Join me in Jefferson, Missouri – 8th Annual Policy Summit of the Missouri End-of-Life Coalition Conference on Sept. 27

September 4, 2012 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


Join me as I will be speaking at the 8th Annual Policy Summit of the Missouri End-of-Life Coalition Conference on Sept. 27. This will be an exciting and educational day of great speakers and cutting-edge information.

The Missouri End-of-Life Coalition seeks to seek to engage the public, health care providers and policy makers in efforts to change, for the better, the way we live and die in Missouri.

Their goals are:
1. Improve the care and quality of living for Missourian who are at the end of their life.
2. Educate the public, health care providers, students, and policy makers regarding optimal care, resources and policy for the maximum benefit of dying Missourians.
3. Foster collaborative research efforts, identify exemplars and obstacles and improve quality to help us better understand the current realities in services and support of the dying in Missouri.
4. Empower dying persons, loved ones and caregivers to express their needs and expectations surrounding end of life issues.

For more information about the conference:
http://www.mo-endoflife.org/about/Summit_flyer.pdf

For more information about the Missouri End-of-Life Coalition:
http://www.mo-endoflife.org/

Have a kind and respectful day.

Guest Hosting on Joni Aldrich’s Caregiving SOS show with special guest, Rev. Dale Susan Edmonds M. Div.

September 4, 2012 by  
Filed under Kind Ethics Radio


Join me as I guest host Joni Aldrich’s show, “Caregiver SOS,” on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 11AM PDT, 2PM EDT on http://w4wn.com/radio-personalities/joni-aldrich/

I am so excited to be interviewing Reverend Dale as we discuss “Is There an Extended Family Feud in Your Future? How You Can Plan to Avoid It?”

This subject applies to you if:

Are you a sole caregiver in a much larger family?
Do you have adult children or siblings scattered around the country?
Is this a second marriage or blended family?
Do you have a variety of religious beliefs or cultures in the family mix?
Find out who needs to know what, who gets to decide, and is it really possible to just get along!

As a caregiver, you have too much on your plate already. But how will you know if There is an Extended Family Feud in Your Future? Listen in and learn how you can plan to avoid It. In 28 years of ordained ministry, Rev. Dale Susan Edmonds, has seen the terrible pain caused after families failed to have the tough conversations and have a clear plan for dealing with the future. As a Hospice Chaplain, Dale has fine-tuned her skills in conflict resolution and family communication coaching to help you plan for the best.
The creator of Talk-Early-Talk-Often.com, Dale is teaching people to overcome the potential landmines with aging parents or other ailing loved ones.

About my guest: Rev. Dale Susan Edmonds, is the creator of Talk-Early-Talk-Often.com, an information and educational network for people with aging parents. Dale has been an Ordained Minister for 28 years and is a Family Communication Coach, Hospice Chaplain, speaker, and workshop leader. Certified as an Advance Care Planning Facilitator and Instructor, she works with families, congregations, and professional associations to confidently prepare for the realities of aging within extended families.
For years, as a local pastor, Rev. Dale got many frantic phone calls after a family’s crisis with aging parents. When describing the situation, they most often said: “Help, we don’t know what to do… we never talked about it.”

Finally, when faced with the same kinds of dilemmas within her own family, Dale realized it was time to step back and create the resources to help people become more at ease when dealing with these uncomfortable subjects.

With her extended family scattered across the United States, Dale lives in Chicago and enjoys reading, restaurants, and music. Dale is a charter member of Sing to Live, a community chorus created to support individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Have a kind and respectful day.

Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio with Lori La Bey will interview Viki on August 28 at 8AM PDT

August 15, 2012 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


www.AlzheimersSpeaksRadio.com
www.AlzheimersSpeaks.com
www.AlzheimersSpeaksBlog.com
Lori@AlzheimersSpeaks.com

Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio™ believes in giving voice to those afflicted with memory loss and their caregivers while empowering them to live purpose filled lives. Our goal is to raise aware-ness, give hope, and share the real everyday life stories of what it is like to live with dementia.

Why is Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio Important?
Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio is unique as it understands the everyday frustrations and disconnect with service delivery systems offered in today’s market. We have made a commitment to
provide valuable information and resources to those in need; along with giving voice to those in the trenches with the disease so they too may be a change maker.

We believe all voices need to be heard: family caregiver, professional caregiver and all
business professionals providing service to this demographic. We believe it is time to
acknowledge and reward those who are providing unique and excellent services and insights as to how to live a purpose filled life with the disease . We love interviewing individuals who are not afraid to challenge old ways and thought patterns in order to improve care for those we love and serve.

