By Amy Morgan
Laura Daniels hears most often, a need that prompted her to create Care Advocates five years ago to help older adults and their families with care transitions and senior living options. The fact remains, as people age, they can lose the ability to care for themselves safely on their own. Many resist help until a tragic event — a fall, a stroke, a broken bone — prompts intervention by an adult child or spouse. But navigating the health care system, care giver and senior living options can be confusing, tedious and emotion-filled.
Laura Daniels brings more than 30 years of experience as a Clinical Case Manager, Board Certified Patient Advocate and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Laura respectfully and compassionately guides families through what can be an overwhelming time. Best of all, her personalized, individual services are at no cost to the clients she serves.
Family members appreciate Laura, who empathizes with and helps support their difficult decision and takes away any feeling of unease.
Many conditions require a team of trained professionals to provide the assistance a loved one needs. A family member, no matter how well intentioned, is just not physically capable of providing round-the-clock supervision and physical care for someone who’s suffered a stroke or declining with dementia. The support is just too emotionally and physically taxing for one to undertake alone.
"M y mother’s not able to live on her own anymore.” That’s the phrase Registered Nurse
In addition to her decades of professional experience working with the senior population, Laura personally understands the emotions involved when a loved one’s ability diminishes, and they need to change living arrangements. She advocated for her own dear friend Judith through several hospitalizations and rehabilitation stays until finally settling her happily in an assisted living community where she lived with friends and purpose.
“There is no better way to say, ‘I understand this process’ than to have gone through it myself assisting someone I loved,” Laura said.
When a potential client calls, usually an adult child or spouse whose family member needs more care than they are able to provide, Laura will meet them to assess the current living conditions and health status. She’ll discuss whether the best option is to provide resources and care so their loved one can
remain at home or whether senior living would be more advantageous. Trained professionals can assist with everything from medication management, bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry, meals, exercise, physical therapy, as well as full-time skilled nursing for those who are bedridden.
Once she’s determined the family’s preferences based on care needs, budget and desired location, Laura will suggest several communities from more than 100 senior-living options across the San Antonio area. She’ll set up a time for family members to visit these care options to see which might be the best fit. Once a selection has been made, Laura will provide guidance through this transition. Her support and advocacy are for a lifetime. There’s no obligation or timeline to make a commitment. Sometimes families will research options months in advance, but Care Advocates can arrange for placements within hours if necessary.
Others may not be so enthusiastic about the idea of moving or might need to transition after a hospital stay. Laura has found people typically wait too long to move to a place where they can be well-looked after and enjoy personal connection with others. Laura will make sure all the details are handled seamlessly and help families frame the conversation to ease anxiety about the decision.
Even though many senior adults are reluctant to leave their home, typically once they are settled into a senior-living community, with the many opportunities for social interaction and round-theclock care, they thrive. Previous caregivers are now able to attend to their own health, and family members no longer dread an emergency phone call.
Photo credit: Haute Couture Media
CARE ADVOCATES PROVIDE:
• In-home care needs consultation
• Facilitation of professional referrals
• Identification of qualified facilities, physicians and skilled care specific to the needs of the client
• Senior living solutions
• Education and information regarding Medicare covered resources
• Moving, care transitions and planning
We are experienced, qualified professionals available 24/7, all day, everyday. Expert guidance at no cost to your family. TO
• Continued lifetime care and support
Call 210-669-2222
Magik Theatre Presents Carmela Full of Wishes – Saturday, Oct. 14 – Sunday, Oct. 22, days and times vary. Live theater production based on the Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor-winning book. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org.
Fall Brews and Blooms – Sunday, Oct. 15, 2-6 p.m. Craft beer festival showcases local craft breweries with live music and entertainment by local artists. San Antonio Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org.
Shooting leagues and classes – Days and times vary. Introduction to firearms, CDL classes, date nights, kids’ classes, men’s events and shooting sports leagues for all skill levels on an indoor range. Buck & Doe’s Mercantile, 24250 U.S. 281 78258; 820-980-3637.
Activities at the Walker Ranch Senior Center — Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Hot meals served daily from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for qualifying seniors and their spouses. Exercise, field trips, bingo, loteria, movies, arts and crafts, free health and wellness screenings vary daily. 835 W. Rhapsody 78216; 210-207-5280.
Stone Oak Rotary Club – Tuesdays, noon -1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. Dona Tota, 923 Loop 1604 W. #115 78232; www.stoneoaksarotary.org.
Tejas Rodeo – Saturdays through November, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. Enjoy live rodeo action: bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and calf scramble. Live music at 9 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road 78163; www.tejasrodeo.com.
Zoo Boo! – through Monday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wear your costume at this fun, non-scary Halloween event for the entire family. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 78212; www.sazoo.org.
Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival through Sunday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Family friendly fall-themed event featuring local acoustic musical performances. Dr. Pound
Historical Farmstead, 419 Founders Park Road, Dripping Springs 78620; www. drippingspringspumpkinfestival.com.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Oct. 6, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Lupe Tortilla, 21103 N. Highway 281 78258; www.spn-sa.org.
Trace Adkins: Somewhere in America Tour – Friday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m. 25-year country music veteran pioneers a mix of classic country traditionalism and good-natured showmanship. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
Garden to Table Chef Series – Wednesday, Oct. 11. Enjoy an inspiring and intimate culinary experience with Chef Jaime Gonzalez of Carriqui featuring plants from the culinary garden and drink pairings. San Antonio Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org.
Foster Perry Travel presents Norman Brown in its Jazz on the Water series Friday, Oct. 13, 7 and 9:30 p.m. By Land & Sea Concert features nationally recognized Smooth Jazz artists. 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. 78207; www.buenavistalive.showare.com.
SASCA Autocross Event – Saturday, Oct. 14, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. Participants compete to drive through a mini road course made of cones sponsored by the San Antonio Sports Car Association. River City Community Church parking lot, 16765 Lookout Road 78154; www.sasca.org.
Culinaria’s Women & Whiskey at La Cantera Resort & Spa – Thursday, Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m. Elijah Craig Bourbon social hour with tastings, bites, vendors and live entertainment. 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting
Friday, Oct. 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. The Roo Pub, 19914 Highway 281 78259; www.spn-sa.org.
Casting Crowns: 20th Anniversary Tour
Monday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Multi-platinum selling Grammy winners Casting Crowns take their powerful performance on the road accompanied by live symphony. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. El Jarro de Arturo, 13421 San Pedro 78216; www.spn-sa.org.
Wine and Whiskey Walk at the Village at Stone Oak, – Thursday, October 26, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy nibbls paired with wine and whiskey tastings. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.simpletix.com/e/wine-and-whiskey-walk2023-tickets-140862.
Culinaria’s Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival – Thursday, Oct. 26- Oct. 29. Times vary by venue. Four-day epicurean experience allows food and wine lovers alike to explore the unique flavors of Texas with live music, cooking classes and tastings; www.culinariasa.org.
Whileit might seem logical that pumpkin orange would be the color most associated with October, instead, for the past 35+ years, the season has been marked by a plethora of pink. The traditionally feminine hue popping up in untraditional places like football cleats and office scrubs reminds us that breast cancer is still the second leading cause of death among women and the most common cancer in the world. Since 1985, when October was designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society’s Think Pink campaign has raised awareness about the need for early detection and funds for treatment and a potential cure.
This year the doctors and staff of Physicians Premier are proud to support Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D., as he serves as one of the American Cancer Society’s Men Wear Pink Ambassadors.
“We are tickled PINK that the American Cancer Society kicked off their Men Wear Pink campaign,” Physicians Premier announced on Facebook. “Our very own Physicians Premier Founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lonnie Schwirtlich was nominated as a Men Wear Pink Ambassador! These men form a distinguished group of community leaders who are committed to wearing Pink in the month of October to raise funds for breast cancer research and ultimately save lives. We are so incredibly proud to stand behind Dr. Schwirtlich and support his campaign. We invite you to join Dr. Schwirtlich and Physicians Premier in the fight against breast cancer, too. Stay tuned for LOTS of Pink and some exciting fundraising opportunities with Dr. Schwirtlich.”
The office, located west on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus, will be decorated with pink balloons and banners reminding patients of the cause. Dr Schwirtlich hopes to raise more than the ambassadorship goal of $2500 and plans several events to involve the community.
Cancer is personal to Dr. Schwirtlich. A kidney cancer survivor himself, he watched his best friend lose his wife to the disease.
“That was a heartbreaker,” he said.
Over his 42-year medical career, Dr. Schwirtlich has diagnosed breast cancer on multiple occasions in women who came to the emergency room initially for a different issue. He would notice moisture on their shirt or bra from an open lesion or smell breast cancer’s distinctive odor and immediately order a CT scan to determine the extent of the disease.
Breaking the news to a patient that she has cancer is never something Dr. Schwirtlich enjoys. “That’s the hardest thing, to see that look on their face. It just rips their heart out,” he said.
Dr. Schwirtlich wants people to know that breast cancer is very treatable when detected early. “It’s so important to do the screening,” he said. He emphasizes the American Cancer Society’s recommendation that women obtain annual mammograms beginning at age 40.
“I hope that somebody out there who needs a screening and mammogram will be motivated to get one and catch their breast cancer early. That makes everything worth it,” Dr. Schwirtlich said.
He’ll be wearing pink all month to reinforce the message.
