march 2015 guardian · calendar & coming events march 17, 5:30 p.m. membership meeting jennifer...
TRANSCRIPT
GuardianMARCH 2015
TheProfessional
A publication by the Guardian Association of Pinellas County for the purpose of promoting advocacy & education.
GuardianFEATURED SPEAKERS
The Guardian Association of Pinellas County is pleased to announceour March speakers will be Jennifer Shawen, Audit Supervisor and JeromeJordan, Proabe Court Records Manager from the Pinellas County Clerk ofthe Circuit Court’s office. Our speakers will focus primarily on theresponsibilities of the Clerk’s Office as it relates to guardianship. They willreview the current forms used to audit a case, internal tracking mecha-nisms, annual reports, petitions for discharge, guardian fees and similaritems.
Jennifer Shawen began her career with thePinellas County Clerk of the Court in 1998 as aCBE student and was hired full time after graduatingfrom Northeast High School in 1999. She workedin the Probate section of the St Pete Branch officeuntil her promotion to the Court AssistanceDepartment in 2004. From 2004 until 2013Jennifer worked as a Court Clerk keeping track ofthe Court minutes for Criminal and Civil proceedings.
In April of 2013, Jennifer was promoted to the Audit Supervisor inProbate Court Records. During her 15 plus years spent with the Clerk’sOffice, Jennifer earned a degree from St Petersburg College.
Jerome Jordan began his career with the PinellasCounty Clerk of the Court in 1999 as a full timeemployee in the Civil Court Records department.Since joining the Clerk’s Office he has earned severalpromotions and has worked in numerous departments.In January 2015, he assumed his current role as themanager of the Probate Court Records Department.During his tenure with the Clerk’s Office, Jeromehas completed several degrees, to include an under-graduate degree in technology management and post graduate degrees inorganizational management and business administration.
Join us March 17th at Cypress Palms, 400 Lake Ave. N.E. in Largo foran informative presentation. Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30. A great opportunityfor networking. Please RSVP to the Association website at:www.guardianassociation.org
GAPC WELCOMES SPEAKERS FROMPINELLAS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE
Jennifer Shawen
Jerome Jordan
Calendar & Coming
EventsMARCH 17, 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
JENNIFER SHAWEN
Audit SupervisorClerk of the Circuit Court, Pinellas Co.
JEROME JORDAN
Probate Court Records Manager,Clerk of the Circuit Court, Pinellas Co.
1 CEU available
Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., Cypress PalmsRSVP to Association Website:www.guardianassociation.org
MARCH 17, 3:30 P.M.
GAPC BOARD MEETINGREGAL PALMS
VERANDAH ROOM
MARCH 27, 9:00 A.M.
GAPC NETWORKING BREAKFASTTHE VILLAS AT LAKESIDE OAKS
1059 Virginia Street, DunedinRSVP to Association Websitewww.guardianassociation.com
Regular Monthly Meetingthe third Tuesday of each monthat 5:30 p.m. at Cypress Palms
400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo
ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONS
P.O. Box 1826Pinellas Park, FL 337801-954-866-GAPC (4272)
President ...........................................Cynthia Van Vliet 253-3735 [email protected]
Vice President ................................................Ron Viele533-6656 [email protected]
Treasurer...........................................LynnMarie Boltze813-625-8734 [email protected]
Tina Costa 813-334-3472 [email protected]
Mark Grande 785-0973 [email protected]
Fernando Gutierrez 776-2266 [email protected]
Larry McDonough 668-8104 [email protected]
Trisha Randall 553-5100 [email protected]
Dale Smrekar 813-244-4160 [email protected]
Bruce Wallace804-8933 [email protected]
Past PresidentSue Schramek791-3972 [email protected]
By-Laws/Ethics/Legislation CommitteeRon Viele, Chair; Dale Smrekar, Co-Chair
Conference CommitteeLynnMarie Boltze, Chair; Cynthia Van Vliet, Co-Chair
Education CommitteeFernando Gutierrez, Chair; Bruce Wallace, Co-Chair
Membership/Public Relations CommitteeTrisha Randall, Chair; Mark Grande, Co-Chair
New Member Mentoring CommitteeCynthia Van Vliet, Fernando Guttierrez,
Larry McDonough, Ron Viele
Newsletter Editor & Breakfast Facilities CoordinatorPhyllis Johnson
596-8919 or [email protected]
Association Contact [email protected]
1-954-866-GAPC (4272)
FROM THE DESK OFTHE PRESIDENT
Cynthia Van Vliet
GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS...In advance of our 2015 State Legislative Session, we are facing
a number of House and Senate bills regarding guardianshipreform. As an Association we are in the process of preparingresponses to these bills.
HB5, supported by Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, givesclerks the authority to refer cases of wrongdoing for criminalprosecution; allows judges to order mediation at any point in theprocess; attempts to curb the practice of bickering over attorneyand guardian fees; and defines a guardian’s duties to honor award’s desire and file accurate reports to the court.
An identical companion Senate bill, SB 360, is sponsored byKelli Stargel, R-Lakeland.