Host—
Lori La Bey of Alzheimer’s Speaks™ – Caregiver, Speaker, Trainer, Consultant
Lori’s Mother started having memory problems over 30 years ago and so dementia has been part of her life. Lori’s Mom is now in her end stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This journey has taught her much and she is now able to see the gifts wrapped in the package of illness. For Lori, Alzheimer’s disease has changed her life in many positive ways. She now speaks, trains and consults on Alzheimer’s disease and Caregiving. Lori has developed several platforms to give voice to Dementia: a Resource Website (soon to release an updated version to be the first international resource site for dementia), Blog, Radio Show, YouTube Channel and a couple different webinar series.

Our Channel Expert—
Rick Phelps, has Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (EOAD)
Instead of fading away letting Alzheimer’s disease destroy Rick’s life at age 57, he chose to raise awareness and give a new face to the disease. Rick is Founder of Memory People™ a closed group on Facebook, which has an international presence supporting those in need. The group is designed for people with memory loss, their caregivers both family and professionals; along with advocates and those interested in learning more about the disease. It is strictly a group to support one another in real time. Rick can be reached on Facebook.

Have a kind and respectful day.

Frank M. will be interviewing Viki on “The Aging Boomers” on KSVY 91.3 and ksvy.com August 27 at 2PM.

August 15, 2012 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


Frank M. hosts “The Aging Boomers” in on KSVY 91.3 in Sonoma, CA and ksvy.com Mondays at 2 p.m. He is the founder of Senior Care Authority seniorcareauthoity.com which provides free assistance to in finding In-Home Care, Independent and Assisted Living for loved ones. He can be reached at 939.8744 or frank@seniorcareauthority.com.

The Aging Boomers radio show features experts in various areas relative to the issues boomers and their families are confronted with on an everyday basis including senior care, nutrition, insurance, financial and estate planning. Listen to the show live at www.ksvy.com from 2–3 pm PST.

Have a kind and respectful day.

Sunrise of Playa Vista and Sunrise of Hermosa Beach – Caregiver Educational Events in August

August 6, 2012 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


Difficult Decisions For Caregivers – Making Choices for Those Who Can’t
A free lecture by author and bioethicist, Viki Kind

    Two dates and two communities to choose from! Call your community of choice today to reserve your spot.

    Tuesday 6:30 PM
    Sunrise of Playa Vista

    5555 Playa Vista Dr.
    Playa Vista, CA 90094
    RSVP to 310-862-2704

    Saturday 10:30 AM/HB
    Sunrise of Hermosa Beach

    1837 Pacific Coast Highway
    HERMOSA BEACH 90254
    RSVP to 310-937-0959

    Have a kind and respectful day.

    Viki will be speaking at the Fifth Annual Mid-America Institute on Aging on August 9-10th.

    July 21, 2012 by  
    Filed under Uncategorized


    Fifth Annual Mid-America Institute on Aging

    Purpose
    This inter-professional gerontology conference will provide practical tools and groundbreaking information related to successful aging and gerontology. Topics will include inspirational keynotes as well as multiple sessions ranging from healthy aging to coping with illness.

    Target Audience
    Older adults, family members, caregivers, nurses, social workers, employees working in
    long-term care settings, nursing home administrators, occupational therapists, physical
    therapists, dental professionals, and case managers

    Course Objectives
    After attending this conference participants will be able to:
    • Demonstrate knowledge, interest, and commitment in working with older adults.
    • Describe ground-breaking ideas for improving the lives of older adults.
    • Assist elders, families, and their caregivers to successfully navigate health issues important to older adults.
    • Describe options available for elders to pursue a more active and enjoyable lifestyle.
    • Describe the magic and power of caring for the caregiver and the recipient of care.
    • Identify how a sense of humor induces physical and mental changes in the body.

    Registration Information
    Date & Time: Thursday and Friday, August 9 and 10, 2012
    Registration: 8–8:30 a.m. each day

    Location of Conference:
    The conference will be held
    in the University Center on the campus of the University of
    Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana. USI is located on
    Highway 62, approximately two miles west of Evansville.

    Hotel Accommodations:
    Hotel accommodations in
    proximity to the University include the Fairfield Inn West
    (812/429-0900) and Holiday Inn Express (812/421-9773).
    Ask about the USI rate to receive a discount.

    Refund Policy:
    Registration fees are refundable, less a
    $15 service charge, through August 8, 2012. No refunds
    will be made after that date.