Physicians Premier allows patients to access the care they need when they need it, saving time, money, alleviating concern and allowing for a healthier patient and community. Find them at MDpremier.com.
Physicians Premier Emergency Room Founding Doctor Fundraises for Breast Cancer
Last month Camp Bow Wow staff offered some ways to help a stray, should an un-homed dog cross your path. One group of determined Good Samaritans took the tips to heart.
Several ladies on the Far Northside noticed a loose medium-sized dog roaming the neighborhood as they took their daily walks – no collar or tags. As Pet Tips suggested, they posted his description on the neighborhood group text to try to reunite the pup with his owner, to no avail. For several days the ladies watched as the pup hung around a group of workers framing a house. The young male was skittish but friendly. Hungry, he seemed to be attracted to the scraps of food the men fed him.
One of the women was able to get close enough to take a few pictures, and she and a few others on the text stream started posting them to every lost-and-found pet site they knew. No one seemed to be looking for him, and it was becoming obvious that the pup had not just slipped away from a nearby home.
Finally, the dog lovers had had enough. One was able to coax the pup into her car and to safety. When the frisky interloper didn’t mix well with her own dog, Rani took great pains to keep the two apart (another Pet Tips suggestion). She noticed the pup was covered with fleas, dirty and matted, and had some injuries to his front legs. Once again, the neighborhood ladies jumped into action. Discussed via a flurry of text messages, someone found a vet to prescribe a fast-acting flea treatment, another sent a mobile grooming service. In short order, the pup was clean, vermin free, and on the mend. He looked so handsome and was losing his shyness. But what to do with him?
Heather jumped in. Her elderly mother’s dog had recently passed, and she hoped the pup might
be a good companion for her. Unfortunately, the energetic spaniel mix proved to be too taxing for the woman to keep, but she agreed to house “Charlie,” as he was now being called, on a temporary basis. Heather began walking him several times a day to support her mom and help him learn leash manners. Although better, his situation still seemed desperate. The neighborhood group continued to rally to the cause. Who knew someone who needed a young energetic male dog eager to return a family’s love?
Arrangements were made with another vet to neuter Charlie at a low cost (funded by the group). Shortly before Charlie was to be transported to his appointment, there was a glimmer of hope. Jan had a lead! She knew of a father of two young boys who lived on land in the Hill Country who also had suffered a loss of their family’s beloved pet. Could Charlie fill this void?
A few days after Charlie’s procedure, he was up and running. The meet-and-greet with the family was all the group had prayed for. Two little boys were able to once again experience the joy of a puppy’s love, and Charlie has a forever home!
We all hate to miss work when we are sick. How sure are you that you’ll get an appointment quickly if you need a prescription? Does your doctor’s office respond promptly when you call?
You have the option to choose a different kind of primary care practice, one where you can build a relationship with a physician who has your best interests in mind. Husband-and-wife team Drs. Prisiliano and Monica Salas offer their patients unprecedented access to personalized, holistic medical care. Both are double board certified in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, the latter promoting healthy lifestyle choices to prevent, manage and even reverse chronic disease while promoting healthy longevity.
Owning their own practice allows them to offer a “very high level of patient care that is timely and easily accessible — for babies to seniors,” said Dr. Monica. Salveo Direct Care, located at the corner of Huebner and NW Military, opened in 2018.
You don’t need to worry that Salveo Direct Care is not in your insurance plan’s network. Patients pay an upfront monthly membership fee that covers the cost of most primary care needs. Everyone receives one-on-one service and quality time with their personal physician. Trained medical professionals answer phone calls, texts and emails and often can schedule an office visit or video chat directly with Dr. Salas the same day.
Open enrollment in the fall is the time to evaluate or change insurance. You have the opportunity to break free from your pricey plan that might not be meeting your needs. Many people have found that Salveo Direct Care provides a more thorough and personal option for their health care. Starting at $100-per-person, the fee covers adult primary care visits including annual wellness exams and physicals, chronic care and followup visits, telehealth, basic office procedures and treatment of acute illness or minor injuries, with no copays or deductibles.
Local businesses, too, can partner with Salveo Direct Care to provide their employees better care, encourage wellness, reduce absenteeism and potentially, lower cost. Trained staff members will customize an employersubsidized plan to augment the membership experience with a policy to cover unexpected medical emergencies.
“Employers want employees to be healthy, present, productive and happy,” Dr. Monica said. “Our office helps people get their issues taken care of faster so they can get back to work. Many common health
concerns can be taken care of quickly and efficiently through direct messaging and virtual visits, meaning team members don’t waste time sitting in a doctor’s office unnecessarily.” It’s not just a person’s own health that causes absenteeism. People often miss work to care for a sick child. Salveo Direct Care’s membership can include children, allowing everyone to get back to normal quickly.
