Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®

Pets and Solo Aging: What to Consider

Are you considering getting a pet? Do you already own one? Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz, MSW, Care Coordinator with Friends Life Care, covers topics older adults and solo agers may wish to consider before and during pet ownership like the benefits of having a pet, things to think about before getting a pet, resources for ownership, and more.

Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz is a Care Coordinator with Friends Life Care. Katelyn holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and has been in the healthcare field for six years. During this time, she has worked with interdisciplinary teams in rehabilitation and nursing centers and held positions on short-term, long-term, and dementia units.

Resources: Benefits of Animal Bond:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pets-can-help-their-humans-create-friendships-find-social-support-201505067981 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3944143/

For adaptable pet equipment:

https://techowlpa.org/kb/pet-care/ Pet ownership considerations: https://www.adaptivepetstrategies.com/choosing-a-pet/

For adoption:

Local animal shelter

Grey Nose Society

Senior Paws and Pets for the Elderly https://petsfortheelderly.org/ https://www.pawsacrosspittsburgh.com/seniors

Sitting, Grooming, and Pet Care Services: WAG, Rover, Care.com, DogVacay, local mobile vet and mobile groomer services

Pet therapy/Visiting services: https://www.tdi-dog.org/ https://petsfortheelderly.org/ https://www.pawsforpeople.org/

Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kweyrauch/

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/katelyn-schunkewitz/

Virtual pet app:

https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2021/12/16/murphy-cares-pet-therapy-app/

Mobile veterinarian:

https://vetster.com/en-us

https://housepaws.us/mobile-vet/

https://homeridgemobilevet.com/pa/

https://myinhomevet.com/

(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloaging #soloagers #catlovers #kitten #meow #kitty #kittens #animallovers #petlover #adoptdontshop #dogslife #doglove #Grooming #PetCare #veterinary #veterinarian #adoption #petadoption #petsmart #chewy #petco #dogbreed #cat

Loneliness: Causes, Effects, and Ways to Combat It

According to the National Institute on Aging, the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Social isolation and loneliness have even been estimated to shorten a person’s life span by as many as 15 years.  

Ellen Houle and Beth Morley, Care Coordinators with Friends Life Care cover the causes, effects, and ways to combat loneliness. In addition, they discuss insights gleaned from Friends Life Care members about loneliness and ways our organization is dealing with the issue.   

Ellen is a licensed occupational therapist with more than seven years working with older adults. She has worked in a variety of settings including homecare, hospice, short term rehabilitation facilities and retirement communities. She earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University and Executive Certification in Home Modifications from The University of Southern California.     

Ellen values the importance of a well-rounded and proactive approach to healthcare. In her free time, Ellen is an avid cyclist and drummer, playing in multiple bands in the greater Philadelphia area.   

Beth holds a Master of Social Work degree and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and has 25 years of experience in public and private positions with a background in case management systems, long-term care coordination and program development.   

Previously, Beth worked for nine years with refugees and immigrants in emergency services, program management and community-based social services. She also was employed as a clinical social worker in a skilled nursing facility and spent two years coordinating community-based services for older adults in Virginia.   

Resources: 

https://www.ncoa.org/article/staying-socially-connected-can-stave-off-isolation-and-loneliness  

https://www.cmaj.ca/content/191/17/E476   

https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/how-to-mitigate-senior-loneliness/   

https://www.nia.nih.gov/ctctoolkit   

https://www.ncoa.org/article/staying-socially-connected-can-stave-off-isolation-and-loneliness 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/ellen-houle/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-morley-msw-9749b8109/ 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/beth-morley/  

https://pennmemorycenter.org/programs-services/timetogether/ 

AARP Community Programs 

https://www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/Pages/AAA.aspx 

https://www.pcacares.org/ 

https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx 

https://www.ncoa.org/ 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/ 

LGBT+ and Aging: My Journey Through Love, Life, and Loss

Robert Keppler is a Friends Life Care member. He is also part of the LGBT+ community. On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Robert joins us for an important conversation about aging in the LGBT+ community, supporting his partner through illness, ultimately losing his partner, and life after grief and loss.

RESOURCES:

Friends Life Care Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

Blog: https://www.friendslifecare.org/blog/

https://www.sageusa.org/

(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #vigr #soloagers #soloaging #aging #mindset #podcast #podcasts #podcastepisode #youtube #youtubeuploads #youtubepodcast #lgbt #lgbtcommunity #grief #griefandhealing #healing #loss #illnesses #life #lgbtq #lgbt #gay #pride #love #lgbtpride #pridemonth #Counseling #Death #Retirement #Support #SupportGroups #Help #StagesofGrief

Building Resilience for Successful Aging

Building resilience is a critical part of successful aging. But what does it entail?  

Join Jan Zacharjasz as she shares concrete ways to build resilience in your daily life. She covers how mid- to later life transitions impact resilience, the nine traits that foster resilience, mindset shifts, and how we can manage a change impacting us now.  