    Questions?
    Call 812/464-1989 or 800/467-8600
    Email: extserv@usi.edu
    health.usi.edu

    MAIA Post Conference
    Location off campus: SWIRCA & More
    Saturday, August 11, 2012
    8:30 a.m. to Noon; Registration: 8 to 8:30 a.m.
    Who should attend:
    Open to the public and anyone needing more basic information
    on caring for aging and/or disabled loved ones.
    Topics to be addressed:
    How to obtain care in the home setting
    When would dad or mom qualify for a nursing home
    What does Medicare/Medicaid cover
    How to cope with poor vision

    Frequently asked questions
    Vision Venture Van will be available to walk through in the morning
    Cost: $20, includes continental breakfast
    For additional information or registration:
    www.SWIRCA.org 812/464-7800
    In person or by mail at P.O. Box 3938,
    16 W. Virginia, Evansville IN 47737-3938

    Continuing Education Credit
    Nurses, social workers, health facility administrators, health education specialists, case
    managers and dental hygienists will receive up to 5.25 contact hours each day with
    submission of documentation of sessions attended and completed program evaluation.
    University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions is accredited
    as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing
    Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
    University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider of continuing education for
    social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and other professionals
    licensed in the state of Indiana. Social workers in other states should check for approval
    on a program-by-program basis.
    Approved by the Indiana Division of Aging for up to 5.25 contact hours each day.
    This program has been pre-approved by The Commission for Case Manager
    Certification to provide continuing education credit to CCM® board certified case
    managers. The course is approved for 10.5 CE contact hour(s). Activity code:
    M0000003 Approval Number: 20130028
    Approved by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. for up
    to 10.5 Category 1 CECH in health education, Provider Number: SEP3910.
    The University of Southern Indiana has been approved by the Indiana State Board of
    Health Facility Administrators as a sponsor of continuing education programs for health
    facility administrators (License #98000033A).
    The University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider for continuing education
    credits by the Indiana Health Professions Bureau and the Illinois Board of Dentistry.

    Have a kind and respectful day.

    Tips for communicating with a mid-stage (or later) Alzheimer’s patient by Carole Larkin

    July 18, 2012 by  
    Filed under Ethics In Action


    By Carole Larkin MA,CMC,CAEd,QDCS,EICS
    ThirdAge Services LLC in Dallas, Tesas
    thirdageservices@gmail.com
    www.thirdageservices.com

    Tips for communicating with a mid-stage (or later) Alzheimer’s patient

    Ever feel like your loved one is ignoring you or that you just weren’t getting through to your loved one? Try some of these tips to see if they help.
    1. Make eye contact. Always approach them face-to-face and make eye contact. Use their name if you need to. It is vital that they actually see you and that their attention is focused on you. Read their eyes. Always approach from the front as approaching and speaking from the side or from behind can startle them.
    2. Be at their level. Move your head to be at the same level as their head. Bend your knees or sit down to reach their level. Do not stand or hover over them – it is intimidating and scary. They can’t focus on you and what you are saying if they are focused on their fear.
    3. Tell them what you are going to do before you do it. Particularly if you are going to touch them. They need to know what is coming first so that they don’t think that you are grabbing them.
    4. Speak calmly. Always speak in a calm manner with an upbeat tone of voice, even if you don’t feel that way. If you sound angry or agitated, they will often mirror that feeling back to you and then some.
    5. Speak slowly. Speak at one half of your normal speed when talking to them. Take a breath between each sentence. They can not process words as fast as non-diseased people can. Give them a chance to catch up to your words.
    6. Speak in short sentences. Speak in short direct sentences with only one idea to a sentence. Usually they can only focus on only one idea at a time.
    7. Only ask one question at a time. Let them answer it before you ask another question. You can ask who, what, where and when, but NOT why. Why is too complicated. They will try to answer, fail and get frustrated.
    8. Don’t say “remember”. Many times they will not be able to do so, and you are just pointing out to them their shortcomings. That is insulting, and can cause anger and/or embarrassment.
    9. Turn negatives into positives. For example say “Let’s go here” instead of “Don’t go there”. Be inclusive and don’t talking down to them as if they were a child. Respect the fact that they are an adult, and treat them as such.
    10. Do not argue with them. It gets you nowhere. Instead, validate their feelings, by saying” I see that you are angry (sad, upset, etc…). It lets them know that they are not alone and then redirect them into another thought. For example “It sounds like you miss your mother (husband, father, etc…). You love them very much, don’t you? Tell me about the time…” Then ask for one of their favorite stories about that person)

    Have a kind and respectful day.

