April 10th, 2012 by Lisa DeCanio
Posted in Google Cambridge
We've all had that conversation with our grandparents, in which we painstakingly try to instruct them – for the eighth time – how to open the internet browser to send an email. Recognizing this digital divide in the way seniors access the internet, Amanda Del Balso, Community Affairs Co-Lead and AdWords Account Manager at Google Cambridge, decided to take action.
After spending time in Dublin last year, Del Balso observed the Google team out there participating in the Age Engage program, which aims to equip seniors with basic internet skills to improve their quality of life. The program, she thought, would be well-suited for the Boston-area, and once returning stateside, Del Balso vetted out a pilot program with the local team at Google Cambridge.
In a partnership with Cambridge Community Television (CCTV), Google Cambridge launched the Age Engage pilot program in December with about 20 seniors attending two, 2-hour class sessions. The classes are unique in that they level the intense love Googlers have for the internet and channel that into one-to-one training for seniors. The curriculum is loose, explains Del Balso, and while the team aims to establish general search and email skills, each student possess a different skill level, and the classes are really tailored to their individual needs.
"The levels of people that come in really vary, so that's where the beauty of one-to-one pairing comes in," says Del Balso. "That student walks away with four hours of one-to-one, intensive tutoring."
As you can imagine, the stories behind Age Engage are pretty inspiring and demonstrate a true sense of community-building that comes with the program. Del Balso describes a story of a Googler helping tutor a woman on Google Maps, and after a few searches, they discovered they live within blocks of one another. In another example, Del Balso helped teach a woman how to upload photos into a program that would allow her and her mother to virtually try on glasses.
"We work on the computer all the time," says Del Balso of the Age Engage staff of Google volunteers. "I think it's a really nice marriage of Google's values of making the internet accessible to all people in a really easy way…It's quality of life improvement in such an engaging way."
The program will be ramping up more classes in the coming months, with the ultimate goal of providing one-on-one tutoring to 250 local seniors before the end of the year. "Moving forward, we're really going to try to focus on improving the in-class experience for the students already coming, and see how we can make it bigger or better," says Del Balso.
For more on the Age Engage program, check out the video below, and feel free to contact googleinthehub@google.com. Oh, and sign up your grandparents!
http://bostinno.com/2012/04/10/google-cambridge-pilots-age-engage-program-to-help-connect-seniors-to-the-internet/
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
Monday, May 28, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Beginning the Conversation About the End of Life
from: AARP
Planning well in advance of the end of your loved one's life can help safeguard his well-being and your peace of mind. That planning starts with an incredibly important conversation about death and dying, as difficult as it may be.
See also: Helping Parents Address Legal Issues.
Getting answers to questions about where your loved one would prefer to spend his last days, who will take care of him and what he would like to do to achieve a "good death" are vital pieces of the plan.
The person you are caring for most likely has strong preferences and opinions about their final days and it is imperative that you learn them. Start the conversation by expressing how much you share their desire to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, and to have their wishes followed after they pass away.
Ask your loved one to consider the following questions:
* Where do I want to die? At home, or in a hospital or medical facility? Surrounded by people who love me, or privately with as little fuss as possible?
* What kind of medical treatment do I want?
* Who do I want to take care of me? Do I have a preference in terms of male or female, or anything else?
* What kind of funeral services do I want? Do I care about an open or closed casket, cremation or donating my body to science?
* Where do I want to be buried? Do I have a burial plot? Do I want to use it or be buried somewhere else?
Then, use their answers to help them assemble advance directives, which are legal documents that explicitly describe their wishes for care near the end. Prepare the two most important directives:
1.) A Living Will: This document specifies their wishes regarding medical treatment, and particularly the refusal of life-prolonging medication when death is imminent.
2.) A Health Care Power of Attorney: This document allows your parents to appoint someone they trust to act on their behalf and make decisions regarding their medical treatment if they are unable to do so.
Give copies of the directives to the key people involved in your loved one's life, with his or her permission.
http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving-resource-center/info-08-2010/elc_beginning_the_conversation_about_end_of_life.html
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
Planning well in advance of the end of your loved one's life can help safeguard his well-being and your peace of mind. That planning starts with an incredibly important conversation about death and dying, as difficult as it may be.
See also: Helping Parents Address Legal Issues.
Getting answers to questions about where your loved one would prefer to spend his last days, who will take care of him and what he would like to do to achieve a "good death" are vital pieces of the plan.
The person you are caring for most likely has strong preferences and opinions about their final days and it is imperative that you learn them. Start the conversation by expressing how much you share their desire to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, and to have their wishes followed after they pass away.
Ask your loved one to consider the following questions:
* Where do I want to die? At home, or in a hospital or medical facility? Surrounded by people who love me, or privately with as little fuss as possible?
* What kind of medical treatment do I want?
* Who do I want to take care of me? Do I have a preference in terms of male or female, or anything else?
* What kind of funeral services do I want? Do I care about an open or closed casket, cremation or donating my body to science?
* Where do I want to be buried? Do I have a burial plot? Do I want to use it or be buried somewhere else?
Then, use their answers to help them assemble advance directives, which are legal documents that explicitly describe their wishes for care near the end. Prepare the two most important directives:
1.) A Living Will: This document specifies their wishes regarding medical treatment, and particularly the refusal of life-prolonging medication when death is imminent.
2.) A Health Care Power of Attorney: This document allows your parents to appoint someone they trust to act on their behalf and make decisions regarding their medical treatment if they are unable to do so.
Give copies of the directives to the key people involved in your loved one's life, with his or her permission.
http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving-resource-center/info-08-2010/elc_beginning_the_conversation_about_end_of_life.html
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Hospitalization and Dementia: The Role of the Caregiver
By Sandra O'Connell
You might assume that a hospital staffed by healthcare professionals is a safe environment. Unexpectedly, the hospital requires more vigilance and special skills by the caregiver. The very nature of a hospital and the needs of a person with dementia are not highly compatible.
