Viki’s article in “In Your Corner Magazine” – Rock Steady Boxing – Parkinson’s Boxing Classes


I am so honored that an excerpt from my Resource Workbook and Visual Conversation Toolkit, The Four-Step Process:  Asking For and Accepting Help, was included in Rock Steady Boxing’s – In Your Corner Magazine.

Viki Kind’s article – In Your Corner Magazine – Rock Steady Boxing

You can also subscribe to receive future In Your Corner magazines in the mail.  Subscribe to In Your Corner Magazine – Rock Steady Boxing

Rock Steady Boxing, is an amazing organization that gives people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact boxing based fitness curriculum.

        THE CHALLENGE

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function.

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. Rock Steady Boxing is the first gym in the country dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s.

In our gym, exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.

THE ROCK STEADY BOXING SOLUTION

Various studies in the 1980s and 1990s supported the notion that rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength, and rhythm, could favorably impact range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait, and activities of daily living. More recent studies, most notably at Cleveland Clinic, focus on the concept of intense “forced” exercise, and have begun to suggest that certain kinds of exercise may be neuro-protective, i.e., actually slowing disease progression.

Our clients attest, and academic institutions, such as University of Indianapolis and Butler University, are reporting and documenting the improved quality of life among our boxers. Discovery of a cure may be many years away but in the last seven years, there is evidence that progress is made in all stages of the disease by those participating in the RSB program.

Call today to schedule an appointment to visit the gym, speak privately with a Coach, or watch a class in action. Please consult your physician before starting any exercise program.

Have a kind and respectful day.

 

4th Edition Available – Resource Workbook, Visual Tools and Conversation Guide


WORKBOOK AVAILABLE ONLY BY CONTACTING VIKI DIRECTLY

I am excited to let you know the 4th edition which has 12 new pages of uniquely designed visual conversation tools is now available.  It includes articles, worksheets and templates  you can copy and share to help with issues such as evaluating danger, making challenging medical decisions, managing caregiver burnout, and communicating your end-of-life wishes. – Order here or email Viki directly.   Resource Workbook, Conversation Guide and Visual Toolkit   135 pages (8½ x 11)
Usually $40 – SPECIAL: $34.95 plus sales tax and shipping

photo       Table of Contents

  • Section 1: Medical Decision Making Tools
  • Crisis Planning Worksheet for Urgent Decision Making
  • Quick Tips for Crisis Decision Making
  • Drawing an Outcome Roadmap Article and Diagram
  • Recovery is Not a Straight Line – Managing Expectations
  • Weighing the Options – Risks, Benefits and Burdens
  • Weighing the Options Exercise
  • Is the Patient Willing to Endure the Burdens to Get the Benefits?
  • Double Weighing the Options Exercise
  • Combining an Option Roadmap with the Risks, Benefits and Burdens When Discussing the Alternatives Article and Diagram
  • Two-Hand Test for Medical Decision Making
  • Two-Hand Test for Medical Decisions Making Diagram
  • Evaluating Medical Options Through Three Lenses
  • Evaluating Medical Options Through Three Lenses Diagram
  • Sliding Scale for Acceptability: Where are the Patient’s Boundaries?
  • Sliding Scale for Acceptability Exercise
  • Evaluating Treatment Options When You Know the Patient’s Long Term Goals Article
  • Evaluating Treatment Options When You Know the Patient’s Long Term Goals Algorithm
  • Four Boxes Motivation Article and Exercise – Exploring Why thePa tient Isn’t Following Your Treatment Plan
  • 5-Step Process to Help the Person Get Out of Denial
  • Questions to Ask When Making Medical Decisions
  • 6 Tips to Improve Communication with Your Doctor
  • Getting Ready for Your Doctor’s Appointment
  • Section 2:  Evaluating Danger and Risk Tools        
  • Can the Person Connect the Dots?
  • Evaluating Danger and Risk When Making Decisions
  • Evaluating Risk for Those Without Capacity Diagram
  • Evaluating the Dangers Worksheet
  • Solutions to Creating a Restraint-Free Life        
  • Section 3:  Caregiver Conversation and Support Tools    
  • Are You Care-grieving?
  • The Ladder Diagram – The Caregivers Needs Count Too!
  • Using the Ladder Diagram
  • How is Your Relationship Now That Illness is a Part of Your Lives?
  • Viki Kind’s 4-Step Process for Asking For and Accepting Help
  • 4-Step Process for Asking For and Accepting Help Worksheet
  • Caregivers and Guilt
  • How to Say “No” Handout
  • Section 4:  End-of-Life Conversation Tools      
  • Insider’s Guide to Filling Out Your Advance Healthcare Directive
  • Quick Tips for Filling Out Your Advance Directive
  • Quality of Life Statement Template
  • Viki’s Quality of Life Statement
  • Guidance for My Decision(s) Maker
  • What I Want My Doctor to Know About My Faith and/or Culture
  • Having My Doctor Review My Advance Directive
  • 5 Quick Tips for Making the CPR vs. DNR Decision
  • Avoiding the Pitfalls in CPR vs. DNR Decision Making   
  • Recommended Books and Additional Resources   
  • Acknowledgements         

