Welcome The Waterland Blog’s Latest Advertiser: Judson Park, The Sound Choice for Senior Living!

When visiting Judson Park’s beautifully landscaped 13-acre campus in Des Moines, you’ll find so much more than their incredible view of Puget Sound and the snow capped Olympics. You’ll find a staff of caring, giving people who share a passion for helping seniors fulfill the promise of their future.

In addition to a staff of 256, Judson Park also has a mascot. Her name is Hailey. She’s a basset hound and she’s just adorable. But if Hailey’s does not fulfill your need for a pet, know that Judson Park welcomes your pets to your new home.

There are 18 different floor plans available to residents. Most with balconies. Internet is available in all homes, but if you don’t have a computer, there are business centers with computers, printers, copiers and such throughout the campus. From large studio to two bedrooms, all homes are being updated to include granite countertops and new kitchen cabinets, carpeting and more to match the new apartment homes that were opened in the summer of 2008. With full kitchens you can choose to cook your meals at home or enjoy “My Choice Dining” at one of two restaurant style dining rooms or the Bistro. Executive Chef Adam Pazder is one of two on-staff registered dietitians to assure meals are both delicious and healthy. They also cater private parties in any of the attractive entertainment rooms available to residents.

Whether it’s with new friends, or friends from the old neighborhood, the designers of Judson Park have created view ‘niches’ from ‘tables with a view’, to old fashioned ‘rumpus’ rooms complete with large screen TV’s and private family sized dining rooms to entertain residents’ families when they arrive at Judson Park for a special celebration. Judson has three ‘hotel’ rooms available at a very reasonable fee for resident’s guests to stay overnight!

Of course, everywhere you go in Judson Park boasts that million dollar view, but residents don’t have to be rich to enjoy it.

“We’re affordable for middle America; homeowners with a pension,” said Ramona Sirois, Director of Sales and Marketing. ”There are varying financial options available, including some rental,” she explained.

For more information about these options, contact Ramona at 206-870-6639 or click here.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the variety of activities available throughout the campus. Fitness coordinator Ken Ray facilitates groups enjoying Hiking, Golfing, Walking and Water Aerobics. It’s not unusual to see the walking group enjoying brisk walks through Des Moines in an early morning, and oftentimes hiking at Mt. Rainier and Saltwater Park. Ken also coordinates yoga, tai chi and arthritis classes as well as oversees the gym. If you consider shooting Pool an aerobic exercise, they’ve even got a pool table for your daily workout!

Residents are also encouraged to take part serving on various boards and taking part in volunteer opportunities throughout the campus.

From time to time, health challenges arise for seniors, and Judson Park’s full array of health care services are there to help. As a CCRC(Continuing Care Retirement Community) residents are provided assisted living and skilled nursing services if needed. There’s also a Health Center (www.judsonpark.com/services/skilled_nursing) on the campus providing long and short term care as well as out-patient care for both residents and those patients outside the community. If you don’t live there, but choose to rehab at the Health Center, all you need is your doctor or case manager’s referral.

A host of services are available at the Health Center include:

• 24-hour nursing coverage
• Private and semi-private rooms
• Compassionate and licensed staff
• On-site rehabilitation services
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s care
• Hospice services
• Wound care
• Assistance with daily living needs such as bathing, dressing and grooming.
• Three healthy meals and snacks
• Medication management
• Recreation therapy/activities
• Social services
• Pastoral services
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• In-house beauty salon
• Bedside telephone, cable hook-up
• Medicare and Medicaid Approved

“The Health Center’s benefit to residents is that they can return home and can rehab right next door. They’ve got a whole neighborhood of friends who will support their rehab,” Ramona told WLB.

Exclusive in Washington State at Judson Park is Masterpiece Living a research-based approach developed in partnership with Mayo Clinic that encompasses many components combined to assure that older adults not only age well, but age successfully. Call the friendly staff at Judson Park to find out what Masterpiece Living can do for you.

