SYNERGY HomeCare Magazine - Winter 2017

SYNERGYHomeCare.com Winter 2017

CAREGIVER APPRECIATION | MONTHLY WEBINARS | HEALTHY, EASY & AFFORDABLE RECIPES

SYNERGY HOMECARE MONTHLY WEBINARS

Understanding Funding Options

Advance Care Planning And Health Care Directives

Wednesday, February 8, 2017 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM EST Register here: https://goo.gl/hCBZso

Tuesday, March 14, 2017 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM EST Register here: https://goo.gl/vO5vhf

Aging With Purpose

Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT Register here: https://goo.gl/MmwWE1

Wednesday, April 12, 2017 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT Register here: https://goo.gl/6RtNZo

Webinars - Led by Carla Sutter Seminars will be led by Carla Sutter, MSW and Director of Operations for the SYNERGY HomeCare franchise system. Ms. Sutter has provided guidance and consultation for families and clients for over 30 years as they navigated family and health transitions. After registering, you will receive an email confirmation containing information about joining the webinar. A certificate of attendance available at the conclusion of each webinar.

HEALTHY, EASY & AFFORDABLE RECIPES PASTA CAPRESE Use ripe tomatoes to create a fresh pasta sauce for this easy, healthy and delicious dish.

Ingredients 8 oz whole-wheat thin spaghetti 1 Tbsp olive oil 4 large tomatoes, rinsed, cored, and cubed ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, rinsed, dried, and cut into slivers 3 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese (chunk package), cubed Directions 1. In a 4-quart saucepan, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil over high heat.

2. Add spaghetti, and cook according to package directions for the shortest recommended time, about 6 minutes. (Whole-wheat pasta tends to fall apart if overcooked.)

3. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and set aside. Drain spaghetti.

4.

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Add the spaghetti back into the pasta pot. Toss with olive oil and just enough reserved water to coat well.

Add the tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and olives. Toss gently until well mixed.

Divide pasta evenly among four dinner plates (about 2¼ cups each). Serve immediately.

SLOW COOKER TOMATO BASIL CHICKEN This slow cooker chicken recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious!

Ingredients 3 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs Sea salt and black pepper 6 cloves of garlic, sliced ¾ cup balsamic vinegar 1 lb. grape or cherry tomatoes 2 Tbsp. coconut sugar (or regular sugar) 15-20 basil leaves, sliced into strips Balsamic vinegar to serve on the side, if desired Directions 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in slow cooker.

2. Add garlic, vinegar, tomatoes, and coconut sugar and stir until the chicken is coated.

3. Cook on low heat for about 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and it easily falls apart.

4. Remove chicken and tomatoes to a platter, shred the chicken, and smash some of the tomatoes. Stir in basil. Serve with some balsamic vinaigrette on the side if you like. Enjoy! *Prior to starting a new diet or weight-loss program, consult with your doctor, a registered dietitian or another qualified health professional.

Winter 2017 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com

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CAREGIVER APPRECIATION | THE ROCK STAR CAREGIVER

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Jeannie Dalaly

Dennis Webb

SYNERGY HomeCare Schaumburg, Illinois

SYNERGY HomeCare Edmond, Oklahoma

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Preparing home-cooked meals, giving medication reminders, communicating with the family while keeping the home safe for the clients are all in a day’s work. Jeannie even makes sure the couple’s front lawn hedges are trimmed.

In the past year, Dennis has built a handicap ramp for a client, repaired a shed and built a cabinet. During the holidays Dennis assisted clients with decorations and put up outdoor lights.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

DEDICATED & LOVED BY ALL

Monica Waltower

Sharon Stauffer

SYNERGY HomeCare Decatur, Georgia

SYNERGY HomeCare Carlisle, PA

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f caregivers were rock stars, then Jeannie Dalaly would be the leader of the band.

Jeannie takes care of a couple dealing with dementia, diabetes and a host of other complications. Until Jeannie came to be their caregiver, the family was overwhelmed and often unsure regarding life’s day-to-day decisions and challenges.

ennis joined our care team in 2013 as a parttime caregiver. Dennis had a full-time job but was looking to pick up extra hours. He was assigned to care for two veterans. After a few months of seeing the positive impact Dennis was having on the lives of the clients and families he took care of, Dennis asked if he could become a full-time employee.

aregiver Monica Waltower was driving to ur caregiver Sharon Stauffer always goes an appointment when she noticed several above and beyond. She is dependable, and cars stopped on the side of the road. People were our clients love her no matter where we send her. standing around staring at the ground. An elderly During the holidays Sharon went the extra mile. man had been hit by a car.

Sharon brought baking supplies and holiday Her inner caregiver took over and she turned crafts to her client’s homes. Together they baked her car around. Within seconds, she was at the and created homemade tree ornaments, and then injured man’s side. Although EMTs were called, enjoyed their treats. All of our clients love Sharon. they had not yet arrived. Monica sprang into We are fortunate to have Sharon as part of our action and began CPR, keeping the man alive SYNERGY HomeCare team. until the EMTs arrived. Monica’s concern for a stranger is proof that caregiving is not just a paycheck for her — it’s a passion.

HEART OF SYNERGY HOMECARE IN HIS OWN WORDS

CALLING TO CARE

Randy Williams

Charity Perry

SYNERGY HomeCare Northwest Atlanta, GA

SYNERGY HomeCare Ashland, Virginia

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Recently, I was assigned to care for a veteran.

My first day with him was typical up until I asked him what I could make him to eat. He told me he had no money to buy any food. This man served his country and had no money to buy food. This was unacceptable! He had numbers to some food pantries. I contacted the food banks and now he receives food on a regular basis.”