An additional bill (SB1226) filed by Sen. Nancy Deter, R-Venice, would establish an Office of Public and ProfessionalGuardians to certify and supervise the court-appointed guardians.
Our Board of Directors will keep members apprised of anyadditional bills that may affect how Professional and Familyguardians interact with the court system.
The second in a series of "New Guardian luncheons" was heldat Bayfront Center the end of February. We will alert newguardians regarding details for the next luncheon to bescheduled in the near future.
2015 Board of DirectorsOfficers
Board Members
Committees
2
At the March 17 General MembershipMeeting we will have a drawing fora $25 gift card and the winner willbe profiled in an article in thenext e-Newsletter.
IIDDEENNTTIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN BBAADDGGEE OORRDDEERR FFOORRMM
Gold identification badges are available to members for $15Badges will be mailed to your address. For information,
contact LynnMarie Boltze at (813) 625-8734.
Name on badge (Title will read Professional Guardian)
Shipping address
City, State, Zip
Email or phone
The Guardian Association ofPinellas County
encourages all members and/or vendors to utilize
PayPal for all transactions with the GAPC.
3ASSOCIATION INFO
MARCH NETWORKING BREAKFASTAs founder and CEO of Keeping Us Safe,
Matt Gurwell’s mission is to provide strategiesand guidance to seniors that will help themto continue driving safely until the decision ismade to retire from their driving career. Healso provides an excellent array of servicesand resources for both families and professionals
as they deal with topics related to the aging process and its adverseeffects on driving' s very sensitive issues.
Matt retired from a 24-year career as an Assistant DistrictCommander with the Ohio State Highway Patrol in the spring of2005. His creative, innovative and common sense approach,combined with his uncanny ability to bring calm and resolve tostressful situations without ever jeopardizing the dignity of others, hascontributed greatly to the success of Keeping Us Safe's programs.
WE ARE MAKINGOURSELVES MOREVISIBLE!
https://facebook.com/GuardianAssociation
Pinellas
Guardians and Healthcareprofessionals can exchangeideas, ask questions, seek solutions, and check out
networking events.
SAY IT ISN’T SO..... LAVERNE WELCH RETIRES!
Laverne Welch, who officiallyretired last month from hercommunity relations coordinatorpost at Grand Villa of Largo,describes herself as a "Reliable,High-Energy Team Player". Thiscertainly proved to be the case inthe years she served on theGuardian Board of Directors asEducation Committee chair.
Laverne has worked in variouscapacities throughout her career including nursing, sales andmarketing, customer service, human resources, catering andhospitality and instructing in a geriatric aide course.
Migrating from Canada to Florida, Laverne has also beenco-owner/operator/administrator of nursing homes andhealth care services in Gagerstown, New Brunswick, Canada.Locally, she has been past chair of the Ambassador'sCommittee of the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce,was on the Board of Directors for the Seminole Chamber ofCommerce and Membership Chair on the Board for theLargo Rotary Club.
Her retirement leaves a position open on the GuardianBoard of Directors which we would like to fill as quickly aspossible. Interested parties, please contact the GAPC officeat 1-954-866-GAPC (4272) or [email protected].
Laverne Welch
4IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Administrative Office of the CourtsThe Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida14250 49th Street North, Suite 2000
Clearwater, Florida 33762 (727) 453-7176Suncom: 8-525-7176 • Fax: (727) 453-7166
Gay Lynne Inskeep Trial Courts Administrator
Judge Rondolino Elected Chief Judge of Sixth Judicial Circuit
CLEARWATER – Circuit Judge Anthony Rondolino on Wednesday was unanimously elected chief judge ofthe Sixth Judicial Circuit, the court system for Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Rondolino was elected by the 68 other judges in the circuit to succeed J. Thomas McGrady, who opted not toseek re-election after serving three two-year terms. The term for Rondolino, who has been a judge in the circuitsince 1990, begins July 1, and will last until June 30, 2017.
"I appreciate the confidence my fellow judges have shown in my ability to carry out this important responsibility,"Judge Rondolino said today. "And I look forward to seeking ways to improve the service we provide the public."
The chief judge is constitutionally responsible for the administrative supervision of the courts and court staffwithin the sixth circuit, which serves almost 1.5 million residents in the two counties. Forty-five circuit judges and24 county judges preside over court proceedings in seven locations and are supported by an administrative staff ofapproximately 235.
Judge Rondolino has served as a circuit judge longer than any other in the sixth circuit except for one, and hehas played a role in roughly 300 jury trials, either during his 15 years as a lawyer or during his 25 years on thebench. While a judge, he has presided over a wide range of civil cases, including accident claims, medicalmalpractice actions and three lengthy tobacco litigation trials.
Judge Rondolino has also served as the administrative judge for the circuit’s civil division, and for the circuit’scriminal and family divisions as well. Three times, the Florida Supreme Court appointed him an associate judge,to serve on the Second District Court of Appeals.
A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Judge Rondolino graduated with honors from the Florida State UniversitySchool of Law in 1974, and shortly thereafter joined the local public defender’s office, rising to the position ofchief assistant public defender in a mere five years.