Judson also offers Posit Science, a computer-based brain fitness program designed to strengthen memory, concentration, listening skills and overall brain health. Residents say that it’s the most rewarding form of exercise they’ve ever experienced.

To enhance their continuum of care this winter Judson will be opening their Memory Support Program. Located on the campus, Memory Support will provide homes for those affected by dementia and memory loss. These homes will provide a sanctuary where internal and external realities coexist without conflict. These assisted living-level homes will provide a therapeutic environment, creative activities and a well-trained staff who will help residents feel safe, secure and valued.

Judson Park opened in 1964 at 23600 Marine View Drive on a hill in Des Moines, overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympics. Since then they have grown to what you see today–200 residents living in the apartment homes; 30 living in assisted living; the health center; and soon will offer a home for 16 residents in memory support. They are affiliated with ABHOW, nationally known as pioneers in senior services and retirement housing.

If you are looking for a vital, exciting place to call home in your retirement years (you only need to be 62 years old to move in) check into Judson Park Senior Retirement Living. You can contact them at 206-870-6639 to arrange a visit or click here for more information.

Plan on about a 90 minute tour, and of course lunch!

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Letter to the editor:

Parks, Recreation and Senior Services builds community and enhances your quality of life.

What is important to you?

The Des Moines Legacy Foundation was established in 1999 to support Des Moines Parks, Recreation and Senior Services to help ensure that Des Moines remains a beautiful, healthy, safe and caring place to raise our children and enjoy retirement.

Every day our lives are enriched by the work of Parks, Recreation and Senior Services preserving our environment, nurturing our children, providing activities, services and events for our citizens regardless of age, access needs, ability to pay, and connecting and celebrating our community.

We believe that parks and recreation programs are the foundation of our community that contributes to the social, physical and mental health, safety and security, economic and environmental fabric of the community; essential building blocks for healthy families and citizens. These are important values to the citizens of Des Moines and are necessary to make Des Moines a livable community.

The City of Des Moines has for many years faced severe financial challenges due to the lack of a sustainable tax base. As reported in the September edition of the City Currents, due to the economic slowdown the City reduced expenses by cutting over ten positions, negotiating several “give backs” from employees, closing City Hall and all non-essential operations for five days, and keeping a lid on all expenditures for materials, supplies, and services. The Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Department also increased program fees, ended non-revenue producing programs and special events, and severely reduced park maintenance to a level below 1994 standards.

For 2010, the City is facing an additional $2M cut due to more reductions to sales and property taxes. Proposals have been made to close many of your recreation programs and parks to offset the budget shortfall. These cuts would drastically reduce or bring an end to youth and adult sports programs, before and after school programs, camps, fitness programs, facilities such as the Field House and Steven J. Underwood Memorial Park, and reduce maintenance further or close many of the parks in your neighborhoods.

Share your vision for Des Moines with its leadership!

The Des Moines Legacy Foundation asks you to take a moment and let your elected officials know how important Parks, Recreation and Senior Services are to your family and to the community.

• E-mail the Mayor and Des Moines City Council at: citycouncil@desmoineswa.gov
• Attend a City Council meeting on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and provide public comment
• Write the Des Moines Mayor and City Council at:
  City of Des Moines
  21630 11th Avenue South
  Des Moines, WA 98198

Contribute to your community and make a lasting difference.

The Des Moines Legacy Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit whose purpose is to raise funds and provide financial support for community programs, park enhancements and to serve the less fortunate in our community. Your donations can be directed to support youth and senior scholarships or to sponsor a specific recreation or senior services program; contribute to park amenities such as play equipment, picnic tables and memorial benches; rehabilitate the historic Field House Grandstand or to support community events such as Fireworks Over Des Moines and the Des Moines Farmers Market. Your investment at any level will help the legacy continue!

Please help us keep Des Moines a family community.

Together we can build a brighter future through parks, recreation and senior services in the Des Moines community!

