late.  You work…a lot…LOL  I was always very competitive growing up with sports, showing my horses, singing competitions, you name it.  I always felt like I had something to prove.  Being a franchise owner is much like being on that small farm, what you put into your business and what you do with your business is on YOU. The franchisor gives you a platform and tools and then it is up to you to use them.

What is your market area and number of locations?

I only own one CarePatrol location. Sarasota County and a little bit of Manatee County and it is actually one of the smaller geographies for CarePatrol. I also own two other franchises besides CarePatrol in the same geography.

What motivates you most about owning a CarePatrol franchise?

I love proving that I can take something and make it better than anyone ever imagined. When I joined CarePatrol they were doing very well as a company. However, with my business background coupled with friends I made within the CarePatrol system who also had strong business backgrounds we teamed up and were able to collaborate and share with our franchisor on how to monetize the business.  As a result, we have at times more than quadrupled the revenue potential that franchisees can achieve in the CarePatrol system. Trust me, there has been a lot of back and forth over the years to get us to where we are now. So I would say taking something that was Good and helping to make it GREAT motivates me.

Who, or what inspires you?

This, for me, is the best part of owning a CarePatrol business. EVERY day I get to meet families who are sad, discouraged, upset, and more who have a loved one in poor health and/or has some form of dementia. The caregivers are exhausted, families are confused and at times in crisis. We walk into some really horrific situations.

Who, or what inspires you?

This, for me, is the best part of owning a CarePatrol business. EVERY day I get to meet families who are sad, discouraged, upset, and more who have a loved one in poor health and/or has some form of dementia. The caregivers are exhausted, families are confused and at times in crisis. We walk into some really horrific situations.

I get to go in and not only educate them but I also get to give them hope. I get to encourage them, give hugs and partner with them to facilitate solutions for their loved one. I get to help people live their best life a little longer no matter their circumstances. I shed a lot of tears at this job but most are tears of joy.

As a woman business owner and leader, what advice would you like to share with other women in business?

I believe with every ounce of my being that women are stronger than they know. They are and have always been the glue that holds their families together. They are researchers and doers. When women translate that into business, they are some of the fiercest business owners I have ever met.

I remember we had a franchisee that bought into CarePatrol and he ended up taking a more "stable" job within his first year of owning a franchise. His wife, who ran their household and took care of their 3 kids at the time and home schooled, stepped in to what I will call “save their business.” She not only saved it, but she turned it into one of the top CarePatrol franchises in three years and sold it for what was at the time the largest resale in CarePatrol's history.

I myself had $100 dollars to my name when I bought my franchise and moved to Florida. I was so determined to own my own business and be successful that for 3 months when I first started, I delivered pizzas to cover my mortgage payment hoping I wouldn't be delivering to one of my referral partners. I share this because it speaks to how I believe nearly all women are "wired" up. We know how to humble ourselves and fight for what we believe in. We are solution-oriented by nature.  I would have to google it but I believe statistically, women are some of the BEST business owners in America.

What is your favorite quote?

"I want to help people live their best lives until their last breath." I wake up every morning and say this as a little inspiration and as a reminder as to why I do what I do.

 

Jenn Gomer (CarePatrol of Denver)

How long have owned/been involved with a CarePatrol franchise? Why decide to open a franchise?

I started working for CarePatrol of South Denver in 2014, then worked for CarePatrol Central Denver a year later. I bought the Central Denver Franchise in 2018 and was excited to expand the business. As an employee, I had ideas of how I thought it could be run differently. Then as the owner, I could make those changes happen!

What were you doing, career-wise, before becoming a franchise owner?

I was a critical care nurse for 10 years. During that time, I worked in 8 states and 3 other countries, and saw so many different ways 'the system' tried to "help people."  I transitioned into hospital case management but realized that many clients we were trying to help, needed help the hospital could not address. I wanted to do more.

Please share anything in your personal life that encouraged you to become a franchise owner.

I am raising two daughters and my husband has a very erratic schedule. I wanted a lifestyle that could adapt to my kids' needs when needed. However, I also wanted to know that I was "helping people." Ever since I was a little girl, all I ever wanted to do was "help people."

What is your market area and number of locations?

I cover the central Denver territory. That means we have many large hospitals and cover everything from farmland, to inner city, to suburbs. It has a variety of clientele, which I like.

What motivates you most about owning a CarePatrol franchise?

I know that we help clients and families in a very challenging time of their lives. We help them in a way that no one else can through an emotionally challenging time. We educate them on all the different aspects they need to consider and then help guide them to find the best option. I honestly don't know another way that I could "help people" as much as we do!