He has taught courses as an adjunct professor at Stetson Law School, and has served on several boards andcommittees, including the Child Support Enforcement Coordinating Council, of which he was the chairman, andthe Pinellas County Domestic Violence Task Force; His awards include the St. Petersburg Bar Association’s JudicialAppreciation Award, the William Castagna Award for Judicial Excellence, and in 1988 he was named OutstandingAssistant Public Defender in Florida.
Judge Rondolino’s predecessor, outgoing Chief Judge McGrady, leaves behind a string of accomplishments –and some memories of some difficult times.
"I think the greatest challenge in the last six years has been to fully serve the citizens and Pasco and Pinellas withlimited resources," McGrady said. "We were able to succeed by providing timely justice to those who would appearbefore the courts thanks to a hard-working judiciary and an underpaid and overworked staff."
During McGrady’s tenure as chief judge, the circuit has, among other things, slashed a backlog of some 20,000mortgage foreclosure cases, started up veterans’ treatment courts in both counties, and helped establish PinellasSafe Harbor, the county’s homeless shelter.
Regular Membership Meeting
Cypress Palms, Largo
5
“‘Don't wait until you are in a desperatesituation to seek help,” warned Nick Barton(pictured left), February speaker at the regularGuardian meeting, who is founder and CEOof AGED (Advocates and Guardians for theElderly and Disabled). Illustrating how hiscompany could alleviate certain problems, hegave a power point presentation with topicsincluding: What is a Special Needs Trust;Federal, Social Security and Medicaid Codes;Disability; SSI/Medicaid related Programs andBenefits; Pooled Special Needs Trusts;Guardianship Benevolent Fund; HelpfulWebsites. Nick can be reached at (407)682-4111, email [email protected].
February 17th
6
Bob LonardoLicensed Insurance Agent
CELL: 727-743-8124OFFICE [email protected]/blonardo
Life / Health / Medicare / Long-Term Care
Join Grand Villa of St. Petersburg for a St. Patrick’s Day Party, Tuesday, March 17, 2:00 PM . RSVP (727) 219-9722 (by March 15th).
7Important Information for Our Membership
Greetings fellow GAPC members,Another Florida Legislative session is well underway. Two major proposed pieces of legislation directly affectingguardians have emerged. The links for several documents are provided for your personal review throughout thisletter. Each will be briefly addressed below. First, a little history:
On November 19, 2014, House Bill 5 (HB5) was filed by co-sponsor Kathleen C. Passidomo, a HouseRepresentative, multiple committee member, Civil Justice Subcommittee Chair, Judicial Committee ViceChair, and attorney from Naples, FL.
NOTE: For those of you interested non-guardians, the link "HR Staff Analysis HB5.pdf " contains an educationaloverview of guardianship and how the proposed legislative changes will affect it. It may be the reading you would preferto tackle in lieu of the myriad other links.
Per the provided link’s original filing "HB 5," some of the highlights I noted are as follows:
Clarification of language in areas regarding guardians' duties and procedure for establishing guardianshipand handling of transition of health care decision making from a previously established decision maker toan appointed guardian.New code requiring notification to ward of proceedings for emergency temporary guardianship (ETG),Additional language helping to open the door for interested parties to utilize expert testimony to protest"unreasonable fees" and designating parties responsible to pay ensuing court fees.Prohibition of preferential treatment toward an applicant for full guardianship based solely on the fact thatthey are/were the ETG.Code defining guardian abuse, neglect, and exploitation added to section 744 (guardianship) that was, inthe past, generally covered and defined as elder abuse in other elder law sections and addressed in theFlorida and National Guardian Codes of ethics. Adding language to 744 appears to open the door togreater scrutiny of guardians, specifically in the area of abuse, neglect and exploitation of wards.Codification of best practices (code of ethics material) to ensure maximum possible liberty for wards andprotection of family visitation rights.New language adding clarity to health care decision-making and advocacy duties of guardians.Changes in Guardian of the Person annual plan reporting requirements to a more proactive approach bymoving deadlines from after anniversary dates to before them.
All in all, the effort appeared to be a "clean-up" of parts of section 744 and a measured response to the increasingpublicity given to the "horror stories" of ward isolation and other ward exploitation by court appointedguardians. I personally would find the bill as originally submitted to contain changes that, aside from creatingpotential for future conflict over "reasonable fees," were understandable and generally somewhat acceptable tolive with. However, a series of events and changes beginning in early January have raised some BIG red flags forguardians. I will focus on the most disturbing issues and let each reader elect to do his own research on otherbill details. We continue:
January 7, 2015, Florida House of Representatives Civil Justice Committee Workshop (attended by Ken Burke,among several others):
Document linked, "overview of workshop on 1-7-2015.pdf "Document linked, "AAAPG White Paper.pdf " (Abusive Guardianship is a form of Institutional ElderAbuse and Human Trafficking)
Review of the workshop overview quickly leads the reader to conclude that the workshop was the impetus forradical and unreasonable changes to HB 5 in committee. Incidentally, there was no guardianship representation
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continued page 8
8Important Information for Our Membership....continued
at the workshop. Can we suspect that none were invited? Linked file, "20150112 memo to Bill Hennessey andPete Dunbar.pdf " (Pete Dunbar, lobbyist and workshop attendee), Mitigating the "conspiracy" perception,dated January 12, 2015, apparently originated after the workshop from the Palm Beach Clerk's office ofAnthony Palmieri - workshop attendee. It suggested the following very disturbing amendment to section 744.312:
Appointments of professional guardianships by the court must be made on a rotating basis, taking intoconsideration conflicts arising under this chapter, unless the Court makes a determination that a specificprofessional guardian with specialized training, education or experiences is in the best interest of the Ward.