Sincerely,
Clark B. Snure, President
Des Moines Legacy Foundation

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us a Letter to the Editor by clicking here, and pending our review, we'll most likely post it.]

City Manager Tony Piasecki Thursday (Oct. 8th) responded to concerns that one of his proposals to offset an anticipated $2 million revenue shortfall in 2010 includes elimination of the Parks and Recreation Division of the Des Moines Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Department.

“Cutting the Parks and Recreation Department is one of many options included on a list of potential ways to balance the 2010 budget,” Piasecki said. “But I can only make suggestions. Ultimately the City Council will decide what programs and services to cut to balance the budget.”

He stressed, “It’s important to note that senior services is not on the list of possible cuts.”

Piasecki noted that the general fund budget first proposed for 2009 was based on anticipated revenue of $18 million. In early 2009, given the economic downturn, staff reduced revenue estimates for 2009 by $1 million and the City Council reduced expenditures accordingly, including cutting a total of 10 positions from the Planning, Building, Finance, City Clerk, Legal, and Human Resources departments.

Now the 2010 budget will be based on total revenues of only $15.1 million—a reduction in revenue of almost $3 million in less than two years. Revenue from sales taxes, property taxes, B&O (business) taxes, utility taxes, and building fees are all projected to be less than 2009 and 2008 levels.

In order to balance the 2010 budget, he said the City will have to slash another $2 million from programs and services.

If the City Council accepts every proposal that the city manager has submitted to them—a list of proposals that includes cuts in the Police budget—the balance in the City’s General and Street Funds combined will equal $1.3 million.

“Maintaining a reasonable fund balance is a financially prudent thing to do,” Piasecki noted. “Given the uneven way revenues come in during the year, these funds allow us to pay our bills, particularly at the beginning of the year. Right now we’re using emergency reserve funds to create our general fund balance, and that’s not good financial management.”

Deciding where to cut the 2010 budget “is definitely a process,” Piasecki said. “My initial recommendations are just a starting point for discussion. Staff is looking for additional reductions to suggest to Council, including in the Police Department, since it comprises 50 percent of our budget.

“We welcome and encourage our citizens to attend council meetings and participate by giving their input to staff and the council. Making additional cuts in the Police budget can be difficult,’ he added, “given the restrictions the levy lid lift places on us.”

Piasecki said if the City Council adopts the proposal to cut parks and recreation programs, “all options will be explored to find ways to keep programs open, especially programs like before- and after-school programs.”

He added, “This particular proposal includes keeping a recreation coordinator position and a park maintenance position, with the intent that they will work to keep and create programs that can pay for themselves. We will also look at public/private partnerships and concession agreements.”

The problem is that recreation fees, generally, do not cover the full cost of providing the programs because they don’t recoup the costs of maintaining fields and facilities – nor do they cover the cost of necessary overhead and administrative functions such as payroll, accounting, advertising , human resources, and related functions.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a Guest Editorial by Des Moines resident Leslie Newman:]

Des Moines Citizens, Residents, Business Owners, Neighbors, Voters, Tax Payers, and City Council Members;

It is my understanding that tonight (Thursday, Oct. 8th) at 7:00 PM in council chambers the Des Moines City Council will be meeting to discuss budget cuts. It is my understanding that the proposed budget cut is the ELIMINATION OF THE CITY OF DES MOINES PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.

I am encouraging all of you to either please show up for this meeting on Thursday to let your voice be heard or, to email, call, or stop by city hall to express your concerns over this proposed cut.

What this budget cut means:

• Closing of City Parks and Recreation Department
• Closing of the Des Moines Field House
• Elimination of all Parks and Rec Employees
• Elimination of all programs that our children and seniors participate in
• Elimination of after school programs
• Elimination of Camp Khaos

If this comes to fruition, this will have a huge impact on our Senior Citizens. Where will the seniors take their exercise classes with a closed field house? Where will our Senior Citizen softball league practice and play their games with closed ball fields? This means closing of Underwood Memorial Park, and closing of our ballfields.  The City of Des Moines recently received a $100,000 grant for upgrading of our grandstand (the original King County Park No. 1) at the field house.  The city has in place plans for the renovation of that much used field and has spent a portion of those grant funds.  If the city is to close the grandstands and ballpark at the field house, the city has to pay that grant back.

