West End Home Grants Funds for Progress Inc. Senior Transportation

West End Home Foundation has granted Progress Inc. the monies to purchase two vehicles for Customized Companion Transportation. Pictured: WEHF Board Member Luanne Waltemath, Progress Executive Director Donna Goodaker and Progress Senior Care Manager Eric Metzler.

West End Home Foundation recently awarded Progress Inc. a grant toward the agency’s efforts to provide safe, reliable customized companion transportation to seniors throughout Middle Tennessee.

The West End Foundation’s generous donation to Progress Inc. will fund two passenger vehicles, which will be used to transport seniors to their medical appointments and the pharmacy.

The need for the funding was great considering the growing need for affordable, convenient and customized transportation options for seniors. Progress began the customized companion transportation program last year as a way to extend their services to seniors, which include in-home care and respite services. The service offers individual pick up from the senior’s home to various appointments, and, unlike other transit options, the Progress staff actually waits with the senior at each appointment. The cost of four hours of service is just $75.

“We’ve been able to allow people who don’t have family or family’s not available to have an alternative,” said Progress Director of Senior Services Crystal Martin. “It’s important for us to serve more seniors with this specialized service. We are thankful that West End Home Foundation has helped us do that and believes in our mission.”

Founded in 1891, The West End Home Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and quality of life of elderly individuals in Middle Tennessee by providing support to non-profit organizations which offer housing, support or care to senior citizens. These agency grants have helped thousands of older citizens throughout Nashville and middle Tennessee.

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About Progress Inc.

Progress Inc., a non-profit organization in Nashville, Tenn., has helped Middle Tennesseans bridge the gap between limited independence and the realization of the best possible life since 1971. For more information about Progress’ developmental disabilities and senior care services, go to www.progress-inc.org or visit Progress Inc.’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Progressinc2011.

Nashville Zoo welcomes seniors for FREE on Monday

Nashville Zoo welcomes seniors to enjoy the sights and creatures of nature on Monday.

The Nashville Zoo & Cigna-HealthSpring are giving seniors full (and free) access to tigers, elephants and other wildlife on Monday!

Nashville Zoo's Senior Day, sponsored by Cigna-HealthSpring will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, May 19 for seniors 65 and older. In addition to free admission, Nashville Zoo will also grant the seniors who join the festivities a $5 voucher toward concessions.

The Cigna-Healthcare Silver Stars will perform at 12:30, and there will be an array of keeper talks and other exhibits for those who attend.

There will be a $5 parking fee.

To find out more, visit Ms. Cheap's blog or  www.nashvillezoo.com.

Are You Looking for Affordable Home Care for Your Elderly Loved One?

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Finding affordable, dependable care for older loved ones remains an ongoing issue for many families.

NewsChannel 5's Talk of the Town's Tuwanda Coleman recently interviewed Progress Inc. Executive Director Donna Goodaker and Director of Senior Services Crystal Martin about leading the pack in customized, caring services and programs for seniors and people with disabilities.

Tell us what you think about the Progress interview in the comment section below.

Click the image above to see the short clip of this morning's Talk of the Town Extra interview.

Our Mission

Progress provides staff supports to bridge the gap between limited independence and the realization of the best possible life. Since 1971, we have provided day program services that keep our clients with intellectual disabilities engaged in the community and gainfully employed. Progress also provides round-the-clock staff at the home of those individuals through our residential services. Since 2009, Progress has provided personal, respite, sitter and transportation services to seniors.

Lightning 100's airs Progress Interview Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013

Turn your dials to Lightning 100 Sunday morning, and you'll get to hear Progress Executive Director Donna Goodaker and PR/Events Manager Stephanie Toone shed light on the agency's mission and two upcoming fundraisers A Purpose to Pour and the East Nash Dash.

Donna Goodaker preparing for the interview with Nicole Cowan Buckley on Lightning 100.