“What to look for during your annual visit to elderly relatives” by Mary Twomey MSW. Thanks, Mary and the Center of Excellence in Elder Abuse and Neglect

November 5, 2012 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


210197_old_alone_man

Special thanks to Mary Twomey, MSW, Co-Director, Center of Excellence in Elder Abuse & Neglect for this wonderful article.

For many of us, the holidays offer a once-a-year time to visit with elderly relatives who live at a distance. These holiday visits are a good time to assess what assistance parents or other elderly loved ones might need. There are many things to consider. Does an elderly loved one require help with chores or housekeeping, personal care, shopping and meal preparation, money management, transportation, medical checkups, or medications? Are they isolated or, do they live with others? If living with another, are they dependent on that person for care? Is that person an appropriate caregiver? During your visit, keep an eye out for warning signs of self-neglect, or abuse or neglect by others. If, before you make your trip, you suspect that your loved one needs extra assistance, plan a longer stay so that you can visit local aging service organizations during regular work hours. Allow enough time during your visit to accomplish necessary tasks.

Make the most of your visits by taking some private time with the elder to discuss future planning. Allow time for them to express anxieties. You can decide together what needs to be done and who can help. Be observant while you are visiting. Realize that you may need to arrange a visit to a doctor for a full evaluation.

Remember that 75-90% of elder abuse is committed by family members. Don’t let denial become an obstacle to planning that could prevent future emergencies. This is not the time to hide your head in the sand, setting the stage for future regrets. Some warning signs of elder abuse are:

Self-Neglect – If the senior lives alone and does not have anyone providing assistance, self-neglect may become an issue. Some things to look for include:
• Senior appears confused
• Senior is no longer able to handle meal preparation, house cleaning, laundry, bathing, or timely bill payment
• Senior seems depressed
• Senior is drinking too much or is overusing drugs
• Senior is falling frequently
• Senior appears undernourished, dehydrated, under-medicated, or is getting care for problems with eyesight, hearing, dental problems, continence, etc.

Neglect or Abuse by others – If the senior lives with others or ostensibly has people helping with care, neglect or abuse may become an issue. Some things to look for include:
• Presence of “new best friend” who is willing to care for the senior for little or no cost
• Recent change in banking or spending patterns
• Caregiver isolates older person from friends and family
• Caregiver has problems with drugs, alcohol, anger management, and emotional instability
• Caregiver is financially dependent on the older person
• Family pet seems neglected or abused
• You find an abundance of mail and/or phone solicitations for money (“You’re our lucky winner!”)
• Senior seems afraid of the caregiver
• Senior has unexplained bruises, cuts, etc.
• Senior has “bed sores” (pressure sores from lying in one place for too long)
• Senior appears dirty, undernourished, dehydrated, over- or under-medicated, or is not receiving needed care for problems with eyesight, hearing, dental issues, continence.

What should you do?
• If you suspect your older loved one is at risk, call your local Adult Protective Services or Office on Aging or go to www.centeronelderabuse.org for more information.
• Seniors may not be aware of a gradual decline and may be reluctant or unable to plan for needed care. Support and guidance from family members can help prevent serious accidents and/or future health complications. Noticing and correcting problems can help keep seniors safely in their homes.
• Learn more about common geriatric conditions, medications and markers of abuse. Refer to Geriatric Pocket Doc, a compact guide book for non-physicians. For info, visit www.centeronelderabuse.org and click Geriatric Pocket Doc in the bottom right corner.
• Introduce yourself to responsible neighbors and friends. Give them your address and phone numbers in case of an emergency.
• Ask your elderly loved ones directly if they are afraid of anyone, if anyone is taking things without their permission; if anyone is asking them to do things they are not comfortable with, or if anyone is putting them down.

RESOURCES:
Center of Excellence in Elder Abuse and Neglect: www.centeronelderabuse.org. A program of the University of California Irvine, the CoE conducts research, training, advocacy, and direct services on the issue of elder abuse and neglect.