Who, or what inspires you?

I think we all get into this industry for different reasons. We all have our strengths. What honestly inspires me is to see other CarePatrol agents in action. I love to hear about the tenacity of some, the compassion of others, the forward thinking, the humility… I love to learn from those more experienced than me. Lastly, we are called "angels" about once a week. How can that not be inspiring?!

As a woman business owner and leader, what advice would you like to share with other women in business?

My training was originally in nursing, psychology…. all science based. I had to teach myself business, finances, and management. There are a lot of resources out there; I love podcasts, I go to the library regularly, and I reach out when I need help to those mentors around me. It is doable but you have to be willing to learn and personally grow. If you asked me 10 years ago if I would be owning and running a business like this, I would have laughed. But here I am! I think you have to let your life take you where it wants to go…. and learn as much as you can along the way. One thing I have learned and held onto is that you are only as strong as your team.

What is your favorite quote?

"Not all those who wander are lost." (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Beth Miller (CarePatrol of South Denver Metro)

How long have owned/been involved with a CarePatrol franchise?

I purchased an Assisted Transition franchise in 2012. I joined CarePatrol in 2012 when they purchased Assisted Transition.

Why decide to open a franchise?

As someone who had never owned a business, I thought I would benefit from the structured environment of a franchise system.

What were you doing, career wise, before becoming a franchise owner?

I came from the Natural Foods Industry. I was a broker for a company that represented around 160 lines of product.

Please share anything in your personal life that encouraged you to become a franchise owner.

My family went through a very difficult time when my grandmother needed assisted living. We had no idea of what to do or how to maneuver the system. Once I learned about CarePatrol through a franchise broker, it struck home and I just knew it was something that I would love.

What is your market area and number of locations?

I own South Denver Metro.

What motivates you most about owning a CarePatrol franchise?

I am grateful to be able to make a change in seniors’ lives. While working with families is far from easy, being able to help people who are in a difficult situation is so rewarding.

Who, or what inspires you?

We have a very strong group of CarePatrol Franchise Owners in Colorado. We all work so well together as "Franchise Neighbors" and we really drive each other.

As a woman business owner and leader, what advice would you like to share with other women in business?

Never Give Up! You are stronger than you think you are. Failure is not an option!

What is your favorite quote?

"Butterflies are like women. We may look pretty and delicate, but baby, we can fly through a hurricane." (Betty White)

Michelle Graf (CarePatrol Fox Cities)

How long have owned/been involved with a CarePatrol franchise?

I purchased my franchise location in late 2014.

Why decide to open a franchise?

My last job before purchasing my franchise was relocated to the company's new Chicago headquarters. I found myself questioning whether I wanted to just find another job, or finally take a chance and start my own business. I had some time to really explore my options, and after about 8 months I decided purchasing a CarePatrol franchise was the best decision.

What were you doing, career wise, before becoming a franchise owner?

I was a brand manager for several domestic cheese brands for an international cheese company. It was a great job that allowed me to travel, grow, and learn with an excellent group of people.

Please share anything in your personal life that encouraged you to become a franchise owner.

While I found great enjoyment in my previous career, the one area that I felt disconnected from was my own local community. I didn't have that sense of place, purpose or connectedness. I knew that purchasing a local franchise would finally allow me not just to be a part of the local community, but to give back and really make a difference right here in the Fox Cities.

What is your market area and number of locations?

My team and I have been serving the Fox Cities and Oshkosh Area of Northeast Wisconsin. In April, we will be opening our second location based out of Green Bay, which will allow us to serve the greater part of Northeast Wisconsin in 2022.

What motivates you most about owning a CarePatrol franchise?

It's really about what I've been able to do for the community. Giving back to local non-profits, volunteering my time with organizations that serve seniors, sponsoring programs for people living with dementia, creating jobs that people love, and, most importantly, bringing peace of mind to families facing the overwhelming process of finding and selecting the right care for their senior loved ones. CarePatrol has made a difference in this community, and I'm so proud to be leading this local initiative.

Who, or what inspires you?

I've been inspired by so many franchisees in this organization who have shown me how to be successful, with small ideas that roll into big results over time, and big ideas that I can work toward. From my first CarePatrol conference, where I heard Bonnie Danker tell everyone "just follow the system" to Wendy Rickenbach-Barclay who showed me there is no limit to how big an individual office can grow, to Paula Sortir who taught me how to really scrutinize my results and identify where I can improve. The list of people who have inspired me goes on and on.

As a woman business owner and leader, what advice would you like to share with other women in business?