Hospitalization requires even more care than normal from the family; the following guidelines should help you to prepare for and survive a hospital stay. They are derived from my personal experience during 14 years of caregiving for my husband that included three hospitalizations, two stays in rehab nursing homes and seven trips to the emergency room. My experience is supplemented with that of my Alzheimer's support group and the current literature.
1. Provide coverage 24x7; do not leave the person alone, even (especially) at night.
The hospital routine runs 24x7, and as anyone who has ever been hospitalized knows--does not respect sleep or night time hours. Ask for the rules for overnight visitors and if needed, have the doctor write an order that allows you to have someone with the patient at all times. Some families hire a caregiver to cover the night shift for them; others rotate the responsibility among siblings or a few close friends. I planned coverage for the early evening so that I could go home to eat dinner, nap and shower; then I was prepared to sleep in the hospital room right next to his bed. Remember the patient is already in a world he or she cannot manage; now he or she is in an alien environment with strangely garbed creatures who glide in and out of the room at all hours.
2. The person with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia needs an advocate at all times.
Every common hospital routine such as drawing blood, hooking up an IV, going to the bathroom, or being transferred to go for an X-ray is bewildering to the person with dementia and may result in anxiety driven behavior. Pulling out the IV, getting out of bed with a catheter inserted, or refusal to cooperate with treatment may result. Toileting is a challenge in the hospital as there may be a catheter or an IV that involves special care. A person with Alzheimer's is not going to remember that he or she needs help to get out of bed. This can result in falls, torn IVs, and urinary tract infections. During one hospitalization, a technician insisted on doing a test that I had not discussed with my husband's doctors. Only my staunch refusal persuaded the person to leave. As it turned out, she was in the wrong room. Incidents like these may happen during a hospital stay. An advocate who is able to talk with staff and solve problems should be ever-present. If you are fortunate enough to have others helping you as a patient advocate, be sure to leave the records and doctors' names with them.
3. Do not assume that the staff understands the realities of caring for someone with dementia, much less the specifics of your loved one.
The call button, the device that alerts the staff to come to the room, is useless to a person with dementia. A nurse carefully explained to my husband how to use the call button if he needed anything. He smiled his charming smile and nodded, but did not understand. When I used the button to ask for help to take him to the bathroom, a disembodied voice came from the headboard asking what he needed. I realized then that he would not be able to connect the need for help with the voice, much less articulate that he had to go to the bathroom. Learning to use a call button is typically beyond the learning of anyone with dementia, except in the earliest stage. An advocate has to be there to interpret your loved one's needs and to actively get help.
Fortunately, this situation is starting to change. An article in the American Journal of Nursing described how to recognize dementia in the hospital setting and the impact it has on treatment. "Hospital patients with dementia as compared with other hospital patients experience higher rates of delirium, falls, new incontinence, pressure ulcers, untreated pain...inadequate food and fluid intake, and sleep disturbances." (Recognition of Dementia in Hospitalized Older Adults, Maslow and Mezey, AJN, January, 2008.)
4. Keep a written record of all medical information.
The hospital thrives on records; be ready to provide all the information they need – repeatedly. Keep a list of medications, dosage levels, doctors' names and phone numbers, past hospitalizations, and current conditions. Your documents help to insure that accurate information is in the records. Realize that each time medical information is transferred, the possibility for error increases. When going from the emergency room to a regular bed, coming from a nursing home to the hospital, whatever the route, verify each time that the medical record is correct. After an illness that involved three transfers and several doctors, I found five errors in my husband's medication records.
One of the advantages of an advocate is that you are there 24x7, so it is likely you will be there when the doctors make rounds. Take notes with each visit, as most likely you will need to coordinate issues among various specialists. This is a critical aspect of the caregiver-advocate role. Keep track of questions as they arise and have your notes available when the doctor arrives, which may be at 7 a.m. or 10 p.m. or anytime in between.
5. Personalize and manage the hospital environment.
Routine and familiar surroundings are essential to a person with dementia struggling to make sense out of a strange place. The first request should be for a private room; another patient in the room will be incredibly distracting and difficult. Look for ways to personalize the space and provide comfort to your loved one. Bring in a favorite coverlet or pillow, tape large photos on the wall or cabinet; ask if you may provide a drink or food that Mom especially likes. With hospitalization, families may find an outpouring of concern which may result in a lot of visitors. Given the already confusing surroundings, experts recommend limiting visitors. Let people know that your loved one will rest and heal best with quiet and calm.
Since you are staying in the hospital for possibly days or weeks, pack your own bag with maintenance and comfort items which may include: lots of change for the vending machines, toothbrush, reading material, comfortable pillow, change of clothes, water, and snacks. Do remember that hospitals limit the use of cell phones to areas where they will not interfere with equipment.
6. Take time to get to know the nursing staff.
Many hospitals will be grateful for your ongoing presence as it can make their job easier. Help the staff to understand your loved one's preferences—limits as well as capabilities. Be direct about the person's abilities and limitations and identify any specific needs.
"Dad will try to remove the IV, so please put extra tape over the needle."
"My uncle likes cranberry juice rather than apple juice."
"Mom will need to eat more than applesauce before she takes that medication."
Be respectful of the times for bathing, medication, and other hospital routines. Of course, just as you get one nurse familiar with your situation, the shift for the week will change and you start all over. Bring a treat or flowers now and then for the nursing station. Show your appreciation and acknowledge the job they are doing.
As a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's disease, recognize that a trip to the hospital is highly likely. Prepare in advance as much as possible; have the medical records up to date, be ready with a family member or back-up caregiver who can be an advocate, and pack your bag as you are the constant in your loved one's care.
