What Would the Patient Want? The Agewyz Podcast interviews Viki Kind

I was fortunate to be interviewed by Jana Panarites, author of, “Scattered: My Year As An Accidental Caregiver.

We discussed many ethical dilemmas families face when making medical decisions. I think you will really enjoy listening. Jana asked great questions.

The Agewyz Podcast – Caring.com’s list of “Best Podcasts For Family Caregivers” Latest Episode: #176 – “What Would The Patient Want?”

“https://bit.ly/2MvZeKX”>Listen

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

Have a kind and respectful day.

 

New Edition – Award Winning Caregiver’s Path to Compassionate Decision Making – only at Barnes and Noble

AVAILABLE ONLY at  Barnes and Noble Caregiver’s Path  ebook and print book

Recommended by:

• Journal of Gerontological Social Work
• Pain Management Nursing Journal
• Journal of the Catholic Health Association of the United States
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Stanford University School of Medicine Chair – Moira Fordyce MD, MB ChB, FRCPE, AGSF, Geriatrician – Adjunct Clinical Professor
• NAMI Advocate – National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Harry R. Moody, Ph.D., Director of Academic Affairs, AARP
• Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Journal of Hospital Librarianship

(Second edition says “Bonus Material” on the cover.)

You know how difficult—even heartbreaking—it can be to make decisions for someone with dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s, developmental disability, mental illness, or other brain injury. Feeling confident that you’ve made the right decision would be a welcome relief from the worry and guilt you may be feeling.

     The Caregiver’s Path is an invaluable resource for caregivers struggling to make the right decisions, whether it’s taking away the car keys, moving to a long-term care facility or making the difficult medical and end-of-life choices.

A simple, step-by-step process which adjusts as your loved one’s mental capacity changes:

• Guidelines to help you determine if your loved one or patient can make decisions, who should make the decisions, and how to make better decisions
• Questions to use in almost any medical or quality-of-life situation that will help you gather all of the information you need
• Techniques for improving communication between patients, families and caregivers

The Caregiver’s Path provides tools and strategies to help answer the question, “Am I doing the right thing?”

“An excellent guide for families left struggling and feeling overwhelmed when making decisions for those who are incapacitated. The tone is conversational, examples familiar and explanations simple and clear. With comfort and assurance, decisions are made systematically, while respecting the wishes of the individual. Every caregiver should read this guide before there is a crisis.”    Edna Ballard, MSW, ACSW, Duke Family Support Program; senior fellow, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development; Bryan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

 “It is a valuable resource that covers information needed to make all levels of decisions. I have never found this information discussed in such a clear, compassionate manner. GET THE BOOK.”    Carol E. Pollard, RN, LMT

 

Viki will be interviewing author, Sherry Lynn Harris, about Adapting to Alzheimer’s – March 9th, 10AM PDT

Join me as I interview Sherry Lynn Harris about her new book, Adapting to Alzheimer’s:  Support for When Your Parent Becomes Your Child, on March 9 at 10AM PDT on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kindethics/2015/03/09/viki-kind-interviews-author-sherry-lynn-harris–adapting-to-alzheimers.

Sherry had the pain and privilege of caring for her mother from the beginning diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, through eighteen years, until her death. Sherry learned many valuable lessons and she felt it vital to share these discoveries “to inspire and lighten the load of others going through this challenging experience.” Her book, Adapting to Alzheimer’s: Support for When Your Parent Becomes Your Child tells her story, detailing many of these coping strategies, and has a five star rating on amazon.com.  http://www.amazon.com/Adapting-Alzheimers-Support-Parent-Becomes-ebook/dp/B00KI5PF66

Sherry has delivered highly acclaimed Alzheimer’s talks throughout Southern California, including presentations at Senior Concerns, Sunrise Assisted Living, Unity of the Oaks, the Jewish Home for the Aging, and the Motion Picture Television Fund.  She has been invited to go to Washington D.C. as an advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association later this month. Sherry’s blog to support caregivers can be found at her website www.Adapt2Alz.com.