Please read the attachment for adjoining text and other proposed changes dealing with guardian educationrequirements.
As a result of the workshop, additional follow-up documents, and further correspondence, the following radicaland detrimental subparagraphs were added to the committee's amended bill (excerpted from the link "PCS forHB 5 draft 02.pdf ", published on January 15, 2015):
(5) Appointment of professional guardians by the court shall be on a rotating basis of professional guardiansdeemed qualified by the chief judge of the circuit. However, the court may appoint a professional guardianwithout reference to the rotation where the special requirements of the guardianship demand.
(6) An emergency temporary guardian who is a professional guardian may not be appointed as thepermanent guardian of the ward unless such professional guardian had been designated as a standby guardianor pre-need guardian.
If you share my and other guardians' concerns over how this proposed legislation would hinder our ability tooperate independently and build viable guardianship businesses through the individual relationships wecultivate, please join us by contacting your representatives:
Find your State House Representative @ http://goo.gl/QWwq0o
Find your State Senator @ http://goo.gl/RZhZeO
The Florida Senate's bill, SB 318, link "SB 318.pdf," was filed on January 12, 2015 (after the House committeeworkshop), and is a sister bill to HB 5. Though it contains the amended language in (4) above, it currently doesnot contain (5) nor (6). It does contain some changes I personally find disturbing. I encourage you to read itand the other attached documents if you wish to have a deeper understanding of the underlying issues and theplayers in our state's guardianship legislative process.
I am planning to prepare an official position paper from the board of the GAPC to approve and forwardto Pinellas County representatives.
Thank you all for your attention and future participation in our legislative process.
Best regards,
Ron VieleChairman, BEL committeeProfessional Guardian VP, GAPC BODPhn: 727-533-6656Fax: [email protected]
9
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For moreinformation call Cynthia Van Vliet
at(727) 253-3735.
Clerk of the Circuit CourtOffice of Ken Burke
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller For Pinellas County, Florida
Happy New Year to all and thanks for a wonderful year in 2014! We are looking forward toanother wonderful year in 2015 and to working with you to meet the needs of your clients. Weare committed to continuing to provide the exceptional customer service that you have grownaccustomed to over the years.
A few updates and reminders:
Bond Approval Fee: All guardianship bonds have an $8.50 bond approval fee. Thisfee is due when the bond is submitted to our office. When filing your guardianship bondplease include a check or money order payable to Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court.Alternatively, you may note on your correspondence to the Clerk’s Office your draw downaccount number and that you are authorizing the Clerk’s Office to charge your account forthe fees. This will save you time.
Re-Location of Wards: When changes are made to the ward’s address from onefacility to another, please make sure you send notification of the change of address to ouroffice as soon as possible. This will ensure that our records accurately reflect the location ofyour client.
Annual Fees: Don’t forget to pay your 2015 Annual Professional Guardianshipmaintenance fee of $7.50 to the Clerk of the Court. We do not want you to experience anyunnecessary delays in the processing of your cases.
Probate Forms: Be on the lookout for a change in the requirement to use the newBroward Smart Guardianship forms and to discontinue the use of the current forms. Until thereis a certain date decided upon please continue using the forms you are currently providing.
If there is a topic you would like discussed in any of our upcoming monthly newsletter articlesplease email your suggestions to: [email protected].
Additionally, we offer tours of the Clerk’s Probate Department. Tours usually lastbetween one and two hours, depending on what you and the other tour guestswould like to see. Tours provide a good opportunity to meet staff assisting withyour cases and to understand how we process the work submitted to our office.
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HOW TO CONTACT US: If we can be of assistance, please call:Probate Court Records ................................ 464-3321 (main line)Jerome D. Jordan, Probate Manager………..464-3003
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"Sometimes all you need is someone to listen..really listen"
by Mary Jane Cronin
Twenty-five percent of the working popu-lation on any given day would say they arestressed or overwhelmed. Work related stresscan negatively affect the lives and health andsafety of workers. Health care workers aresubject to stresses that workers in other fieldsof work do not experience. Examples includethe death of a patient, being responsible forthe care of several patients in critical conditionand being assaulted by a patient. Here are fiveways that stress can affect the body andlead to an unproductive workingexperience.
