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.

The Big Payback Paid Off for Progress Inc.!

The BigPayback - a 24-hour day of online giving - paid off for Progress!

525

$1.4 million

The power of numbers were evident on May 6. On that day, 525 small and large nonprofits supporting everything from elephants to theater raised more than $1.4 million during the BigPayback, an online day of giving sponsored by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Kharis Foundation. Progress had the great fortune of drawing in more than $2,100 in just a matter of hours.  We are so thankful for the support given that will help us to continue to keep people with disabilities and seniors healthy, happy and safe.

In addition to the financial gain, the day gave Progress a platform to tell our story to an increased number of potential supporters. More than 1,000 people were engaged on our Facebook and Twitter pages. In those many social media moments, our friend Tim from the Nashville Airport Marriott helped tell the story of just how important it is for Bea to have a meaningful workday and bring smiles to the faces of Marriott employees and customers. Our Board President David Cannady also shared why he loves and supports Progress. 

We just can't say thank you enough to each and every one of you for making sure the Big Payback paid off for Progress.

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.

Senior Spotlight: Transportation Ranks High on the List for Seniors

Senior Care Administrator Parthenia Fayne and Windlands reisdents Clem and Lillian.

There's no better way to find out the best way to serve senior citizens than to go straight to the source - seniors. Progress Director of Senior Services Crystal Martin and Senior Care Administrator Parthenia Fayne recently visited a group of folks who reside at Windlands East, an 

award-winning independent, senior living community in Madison.

The folks loved their scheduled activities, fully-furnished apartments and the bond they've created with their friends at Windlands. Though few had a need for our personal care, homemaker services or sitter services, some Windlands residents had many questions about how Progress could help with their transportation needs.

Since the National Center on Senior Transportation estimates that nearly 50 percent of seniors need transportation alternatives, it's no surprise that Parthenia and Crystal received several questions about how Progress can help get Windlands residents from point A to B. 

Progress' Customized Companion Transportation offers an affordable, personal form of transportation to doctor's offices and pharmacies. Seniors need transportation to doctors, specialists and other health care professionals throughout their week. Those appointments cannot always be aligned with group transportation (like a community van) or with their loved one's schedules. 

With just one-day notice, Progress staff can escort to doctor's appointments and pharmacy visits. The companion aspect of transporting seniors means we don't just drop you off - we're there the whole time!

If you'd like to schedule an appointment or find out more about Customize Companion Transportation, give us a call at (615) 399-3000 ext. 4759.

Nashville Group & Ruby Tuesday Show Their Love for Camp Progress

Cori (The Gathering), Progress Inc. Program Manager Annelise , Progress Executive Director Donna  and Rolander (The Gathering) pose with Camp Progress donation check.

The giving has continued well beyond Giving Tuesday for Camp Progress! 

Just last week, some generous folks dropped by Progress' office with a donation to Camp Progress. The men - who call themselves The Gathering - held a line dancing party at Progress and donated $150 (a portion of the proceeds from the party) to Camp Progress.

We also had some support from folks in the community through our Ruby Tuesday Give Back last month. Ruby Tuesday gave 20 percent of the proceeds from those who turned in our flyers to Camp Progress. About $140 was raised the weekend of the event.

 THANKS TO THE GATHERING AND RUBY TUESDAY. 

 Camp Progress  will offer youths ages 10-22 with intellectual disabilities a unique camp experience that nurtures their needs, opens their minds and emphasizes fun. The innovative indoor and outdoor activities focus on the “can” instead of the “cannot.” The camp takes place 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 9-July 18 at West End Middle School.

As the date of Camp Progress grows nearer, we are hoping to secure donations of volunteer time, activities and supplies of our youth participating at the camp. If you'd like an opportunity to be a part of the fun this summer, please contact Meika McClendon at m.mcclendon@progress-inc.org or  615-399-300 ext. 4714.

Seniors and Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself & Your Mental Wellness

Talking with your loved ones and thinking positively can be keys to mental health. 

January marks National Mental Wellness Month, and Progress is honoring the month by offering tools and tips that can assist seniors in caring for their mental wellness. 