    Joni Aldrich’s Caregiving S.O.S. show on August 1st, 11AM PDT, 2PM EDT

    July 11, 2012 by  
    Filed under Uncategorized


    I am so pleased to be invited to be invited back to Joni Aldrich’s Caregiving S.O.S. show on Wednesday, August 1st, at 11AM PDT, 2PM EDT, www.W4WN.com

    About Joni Aldrich: Joni has been a caregiver on the front line with two terminal cancer patients–her husband and mother. That’s why caregiving is so important to her. Caregiving S.O.S. covers pertinent topics to help caregivers, who are usually not trained or prepared for the difficult role they undertake. She is the author of 6 books on surviving cancer, caregiving, brain illness and grief. For more information you can go to www.jonialdrich.com and http://www.linkedin.com/pub/joni-aldrich/14/a1a/9b

    Joni’s other company is Basket of Care.com. This isn’t your ordinary gift basket. With her wonderful basket designer–Carol Taylor, a cancer survivor–she provides gift baskets that can be sent to those going through a life crisis with PRACTICAL gifts that they can use, such as pill organizers, blankets, flashlights to light the way, my books, thank you notes, slipper socks–the list goes on.

    Have a kind and respectful day.

    Viki interviews CPA and author, Mike Campbell – When Mom and Dad Need Help, A Step-by-Step Guide to Senior Housing and Care

    July 11, 2012 by  
    Filed under Kind Ethics Radio


    Senior care expert and author Mike Campbell has been an advisor to the senior housing and care industry for over 20 years. Now he wants to share with you what he’s learned from his 2+ decades in the industry. He’s written an award-winning book called

      When Mom and Dad Need Help

    which educates the reader about all the long-term care options available in the market and arms them with a step-by-step plan to find the quality option that is the best fit for their loved ones.

    July 25th at 2PM PDT, 5PM EDT
    http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kindethics/2012/07/25/mike-campbell-cpa–making-senior-housing-decisions-wisely

    Are you worried about what you’ll do when Mom or Dad can no longer care for themselves?

    “As adult children, it is so important that we educate ourselves about the process BEFORE THE CRISIS OCCURS! It’s not such a scary subject if we know what to expect!”
    – Mike Campbell, Author/Senior Care Expert

    When Mom and Dad Need Help is a GREAT RESOURCE that educates the reader about all the different long-term care options available in the market and provides them with an easy-to-follow step-by-step plan to find the quality care option that is the best fit for their loved ones.

    “Anyone and everyone close to an older family member should read this book.” -Diane Gardner, ForeWord Reviews

      When Mom and Dad Need Help

    is the:

    Winner of the 2011 Independent Publishers Book of the Year Award in the Aging category
    Winner of the 2010 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Award in the Family and Relationships category

    “This is a much needed book that is well written for the consumer. The telephone surveys, as well as the tour and interview checklists are excellent guidelines and tools.”
    – Sister Roseann E. Kasayka Ph.D., MT-BC, DA

    Is your parents’ well-being worth less than a $10 investment? If so, download the book right now! Outlined below are the direct links where you can buy this award-winning book in either the eBook or Print format.

    eBook Kindle version at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Mom-Need-Help-ebook/dp/B007BDLWSS/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1274817836&sr=8-1

    eBook Nook version at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-mom-and-dad-need-help-michael-c-campbell/1100199574?ean=2940013941847

    eBook version at Kobo (readable on all desktops, all tablets (including IPad), and all smartphones (including IPhone): http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/When-Mom-Dad-Need-Help/book-TjavAs0ed0mhegpP3bdrig/page1.html

    Print version at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Mom-Dad-Need-Help/dp/0974298409/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274817836&sr=8-1

    Print version at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-mom-and-dad-need-help-michael-c-campbell/1100199574?ean=9780974298405&itm=1&USRI=when+mom+and+dad+need+help

    You can also order a print version of the book toll-free at 1-800-345-6665.

    DOWNLOAD FREE CHECKLISTS to conduct telephone surveys, tours and interviews of all the various senior housing and care options. http://www.iffenwen.com/checklists.html

    Have a kind and respectful day.

    Join Viki at Belmont Village in Hollywood on July 23

    July 9, 2012 by  
    Filed under Uncategorized


    EMPOWERING CAREGIVERS – NAVIGATING THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

    Monday, July 23, 2012 • 5:00 – 7:00 PM
    Belmont Village Hollywood
    2051 N. Highland Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90068

    Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. For more information or to
    RSVP, please call 323.874.7711.

    Presenter: Viki Kind, MA
    Attendees will learn how to navigate the decision-making process with confidence. Learn strategies for making life, medical and end-of-life decisions with respect and compassion.

    hollywoodheights.belmontvillage.com

    Have a kind and respectful day.

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