Jan M. Zacharjasz, MS, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP, brings over 30 years of experience in group facilitation, healthcare program management, and counseling to her work as a Professional Certified Coach. The founder of Coaching for Resilience, specializing in mid to later-life transitions, Jan is passionate about helping people gain courage and resilience through incredible work, health, and family changes so they can thrive moving forward.   

Jan has been recognized as a Top Life Coach by Coach Foundation. She is co-chair of the Life Planning Network Philadelphia and serves on its National Board as chair of Chapter Affairs. Along with individual coaching, Jan provides life purpose and energy leadership assessments and hands-on skill-building workshops on resilience, successful aging, and care for caregivers.    

Resources: 

Email: jan@coachingresilience.com  

Telephone: 215-380-9878 

https://coachingresilience.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/coachingresilience/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/coaching-for-resilience/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmzach/ 

(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.    

Patina Health: Reinventing Primary Care for Older Adults

There is the primary care older adults should receive, and then there is the care they actually receive in the current healthcare system.

On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Dr. Neil Patel, Chief Health Officer at Patina, discusses the disparities often experienced between the two and how Patina delivers high-quality care to older adults in new, innovative, and technology-enabled ways.

Patina is a new model of primary care for adults 65+ that reimagines the journey of aging through virtual and home-based care.

Patina is building a healthcare experience for older adults that honors the wisdom they’ve accumulated and how they want to experience aging and care. At Patina, Dr. Neil is part of a crew that will listen, learn, and honors patients’ expertise, helping them be true leaders in their care.

Before joining Patina, Dr. Neil helped found Iora Health, an early innovator in primary care. Before that, he helped start the Atlantic City Special Care Center, serving the most complex and costly patients from the Local 54 hotel workers union with the AtlantiCare health system.

RESOURCES:

Friends Life Care

Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

Blog: https://www.friendslifecare.org/blog/

Patina Health

Website: https://patinahealth.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-patel-68911494/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patinahealth/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClAvq-dk7uflXC_L9fOr_HQ

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #vigr #soloagers #soloaging #primarycare #healthcare #patients #seniorcare #seniorliving #homecare #health #eldercare #caregiving #retirement #caregivers #caregiver #care #retirement #retirementplanning #finance #family #seniorliving #retirementgoals #retirementcommunity #familymedicine #doctor #medicine #telehealth #wellness #medical #familycare #healthmatters #physician #primarycarephysician #patientcare #telemedicine

Tackling the Challenges Facing Today’s Solo Agers

Today’s healthcare system can be confusing and difficult to navigate, especially for solo agers.  

On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ailene Gerhardt guides us through the complexities of solo aging with resources and facts to help this cohort make informed decisions that reflect their personal values. 

Ailene is the Founder of Beacon Patient Solutions LLC and the Navigating Solo Network. Her qualifications include Independent Board-Certified Patient Advocate, National Authority on Solo Aging, Solo Aging Educator, and Advocate, Certified Senior Advisor. 

Resources: 

https://www.beaconpatientsolutions.com/ 

https://navigatingsolo.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ailenegerhardt/  

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BPSLLC-Solo-Aging-Resource-Sheet-Honestly-Aging-Podcast-2023.pdf 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BPSLLC-Who-Are-Solos-and-Planning-Needs-Honestly-Aging-Podcast-2023.pdf  

What You Need to Know About Medicare

To say Medicare can be confusing is an understatement. 

On this episode of Honestly Aging by VigR Health, Kiersten Spitzenberger, a Medicare Specialist with Dan White and Associates, joins us to discuss the different parts of Medicare, what they cover, the cost, eligibility, and more. 

As a Medicare Specialist, Kiersten helps clients understand and successfully enroll in Medicare plans that suit their needs and budget.  

Before her role as a Medicare Specialist, Kiersten held positions as Dan White and Associates’ Assistant Director of Operations and Marketing and as an Independent Agent with Mutual of Omaha.  

Kiersten has a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in professional studies with two minors in Mathematics and Elementary Education. She is also licensed in Life and Health Insurance. 

Grab something to take notes with because we cover a lot! 

Resources:  

https://danwhiteandassociates.com/   

https://danwhiteandassociates.com/about/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiersten-spitzenberger-21b853161/  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/daniel-a-white-&-associates/  

https://www.facebook.com/DanWhiteandAssociates  

https://www.youtube.com/@daniela.whiteassociatesllc9576  

https://www.instagram.com/danwhiteandassociates/  

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medicare-Enrollment-Flow-Chart.pdf  

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Health-Care-Quick-Reference-Guide-2023.pdf  

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Four-Parts-of-Medicare.pdf 

#HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Medicare #PartA #PartB #PartC #PartD #Medigap #MedicareSupplement #Medicaid #Cost #Eligibility #Enrollment #EnrollmentPeriod #LongTermCare #Coverage #CaseStudies #MedicareVsMedicaid #MedicareAdvantage #PreExistingConditions #HomeHealthCare #DanWhiteAndAssociates #MedicareSpecialist #Benefits #65Plus #LatePenalties  

The Many Facets of Grief and Loss: Help for the Solo Ager

The Many Facets of Grief and Loss: Help for the Solo Ager   

We talk about grief and loss when someone dies, but can we grieve someone who is still living? How might we deal with the loss of “things” and compound grief over the years? What if we don’t feel close enough with anyone to share our grief?  