There was much to share about  Progress, since this year has been a year of exciting beginnings for the provider agency for seniors and people with disabilities.

In the interview, Donna speaks about Progress' 43 years as a leader in supporting people with intellectual disabilities, and the success of the division of Senior Care that allows Progress to keep even more folks healthy, happy and safe. Our exciting soon-to-open recycled art supplies store SMART! Scrap Made Art, which will enhance Progress' mission and employ the folks we support, was also a major topic of discussion.

 SMART will hold its first fundraising soiree "APurpose to Pour" this Sunday, which will raise funds for the opening of the retail store. To purchase tickets, visit www.purposetopour.eventbrite.com.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, Progress will hold its second annual 4-miler East Nash Dash, which supports Progress daily programs. To participate, visit www.eastnashdash.org/register.

The  interview will air at 7 a.m. on WRLT Lightning 100, and will be available on SoundCloud after the interview airs, so please support Donna and Progress by listening in!

Progress Staff Honored at 2013 TNCO Awards of Excellence

Yaeden "Spud" Taylor won the title of Oustanding DSP of the year.

Progress Staff Honored at 2013 TNCO Awards of Excellence

Spud Taylor and Carolyn Huey win big at TNCO Awards on Aug. 14.

Spud Taylor and Carolyn Huey will be honored for their outstanding efforts to keep seniors and people with disabilities healthy, happy and safe. We here at Progress are honored that these two individuals can represent the dozens of other exceptional Progress employees.These two folks go above and beyond their roles as direct support professional and program manager, respectively. 

Spud's nomiantor said: 

Spud always arranges his ‘off time’ to accommodate appointments, picking his guys up early for whatever reason. He has also changed his schedule and adjusted his time off if there was another staff that needed the same time off. He arranged his studies to work around his guys to ensure their well-being and happiness instead of putting himself and his studies before the guys.

Carolyn's nominator said:

Carolyn never hesitates to pull in and work a home when needed, not just because she is without staff, but because she is very familiar with everyone on her caseload. She would rather work in the home herself than place someone in the home that’s not familiar with the service recipient’s needs.. The last couple of years Carolyn began managing homes through our senior program in Cheatham Co. She often also worked the homes, not just to get the home covered but at times the senior client would request Carolyn to work their home.

On Wednesday, the two will accept their awards at the TNCO Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Luncheon at Hotel Preston.
Please share your congratulations here in the comment section for Carolyn and Spud!

Progress Asks: Top 3 Things In-Home Care Provides

Progress Senior Care Manager Patrick Ridner has a personal connection to caring for seniors.

Progress Asks: What's the Top 3 Things In-Home Care Provides?

It's Tuesday, so once again Progress is giving you a peak into the world of senior care with our Progress Asks segment. Today, our guest blogger Progress Senior Care Manager Patrick Ridner will provide a list of some of the major aspects of in-home care through the services Progress Inc. provides.

 Patrick has a heart for the communities we serve. The Middle Tennessee native said his grandfather's passing more than a year ago, opened his eyes to the need for care at home.

"My grandfather passed away two days before I got the job here," Patrick said. "He had been in a nursing home, but if we would have known about something like Progress, he could have been cared for at home. It seems like people know they're there to die at a nursing home."

Working at Progress means he can give families an opportunity his family didn't have. He enjoys interacting with his employees that work in the homes and getting to know the people Progress supports. It's hard to know exactly when someone could utilize in-home care, but Patrick has one piece of advice

 "When a person loses a certain amount of independence, (like they need help with cooking or cleaning), our services are beneficial. That's when we can come in and make the difference."

With in-home care, caregivers can provide a personal touch and add much more to the lives of the people they support, Patrick said.

Here's the TOP 3 Thing Patrick suggests in-home care can provide:

COMPANIONSHIP: The interaction between our senior care attendants and the seniors is often the best benefit for them. We have one person that goes to her church with her senior care attendant. Another loves to go to yard sales with her caregiver. It's all about having someone there rather than being alone for the time their family can't be there.

