Senior Living
Seniors are living longer, more active lives and are hungry for good information about increasing the quality of those lives. Imagine the potential of a workshop geared to highlight businesses that help seniors live independently.
“We look for opportunities to help our members and our residents,” says Skokie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Howard Meyer. So when interior designer Leslie M. Stern of Leslie M. Stern Design, Ltd. suggested the Chamber partner with the Skokie Public Library to put together an event to help new and long-time senior residents get information that would help them age in place, they went for it.
The concept resonated among Chamber members and area seniors, and in 2007 and again in 2008, the collaborators held Senior Living Workshops. Featured presenters, including Illinois State Representative Elizabeth Coulson, addressed attendees and vendors manned displays as diverse as estate planning to accessibility contractors.
Interior designer Leslie Stern designs for aging in place in a safe and accessible environment. To this end, she offered attendees a variety of flexible tips and design ideas that can be adapted or changed out to meet changing needs. “The bathroom is where most falls occur, and it is typically the most dangerous area of the home,” suggests Stern. “But, often, a contractor can rectify some of the structural challenges to enhance accessibility, making it possible for individuals to stay in their homes.”
Jim Ericksen, an accessibility contractor with Nordic Home Services, couldn’t agree more and encourages people to compare accessibility modifications carefully before jumping to the pricier alternative of packing up and moving out. Potential projects like tub-to-shower conversions, grab bars, lighting, stair lifts and more should be factored into the move-or- stay analysis.
The information—and the fun—flowed at the Senior Living Workshops as attendees compared notes on their various environmental challenges and solutions. The wide variety of personal care and lifestyle tips received plenty of attention, too. Rhona and Richard Reagen’s shop, Eye Can See Clearly, offered a wealth of low vision equipment for those whose vision cannot be corrected by glasses or surgery — talking products, magnification, large lined paper, specialized lighting and more.
Attendees struggling with hearing challenges appreciated having the opportunity to consult with Sherwin and Phyllis Weisman of North Suburban Hearing Service.
Fashion has finally come around to hearing products and everyone seemed to get a kick out of examining the brightly colored hearing pieces.
Seniors pining for assistance so they could better manage staying in their homes explored Mike Melinger’s Home Instead Senior Care option. This service makes available bonded, insured, screened and trained caregivers who provide one-on-one care and assistance to clients in the comfort of their own homes. Services are available from a few hours to round-the-clock and include companionship, meal preparation, housekeeping, errand and appointment runs and personal care.
For workshop attendees looking into estate planning, Gregory Turza, J.D. offered independent advice to help them make prudent and informed decisions about protecting and distributing their life savings without interference from the IRS, in-laws, creditors or other outsiders, resulting in the undiminished use and enjoyment of wealth now and through generations.
Representatives from the Village of Skokie Human Services Department made themselves available to address questions and concerns, and provided information about Senior Care RX–a prescription program with discounts. They also distributed copies of their monthly newsletter about resources available for the needs of children, family and aging parents.
Healthy feet are happy feet and all who tried SAS Comfort Shoes appreciate that owner Howard Creinin makes certain his customers are carefully measured and fitted for the incredibly comfortable, fine leather shoes.
Walgreens joined in the upbeat spirit of the Senior Living Workshops and handed out freebie playing cards and sports bottles. Seniors with Medicare were offered flu shots given by registered pharmacists. “What a great opportunity for us to greet the public,” says manager Jack Ivanoff, “and to remind new and existing residents that Walgreens offers home medical supplies, as well as free prescription delivery.”
The Skokie Public Library fielded an exhibit table too and, as is so frequently the case, numerous attendees marveled at how much a library offers a community. Perhaps the most unexpected fun lately at the Skokie Public Library is their newest wrinkle for seniors–video gaming. According to Christy Robinson, manager of public information and programs, the widely popular Nintendo Wii video gaming system caught on with the seniors quickly. “As soon as the participants accustomed themselves to the equipment, the fun began. In no time, there were whoops and cheers for victories. The most popular sport? Boxing was the hands- down winner.”
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