Do you really want this to happen?  This would mean that all of our parks would be closed, shut down, fences put around them.  (If you were not aware, this was proposed last year and in a last ditch effort, the parks and rec employees along with a few citizens begged and pleaded for this not to happen).  There were major cuts made to parks, rec, and senior services and several parks and rec employees lost their jobs or had their hours cut.

We cannot be apathetic.  It is no secret that the communities surrounding our city including the cities of Federal Way, Normandy Park, Burien, Seatac, Tukwila, Kent, continue to grow and thrive and make needed and necessary changes to growth, development, and community centers in their downtown cores.  If you have had opportunity to visit any of these surrounding cities you will see continued growth in spite of economic downturns, you will see new businesses opening, parks being maintained, added, community centers being built.  Have you seen the new YMCA in Seatac?  Have you seen the growth and development in downtown Burien?  Have you seen the activity in both Seatac and Tukwila along with the new proposed community center with new residential condominiums in Tukwila?  Have you seen or been stopped behind the new construction on 1st Avenue in Normandy Park? Have you seen the new ShoWare Center in Kent?

The City of Des Moines Police Budget is 65% of the cities overall budget.  The surrounding communities in the region have police budgets at 48% of their city budget.  Do we really want to be a police state?  Do you really want to have no services, fields, parks, rec programs available to our residents?  Police services are important but if we have no places or activities for our citizens to participate in, can you imagine how crime will rise?  Cities that do not have active rec programs for their citizens and do not have places for people to go and places for young people to hang out have higher crime rates than those cities whose focus is community activities and centers.

Studies and statistics show that those neighborhoods with focus on parks, recreation, strong schools, strong senior programs are the communities that people look to when choosing a place to move.  If you have had a chance to travel or visit other thriving cities in our area – Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Kent, Edmonds, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, Mercer Island, West Seattle, Tukwila, Seatac, Burien, Normandy Park you will see a huge community and city council focus on schools, parks, recreation, economic development, and growth and change.

There will be no growth in our city if we do not speak up and vote for change in the upcoming city council elections.  As a resident for the past 10 years in the City of Des Moines, I have seen little change in the downtown core.  I have seen many businesses open their doors only to have to close them due to lack of foot traffic.  The city needs to make major changes and have a whole new focus, vision, and plan if Des Moines is going to survive.  Many cities have faced budget cuts but those cities whose focus has remained on providing places and activities for people have been the cities that have thrived the most.

What will happen to your property values when the parks have fences put up around them?  We have seen problems with our property values because of increased air traffic from the airport and the third runway.  We have difficulty selling our homes because purchasers are more interested in the communities surrounding ours that seem to have more progressive minded leaders looking for ways to increase growth, economic development, and activities for the residents.

Please make your voice heard.  The candidates and incumbents for city council are speaking at different venues in the next several weeks. I would encourage you to attend and listen to their positions on growth, economic development, and change, or, if you prefer, the North Hill Community Club will be hosting the candidates on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 7:00 pm.

- Leslie Newman
Owner/Managing Broker
RE/MAX All City (Burien, WA)
Des Moines Resident

[EDITOR'S NOTE: The Waterland Blog strives to serve the community of Des Moines by posting frequently-updated, relevant news stories, events and other information, as well as serve as a Forum for civil discussion amongst its residents. It is in this spirit that we encourage our Readers to email us their own stories or "guest editorials," and as long as they meet our standards and are not libelous, we'll post them. Readers are also encouraged to leave Comments below each story. Thanks for your continued support!]