Cognitively or the way yourbrain thinks about things may bealtered to the point of feeling likeyou are going “crazy” at times.Withdrawing into yourself and notwanting to talk to anyone, whenyou are usually a sociable kind ofperson. “At times I couldn’t find mykeys when I wanted to go out of thehouse, or I would leave the house and forgetwhere I was going”. When the brain is onoverload things get missed. Appointments,messages from phone calls may not get writ-ten down and are later forgotten.
Physically our body responds to stress thesame way we do with grief. Changes such asthis in our lives can cause us headaches aswell as heartaches. Headaches can comefrom not sleeping enough, from fear, or ten-sion to resolve the situation. Heartaches orfeeling weary due to heaviness in the chest isoften experienced as a by-product of thisexhaustion and can seem as if one is walkingthrough a fog. The physical ability you oncehad may seem to have disappeared, only tobe replaced by a desire to sleep more often.
Emotional responsesare familiar to anyonewho has experiencedstress. Those sufferingfrom stress may besurprised at some ofthe emotions surfacing. “I had bouts of crying,being angry at those close to me, and had ashorter temper. I did not trust my feelings orthe intensions of others”. Being responsible
for someone else’s care when you areemotionally absent can result in poor
decision making and may put thatrecipient at risk. If not addressedand managed, these emotionscan come to the surface as onestruggles to make sense out of asenseless situation.
Socially those suffering fromstress may suddenly retreat inward
and not want to be around anyone.The world they knew and trusted to be the
same has now changed. “The control Ithought I had had become a fallacy. Not want-ing to experience the hurt I was feeling now, lrefused invitations of support and comfort”.
Spiritually or how a person has been raisedand their faith beliefs can affect their responseto stress. For some their upbringing and thelife they are now living are out of balance, andthey may find themselves angry with God. Forothers, their spiritually can be a comfort orcause as they feel God has a plan for them,and this too shall pass.
Being aware and accepting that stressaffects our body in various ways is important
Mary Jane Cronin
continued on page 12
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to the healing process of stress and the self-care that follows. Finding an activity that cantake your mind off of your situation can bringsome comfort. Journal writing is one of theactivities that can be a helpful tool when oneis feeling stressed. As one begins to list theproblems, they also begin to formulateoptions and begin writing out a plan toreduce the stress. To reduce that stressyou’re feeling…start by jotting it down - sort-ing it out…and begin to relax.
Mary Jane Cronin had been working for SuncoastHospice as a Licensed Mental Health counselor for tenyears.. She became aware of the lack of emotional sup-port available for those providing care to others. Takinga “leap of faith” Mary Jane opened her own counselingoffice in February 2015, Cronin Counseling andCoaching at 1301 Seminole Blvd D-138 in Largo.Mary Jane is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor andhas worked with various populations in PinellasCounty for over 17 years. She raised four sons and hasbeen a resident of Largo for 38 years.
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C – COMPANIONSHIPCompanionship has to do with having strong
personal relationships and intimacy. I have had thegreat fortune to observe this dynamic among manycouples I have taken care of over the years. It is thatspecial bond that holds people together, the sharing ofraising children or having a pet or working togetherprofessionally or on community projects.
Mary Brown brought her parents to my office oneday after they moved them from Delaware to Florida.I had known Mary for many years as our children wentto the same school, but prior to this visit I had nevermet her parents. They had been married for 60 years.He was a very intelligent man and had been involvedin planning and engineering while living in Delaware.His wife, a very supportive woman, was his pride andjoy. At their first visit, Mary told me how devoted theywere to one another and how protective they were ofone another as well. The reason they had moved wasthat they could no longer take care of themselves asthey both had dementia and he had heart problems.They were a cute, adorable and endearing couple forthe entire time I took care of them.
Mary and others who knew them well would describethem as inseparable. They covered up for each other'scognitive shortcomings, which ultimately made itdifficult to figure out exactly what was going on intheir lives. As time went on, his bathing and groominghabits deteriorated and she became very protective ofhis desire to remain in the same clothes all the time.She would make excuses for this behavior. One day,she fell while getting into a car to come to my officeand fractured her hip. This incident was the beginningof the end for this couple who had never been separated,except when she had been in the hospital to deliver
their two children. Fortunately, her hospitalizationwas short but she needed to be in a nursing home torecover. The husband was beside himself with loneliness.I had never truly realized just how close these twopeople were until I learned from administrators attheir retirement community and the nursing homethat they were constantly holding hands. To mydisbelief, when I inquired further, I was informed thatdespite their older age and maladies, they slept in thesame bed and held hands all night long; when theywere at the dinner table, they constantly gazed intoeach other's eyes. What love they had for each other!Their companionship supported them and kept themindependent and alive.
E – ENVIRONMENTThe environment in which we live plays a major rolein how we maintain our health. The choices peoplemake to practice healthy lifestyles are key attributes to alonger, happier and more fulfilling life. In my practice,I tend to see more people who have unhealthy habitsbecause as people make poor or unhealthy choices, itleads to more illness and need for medical care. Didyou know that over the past 50 years the following 5things have grown at the same rate: the number of fastfood restaurants, the number of television stations, thepercentage of the population with obesity, the numberof diabetics, and the number of prescriptions forantidepressants? These are alarming statistics thatindicate the role of environment in health and longevity.