TRANSPORTATION: Many of our folks need to make it to doctor's appointments, grocery stores and other places, but they don't drive anymore. We get them there and wait with them as long as they need us.

CARING FOR HOME: Sometimes it's difficult for seniors to make meals, do laundry and clean their homes like they once did. Our senior care attendants provide light housekeeping, prepare meals, prepare grocery lists and handle other domestic duties for the people we support.

Let us know what you think about Patrick's blog in the comment section below:

Progress Asks: Is your Elderly Loved One Depressed?

Depression in the elderly community often goes unnoticed. - Courtesy of www.caregiverstress.com .

Progress Asks: Is your Elderly Loved One Depressed?

When caring for an elderly parent or sibling, ensuring their basic needs are met is quite challenging. However, along with caring for the practical needs - feeding, clothing and personal hygiene - the emotional needs of your loved one are also important. In today's Progress Asks' segment, we look at some of the warning signs that could greatly affect the emotional and mental health of your spouse, parent or other loved one.

 According to the NIH, some of the changes and life events you may notice are:

• Adapting to a move from home to an apartment or retirement facility
• Chronic pain
• Feelings of isolation or loneliness as children move away and their spouse and close friends die
• Loss of independence (problems getting around, caring for themselves, or driving)
• Multiple illnesses
• Struggles with memory loss and problems thinking clearly

Look for the signs that an older loved one may be depressed and need help:

• Being more confused or forgetful.
• Eating less. The refrigerator may be empty or contain spoiled food.
• Not bathing or shaving as often. Visitors may notice smells of urine or stool. Clothes may be dirty and wrinkled.
• Not taking care of the home.
• Stopping medicines or not taking them correctly.
• Withdrawing from others. Not talking as much, and not answering the phone or returning phone calls.

For more information on this topic, visit our website www.progress-inc.org/senior.html to find out some of the ways we can assist you in caring for your loved one.
Source:
http://www.caregiverstress.com/illnesses-conditions/senior-depression/signs-of-depression-checklist/

SMART! Appearance on NewChannel5: Repurposed Jewelry

Life Style with Denise Simons has featured Six pieces of SMART! Scrap made Art. This is a  repurposed necklace created by Sally Mills, Local Jeweler/Progress Director of Fiscal Services.

Life Style with Denise Simons will once again feature a beautiful piece of repurposed art provided by SMART! Scrap Made Art tonight! The NewsChannel5 program, which is available on Comcast Channel 250, will air a short segment  at 9 p.m. tonight on how to create the beautiful necklace above with everyday items. The show will re-air Tuesday afternoon, so check your local listings.

Progress' Director of Fiscal Services Sally Mills created the artisan jewelry above with upcycled copperwire, coins and other items.
Denise & NewsChannel 5 have been so supportive of Progress' social enterprise, which will be a retail store for recycled art supplies. SMART! will also eventually serve as a space where students and everyday people can learn how to create upcycled art pieces. SMART!'s goal is to provide a revenue stream to Progress, which supports seniors and adults with intellectual disabilities. The retail store will also provide job opportunities for individuals Progress supports.

  We're working on an exciting project that will help raise funds for this new venture. Check back here to learn more about this big news for SMART! And don't forget to check the SMART! tab on the blog to find out what you can donate to help our mission.

Family & Friends Day -April 18th @ Progress!

Progress folks and Executive Director Donna Goodaker enjoying Activities Day 2012 last summer.

 SAVE THE DATE!

PROGRESS WILL HOST ITS FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY 

THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH FROM 3 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.

JOIN US FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS, 

FOOD, KARAOKE & MUSIC 

PROGRESS - MOVING FORWARD WITH ABILITIES

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP, E-MAIL STEPHANIE.

Winter Survival For Seniors: 5 Tips on Being Healthy & Safe

Progress Senior Care staff and clients have many tools on being safe during the winter.