Highly Recommended Reading:
Acute Hospitalization and Alzheimer's Disease: A Special Kind of Care, booklet available from National Institutes of Health. www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/acute-hospitalization-and-alzheimers-disease-special-kind-care
Sandra O'Connell was an Alzheimer's caregiver for her husband, Rev. Ralph L. Minker, for 14 years. As a member of the Alzheimer's Speaker's Bureau, National Capitol Area, she has presented programs for a wide range of audiences on Alzheimer's disease, the Healthy Brain, Caregiver Communication Skills, and Research Updates. Sandra has been a guest lecturer in the Geriatric Program at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She was the project manager for "Alzheimer's Disease: A Family Matter," a training film which won a Cine award for training documentary
http://www.caregiver.com/channels/alz/articles/hospitalization_and_dementia.htm
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
Inevitable as the progression of the disease itself, hospitalization will happen to a person with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Physical problems increase with age; studies show that one-third of the people discharged from the hospital are 65 or older. With a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, the chance of hospitalization increases dramatically. Older individuals are more likely to have multiple conditions and weak immune systems. Whether a planned stay or the result of an emergency, the caregiver needs to be prepared to manage a stay in the hospital. Hospitalization is disruptive and frightening for everyone; for someone with Alzheimer's, the hospital is, indeed, a scary place.
You might assume that a hospital staffed by healthcare professionals is a safe environment. Unexpectedly, the hospital requires more vigilance and special skills by the caregiver. The very nature of a hospital and the needs of a person with dementia are not highly compatible.
Hospitalization requires even more care than normal from the family; the following guidelines should help you to prepare for and survive a hospital stay. They are derived from my personal experience during 14 years of caregiving for my husband that included three hospitalizations, two stays in rehab nursing homes and seven trips to the emergency room. My experience is supplemented with that of my Alzheimer's support group and the current literature.
| Hospital Environment | Patient with Alzheimer's or related dementia |
| Many are understaffed. | Person needs continued observation and has more needs than a regular patient. |
| Thrives on information: blood type, test results, symptoms. | Not a reliable source of medical history. May be unable to express discomfort or pain |
| Relies on protocols, standards, systems for care, and schedules. | Person has little ability to recognize time or control behavior; most likely will not fit into the hospital routine. |
1. Provide coverage 24x7; do not leave the person alone, even (especially) at night.
The hospital routine runs 24x7, and as anyone who has ever been hospitalized knows--does not respect sleep or night time hours. Ask for the rules for overnight visitors and if needed, have the doctor write an order that allows you to have someone with the patient at all times. Some families hire a caregiver to cover the night shift for them; others rotate the responsibility among siblings or a few close friends. I planned coverage for the early evening so that I could go home to eat dinner, nap and shower; then I was prepared to sleep in the hospital room right next to his bed. Remember the patient is already in a world he or she cannot manage; now he or she is in an alien environment with strangely garbed creatures who glide in and out of the room at all hours.
2. The person with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia needs an advocate at all times.
Every common hospital routine such as drawing blood, hooking up an IV, going to the bathroom, or being transferred to go for an X-ray is bewildering to the person with dementia and may result in anxiety driven behavior. Pulling out the IV, getting out of bed with a catheter inserted, or refusal to cooperate with treatment may result. Toileting is a challenge in the hospital as there may be a catheter or an IV that involves special care. A person with Alzheimer's is not going to remember that he or she needs help to get out of bed. This can result in falls, torn IVs, and urinary tract infections. During one hospitalization, a technician insisted on doing a test that I had not discussed with my husband's doctors. Only my staunch refusal persuaded the person to leave. As it turned out, she was in the wrong room. Incidents like these may happen during a hospital stay. An advocate who is able to talk with staff and solve problems should be ever-present. If you are fortunate enough to have others helping you as a patient advocate, be sure to leave the records and doctors' names with them.
3. Do not assume that the staff understands the realities of caring for someone with dementia, much less the specifics of your loved one.
The call button, the device that alerts the staff to come to the room, is useless to a person with dementia. A nurse carefully explained to my husband how to use the call button if he needed anything. He smiled his charming smile and nodded, but did not understand. When I used the button to ask for help to take him to the bathroom, a disembodied voice came from the headboard asking what he needed. I realized then that he would not be able to connect the need for help with the voice, much less articulate that he had to go to the bathroom. Learning to use a call button is typically beyond the learning of anyone with dementia, except in the earliest stage. An advocate has to be there to interpret your loved one's needs and to actively get help.
Fortunately, this situation is starting to change. An article in the American Journal of Nursing described how to recognize dementia in the hospital setting and the impact it has on treatment. "Hospital patients with dementia as compared with other hospital patients experience higher rates of delirium, falls, new incontinence, pressure ulcers, untreated pain...inadequate food and fluid intake, and sleep disturbances." (Recognition of Dementia in Hospitalized Older Adults, Maslow and Mezey, AJN, January, 2008.)
4. Keep a written record of all medical information.
The hospital thrives on records; be ready to provide all the information they need – repeatedly. Keep a list of medications, dosage levels, doctors' names and phone numbers, past hospitalizations, and current conditions. Your documents help to insure that accurate information is in the records. Realize that each time medical information is transferred, the possibility for error increases. When going from the emergency room to a regular bed, coming from a nursing home to the hospital, whatever the route, verify each time that the medical record is correct. After an illness that involved three transfers and several doctors, I found five errors in my husband's medication records.
One of the advantages of an advocate is that you are there 24x7, so it is likely you will be there when the doctors make rounds. Take notes with each visit, as most likely you will need to coordinate issues among various specialists. This is a critical aspect of the caregiver-advocate role. Keep track of questions as they arise and have your notes available when the doctor arrives, which may be at 7 a.m. or 10 p.m. or anytime in between.