Through Charity’s bright smile, calm demeanor, and determination, she gives her clients and their families peace of mind. Charity declares, “caregiving is spiritual for me, some people go to church, some find it in nature, I find it in caring for people.” Charity follows her heart and has made life better for all those she has cared for.

THE TEAM PLAYER

MAKING AN IMPACT

Gina Rodriguez

Debbie Shankle

SYNERGY HomeCare West Denver

SYNERGY HomeCare Edmond, Oklahoma

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“ became a CNA because it’s in my DNA to help and serve others. I’ve always lived by the philosophy — ‘If you’re too busy to help, then you’re too busy.’ Taking the focus off yourself and your needs and giving another of your time, experience, etc., will fill you in ways that no material thing ever will.

herever there is a need, Gina Rodriguez is there to fill it. Since she started with the company two years ago, Gina has covered a multitude of positions, from caregiver to office assistant. Gina is always a team player and will take last minute requests to fill shifts even after she has worked a long day.

Gina is known for her compassion to soothe families during difficult times, and she has a knack for allowing family members to take care for themselves while their loved one is in her confident care.

harity grew up in a large southern family caring for her family members is just what she did. Charity believes that being a caregiver is her calling, whether it’s caring for a client living with Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis, Charity brings a calm sense of confidence and reassurance to everyone in her presence.

ebbie Shankle is one of the most engaging caregivers the team at the Edmond, Oklahoma office has ever met. One example of this includes a memory sensory quilt she created for a client who loves fishing. This quilt included lures, fishing wire, etc. to bring the client back to his favorite hobby. To help a woman she cared for, Debbie also made a sensory lap blanket with velcro, pockets and different textures, to help with sensory issues.

Debbie was awarded the 2017 Employee of the Year for SYNERGY HomeCare of Edmond Oklahoma.

Winter 2017 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com

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THE UNITED STATES OF AGING Older Adults and Their Caregivers Don’t Always Agree

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very day for the next 18 years, roughly 10,000 Americans will celebrate their 65th birthdays.

When it comes to growing old in America, the perceptions of those baby boomers and the people who help take care of them vary greatly.

These revelations come from the most recent United States of Aging survey from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the National Council on Aging and United Healthcare. The survey examines older adults’ attitudes on a range of issues such as health, finances, and community support, and then compares them to the attitudes of professionals or caregivers who work closely with them.

Home Sweet Home Older adults are looking to their communities for support as they age so they can continue living in their homes and neighborhoods as long as possible.

58%

Fifty-eight percent of older adults have not changed residences in 20 years.

75%

Seventy-five percent intend to live in their current homes for the rest of their lives.

When asked what concerns they have about living independently, adults 60 and older say they are most concerned about becoming a burden to others, experiencing memory loss, and not being When asked what their top three concerns were, both groups had significant differences of opinion able to get out of the house and/or drive. about the issues of growing older.

Exercise and Eat Healthy to Stay Sharp

Top 3 Concerns For Adults 60 and Older

40% Maintaining their physical health

35% Memory loss

32%

Physical activity is on the rise. According to the survey, 82 percent of older adults say they exercise Maintaining their at least once per week, up from 75 percent the previous year. mental health

Top 3 Concerns For Professionals

43% Protection from financial scams

38% Access to affordable housing

To stay mentally sharp, both groups agree on exercising and eating healthy, but older adults say number one is keeping a positive attitude. Caregivers and professionals stress the importance of keeping active socially.

38% Memory loss

Overall Preparedness On the topic of being prepared for aging, older adults are more confident about the future than the caregivers or professionals who support them.

To access the survey findings, visit ncoa.org/ UnitedStatesofAging.

AGING WITH PURPOSE Shirley Lee | 80 Years Young SYNERGY HomeCare Central Illinois

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hirley Lee is committed to staying active and being an inspiration to her peers. She participates in chair exercise classes at the YMCA every Tuesday and Thursday morning and hits the warm therapy pool for an arthritis exercise class on most Wednesdays. These activities, Shirley says, “are good for me.” She loves to encourage people everywhere she goes, whether it’s commenting to a young mom about her “pretty baby”, telling a fellow class participant “It will be ok”, or singing songs as she swims in the pool. Often, the other participants join her, and the room echoes with beautiful melodies.

The room is alive when Shirley is around! Her sense of humor keeps people laughing and she’s always up for trying new things, like climbing into the giant chair at the local apple orchard for a fun photo. When asked, “How are you?”

Shirley always answers “I’m blessed with the best!” because Shirley’s sense of purpose is to be a blessing to others.

Leonie Wohl | Prefers Caregiving Instead of Retirement SYNERGY HomeCare San Mateo, California

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nstead of settling into her senior years, Leonie Wohl of San Mateo is just getting started on her path to aging with purpose. At 58, Leonie decided to make a difference in the lives of others, and in turn, it’s making a difference in her own life, one she feels is more fulfilled than ever.

“After a long, successful career in healthcare, I wanted to find a meaningful way to help and advocate for others, particularly the elderly, during my senior years.” I volunteered at local homeless shelters, assisted elders with their medical appointments, and even lobbied for improved medication coverage and access in Washington D.C. Leonie currently works for SYNERGY HomeCare caring for three seniors. I feel privileged to help enhance the lives of my clients. We go on excursions, walks, play games, read, and share our opinions on current events. It makes them feel connected and relevant. I also volunteer at a hospice organization providing direct care for patients at end-of-life. This is such a meaningful and rewarding opportunity to be a comforting presence to the terminally ill.

“Bottom line, use your wisdom. Leverage your experience. Give back to others and use your talents to make others’ lives better. In turn, your life will be better for it.” – Leonie Wohl Winter 2017 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com

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