by Bruce Rosenblatt | Jul 31, 2016 | Blog
Neglected by a Facility
A True Story
Recently, one of my clients engaged our services since she didn’t feel her husband was receiving the proper care at the facility where he was rehabilitating. This facility is located in SWFL and is managed by a national company.
As part of our service, I visited this gentleman to determine what his needs were and what services weren’t being provided. Immediately, when I walked into his room, I noticed an unusual smell. I also noticed that my client was wearing a large demobilizing ankle boot. After further discussion, we found out that the facility was not removing his boot and the smell was actually, decaying flesh. This gentleman had a serious, untreated wound that went unnoticed and untreated by the facility. He had been severely neglected by the facility, 911 was immediately called and my client was rushed to the emergency room of the hospital.
Left unnoticed, this serious inflection could have been much worse. A long road of recovery is still necessary for my client.
A complaint notice was filed with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) against the facility and yes, he is currently residing at a different facility we located for him. The wife, the husband and the family were extremely grateful that we were to there to help them.
We are in your corner
I am sharing this story since it is important to understand how invaluable our services are and to emphasize the importance of having an advocate in your corner. Many of the facilities provide very good care, however there are few that don’t. Yes, all the glossy brochures paint a wonderful picture about the wonderful lifestyle and the compassionate care of the staff. Wouldn’t you want to know the inside scoop about each of the facilities should a loved one need assistance?
Our client was so grateful that we were involved and knew that if we weren’t there, the situation would have been much worse. We could be the difference between receiving good care or be neglected by the staff of a facility.
For more information on how we can be of assistance to you. please go to www.seniorhousingsolutions.net or call (239)595-0207
by Bruce Rosenblatt | Jun 9, 2016 | Resources
Florida State Guardianship Association
Established in 1986, The Florida State Guardianship Association (FSGA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization. FSGA is the premier statewide organization promoting and supporting excellence in the practice of guardianship and is the voice advocating for the incapacitated and their guardians.
The Florida State Guardianship Association is dedicated to the protection of the dignity and rights of incapacitated persons and to increasing the professionalism of guardianship through education, networking and legislative action.
The FSGA is approximately 550 members strong, made up of guardians, attorneys, care providers, fiduciaries, social workers, nurses, court personnel and many other disciplines, and many others make up this dynamic not for profit member organization. We have a statewide presence through our thirteen chapters and our members meet regularly for education, training, networking and development in their own communities.
Address:
Florida State Guardianship Association (FSGA)
P.O. Box 1185
Palm City, Florida 34991
Website:
www.floridaguardians.com
Contact: Gina Rossi-Scheiman – Executive Director
Office: 800.718.0207
Email: [email protected]
by Bruce Rosenblatt | May 25, 2016 | Blog
BLUE ZONES PROJECT RECOGNIZES SENIOR HOUSING SOLUTIONS
The Blue Zones project is based on the world travels of Dan Buettner, who identified communities worldwide where people share traits of great longevity. He wrote a New York Times bestseller about the nine principles of longevity. The “Power Nine” principles include eating a plant-slant diet, moving naturally by walking, biking or similar activity, having a sense of purpose, limiting alcohol intake, putting family first, belonging to a social group and more.
Buettner retained Healthways for program guidance in communities that are seeking Blue Zones
designation, where a significant percentage of the populace is taking steps to change their
environment and lifestyle so healthier choices are preferred.
“Blue Zones Project is thrilled to have Senior Housing Solutions as our newest organization to become Blue Zones Project Recognized in Southwest Florida! Not only did Senior Housing Solutions go above and beyond in their commitment to the project, but Bruce Rosenblatt has become a wonderful ambassador- helping to foster well-being throughout the community.”
“After learning more about the Blue Zones project, I feel that the core principles are very similar to that of my organization in promoting successful aging… Living with a purpose, making healthy choices, staying physically and socially active and enjoying a community lifestyle.” “The more people can embrace these principles, the less likely they will need extended long term care as they age,” said Bruce Rosenblatt
To date, 25 businesses, country clubs, schools churches, nonprofits, restaurants and the like
in Southwest Florida have earned Blue Zones designation where at least 25 percent of people
within each group have taken the pledge to adhere to healthier selections and the business or organization
has made structural changes accordingly.
The NCH Healthcare System is the sponsor of the local project.
For more information, go to www.SouthWestFlorida.BlueZonesProject.com
by Bruce Rosenblatt | May 9, 2016 | Blog, Assisted Living
SELECTING AN ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
It may seem very easy to open a phone book or search the internet for a name of an elder law attorney; however, finding the RIGHT one that fits your needs actually will require some research.
Over a cup of coffee, I met with a friend and colleague to discuss how exactly do you chose the right Elder Law attorney. According to Elder Law attorney, Ed Smith of Southwest Florida Estate Planning, (www.southwestfloridaelderlaw.com), there are some key factors involved in selecting the right elder law attorney. These include:
Seek a referral/recommendation. Talk with your friends, your financial advisor, your accountant, your family attorney and your anyone else that may know of an elder law attorney.
Evaluate the credentials. Attorneys must be licensed in the state that they are practicing law and must be registered by the Bar Association of that specific state. In addition, Elder Law attorneys can be members of National Elder Law consortiums, such as ElderCounsel (www.eldercounsel.com) or NAELA (www.naela.org) which can be a resource to use for credentials and overall information. Attorneys can also become Board Certified or maintain other awards which can assist with learning about the attorney’s credentials.
It’s all about the relationship. Utilizing the services of an elder law attorney is very personal. It is important that you trust that your attorney is looking after your best interests. Many attorneys can provide you the end result, however a good elder law attorney will present you with a number of options to help solve your situation. Empathy is an important consideration as well. Your attorney should truly understand your situation and have a genuine interest in helping you.
Understand the fee structure. Some attorneys will charge hourly while others will charge a flat rate. It is important to know this upfront and be comfortable with the arrangement. A flat rate might appear a bit high at first, however you won’t be nickel and dimed for every 5-minute phone call you make. The scope of work should be defined as well terms should be clear should you want to terminate the agreement.
There are many types of attorneys, however an Elder Law attorney specializes in Medicaid and Long term planning, veteran benefits, and other special need and government assistance planning. An Elder Law attorney is not a financial planner but should be willing to work with your financial planner and CPA to help you develop a solid plan for your future.
A good elder law attorney should help understand your current status and have an open discussion about what you want to accomplish in the end. You and your attorney should openly discuss goals, objectives, as well as pros and cons of certain approaches.
by Bruce Rosenblatt | Jan 20, 2016 | Blog
Online directory of Eldercare professionals! |
Being a centralized resource is one of the main focuses of Senior Housing Solutions. It’s important to find a trustworthy and quality provider when you need support services. That’s why we have developed a vetting process to verify the credentials of every business listed in the Eldercare Directory.ONE-STOP SHOPSenior Care Solutions!Being a centralized resource is one of the main focuses of Senior Housing Solutions. It’s important to find a trustworthy and quality provider when you need support services. That’s why we have developed a vetting process to verify the credentials of every business listed in the Eldercare Directory. We have also included other organizations (most nonprofits) to be a resource to you – these organizations have not gone through the application process.Our screening process includes:- A completed and approved application
- Regulatory compliance review
- State license (s) verification
- Insurance coverage
- Legal and lawsuit notification
- Third party letter of recommendation
- On-going monitoring and feedback from clients
Ways to use the Directory: Other support services are also listed in the directory to be a resource to you! Accessing the Directory is completely free! Just click below for access. |