Betty is a 72-year-old patient whom I have treatedfor several years. She has been resistant to acceptingmy interventions to improve her health and reduce herpotential to die of a heart attack. She is obese, hasdiabetes and high cholesterol—and
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Dr. David Bernstein
continued on page 14
GRACE is a 5 Letter WordLiving it up to live longer
by DAVID BERNSTEIN, M.D.
PART 2 - The first three elements in Dr. Bernstein's acronymGRACE (goals - roots - attitude) were discussed last month and
conclude here with companionship and environment.
she smokes. Her diet isunrestricted and shedoes not exercise. Shepleads with me for onemore chance every time Irecommend placing heron more medication.She is unwilling orunable to make anylifestyle changes toreduce her risk – she
simply will not change her environment. Yet herenvironment will kill her. On the other hand, I do havecountless patients who see me very infrequently as theyhave created favorable environments for themselves.
Robin is one of my patients who takes her healthvery seriously. She is a slender, 48-year-old marriedwoman and mother of 2 teenage boys. In the 20-plusyears I have known her she has been a great example ofwhat I mean by interacting well with the environment.She has maintained her ideal body weight, performsboth cardiovascular exercises and yoga a minimum of2 days each a week. She eats a low fat, mostly organicdiet free of high-fructose products. She has an annualexam including a mammogram and takes the opportunityto review her tests results carefully. When I diagnosedher with an underactive thyroid condition she educatedherself on the condition and resisted taking medicationfor a few months before consenting to follow theadvice of her physician (me). She makes sure to getthe proper amount of sleep every night (7 to 8 hours)and she flosses her teeth daily (no doubt because she isa dental hygienist).
NOTES FOR LIVING LONGER
1. Have goals throughout your life. 2. Recognize how your family medical history (your
"roots") might affect your health and work with your doctor to improve and protect your health.
3. Keep a positive attitude about life and also about being safely adventurous.
4. Nourish your connections with friends and familyso that you can experience love, intimacy, and bonds throughout life.
5. Create a healthy life by paying attention to your environment; maintain fitness, be judicious in
your lifestyle habits, and listen to the advice of
health professionals who can help you live longer, and better!
Extracted from the book entitled: I’ve Got Some Good News and Some Bad News
YOU’RE OLD Tales of a Geriatrician
What to Expect in your 60’s, 70’s 80’s and BeyondBy David Bernstein, MD
He is a graduate of Albany Medical College and is anassociate clinical professor in the department of medi-cine at the University Of South Florida College OfMedicine.
Dr Bernstein can be reached via hisWebsite/Blog: www.davidbernsteinmd.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidbernstein2200Facebook & Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/davidbernsteinmdTwitter: www.twitter.com/davidbernsteinmdPinterest: www.pinterest.com/davidbernsteinmd
GRACE is a 5 Letter Word...continued14
MARCH is Brain Injury Awareness Month
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) leadsthe nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Monthby conducting an awareness campaign in March eachyear. The theme for the 2015 to 2017 campaign is:Not Alone. The campaign provides a platform foreducating the general public about the incidence ofbrain injury and the needs of people with brain injuriesand their families. It also lends itself to outreach withinthe brain injury community to de-stigmatize the injury,empower those who have survived, and promote themany types of support that are available.
According to the BIAA, each year an estimated 2.4million children and adults in the US sustain a traumaticbrain injury (TBI), and another 795,000 individualssustain an acquired brain injury (ABI) from no traumaticcauses. TBIs can affect the functionality of the brain –affecting thinking, reasoning, and memory. Whetherthe victim is an adult, a child, or an infant, TBIs canhave a major impact on individuals and their families.
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16
Computer Cornerby Bruce Wallace
Professional Guardian
Everyone uses stamps! Whether you travel to the post office and stand in lineto purchase your stamps, fax an order to your local post office or use a service bywww.stamps.com you still depend on stamps to mail your ward’s bills anddocuments to your attorney’s office.
I resorted to using a postage scale and the website supported byUSPS.COM to apply the proper postage to envelopes of all sizes. If you wish to print your ownpostage you can certainly check out www.stamps.com but be aware there is an ongoing monthlyfee of $15.95 to use their service and system. I have faxed stamp orders in the past but it doesinvolve more handling of forms and I chose to stick to the traditional postage scale and USPS’s web-site to calculate postage. Obviously if the envelope is a number 10 (standard) you will probably onlyapply the current postage of 49 cents. Forever stamps come to mind? Who knows when the USPSwill raise their rates again!
Using a postage scale I incorporate USPS website at http://postcalc.usps.gov/. The first boxthat probably should always be used talks about Destination. The USA is the default. The second boxtalks about the From Zip code which should be your location. The destination zip code is the zip codeyou are mailing the item to. Question 5 relates to either Flat Rate Service or the shape (large mailingenvelope), etc. Click the appropriate radio button. Question 6 relates to the weight. This is where mypostage scale comes into play. Enter the weight and then click Continue. The next screen that appearsrefers to envelopes that may be too rigid, not square or rectangle or is thicker than ?”. Click the checkbox if appropriate. Click Continue.