Small business owners see the benefit of partnering with Salveo Direct Care. Business Consultant Michal Waechter, MHA, FACHE, has seen how the ease of entry and ability to consolidate appointments has reduced absences and increased satisfaction for her employees. She considers her business relationship with Salveo Direct Care a key component of employee recruitment and retention.
Larger employers notice that as employees make fewer claims and remain healthier, benefits managers are able to renegotiate more favorable rates for the traditional insurance plans they provide as a safety net for catastrophic events.
The doctors Salas welcome new business partners. They’ll meet in person to answer any questions about their practice, then offer as much support as the business owner desires. They can begin with an on-site visit to provide each employee with a biometric screening, which includes vitals and basic labs, 3-D body scans, b12 injections, wellness initiatives and health talks — right at the workplace. When employees have a health issue, they’ll trust Dr. Salas, with whom they’ve already established a relationship.
Call the office at 210-899-2549 or email info@ salveodirectcare.com to find out how Salveo Direct Care can be the solution to your primary health care needs or those of your business. They’ll help keep employees healthy and reduce overall risk.
Ifall the world’s a stage, Ronald Reagan High School student Addison Burton was born for the spotlight. The senior began competing in pageants at the tender age of seven. She was in Miss Cinderella Mini-Miss in third grade, and its more senior, “Mini” version in middle school. Pageants helped Addison grow her confidence and develop as a vocal performer, a talent she’s continued to hone through Reagan’s fine arts programs. Addison will sing, “Wishing You Were Here Again” from Phantom of the Opera in the Miss San Antonio Outstanding Teen contest this fall.
She’s loved the pageant experience from the first time she followed her older sister onto the stage. “It’s terrifying and amazing,” Addison said. Winners seek the scholarships that range from a few thousand dollars to full college tuition. In addition to talent, each contestant must be able to converse intelligently about real-world issues and develop a mission statement and cause for which to advocate. Not surprisingly, Addison’s platform emphasizes the importance of arts in education. She’s found experience in choir and theater improves academic performance and mental health and produces well rounded individuals.
Addison serves as choir president at Reagan this year, a position that involves running the choir council, planning events and outreach to the middle schools, keeping choir facilities in order, and communicating with directors Mary Cowart and Gavin Magee. It’s a big job – but Addison’s up to the task. She’s prioritized making new students and incoming freshmen feel welcome and ensuring events are fun. The choir has hosted lock-ins at a local trampoline park and at Lifetime Fitness that break the ice. Her last hurrah as a senior will be helping plan the choir’s trip to Ireland next summer.
Addison sings soprano two in Reagan’s top Chamber Choir, which participates in the annual Madrigal Festival drawing students from all over the state. She’s also part of Reagan’s Soundsations show choir,
where students perform intricate dance moves while singing. The entire month of December is booked with office parties, retirement communities, and country clubs. “It’s amazing! I love it so much,” Addison enthused. “We do lifts and flips. It pushes me a lot.”
Despite her immersion in Reagan’s choral program, Addison’s favorite Reagan memory involves the theater, which she considers her second family. “I auditioned for this tiny, funky little show in the Black Box Theater and fell in love with it,” she said. She just concluded her performance as Amy in Reagan’s production of Little Women last month.
Addison hopes to become a nurse, an interest inspired by her father who’s a medical equipment sales representative. She counts AP Biology as “the most interesting and fun I’ve ever had in an academic class.” She credits her close relationship with her family as preparing her to go out and make a positive difference in the world – “to be happy, healthy and kind.”
Think Pink this October! Schedule your dental cleanings this fall while you help 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics support a good cause. Every year the practice has fun fundraising for the American Cancer Society. The office celebrates The Power of Pink with decorations, balloons, scrubs, gloves and lighting in various shades of the hue to raise awareness and encourage donations. All told, 7to7 Dental has given more than $14,000 with hopes to raise another $7,000 this year.
Travis Dezuba, 7to7 Dental’s Director of Marketing, serves as an ambassador for
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Help Travis DeZuba and 7to7 Dental put an end to breast cancer by contributing today. Every donation registers you to WIN a pink NorthFace backpack, Wine & Tumbler or a one-year complimentary Dental Membership with 7 to 7 Dental.
The buzz in the office energizes patients and staff alike to join in the project. Come in to keep on track to use every bit of the dental insurance benefits you’ve paid for. If you don’t have a dental plan employer’s enrollment period or started a new job, you can sign up for one of 7to7 Dental’s membership plans and be treated immediately. See the membership options on the opposite page and support Travis in helping to end Breast Cancer.
All Supporters who donate $150 or more will receive an invite to the 7to7 Dental Rage Room Event including Smash Pink items.
Travis Dezuba, Marketing Director, 7to7 Dental Travis Dezuba, Marketing Director, 7to7 Dental
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