Eldercare Locator: Since 1991, the Eldercare Locator, a nationwide toll-free service provided by U.S. Administration on Aging, has helped older adults and their caregivers find local services for seniors. You may visit the website at www.eldercare.gov or speak to an Information Specialist who has access to a database of more than 4,800 entries. The toll-free Eldercare Locator service operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern time) and can be reached at 1-800-677-1116.

AARP: AARP provides caregiving worksheets and tips on “Long-Distance Issues” http://assets.aarp.org/external_sites/caregiving/planAhead/long_distance_issues.html

Center of Excellence in Elder Abuse and Neglect
University of California, Irvine Program in Geriatrics
www.centeronelderabuse.org 714-456-5530

Medical Library Association Conference in Seattle – Free Pass to Exhibit Hall

May 5, 2012 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


For those of you in the Seattle area, I will be exhibiting at the Medical Library Association conference and they are giving away free passes to the exhibit hall May 19-22. If you would like to attend, just email me at kindethics@gmail.com and I will send you the free pass. When you are there, stop by my booth #138 and say hi. Feel free to share this with others who might be interested.

Have a kind and respectful day.

David McGuffey Interviews Viki, WBLJ Newstalk

March 31, 2012 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


Viki will be the guest on WBLJ NEWSTALK 1230 AM in Dalton, GA with host, Certified Elder Law Attorney, David McGuffey. April 4th, 9AM EDT, 6AM PDT

Families invited to Free Webinar and Live Event – November 8 – Free CEU for CCMC, NURSE AND SOCIAL WORK

October 27, 2011 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


Free CEU Seminar & Networking Reception
Empowering Caregivers of Dementia Patients on Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Viki Kind – Author of The Caregiver’s Path to Compassionate Decision Making – Making Choices for Those Who Can’t
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST

or Join via Webinar
RSVP Today at SeniorBridge.com/Seminar – Program Starts at 6:00 p.m. EST

Join Us In-Person at SeniorBridge
845 Third Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Wine & Appetizer Reception Starts at 5:30 p.m.

Adults age 85+ are the fastest growing segment of our population – and half of them have Alzheimer’s. This seminar
will help professionals and families struggling to make decisions for those without capacity develop a pathway,
framework and tools for making thoughtful, ethical decisions. These tools are designed to be tailored to individual levels of incapacity and situations and to give voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. Respect and compassion will be the core values of this decision making process.

CCMC, NURSE AND SOCIAL WORK CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS PROVIDED BY SENIORBRIDGE*
Nurse contact hours pending by State of Florida Nursing Board for RN, ARNP, CNS, LPN. Social Work credits
pending by State of Florida Social Work Board for LCSW, LMFT, LMHC.
CCMC credits pending by the Commission for Case Manager Certification.
*Professionals should confirm acceptance of CCMC & Florida State approved CEUs with their licensing board.
For more information, email webinars@SeniorBridge.com or call 212-994-6153

Have a kind and respectful day.

Join me at the California Women Business Owners meeting in Woodland Hills, CA on Oct. 10 at 6PM

October 6, 2011 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


Join me at the California Women Business Owners meeting in Woodland Hills, CA on Oct. 10 at 6PM.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, #1330
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Phone: 818.887.3777

California Women Business Owners is a non profit organization that serves women business owners and professionals in the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. California Women Business Owners was founded by four women in 1981 to help find answers to the following:

How to be successful as an entrepreneur.
Where to go for help.
How to establish beneficial contacts with a variety of professional business people.
How to find helpful information and supportive business colleagues.

CWBO Objectives

To encourage business ownership by women.
To be supportive of women business owners.
To promote economic stability in businesses owned and operated by women.
To share information of interest to women business owners.
To support legislation at the local, state and federal levels which will benefit women business owners.

CWBO meets the second Monday of the month to enjoy dinner, networking, and a speaker on topics of interest to women entrepreneurs. We share referrals, leads and the benefits of business ownership and support each other in our professional endeavors. We are women business owners in a women’s group dedicated to supporting our business colleagues in meeting our personal and professional objectives.

California Women Business Owners. cwbo.org
Los Angeles
P.O. Box 570514
Tarzana, CA 91357
818-773-1976
info@cwbo.org

Serving Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Studio City and Toluca Lake, Burbank Glendale, Encino and all the surrounding communities in the greater Los Angeles area.

Join me in Dallas at the Lewisville Estates Retirement and Assisted Living on Oct. 6, 11:30

October 3, 2011 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


Join me in Dallas at the Lewisville Estates Retirement and Assisted Living on Oct. 6, 11:30. I will be speaking at this networking event. http://www.seniorlifestyle.com/senior_living/Lewisville_TX/zip_75077/the_senior_lifestyle_corporation/5033

Guests arrive at 11:30 and are invited to get a great meal at $7.
800 College Parkway
Lewisville, TX 75077

The networking luncheon starts at 1130. Lori Williams, A Place for Mom Eldercare Advisor, co-hosts the event with Jerald Black from Lewisville Estates Retirement and Assisted Living. It’s a great opportunity to meet local professionals.