More than 6.5 million people over the age of 65 suffer from depression, according to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation.

GMHF, a foundation dedicated to raising awareness about psychiatry and mental health disorders affecting the elderly, offers several resources on this matter, including an online toolkit.

For seniors, taking some steps to make healthy lifestyle choices can make a major difference in mental wellness.

Talking with those who have had similar experiences and feelings can be very helpful because they will understand how you feel.

Spend time with people you enjoy and avoid people who are not supportive.

Pace yourself—do not expect to do everything that you did before you had depression. Set a realistic schedule. Ask a friend or family member to take over some of the things that you need to do for a period of time.

Think positively and try to avoid blaming yourself or expecting failure. Identify areas of your life that are positive.

Identify problems in your life and list problems that you think may have triggered the depression. Work out a strategy to deal with the problems. Discuss them with family, friends, and your health care provider. Develop a step-by-step action plan—but plan realistic steps.

Identify pleasant activities and routines that you enjoyed before you became depressed. Think about those activities as well as those you would like to do. Once identified, start to return to that routine. Choose one activity each week from the pleasant activity and routine list.

Avoid making major life decisions. If you do need to make a major decision that will impact your life, ask a friend or family member for assistance.

Get exercise and spend time outdoors. Exercise and natural light can be effective natural treatments for depression.

Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and salt.

Be patient—it will take time to get better.

For more information about Geriactric Mental Health, please visit http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/default.asp.

National Caregivers Month: Rebecca Fabry Says Her Job is all about "Love"

Cooking up Charles' favorite breakfast - fried eggs with cheese and toast - is just one aspect of what Rebecca Fabry considers to be her mission as a caregiver.  She is one of millions of caregivers across the country being honored for their compassionate care for National Caregivers Month.

It's not just a job for Rebecca, who first worked as a caregiver eight years ago, she said.
"You make doctor calls, you become friends with the family, and you really just have to love them to be there daily and learn so much about their needs and wants."

For almost two years, she has been a Progress senior care attendant, and most of that time has been spent with Charles Lane, 78.
Charles, a retired Smyrna factory worker, had a hard time welcoming Rebecca into his home, but he now considers Rebecca family.
"I realized I couldn't do everything I used to, so now I like to have company," she said. "She does real good. She's pretty close to being perfect."

Rebecca takes the kind words to heart. The joy for her is knowing that she can have a daily impact on Charles' lives. She helps Charles five days a week, and the two sometimes chat over the phone on the weekend. 

During the week, they go on walks through Charles' apartment neighborhood, chat about his old days of playing baseball and tend to his flower garden.

"It's about finding fun rituals that he can enjoy. As you lose your mobility and your memory, you still want to have something of your own. You just help them live the best life they can." 

Please share Rebecca's story by clicking the Facebook share or Twitter buttons on this page!

Progress Asks: Who wants to walk/run with us WEDNESDAYS to battle obesity?

Step-by-Step: Progress' new walking/running initiative to get us Lean in 2013!

 

Walk, run and just get moving to beat the odds in Tennessee!

In Tennessee, 3 in 10 people are considered obese. At best, there are only 11 states that rank lower than we do in overall health.

Progress is responding to these challenging numbers by taking part in the state's Healthier Nashville Wellness initiative. We have partnered with Governor Bill Haslam's office and launched Working for a Healthier Tennessee. This is a companion initiative dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our employees. 

We welcome ALL of Progress supporters, friends and family to join us in our new walking challenge Step-by-Step: Path to the East Nash Dash. The weekly walk/run challenge will gradually get participants to the distance of 4 miles, which is the same distance of Progress' Oct. 19 benefit run East Nash Dash at Five Points.

Every Wednesday, a team of Progress employees will begin walking/running at the Metro Parks Soccer Field track (across from our campus at 319 Ezell Pike) at 8:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

We're encouraging everyone to attempt some walking or running  three times per week. If you'd like to know more about our Step-By-Step Walk/Run program, contact Bonnie Sanders at 615-429-5014.

To sign up for the East Nash Dash, visit www.eastnashdash.org/register. 

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: 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/

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/