5. Personalize and manage the hospital environment.
Routine and familiar surroundings are essential to a person with dementia struggling to make sense out of a strange place. The first request should be for a private room; another patient in the room will be incredibly distracting and difficult. Look for ways to personalize the space and provide comfort to your loved one. Bring in a favorite coverlet or pillow, tape large photos on the wall or cabinet; ask if you may provide a drink or food that Mom especially likes. With hospitalization, families may find an outpouring of concern which may result in a lot of visitors. Given the already confusing surroundings, experts recommend limiting visitors. Let people know that your loved one will rest and heal best with quiet and calm.
Since you are staying in the hospital for possibly days or weeks, pack your own bag with maintenance and comfort items which may include: lots of change for the vending machines, toothbrush, reading material, comfortable pillow, change of clothes, water, and snacks. Do remember that hospitals limit the use of cell phones to areas where they will not interfere with equipment.
6. Take time to get to know the nursing staff.
Many hospitals will be grateful for your ongoing presence as it can make their job easier. Help the staff to understand your loved one's preferences—limits as well as capabilities. Be direct about the person's abilities and limitations and identify any specific needs.
"Dad will try to remove the IV, so please put extra tape over the needle."
"My uncle likes cranberry juice rather than apple juice."
"Mom will need to eat more than applesauce before she takes that medication."
Be respectful of the times for bathing, medication, and other hospital routines. Of course, just as you get one nurse familiar with your situation, the shift for the week will change and you start all over. Bring a treat or flowers now and then for the nursing station. Show your appreciation and acknowledge the job they are doing.
As a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's disease, recognize that a trip to the hospital is highly likely. Prepare in advance as much as possible; have the medical records up to date, be ready with a family member or back-up caregiver who can be an advocate, and pack your bag as you are the constant in your loved one's care.
Highly Recommended Reading:
Acute Hospitalization and Alzheimer's Disease: A Special Kind of Care, booklet available from National Institutes of Health. www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/acute-hospitalization-and-alzheimers-disease-special-kind-care
Sandra O'Connell was an Alzheimer's caregiver for her husband, Rev. Ralph L. Minker, for 14 years. As a member of the Alzheimer's Speaker's Bureau, National Capitol Area, she has presented programs for a wide range of audiences on Alzheimer's disease, the Healthy Brain, Caregiver Communication Skills, and Research Updates. Sandra has been a guest lecturer in the Geriatric Program at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She was the project manager for "Alzheimer's Disease: A Family Matter," a training film which won a Cine award for training documentary
http://www.caregiver.com/channels/alz/articles/hospitalization_and_dementia.htm
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Older Inventors Have Better Success With Their Inventions
Becoming the next Edison just might be possible
by: Laura Daily | from: AARP The Magazine | April 3, 2012
You have a great idea, but you need to take it from brain to bank. Now may be the time to try, because your odds of success can increase with age, says Wendy Robbins, a New Mexico based inventor and consultant to other creative types. At press time, about 60 percent of The United Inventors Association of America members were 50 or older, estimates executive director Mark Reyland, and overall membership had grown 243 percent in a little over a year. "Older adults have more experience, plus the insight and persistence to get a product to market," says Jeffrey Dobkin, president of Philadelphia's American Society of Inventors and author of How to Market a Product for Under $500! You can make money, but don't expect to get rich. Sure, after two years of development, George Weiss, 85, of Brooklyn, has sold 20,000 copies of his word game Dabble. But more common are inventors like Sher Gregory, 54, of Dobbs Ferry, New York, who spent 11 years creating her Puffalicious Body Wash System before selling only about 50 units during her January launch.
Don't want to tinker for years? Some online companies can develop your idea, with input from other site users, and sell the resulting product. For instance, after Jim Johnstone, 57, of Urbana, Illinois, sent an idea to Quirky (1-866-578-4759; quirky.com), the company created and sold more than 3,300 of his Thor collapsible ice scrapers. But these intermediary firms reduce your profits. You often must sign over your rights, and you'll reap only a modest share of sales. (Quirky pays 4 cents per dollar for in-store sales and 12 cents per dollar for online sales; Johnstone has earned around $11,500.) That said, you may feel satisfied just seeing your product on shelves. "If you're lucky, you might have a money-making product," adds Johnstone. "But at the very least you are a lot smarter than when you started."
http://www.aarp.org/work/working-after-retirement/info-04-2012/senior-citizen-inventors-inventions.html
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
by: Laura Daily | from: AARP The Magazine | April 3, 2012
You have a great idea, but you need to take it from brain to bank. Now may be the time to try, because your odds of success can increase with age, says Wendy Robbins, a New Mexico based inventor and consultant to other creative types. At press time, about 60 percent of The United Inventors Association of America members were 50 or older, estimates executive director Mark Reyland, and overall membership had grown 243 percent in a little over a year. "Older adults have more experience, plus the insight and persistence to get a product to market," says Jeffrey Dobkin, president of Philadelphia's American Society of Inventors and author of How to Market a Product for Under $500! You can make money, but don't expect to get rich. Sure, after two years of development, George Weiss, 85, of Brooklyn, has sold 20,000 copies of his word game Dabble. But more common are inventors like Sher Gregory, 54, of Dobbs Ferry, New York, who spent 11 years creating her Puffalicious Body Wash System before selling only about 50 units during her January launch.
Don't want to tinker for years? Some online companies can develop your idea, with input from other site users, and sell the resulting product. For instance, after Jim Johnstone, 57, of Urbana, Illinois, sent an idea to Quirky (1-866-578-4759; quirky.com), the company created and sold more than 3,300 of his Thor collapsible ice scrapers. But these intermediary firms reduce your profits. You often must sign over your rights, and you'll reap only a modest share of sales. (Quirky pays 4 cents per dollar for in-store sales and 12 cents per dollar for online sales; Johnstone has earned around $11,500.) That said, you may feel satisfied just seeing your product on shelves. "If you're lucky, you might have a money-making product," adds Johnstone. "But at the very least you are a lot smarter than when you started."