About the Lewisville Estates:
Find peace of mind, as well as comfort and convenience at a Senior Lifestyle community. As a resident in our hospitality-centered community, you will find socially engaging and comforting lifestyle options that experts say are so important to healthy aging.

Our community offers you a whole new world of friendship, gracious living, assisted living options, comfort and convenience in an ultimate location. Put them together and you have the perfect combination for an independent, rewarding and fulfilling retirement. We invite you to call and schedule a personal visit…stay for lunch, we’re proud of our dining service team. Experience for yourself the warm hospitality and high quality that is a way of life for our residents. Your lifestyle is waiting.

Have a kind and respectful day.

Viki will be speaking at Aegis of Las Vegas on Monday, May 16th from 5:30-7:30 – CEU’s available

May 15, 2011 by  
Filed under Uncategorized


Join Viki at Aegis of Las Vegas – Alzheimer’s Memory Care http://www.aegisliving.com/alzheimers_memory_care/Las_Vegas_NV/zip_89117/aegis_living/1666
9100 West Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89117
RSVP: 702-425-1329
CEU’s available

We have developed innovative communities designed specifically for people with memory loss. Our apartments are easy to navigate, we have licensed nurses on staff and our activities provide cognitive and physical stimulation to help soothe and relieve the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. We continually focus on socialization which is paramount to health and well-being.
We Understand

Respect and care are fundamental to us because we have parents, too. We start by understanding our residents’ life stories. Each resident has a memory box outside their apartment, allowing them to share photos and mementos with their friends and care team. By knowing these stories we can engage in meaningful conversations and interesting activities that are important to them. We recreate the familiarity of home and provide the comfort of happy memories.

Compassion, creativity, flexibility and a warm sense of humor define our employees. Our care givers receive special training in dementia and age sensitivity, and are taught to join the conversations of residents instead of attempting to lead them into the reality of the present.
Gentle Therapies

Our memory care program features the Snoezelen (pronounced “snoozlin”) philosophy of care in which sensory stimulation is used as a method of relaxation and redirection. This type of care allows us to reduce the use of medication to soothe our residents. Each of our communities has a Life’s Haven room or mobile cart where light, shapes, textures, aromas, music and colors are used to gently stimulate the senses. This care is another way Aegis puts our residents first.
Safe and Secure

One of our top priorities is the safety and security of your loved one. Our communities are designed so that residents can enjoy their community and the outdoors, but not wander outside of the secured area. We have created circular garden paths so that residents can get exercise and feel satisfaction without feeling confined. And our apartments are designed with systems that ensure our residents safety.

We’re Here For You

Caring for a family member with dementia can be extremely difficult. The increased responsibility and emotional burden can easily cause stress and anxiety. This is why we believe in our neighborhood approach. These tasks are now shared by a number of dedicated individuals trained in caring for those Alzheimer’s and dementia. With the knowledge that your loved one is well cared for, you can enjoy a more fulfilling time together with less stress.

We also provide you with resources, education and support groups to help you understand your parent’s situation. We make it easy for you to understand exactly what they are going through.

Have a kind and respectful day.

Viki will be interviewed on 3 Steps Forward with Deidre Hughey on Thursday, May 19th from 9-9:30 EST

May 15, 2011 by  
Filed under Kind Ethics Radio


3 Steps Forward
Thursday, May 19th from 9-9:30EDT on WCOM 103.5 FM Carrboro, NC
DJ / Host: Deidre Hughey

3 Steps Forward is a program is designed for women who want more out of life and for their life but don’t have the time to sift through mounds of information available. The host, Deidre Hughey, knows about the restrictions on your time – as a personal empowerment speaker, she hears about it everyday!
This is her answer to you…

The concept is simple.

Invite female therapists, life coaches and speakers with a strong message for other women as it relates to their personal lives. Each guest will iterate 3 actionable steps for the listeners to take this week to move their personal life in a positive, forward direction.

The goal?

To inspire women, just like you, to push aside your limits, embrace your true self and realize your dreams! I have 2 guests for a total of 30 minutes or less for each, plus we play some “put a smile on your face” songs. So, sit back, relax and listen to some inspiration that is bound to make a difference in your life.

Take 3 Steps Forward…
This week and Every week!

Have a kind and respectful day.

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