I've been fortunate in my career in that I have not felt that my status as a woman changed my opportunities. I am grateful to all the amazing women before me who came of age in a different time, where their ability needed to be proven and they fought the hard battle. Today, ladies, you are not limited. You do you. You are a business owner, you get to decide how you want to run your business, and you reap the benefits of your success. Enjoy it and be grateful.

What is your favorite quote?

"In a world where you can be anything be kind."

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) works tirelessly to provide the latest resources and information to individuals with brain injuries, professionals, caregivers, and more. According to their research, at least 5.3 million Americans live with a traumatic brain injury-related disability. That is one in every 60 people. Their current campaign, #MoreThanMyBrainInjury, looks to increase understanding of brain injury as a chronic condition, reduce the stigma associated with having a brain injury, showcase the diversity of injury and the demographics of the community, and improve care and support for individuals with brain injury and their families. 

Understanding Brain Injury: Definitions and Facts

• An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) degenerative or induced by birth trauma.
• A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a type of ABI. It is caused by trauma to the brain from an external force.
• Every 9 seconds, someone in the U.S sustains a brain injury.
• More than 3.6 million people sustain an ABI each year.
• At least 2.8 million people sustain a TBI each year.
• Click here to download the fact sheet from BIAA.

Brain Injuries in Older Adults

While many might relate brain injury to sports and other physical activities practiced by younger generations, older adults actually face a high risk of brain injury due to falls. According to the CDC, older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and die from a TBI compared to all other age groups. Moreover, TBIs may be missed or misdiagnosed in older adults because the symptoms may overlap with other common medical conditions such as dementia. (Source)

Low vision affects millions of Americans, including many older adults. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, 4.2 million Americans ages 40 and older are visually impaired. Of these, 3 million have low vision, which impacts daily activities like reading, shopping, cooking and more.

Low Vision and Older Adults
Most people with low vision are 65 or older. Leading causes may include:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

Treatments and Support
While standard treatments such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicines, and surgery can’t fix low vision issues completely, rehabilitation can help individuals maximize their current skills and learn how to stay independent and make the most of their sight.

By working closely with a low vision specialist, patients can obtain a plan that identifies strategies and assistive devices appropriate for their particular needs.

Vision rehabilitation can include the following:

• Training to use magnifying and adaptive devices
• Teaching new daily living skills to remain safe and live independently
• Developing strategies to navigate around the home and in public
• Providing resources and support

While low vision can’t be reversed, it can be managed. For more educational resources and tools, access the links below:

• Low Vision Awareness Month
• Low Vision Resources
• Outreach Materials
• Low Vision at a Glance
• Occupational Therapy Training Helps Low Vision Patients
• Getting Help If You Have Low Vision
• Low Vision Tip: Portable Electronic Magnifiers
• February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and a condition that is highly affecting the elderly population. Nearly 650,000 Americans die from heart disease each year and 1 in 9 adults (about 11%) have been diagnosed with heart disease (source).

Research from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors and CDC revealed that while adults are living longer, diseases of the heart and circulatory vessels are prevalent in the growing population of older adults. Some factors that affect an individual’s ability to function and manage their disease well include comorbidities, along with cognition, sleep, physical balance, and strength.

According to the brief, Coronary Heart Disease, Myocardial Infarction, and Stroke–A Public Health Issue, 14.2% of adults aged 45 years and older reported having coronary heart disease (CHD), a stroke, or both. Also, 9.6% of adults aged 45 to 64 years reported being diagnosed with CHD, or a stroke, or both compared with 21.7% of adults aged 65 years and older.

Image: Adults Aged 45 years and Older Who Reported Having Had Coronary Heart Disease, or a Stroke, or Both

Self-Care:
Get a daily dose of physical activity.
Cook meals that are low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Take your medications as prescribed and keep your medical appointments.
Sleep 7-8 hours a night.
Manage stress through meditation, yoga, a warm bath or other calming activities.
Try to maintain a healthy weight.

Technology:
Use a wearable device that measures steps, heart rate, and sleep.
Use an at-home blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate monitor.
Search online activity and healthy eating planners, like these from health.gov and MyPlate.gov.

Support System:
Even if it’s virtual, connecting with friends or family for support can make self-care easier and even more effective. Research shows that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others helps our blood pressure, weight, overall health, and more.

By understanding the importance of cardiovascular health and how everyday activities can make an impact, we can ensure that, together, we are taking care of our hearts.

For more helpful tools and resources, check out the links below:
Resources for Caregivers
About American Heart Month: Ways to Get Involved
Heart Health Resources
Covid-19 and the Heart
Heart Disease: It Can Happen at Any Age
Heart Health Fact Sheets