2 Tips for Success
- Join a local inventors club to get support and advice. Find a group in your area at uiausa.org.
- Be wary of companies that charge hundreds or thousands of dollars to evaluate your product, say experts. Such firms are often scammers.
http://www.aarp.org/work/working-after-retirement/info-04-2012/senior-citizen-inventors-inventions.html
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Tips to stay independent, age happily
Published On: Jan 10 2012 10:47:04 AM EST
(NewsUSA) - Independence is paramount in the day-to-day lives of Americans, so it's no surprise that the fear of losing one's independence -- especially among the elderly -- is substantial.
In fact, a study titled "Aging in Place in America," by Clarity and The EAR Foundation, found that seniors fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death. And while 89 percent of elderly individuals want to remain independent and in their own homes, 53 percent are concerned they may not be able to.
So, how can you or a loved one take steps to safeguard independent living? Here are a few tips that will keep you healthy and in control as you age:
* Get moving. The prevention or improvement of everything from chronic diseases to physical frailty and dementia can occur with regular exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association suggest exercise guidelines for the elderly that include: aerobic exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week at a moderately intense level; weight training two to three times a week with weights that allow for 10 to 15 repetitions; and flexibility training for at least 10 minutes a day.
* Secure your home. Proper maintenance of safety measures in the home is imperative to independence. As individuals age, they become more vulnerable to falls and bone fractures, making the bathroom a treacherous place with the risk of falls due to slipping. Products such as Premier Bathrooms' walk-in baths can help make the bathroom a safer place. This bathtub has a door built into its side, which allows for easy access into and out of the tub. Additionally, you can sit on the raised seat that is about the height of a standard chair, and the tub will fill to the top.
* Get from point "A" to point "B." For seniors who have lost their ability to drive or simply don't feel as comfortable behind the wheel, many states, counties and cities offer programs that can get you from place to place. Visit your area Web sites for more information.
* Take control of your medications. Believe it or not, proper management of your medications corresponds to independence. To stay on track, keep a drug diary that includes the date the medication was prescribed, both the brand and generic names of the drug, the number of pills in the prescription, directions for use, the name of the prescribing doctor and any side effects of the drug. Take this with you to all doctor visits.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.local10.com/thats-life/seniorsolutions/Tips-to-stay-independent-age-happily/-/2604076/7684134/-/dn9kv6z/-/index.html
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
(NewsUSA) - Independence is paramount in the day-to-day lives of Americans, so it's no surprise that the fear of losing one's independence -- especially among the elderly -- is substantial.
In fact, a study titled "Aging in Place in America," by Clarity and The EAR Foundation, found that seniors fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death. And while 89 percent of elderly individuals want to remain independent and in their own homes, 53 percent are concerned they may not be able to.
So, how can you or a loved one take steps to safeguard independent living? Here are a few tips that will keep you healthy and in control as you age:
* Get moving. The prevention or improvement of everything from chronic diseases to physical frailty and dementia can occur with regular exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association suggest exercise guidelines for the elderly that include: aerobic exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week at a moderately intense level; weight training two to three times a week with weights that allow for 10 to 15 repetitions; and flexibility training for at least 10 minutes a day.
* Secure your home. Proper maintenance of safety measures in the home is imperative to independence. As individuals age, they become more vulnerable to falls and bone fractures, making the bathroom a treacherous place with the risk of falls due to slipping. Products such as Premier Bathrooms' walk-in baths can help make the bathroom a safer place. This bathtub has a door built into its side, which allows for easy access into and out of the tub. Additionally, you can sit on the raised seat that is about the height of a standard chair, and the tub will fill to the top.
* Get from point "A" to point "B." For seniors who have lost their ability to drive or simply don't feel as comfortable behind the wheel, many states, counties and cities offer programs that can get you from place to place. Visit your area Web sites for more information.
* Take control of your medications. Believe it or not, proper management of your medications corresponds to independence. To stay on track, keep a drug diary that includes the date the medication was prescribed, both the brand and generic names of the drug, the number of pills in the prescription, directions for use, the name of the prescribing doctor and any side effects of the drug. Take this with you to all doctor visits.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.local10.com/thats-life/seniorsolutions/Tips-to-stay-independent-age-happily/-/2604076/7684134/-/dn9kv6z/-/index.html
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Caregiving for loved ones the “new normal” for boomers
By Emanuella Grinberg, CNN
updated 1:35 PM EDT, Mon April 9, 2012
(CNN) -- Money was no object when the time came for Joan Lunden to find a senior care facility for her 88-year-old mother.
For years, the former host of "Good Morning America" had been a long-distance caregiver to her mother and brother in California, providing them with emotional and financial support from New York. After her brother's death in 2006 from complications from type II diabetes, Lunden needed to find a new home for her mother, who was suffering from the onset of dementia.
Trying to create the best possible quality of life for an aging relative is "the new normal" for 43.5 million Americans caring for someone older than 50, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.
It's not just their parents: With about 10,000 baby boomers hitting age 65 each day, they're becoming caregivers and also those needing care. With people living longer than ever, this is the first generation that might care for its parents as long as it cared for its children, experts said.
"Now that more baby boomers are aging, the issue of family caregiving is becoming much more commonplace. We call it the 'new normal,'" said Lynn Feinberg, senior policy adviser for AARP.
Building relationships amid memory loss
Lunden flew from New York to Sacramento and drove around in search of a new home for her mom. She settled on an apartment in one of the fanciest senior communities in town, where her mother, Gladyce, would have the option of entertaining guests in her home or meeting other residents in a ballroom-style dining space.
It didn't take long for Lunden to realize that she'd chosen a place for the mother she knew 15 years ago, not the one who had been depending on her brother for the last decade. Her mother didn't want to spend time with other residents, nor was she capable of living on her own.