The final screen has a checkbox at the top “Display all options”. Click that box. You willbe presented with an array of mailing choices. Locate the one that is appropriate and you will find howmuch postage to apply to your mailing piece. No guesswork and the correct amount of stamps are atyour fingertips.
If you need assistance or have any questions, please call Bruce @ 727-585-0783 or 727-804-8933.
“The Thinker”
❖ Linda Burhan's new company,"Caregivers, Connecting, Coachingand Resources" is a continuation of the work she has been doing withHarmony for the past 5 years.Linda is a best selling author andnationally renowned speaker and
experienced caregiver coach. In Linda's new venture,she will continue to focus on supporting family care-givers as a caregiver coach, educator and advocate. Shehas a new book coming out called "ConnectingCaregivers: Answers to Questions You Didn't KnowThat You Needed to Ask". She can be reached at
[email protected] or 727-365-8383.❖ Mel Coppola, former Guardian Association Boardmember and former staff member of Griswold HomeCare has also branched out to form her own company,“Hearts In Care, LLC” dedicated to enriching the careexperience through advocacy, coaching and education.She will be a guest speaker at the March 4th Brunch 'nLearn, The Fountains of Boca Ciega Bay to talk abouther transition..❖ Frank Rodante will be with the Molina Healthcareteam in Tallahassee on March 11th , to interact withour legislators to make them aware of the issues facingunderserved seniors, families and children..
This ‘n That
17 4
CLASSIFIEDADS
FOR RENT - DELUXE 1 BEDROOOMWHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE APARTMENT
Centrally located in Pinellas County in a quietresidential area.
Completely furnished. Dedicated parking pad,Private entrance, Kitchenette with pantry,Apartment size wash & dryer, Dishwasher, Walk-in closet, and access to porch with area to grill.
Rent includes cable & utilities.
$700.00 / month. Non-smoker. No Pets.
To view this property please contact:
Joan at (727) 433-0053.
Our Mission is “to affect positively the quality of life for our residents, meet their
multiple needs and those of their families.”
TBI Residential Services is an all male facility thatspecializes in the care and services for individuals with:
brain injury • difficult dementiapost traumatic stress disorder
other behavioral associated conditions
TBI Offers:• Licensed
assisted living community ina secure setting
• Computerized Medication Managementto promote accuracy & timeliness
• Provides transportation to and from Doctors’ appointments.
• We will work with your long term care insurance provider
• We accept worker’s compensation injury cases and veterans administration
• Day and Respite Care services
TOUR TODAY!(727) 938-68002563 KEYSTONE ROAD
TARPON SPRINGS, FL
Assisted Living Facility H 9034
ADVERTISEIn The Professional Guardian NewsletterAdvertising RatesFull page, 1 month, Sponsoring $250.001/2 page $130.00*
1/4 page $ 80.00*
1/8 page business card $ 50.00*
* Per month with 3 month minimumSend camera ready color ads and payment, as well as editorial copy to:
Phyllis JohnsonOne Windrush Blvd., #55Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785email: [email protected]: (727) 596-8919
Deadline for ads with payment is the 25th of each month. Same deadline for editorial copy. A complimentary copy of each issue is sent to our advertisers.
FEBRUARY COMMUNITY CALENDARTo advertise your event on this calendar,
submit information to Phyllis Johnson at [email protected] by 3/17
18
7:30 AM-3:30 PM
VA & SPC 16th AnnualPsychiatric
Update/Conference(Non VA Employees $64))
Banquet Masters13355 49th Street N.
Clearwater
Registration & Info, call (727) 341-3393
3/6Wed.
10:00AM
Referral NetworkingGroup
Princeton Village333 16th Avenue S.E.
Largo
RSVP Cintia (727) 588-0020
3/12Thurs.
5:00 -6:30 PM Wine Down Wednesday
Princeton Village333 16th Avenue S.E.
Largo
RSVP Cintia(727) 588-0020
3/11Wed.
1:30 -2:15 PM
Catch Yourself BeforeYou Fall
Gulfport Senior Center5501 27th Avenue So.
Gulfport
For more info, contactKatherine Campbell @
(727) 487-1243
3/11Wed.
9:00 -10:30 AM
Chomp ‘n ChatHorizon Bay Clearwater
3141 N. McMullen BoothRoad, Clearwaterr
RSVP Michelle(727) 723-7110
3/13Fri.
4:30 - 7:00 PM
3/12Thurs.
4:30 -6:00 PM
Trinity Area Marketing Mix (TAMM)
Brass Tap10700 State Road 54
Trinity
RSVP Monee(727) 843-8878
3/5Thurs.
Doctor’s ChoiceOpen House
Doctor’s Choice11152 Starkey Road
Largo
For more info:(727) 498-8600
3/11Wed.
9:30 AM Rise & Shine! Motivational Marketing Breakfast
Grand Villa - Largo750 Starkey Road
Largo
RSVP by 3/10(727) 586-0108
1:30 -3:00 PM
Medicaid & AssetProtection
Speaker: Wa;t Shurden, Esq.