Sherry has a number of upcoming speaking events: “Adapting to Alzhiemer’s: Aging Gracefully with Memory Challenges” on March 30, 6pm at Simi Valley Library, open to the public. I have also been asked to do a presentation to the Nursing Students at Moorpark College on April 27 and to the Ombudsman staff and volunteers of Ventura County on May 21, 2015.

Sherry is available for inspirational speaking engagements, especially when she can offer her books for sale. Sherry presents a dynamic, informative power point presentation which she can tailor to your needs. She has an hour presentation appropriate for Seniors concerned about their memory which discusses what is normal aging of the brain and when it might be time for a geriatric evaluation. It gives proactive suggestions for developing and maintaining memory skills as well as ideas on how to help a loved one with cognitive impairment.

For groups with members who are caregiving a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, Sherry offers a 45 minute presentation that includes a section on grief and ideas on how to move through it, as well as ways to create moments of joy, of calming connection, and activities you can share.

Sherry also has created a lovely CD, “Serenity Visualizations,” which can help relax, release, then renew and refresh the listener in just a few short minutes.  You can find it at Sherry’s website www.Adapt2Alz.com.

Have a kind and respectful day.

10 Quick Tips for Crisis Decision Making

Here are 10 Quick Tips for Crisis Decision Making  from my new Resource Workbook and Visual Conversation Toolkit.  This is part of the extended Crisis Worksheet found in the workbook.

Do something to help yourself calm down. Breathe.

1. Ask how long you really have to make the decision.
2. Get the facts. Call a friend to do some research for you if you aren’t near a computer.
3. Ask about other options including the option to wait and see.
4. Ask what would happen if you chose these other options.
5. Ask about both the positive and negative consequences of each option.
6. Ask about the short-term and long-term consequences of each option.
7. Have someone else help you listen to what is being said and to take notes and/or record it. If nobody can be there with you, have the person call in and listen to the conversation over the phone.
8. Make the decision realizing that you are doing the best you can in this crisis situation.
9. Now that the crisis is over, get yourself some support. You just went through a lot.
10. Later on, after the crisis is over, think about whether you will need to modify or improve the plan now that you have more information and time to think.

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

       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         

Will your family be able to find your Advance Directive?

While it’s very important to create advance directives, its equally important to make sure they’re available when they’re needed. You wouldn’t believe how many times doctors are told, “I know my mom has a healthcare directive but I don’t know where she keeps it.” Without access to your documents, how will the healthcare team know what you want?

DocuBank is a service that makes sure a person’s advance directives and emergency information are immediately available 24 hours a day, worldwide by fax or the Internet. Each member receives a plastic wallet card, and then they, their family, or hospitals can use that card to obtain their important documents. http://www.docubank.com/

Have a kind and respectful day.

How to Say No – Handout

How to Say “No” Handout – author unknown but very much appreciated.

When you need additional time to think about your own needs:
1. I don’t have an answer on that so I’ll have to get back to you.
2. I’m not sure what I’m in the mood for. Let me check in with myself for a moment.
3. Let me check my calendar and get back to you.
4. I’ll have to see about that. How about I give you a call in a week of so?
5. I may have something else planned that day. I’ll let you know.
6. I feel overwhelmed this month. Can we talk about it again in a few weeks?
7. Let me do some thinking about it first. When do you need an answer?
8. That merits serious consideration. I’ll make a few calls and let you know.
9. That sounds good, but I’ll have to see what ___________ has planned for us first.
10. You’ll have my answer by five o’clock tomorrow.

When its time to say “No”:
1. I’m just not available next week.
2. I think I’ll have to take a rain check on that.
3. I won’t be in town. Can I help you come up with some alternatives?
4. I’ve decided I need a rest from that sort of thing, but thank you for asking.
5. I’m afraid I just can’t afford to right now.
6. I promised my family to spend more time with them. I am sure you understand.
7. Have you asked ___________ or ___________? Either one seem perfect for that job.
8. I’m flattered you asked for my help, but I am a bit overcommitted right now.
9. It’s been a rough week and I’m just not feeling up to it.
10. I’m taking myself on vacation. I’m sure you’ll find good volunteers for that.
11. Tomorrow? Oh, that’s short notice. I’m afraid I can’t make it.

Keep in mind that:
1. No excuses are necessary.
2. No apology is necessary.
3. It is quite possible to say, “No,” while being both courteous and polite.
4. Saying it like you mean it tends to prevent the other person from trying to talk you into it.