Our friends at Mobility 101 has offered some really great tips on helping seniors and those with disabilities that have limited mobility at home. 

The cold weather conditions keep many of our clients stay in the warmth of home. The following 5 tips from the Winter Survival Guide give insight on staying safe and in sound mind until the warmer months arrive.

Winter Survival Guide: 5 tips for staying safe, and sane, throughout the season

By MSeitzer  //  Aging in Place, Independent Living, Products  //  No Comments

By Michelle Seitzer

Tip #1: Stay connected socially, and stay intellectually active. If you don’t have a computer or tablet, this may be a good time to purchase one. Besides the entertainment and educational value, technology can help you keep in touch with “the outside world” on a more regular basis. Whether you have a computer or not, you should call your family, friends and grandkids often in the winter. Read books, work on puzzles, write letters. Invite nearby neighbors over to play cards, enjoy a meal together, or just to chat. Staying busy — and connected — is also a great way for others to know that you’re safe: not hearing from you after they’ve been used to regular contact may prompt a vital check-in.

Tip #2: Keep moving. Play in the snow with your grandkids. Shovel (carefully) the walkways around your home. Bundle up and get outside on sunny days for a much-needed Vitamin D boost. Exercise indoors with a favorite fitness DVD. Find a way to stay physically active as much as possible, even though you’d probably rather curl up on the couch. You’ll avoid gaining the notorious winter weight, and you’ll better maintain your mobility even though the weather may cause you to be more isolated than usual.

Tip #3: Winterize your home. Have family members or friends help you cover drafty windows and doors and check to see that all heating systems are operational and functioning correctly. Avoid outdoor hazards by making sure you have salt for your walking paths andwheelchair ramps. Hire a neighbor to shovel or salt the paths if you cannot do so safely. Consider using flameless candles or flameless logs in your fireplace. If you choose to heat certain areas of the home with space heaters, exercise caution.

Tip #4: Eat healthy, nourishing foods and stay hydrated. Yes, it’s possible to get dehydrated in the winter, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. (Think of how dry your skin gets when you spend some time in the cold air.) Hot beverages can be soothing and a welcome comfort in the colder months. Also, since you’re not getting as many nutrients from natural sunlight during the winter, and you’re more susceptible to colds, flus and viruses, it’s important to get those good-for-you vitamins in your food. Read this Winter Nutrition Guideto learn what you should eat, and often, in the winter months.

Tip #5: Have a readiness plan in place. If a blizzard knocks out power and blocks major roads for days on end, do you have enough food and water to survive? What if you rely on astairlift or ramp that operates on electricity? Will you be able to move around your home without it? Do you have a way to stay warm without heat? Be prepared for a power outage with a generator; our company, 101 Mobility, sells the Generac line of  products. If you live in a rural area, perhaps setting up a signal or system with your closest neighbor is also wise, so you can keep an eye on each other during a weather emergency and reach out for help if the need arises. Head to Ready.gov to create your readiness plan; you’ll also find great tips for building a disaster kit too.

Find out more about those in need of mobility support at the 101 Mobility website: http://101mobility.com/blog/

Progress Senior Care @ Southern Women's Show and Bethlehem Centers



Progress Inc. program manager Alisha takes information from a Southern Women's Show-Nashville eventgoer.

Progress Senior Care staff has been busy the last couple of weeks sharing information about how our trained, caring caregivers can ensure that seniors "age with grace, while staying in place." Our Senior Care Services division has tripled in growth over the last year, and we now serve nearly 80 seniors across Davidson, Rutherford, Cheatham and Williamson counties. We took time over the past week to meet and inform the families and individuals that could use our services.

Southern Women's Show Nashville

Seniors and their family members flocked to the Progress booth at the Southern Women's Show recently. More than 300 showgoers stopped by the Progress booth over the four-day weekend to get information about our various forms of Senior Care Services, including respite, homemaker, and personal care. In addition to the information, many patrons stopped by to take advantage of a chance to win a $50 Walmart gift card, four-hours of cleaning services and an iPod.