Grand Villa - Largo750 Starkey Road
Largo
RSVP by 3/11(727) 586-0108
3/12Thurs.
5:30 PM
Guardian AssociationRegular Meeting
Cypress Palms400 Lake Avenue
Largo
RSVP to website:www.guardianassociation.org
3/17Tues.
11:00 AM-
12:30 PMNetworking Meeting
Largo Medical Center201 14th St. SW
Largo
RSVP to 588-5788
3/17Tues.
11:30 AM
FALA - PinellasMembers $10/
Non-members $15Location TBA
RSVP Bijou(813) 330-6796
3/18Wed.
FEBRUARY COMMUNITY CALENDARTo advertise your event on this calendar,
submit information to Phyllis Johnson at [email protected] by 3/17
19
3/18Wed..
7:30- 9:30 AM
Pancake Breakfastfor Professionals
Brookdale - Countryside3260 N McMullen Booth Rd
Clearwater
RSVP (727) 726-5090
3/19Thurs.
3/19Thurs.
4:30 PM No Name
Marketing Group
Rumba’s Restaurant3687 Tarpon Road
Oldsmar
for more info:call Terri: (727) 403-0017
9:00 -10:00 AM
Casual NetworkingBreakfast
Westminster Shores125 56th Ave. S.
St. Petersburg
RSVP/ Into to Jennifer(727) 641-4222
11:00 AMNEW TIME
Professional Women in Healthcare
(Mid-County)
The Barrington901 Seminole Blvd.
Largo
RSVP Dawn Gretter(727) 585-5900
3/19Thurs.
3/24Tues.
10:00 -11:30 AM
Professional Women in Healthcare(South County)
Grand Villa - St. Pete3600 34th Street South
St. Petersburg
RSVP (727) 219-9722
8:30AM
Monthly NetworkingBreakfast
Arden Courts9300 Antilles Dr.
Seminole
RSVP to Bernadette(727) 517-7800
3/25Wed.
3/27Fri.
9:00AM
Guardian AssociationMonthly Breakfast
The Villas at Lakeside Oaks1059 Virginia Street
Dunedin
RSVP to website:www.guardianassociation.org
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
9th Annual Caregiver’sConference
(registration required)
Enoch Davis Center1111 18th Avenue So.
St. Petersburg
For info & registration by3/20: (727) 321-9444
3/28Sat.
7:00 AM-4:30 PM
Hurricanes & Healthcare(6 possible CEU’s through SPC)
$79 registration
First Baptist Church St. Pete1900 Gandy Blvd. N.
St. Petersburg
Registration / Info:(727) 341-3393
3/26Thurs.
4/1Wed.
9:00 - 10:30 AM Brunch & Learn
The Fountains at Boca CiegaBay, 1255 Pasadena Ave.,
St. Petersburg
RSVP(727) 347-2169
4:00 - 6:00 PM
4/1Wed.
Belleair Besties -a new networking group
Belleview Biltmore Golf Club1501 Indian Rocks Rd.
Belleair
RSVP Gerri: [email protected]
8:30 -10:00AM
North CountyGuardian Support Group
Perkins Restaurant2375 Curlew Road
Dunedin
RSVP Irene Rausch(727) 784-4200
4/1Wed.
February Networking Breakfast
20
February27th
at
WESTMINSTER
SHORES
Our Speaker (above), Arwyn Elden, LCSW
Empath Health / Choices for Care
Arwyn Elden, LCSW, Facilitator/Instructor forEmpath Health / Choices for Care, effectivelyspelled out the benefits of an early health care planto ensure wishes are honored based on a person'svalues and medical treatment preferences. ContactArwyn at 536-7364 for questions. Her presentationis on the GAPC website.
Guardian Associationof Pinellas County, Inc.
Membership Request
21
Membership Year: August 1 through July 31
Membership Application: New Renewal Date:
By joining the GAPC you are affirming that you have read the GAPC bylaws and the adopted Code of Ethics from the National Guardian Association.The GAPC Bylaws and NGA Code of Ethics are available on the Association website: www.GuardianAssociation.org
Guardian $45.00 (must be a Guardian or taken the State Guardian Competency Exam) SPGO# Affiliate $60.00 (Non-guardian, Individual)Corporate $75.00 (company is owner of the membership, includes two members, transferable between employees)
Category for listing on GAPC website (Please check appropriate boxes and print legibly)
Professional Guardian Family Guardian Assisted Living Facility Nursing / Rehab Facility Health Care Agency Attorney Paralegal / Legal Assistant Power of Attorney (POA)Care Manager Finance / Banking Government / Court PersonnelOther
Name
Business Name/Organization
Address
City State Zip
County Home Phone Fax
Email Address Website Address
Please make check payable to Guardian Association. Mail to GAPC, P.O. Box 1826, Pinellas Park, FL 33780To apply or renew membership online, please visit our website at www.guardianassociation.org
Pay Pal Accepted. For more information contact : 813-625-8734.