Groundbreaking Dementia Wristband for Use in Hospitals

Wednesday – September 4th at 11AM PDT/2PM EDT on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kindethics/2013/09/04/groundbreaking-dementia-hospital-wristband-program
Listen live or download later.

Join me as I interview Gary Joseph LeBlanc and Margaret Doerr about the groundbreaking dementia hospital wristbands which are designed to help healthcare professionals to know that the patient has a cognitive impairment and that special care and patience needs to be given. This new program is launching in Florida. Find out how you can bring this program to your hospital and community.

Gary Joseph LeBlanc, is the author of “Staying Afloat in a Sea of Forgetfulness,” “Managing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Behaviors” and co- author of “While I Still Can”. Also, a weekly columnist of “Common Sense Caregiving” published in the Tampa Tribune and Hernando Today and many other health publications.
He also founded the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Hospital Wristband Project
His writings and speaking events utilize his 3,000 plus days and nights of personal caregiving experience to help other Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers cope with the everyday challenges and emotional struggles of caring for the memory-impaired.

Margaret Doerr is the Chief Nursing Executive for Brooksville Regional Hospital (Health Management Associates) and brings 21 years of nursing experience to the Hernando community. Brooksville Regional is located in Brooksville, Florida (less than an hour north of Tampa).

Margaret received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. She is a patient advocate and sits on the Patient Advisory Council, which consists of residents in her community.

As a hospital administrator Margaret’s vision is to assist with the implementation of processes that provide quality care and a safe environment for the patients in her community.

The dementia initiative is important because “As health care workers we must provide safe quality care. Through the identification process and staff education our health care team will be able to provide optimal care for our patients with dementia.”

Have a kind and respectful day.

Improving Our Nursing Homes Through Community Engagement

An article from Hayes Rowan about improving the nursing homes.

Reclaiming Our Heritage

In his quixotic campaign to save Cleveland’s John Marshall High School from demolition, a dedicated soul (forgive me please for mentioning him) declaimed “The right of the community to hold onto its heritage is a basic one.”

Landmark buildings are good. Our greatest legacy though is in the nursing homes (or hopefully in their own homes) – our elders, who taught us to tie our shoes, cheered us when we sang the blues, made us breakfast lunch and dinner years through and through; who know us often better than we know ourselves, and that’s true.

There are many ways of turning the nursing homes, our living heritage, into centers of civic activity – meeting places for block clubs, scout troops, library reading circles, leagues of women voters.

For that heritage, and our right to hold onto it, is imperiled.

A few years ago, Clevelander Steve Piskor had to put a video camera in his mother’s room at our county’s nursing home to uncover the abuses she was enduring.([1]) Raised her son right, and lucky she did.

A study in an Atlanta GA nursing home, cited in the June ’06 Ladies Home Journal, found nearly half the residents had been punched, kicked, or choked.

We can and really must build new bridges between nursing homes and neighborhoods – bring movies in to enjoy with the residents; hold sewing bees with them, helping them mend their favorite clothes. Create indoor gardens, and outdoor. Those of you with affectionate dogs – a great opportunity for truly meaningful engagement with your community.

Attention: families who protest abuses often find themselves barred from even visiting their loved ones. Patricia McGinnis, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform: “We’re seeing more retaliation like this than ever before against families who try to protect their parents.”

For some long-term residents – especially those without strong family ties – it can be a form of imprisonment, as Mike Bright told a Texas jury recently. Walk some halls and you will see the truth of his words.

MacArthur Fellow Marie Connolly says abused elders receive little or no protection from any system or agency. It may be one reason she resigned from justice department, DOJ.

Many of you know the poster in the 2nd Police District lobby, circulated years ago by our county’s Adult Protective Services. It portrays the photograph of an elderly woman in a picture frame; the glass is shattered.

The caption proclaims: “THE ABUSE NO ONE TALKS ABOUT”.

What to do? Jesus told us, “Visit the sick.”

Your mission … should you choose to accept.

Improving Our Nursing Homes

hayesrowan@gmail.com

Published in Acorn Press, Ridgefield, CT.

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