Thanks to the Southern Women's show, Progress has gained several new Facebook fans and many more Middle Tennesseans are now aware that there are choices when their loved one ages.

Bethlehem Centers Senior Meeting

Director of Senior Services Crystal Martin spoke with a group of seniors at Bethlehem Centers last week. Bethlehem Centers Senior Adults program is in line with what Progress hopes to do for seniors - "enable seniors to live longer, more fulfilling lives." About 20 seniors from across Nashville attended the meeting. Many had never heard of Progress and were not aware that there are affordable options to help with making meals, cleaning their homes and providing other support at home.



Crystal Martin, Progress Director of Senior Services,  speaking on the different types of insurance Progress accepts for in-home care.

Progress accepts Medicaid, VA Aid & Assistance, Tennessee CHOICES and other insurances for our in-home care services. Progress also provides transportation services to seniors. Many of the seniors said the help with homemaker duties would be the most needed service for them. We'd like to thank Brooke Bell, Senior Programs Director at Bethlehem, for inviting us out to speak to the seniors.

If you would like to learn more about our services or would like to have our staff come and speak at an event, please let us know by sending us an e-mail or giving us a call.

http://www.progress-inc.org/contact_us.html

Senior Services Administrator Brittany (left) and Crystal speaking at Bethlehem Centers last week.

 

Spotlight on Seniors: Tennessee's Top 3 Scams Against the Elderly



Still photo from Channel 4 news report



WSMV reported Wednesday that a Nashville widow was scammed by a man claiming to be a home repairman. The video of the story shows how the distraught woman, who was not identified, fell into the trap of the scammer. The victim was hard of hearing and lived alone. Metro Police say scams of this sort with the elderly are quite common this time of year.  Living alone is tough for some older residents, so having the help of a trained caregiver can be a way to avoid such incidents. To prevent other elderly residents from experiencing scams, Progress Inc. has compiled a list of the top three scams affecting seniors and some other important information that can help prevent a scam from happening to you.

Telemarketing: Fraudulent telemarketers often prey on trusting seniors by using heartstring pleas, aggressiveness, and undue pressure to get them to purchase high-priced items they do not want or need. In some cases, the telemarketers lure consumers to reveal valuable, private information such as bank account, credit card, and Social Security numbers, which they later use to commit identity theft. Being prepared in advance with caller-ID and registering with state and local Do Not Call registries can help eliminate and/or curtail deceptive callers.

Charitable Solicitations: Many seniors have the financial resources to be generous supporters of charitable organizations. Unscrupulous individuals target seniors for “charitable contributions” both over the phone and door-to-door. Always ask for identification, and tell them to return after you have called the charity to confirm what they have told you. Never provide personal information or a contribution until you are certain about the legitimacy of the solicitor and the organization. Check with the Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming of the Secretary of State’s office where Tennessee charities are required to register.

Investment schemes: Some seniors have a lifetime of savings at their disposal. Scammers may go door-to door with fraudulent or risky investment “opportunities.” Others seniors may be approached by “new” friends and neighbors who claim to have already hit it big in an attractive investment scheme. Families with seniors choosing to stay at home may want to agree to have a trusted family member involved in any significant financial matters. If you have been a victim of one of these schemes, file a complaint with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs.

More Information on Senior Care and Preventing Scams:

For more information about trusted senior caregivers, http://www.progress-inc.org/services.html .For local Do Not Call information call 1-877-TRA-7030 and for national information call

1-800-382-1222.

 Visit http://www.state.tn.us/sos/charity/index.htm to research charities before making a

donation.

 Victims of investment and other scams can file a complaint with the Division of

Consumer Affairs at www.tennessee.gov/consumer or call toll-free in Tennessee 1-800-342-8385.

Source: Tennessee Attorney General's Office and Progress Inc.