"On paper, it was spectacular, but it didn't serve her needs at all," Lunden said. "She was completely stressed out and her emotional situation was deteriorating because she didn't feel safe... she couldn't operate on her own on a daily basis."
It took several falls, a few broken bones and three more moves to find the right place. She now shares a ranch-style home with four others in a small residential care facility. There's a health care aide on site at all times to help her get dressed or take care of daily needs.
Suffering from 'Compassion Fatigue'
"She needed more hands-on, day-to-day care," Lunden said. "I didn't understand that because I wasn't living with her."
Caregiving responsibilities vary with each family. It could mean driving an aunt to physician appointments, managing medication for a spouse or keeping tabs on mom from afar using the latest technology.
The average caregiver in 2009 was a 49-year-old woman who had a job outside the home and spent nearly 20 hours per week providing unpaid care to her mother, according to a 2011 AARP Public Policy Institute study.
The report estimated the overall economic value of family caregiving at $450 billion, based on 42.1 million caregivers 18 or older providing an average of 18.4 hours of care per week.
Caregiver resources
• AARP: Tools, work sheets and tips on how to plan, prepare and succeed as a caregiver.
• Eldercare Locator: Connects families to community-based resources for senior care.
• Family Caregiver Alliance: Covers a wide range of issues, from how to talk to an attorney to federal and state legislation related to caregiving.
• Next Step in Care: Helps family caregivers of chronically or seriously ill patients navigate the health care system as they transition between care settings.
• A Place for Mom: Free referral service that directs families to housing and assisted living facilities.
• National Family Caregivers Association: Tips to help caregivers care for themselves.
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: Portal for options that allow people to choose home and community-based services and living arrangements that suit them best.
Many don't see themselves as caregivers but simply spouses, children or siblings doing what's expected. For that reason, they often fail to use resources that might help their relative or themselves, Lunden said.
The first step is acknowledging the need and seeking help, ideally, before entering crisis mode, she and other experts said.
"This is the nation's next big health crisis," Lunden said. "We have to get focused and tuned in because if we're clueless, we're going to get hit upside the head when it happens in the middle of a family emergency."
Caregiving is also much more complicated than it was in previous generations because of fragmentation within the health care system, with several doctors often required to treat one person, said AARP's Feinberg. Cutbacks in long-term and community-based services have also put a strain on families to do more individually.
"There is a greater awareness about these issues and the joys and struggles of family caregivers," Feinberg said. "But we have a long way to go to develop policy solutions to make life better for families."
Lunden's experience inspired her to share the trials, tribulations and rewards of family caregiving. She wrote a "Chicken Soup for Soul" on caregiving and tours the country giving talks on the topic.
It starts with a conversation, ideally, before a health crisis occurs, to get everyone on the same page, she said.
"Nobody wants to talk about their mortality or think about themselves getting old," Lunden said. "There's the thought that you go straight to the nursing home to die and that's not the case."
There are questions everyone should ask, she said.
Does your loved one have advanced health care insurance? How much does it cover and how long does it last? What about an advanced health care directive or a will? Where's the mortgage, the title to the car, stocks and bonds? Who in the family should have power of attorney, legal and medical, to keep track of end of life wishes and ensure they're carried out?
AARP's 35 questions for an aging parent
Lunden didn't have the answers when she found herself urgently searching for a new residence for her mother. She realized later she spent time digging through piles of books and magazines looking for her mother's license when she should have been talking to her about what she wanted in a new home.
The situation took a turn for the better when she connected with a senior advocate. They talked about her mother's medical condition, level of independence, behavioral tics, nutritional needs and hobbies. They also talked about location and financial resources to narrow the options.
"It's a process and you need to become educated about what the options are [because] the first step is not likely to be the last step," said Carol Kalmanoff, an adviser with the referral service, "A Place for Mom," which helps families find the best senior living options for their needs and budget.
Options range from independent living communities to personal care homes to facilities for memory and dementia care, she said. The facility Lunden chose for her mother is an affiliate of "A Place for Mom," and Lunden is a spokeswoman for the company.
Many people only make the call during a medical emergency, and often, they don't know the extent of what they're dealing with.
"We talk about need to be persistent because the whole thought of change and moving is very scary and stressful for family members, too," she said. "We try to help them approach it one step at a time and keep a sense of humor. It's important to be able to do that."
And, with people living longer, healthier lives, retirement takes many forms, she said.
"What today's seniors associate a nursing home with is what they saw parents growing up with," she said. "But in reality, it could mean so many things."
When moving is not necessary or financially feasible, a variety of home-based options exist, said Lisa Winstel with the National Family Caregivers Association. Simple home modifications, like grab guards in the bathroom, can make a big contribution toward independent living. Virtual monitoring systems can also be used to transmit information such as blood pressure to caregivers living in other states or health care providers.
"People are living active lives longer and engaging in society," she said. "Family caregivers can make that possible even from a distance."
The National Family Caregivers Association is one of several groups designed to help caregivers find resources for loved ones and themselves. It also provides tips on how to communicate effectively with health care professionals and doctors, the best starting point for determining if assisted living might be necessary, she said.
Other resources, such as AARP and Local Area Agencies on Aging, part of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, also provide community-based services and advice, she said.
Finding the right place not only improved her mother's quality of life, but Lunden's also. Symptoms associated with her mother's dementia have abated and she seems happy, Lunden said.
"When it's a parent or husband or wife, you just want to know they're going to go to sleep at night and feel safe," she said. "I know that every moment of the day and night she's safeguarded... it's the best gift a parent can give a caregiver."
http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/09/living/baby-boomer-caregivers/index.html
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
updated 1:35 PM EDT, Mon April 9, 2012
(CNN) -- Money was no object when the time came for Joan Lunden to find a senior care facility for her 88-year-old mother.