Angela Dora Dobrzynski works through these tough topics and helps us navigate the complex emotions that come with grief and loss throughout a lifespan.  

Angela Dora Dobrzynski is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice. Additionally, she is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist and holds a certificate in Holistic Health Coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.    

Angela earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Rosemont College and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stockton University.    

Prior to private practice, Angela worked as a Bereavement Counselor for Main Line Health Homecare and Hospice, The Renfrew Center, and as adjunct faculty at Manor College teaching Developmental Psychology and Stress and Health Psychology.   

 

Resources:   

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-dora-dobrzynski-lpc-04b958b/    

https://angeladora.org/    

Therapeutic Writing Blog Post: https://angeladora.org/2022/01/24/therapeutic-writing/  

 

Support Groups:  

St. Peter Church East Brandywine. Contact Shavaun: shavaunmcginty@gmail.com  

Compassus Hospice: Online general grief support group, Tuesdays at 8pm, Contact John john.cooper@compassus.com  

Adult grief group with Hand Holding Hearts. Contact Amy: contact@handsholdinghearts.org  

Penn Medicine Hospice: Online support group via Zoom. Call 610. 617. 2400. 

 

Books:  

Healing After Loss by Martha W. Hickman: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-After-Loss-Meditations-Working/dp/0380773384  

Unmoored by Angela Dora Dobrzynski: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZCQPKZC?psc=1&smid=A1Y53T3O3Q25L8&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp  

Helpful Website: www.whatsyourgrief.com 

(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.        

 

Feeling Your Best as You Age

Hydration, nutrition, and exercise are critical to feeling our best as we age. Kiristin Briggs, MSN, CRNP, shares key components of all three, including information on the MIND DIET. Kiristin also covers supplements and why you should check with your healthcare provider before starting any.  

Kiristin Briggs is a Board-Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the nursing profession, including nearly 10 years as an Advanced Practice Nurse. Kiristin graduated with her BSN from Bradley University in 2004 and obtained her MSN at LaSalle University in 2010.    

For 10 years Kiristin has also maintained an adjunct faculty position at the Community College of Philadelphia. Kiristin has experience in Primary Care/Internal Medicine, med-surg, skilled/rehab nursing, long-term care, and drug detox/rehabilitation. In addition, she has been a Legal Nurse Consultant/Expert Witness since 2018.   

Resources: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiristin-briggs-823665213/   

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/At-Home-Stationary-Exercises_NIA.pdf  

https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/movement-exercise/20-chair-exercises-for-seniors 

https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/total-body-chair-workout-for-older-adults/ 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MIND_Diet_Flyer_1-22.pdf  

Please note, those interested in incorporating the MIND diet should make sure there aren't any medical/medication and/or diet contraindications. Consider using low sodium or no added salt to some of the recipes. 

(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.      

#HonestlyAging #VigRHealth #FriendsLifeCare #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Aging #Hydration #Dehydration #Awarness #SelfMonitoring #MINDDiet #Moderation #Supplements #Exercise #Endurance #Flexibility #Balance #Strength #PhysicalTherapy #PhysicalLimitations #Nutrition  

 

How Palliative Care Can Support You in the Aging Process

How Palliative Care Can Support You in the Aging Process  

Palliative care is a healthcare option to improve the quality of life in people with chronic and serious illnesses that have caused a physical, emotional, or spiritual burden.  

Kate Phelan, a board-certified family nurse practitioner certified in palliative care, shares what palliative care consists of, how it differs from hospice care, real-life examples of how this type of care positively impacts patients, and more.   

Resources:  

Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/ 

Angelic Health Website: https://www.angelic.health/  

Angelic Health Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelicHealthPA  

Angelic Health LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angelic-palliative-hospice-care/ 

Kate Phelan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-phelan-msn-crnp-achpn-cen-a8b98a31/ 

Palliative Care Informational Resources: 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palliative-Care-PA-Marketing-Packet-2022.pdf 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palliative-E-brochure.pdf 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palliative-Provides-PA-22.pdf 

#HonestlyAging #VigRHealth #FriendsLifeCare #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Aging #Palliative #PalliativeCare #WhatIsPalliativeCare #Chronic #ChronicConditions #SeriousIllnesses #PalliativeVsHospiceCare #Insurance #Goals #PatientGoals #Autonomy #PatientAutonomy #Family #Team #FamilyDynamics #TeamDynamics #SuccessStories #AngelicHealth #WhyConsiderPalliativeCare #CareersInPalliativeCare #PalliativeVsPrimaryCare #HealthcareOption #QualityOfLife 

(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.