For years, the former host of "Good Morning America" had been a long-distance caregiver to her mother and brother in California, providing them with emotional and financial support from New York. After her brother's death in 2006 from complications from type II diabetes, Lunden needed to find a new home for her mother, who was suffering from the onset of dementia.
Trying to create the best possible quality of life for an aging relative is "the new normal" for 43.5 million Americans caring for someone older than 50, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.
It's not just their parents: With about 10,000 baby boomers hitting age 65 each day, they're becoming caregivers and also those needing care. With people living longer than ever, this is the first generation that might care for its parents as long as it cared for its children, experts said.
"Now that more baby boomers are aging, the issue of family caregiving is becoming much more commonplace. We call it the 'new normal,'" said Lynn Feinberg, senior policy adviser for AARP.
Building relationships amid memory loss
Lunden flew from New York to Sacramento and drove around in search of a new home for her mom. She settled on an apartment in one of the fanciest senior communities in town, where her mother, Gladyce, would have the option of entertaining guests in her home or meeting other residents in a ballroom-style dining space.
It didn't take long for Lunden to realize that she'd chosen a place for the mother she knew 15 years ago, not the one who had been depending on her brother for the last decade. Her mother didn't want to spend time with other residents, nor was she capable of living on her own.
"On paper, it was spectacular, but it didn't serve her needs at all," Lunden said. "She was completely stressed out and her emotional situation was deteriorating because she didn't feel safe... she couldn't operate on her own on a daily basis."
It took several falls, a few broken bones and three more moves to find the right place. She now shares a ranch-style home with four others in a small residential care facility. There's a health care aide on site at all times to help her get dressed or take care of daily needs.
Suffering from 'Compassion Fatigue'
"She needed more hands-on, day-to-day care," Lunden said. "I didn't understand that because I wasn't living with her."
Caregiving responsibilities vary with each family. It could mean driving an aunt to physician appointments, managing medication for a spouse or keeping tabs on mom from afar using the latest technology.
The average caregiver in 2009 was a 49-year-old woman who had a job outside the home and spent nearly 20 hours per week providing unpaid care to her mother, according to a 2011 AARP Public Policy Institute study.
The report estimated the overall economic value of family caregiving at $450 billion, based on 42.1 million caregivers 18 or older providing an average of 18.4 hours of care per week.
Caregiver resources
• AARP: Tools, work sheets and tips on how to plan, prepare and succeed as a caregiver.
• Eldercare Locator: Connects families to community-based resources for senior care.
• Family Caregiver Alliance: Covers a wide range of issues, from how to talk to an attorney to federal and state legislation related to caregiving.
• Next Step in Care: Helps family caregivers of chronically or seriously ill patients navigate the health care system as they transition between care settings.
• A Place for Mom: Free referral service that directs families to housing and assisted living facilities.
• National Family Caregivers Association: Tips to help caregivers care for themselves.
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: Portal for options that allow people to choose home and community-based services and living arrangements that suit them best.
Many don't see themselves as caregivers but simply spouses, children or siblings doing what's expected. For that reason, they often fail to use resources that might help their relative or themselves, Lunden said.
The first step is acknowledging the need and seeking help, ideally, before entering crisis mode, she and other experts said.
"This is the nation's next big health crisis," Lunden said. "We have to get focused and tuned in because if we're clueless, we're going to get hit upside the head when it happens in the middle of a family emergency."
Caregiving is also much more complicated than it was in previous generations because of fragmentation within the health care system, with several doctors often required to treat one person, said AARP's Feinberg. Cutbacks in long-term and community-based services have also put a strain on families to do more individually.
"There is a greater awareness about these issues and the joys and struggles of family caregivers," Feinberg said. "But we have a long way to go to develop policy solutions to make life better for families."
Lunden's experience inspired her to share the trials, tribulations and rewards of family caregiving. She wrote a "Chicken Soup for Soul" on caregiving and tours the country giving talks on the topic.
It starts with a conversation, ideally, before a health crisis occurs, to get everyone on the same page, she said.
"Nobody wants to talk about their mortality or think about themselves getting old," Lunden said. "There's the thought that you go straight to the nursing home to die and that's not the case."
There are questions everyone should ask, she said.
Does your loved one have advanced health care insurance? How much does it cover and how long does it last? What about an advanced health care directive or a will? Where's the mortgage, the title to the car, stocks and bonds? Who in the family should have power of attorney, legal and medical, to keep track of end of life wishes and ensure they're carried out?
AARP's 35 questions for an aging parent
Lunden didn't have the answers when she found herself urgently searching for a new residence for her mother. She realized later she spent time digging through piles of books and magazines looking for her mother's license when she should have been talking to her about what she wanted in a new home.
The situation took a turn for the better when she connected with a senior advocate. They talked about her mother's medical condition, level of independence, behavioral tics, nutritional needs and hobbies. They also talked about location and financial resources to narrow the options.
"It's a process and you need to become educated about what the options are [because] the first step is not likely to be the last step," said Carol Kalmanoff, an adviser with the referral service, "A Place for Mom," which helps families find the best senior living options for their needs and budget.
Options range from independent living communities to personal care homes to facilities for memory and dementia care, she said. The facility Lunden chose for her mother is an affiliate of "A Place for Mom," and Lunden is a spokeswoman for the company.
Many people only make the call during a medical emergency, and often, they don't know the extent of what they're dealing with.
"We talk about need to be persistent because the whole thought of change and moving is very scary and stressful for family members, too," she said. "We try to help them approach it one step at a time and keep a sense of humor. It's important to be able to do that."
And, with people living longer, healthier lives, retirement takes many forms, she said.
"What today's seniors associate a nursing home with is what they saw parents growing up with," she said. "But in reality, it could mean so many things."
When moving is not necessary or financially feasible, a variety of home-based options exist, said Lisa Winstel with the National Family Caregivers Association. Simple home modifications, like grab guards in the bathroom, can make a big contribution toward independent living. Virtual monitoring systems can also be used to transmit information such as blood pressure to caregivers living in other states or health care providers.
"People are living active lives longer and engaging in society," she said. "Family caregivers can make that possible even from a distance."
The National Family Caregivers Association is one of several groups designed to help caregivers find resources for loved ones and themselves. It also provides tips on how to communicate effectively with health care professionals and doctors, the best starting point for determining if assisted living might be necessary, she said.
Other resources, such as AARP and Local Area Agencies on Aging, part of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, also provide community-based services and advice, she said.
Finding the right place not only improved her mother's quality of life, but Lunden's also. Symptoms associated with her mother's dementia have abated and she seems happy, Lunden said.
"When it's a parent or husband or wife, you just want to know they're going to go to sleep at night and feel safe," she said. "I know that every moment of the day and night she's safeguarded... it's the best gift a parent can give a caregiver."
http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/09/living/baby-boomer-caregivers/index.html
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Google Cambridge Pilots Age Engage Program to Help Connect Seniors to the Internet
April 10th, 2012 by Lisa DeCanio Posted in Google Cambridge
We've all had that conversation with our grandparents, in which we painstakingly try to instruct them – for the eighth time – how to open the internet browser to send an email. Recognizing this digital divide in the way seniors access the internet, Amanda Del Balso, Community Affairs Co-Lead and AdWords Account Manager at Google Cambridge, decided to take action.
After spending time in Dublin last year, Del Balso observed the Google team out there participating in the Age Engage program, which aims to equip seniors with basic internet skills to improve their quality of life. The program, she thought, would be well-suited for the Boston-area, and once returning stateside, Del Balso vetted out a pilot program with the local team at Google Cambridge.
In a partnership with Cambridge Community Television (CCTV), Google Cambridge launched the Age Engage pilot program in December with about 20 seniors attending two, 2-hour class sessions. The classes are unique in that they level the intense love Googlers have for the internet and channel that into one-to-one training for seniors. The curriculum is loose, explains Del Balso, and while the team aims to establish general search and email skills, each student possess a different skill level, and the classes are really tailored to their individual needs.
"The levels of people that come in really vary, so that's where the beauty of one-to-one pairing comes in," says Del Balso. "That student walks away with four hours of one-to-one, intensive tutoring."
As you can imagine, the stories behind Age Engage are pretty inspiring and demonstrate a true sense of community-building that comes with the program. Del Balso describes a story of a Googler helping tutor a woman on Google Maps, and after a few searches, they discovered they live within blocks of one another. In another example, Del Balso helped teach a woman how to upload photos into a program that would allow her and her mother to virtually try on glasses.
"We work on the computer all the time," says Del Balso of the Age Engage staff of Google volunteers. "I think it's a really nice marriage of Google's values of making the internet accessible to all people in a really easy way…It's quality of life improvement in such an engaging way."
The program will be ramping up more classes in the coming months, with the ultimate goal of providing one-on-one tutoring to 250 local seniors before the end of the year. "Moving forward, we're really going to try to focus on improving the in-class experience for the students already coming, and see how we can make it bigger or better," says Del Balso.
For more on the Age Engage program, check out the video below, and feel free to contact googleinthehub@google.com. Oh, and sign up your grandparents!
http://bostinno.com/2012/04/10/google-cambridge-pilots-age-engage-program-to-help-connect-seniors-to-the-internet/
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
We've all had that conversation with our grandparents, in which we painstakingly try to instruct them – for the eighth time – how to open the internet browser to send an email. Recognizing this digital divide in the way seniors access the internet, Amanda Del Balso, Community Affairs Co-Lead and AdWords Account Manager at Google Cambridge, decided to take action.
After spending time in Dublin last year, Del Balso observed the Google team out there participating in the Age Engage program, which aims to equip seniors with basic internet skills to improve their quality of life. The program, she thought, would be well-suited for the Boston-area, and once returning stateside, Del Balso vetted out a pilot program with the local team at Google Cambridge.
In a partnership with Cambridge Community Television (CCTV), Google Cambridge launched the Age Engage pilot program in December with about 20 seniors attending two, 2-hour class sessions. The classes are unique in that they level the intense love Googlers have for the internet and channel that into one-to-one training for seniors. The curriculum is loose, explains Del Balso, and while the team aims to establish general search and email skills, each student possess a different skill level, and the classes are really tailored to their individual needs.
"The levels of people that come in really vary, so that's where the beauty of one-to-one pairing comes in," says Del Balso. "That student walks away with four hours of one-to-one, intensive tutoring."
As you can imagine, the stories behind Age Engage are pretty inspiring and demonstrate a true sense of community-building that comes with the program. Del Balso describes a story of a Googler helping tutor a woman on Google Maps, and after a few searches, they discovered they live within blocks of one another. In another example, Del Balso helped teach a woman how to upload photos into a program that would allow her and her mother to virtually try on glasses.
"We work on the computer all the time," says Del Balso of the Age Engage staff of Google volunteers. "I think it's a really nice marriage of Google's values of making the internet accessible to all people in a really easy way…It's quality of life improvement in such an engaging way."
The program will be ramping up more classes in the coming months, with the ultimate goal of providing one-on-one tutoring to 250 local seniors before the end of the year. "Moving forward, we're really going to try to focus on improving the in-class experience for the students already coming, and see how we can make it bigger or better," says Del Balso.
For more on the Age Engage program, check out the video below, and feel free to contact googleinthehub@google.com. Oh, and sign up your grandparents!
http://bostinno.com/2012/04/10/google-cambridge-pilots-age-engage-program-to-help-connect-seniors-to-the-internet/
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Tampa, Florida
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Tampa, Florida area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Tampa, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Seffner, Thonotosassa and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Tampa Home Health Care Company. "
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