Waterland Blog Advertiser Wesley Homes is holding two Open Houses – at their Des Moines campus Sunday, Sept. 20th and in Auburn on Sunday, Sept. 27th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Wesley Homes annual Open Houses in Des Moines and Auburn

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 20th, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Wesley Homes Des Moines (815 S. 216th Street, Des Moines; 206-824-5000)

Sunday, Sept. 27th, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Wesley Homes Lea Hill (32049 109th Place SE, Auburn; 253-876-6000)

INFO:

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
Wesley Homes Open Houses Provide Options

With a continuing care retirement community in Des Moines and a smaller campus in Auburn, Wesley Homes presents its annual Open Houses in September.

“Open House is the only time during the year when such a variety of apartments are open to view,” said Kevin Anderson, CEO. “Plus, resident volunteers are available to share the experience they’ve had living at Wesley Homes.”

This year, Open House visitors will have access to resources that will help them make a transition or stay in their home. They will have an opportunity to talk with experts in the areas of:

• Modifying a home to age in place
• Accessing in-home care and companionship services
• Preparing oneself and one’s home for a move later in life
• Disposing of unwanted belongings and downsizing
• All the aspects of making a transition including real estate, financial planning and move management

At the Open Houses, Wesley Homes will launch a new service for incoming residents. Announcing Easy Transitions by Benevia. This service helps overcome the barriers of moving and provides incoming residents to Wesley Homes comprehensive coordination of their moving process. From trash hauling to finding a realtor and mover, Easy Transitions makes it easier for anyone to make a move.

More information on Easy Transitions and Wesley Homes Open House is available by calling Wesley Homes at 206-824-5000 or visiting www.wesleyhomes.org.

Wesley Homes is a not-for-profit organization providing retirement communities and a network of services offering a continuum of care. It owns and operates Wesley Homes Des Moines and Wesley Homes Lea Hill in Auburn, Washington which fully opened in May 2007. Home health services are provided by its private pay agency, Wesley Homes Community Health Services, and a Medicare certified agency called Wesley Homes At Home. Wesley Homes is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The City of Des Moines’ Senior Services is sponsoring a free shuttle service for seniors over 55 to the Farmers Market on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month between 9:30am and 2:30pm.

Residents must live in Des Moines or Normandy Park, and you must call (206) 878-1642 before 4pm on the Wednesday before to schedule a pick-up.

Donations are welcome, but not required.

Waterland Blog Advertiser Wesley Homes is celebrating 65 years of service to the community with a Homecoming Week from May 26th to 29th at their  Des Moines location at 815 South 216th Street.

Homecoming Week is part of a national effort through the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) to highlight how its not-for-profit members provide necessary services and social benefit to their communities. Many special celebrations and events are planned for this week to honor both staff and residents of Wesley Homes. They are also sponsoring events that provide a benefit to the community where we live and work.

“Hosting these events is a great way to showcase our commitment to our community, to quality care and to move forward on our journey to become the provider of choice in the Puget Sound region,” said Kevin Anderson, President & CEO of Wesley Homes.

Here’s a schedule of events:

• Tuesday, May 26, 10-11am: Changing Lives by Volunteering, Des Moines Terrace Auditorium
  Join us for a special program highlighting Wesley Homes wonderful community spirit. Every day Wesley Homes residents and staff members give back to their communities by volunteering in their churches and other not-for-profit agencies to make a difference in people’s lives. All are invited to celebrate with us and honor these very special people.
• Tuesday May 26th, 5-7pm: Homecoming Picnic at Des Moines Senior Center
  Come to the Homecoming Picnic sponsored by Wesley Homes at the Des Moines Senior Center. Tickets are $5 per person in advance, $6 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Senior Center. Space is limited to 150 people. Call the Des Moines Senior Center at 206-878-1642 for advance tickets. Join us for great food, games and more! Families are welcome.
• Wednesday, May 27, 9am-3pm and Thursday, May 28, 9am-3pm: Community Health Day at Des Moines Community Health Day at Lea Hill Terrace Auditorium Eby Lodge Auditorium
  Wesley Homes Community Health Services and Wesley Homes Health Center will host a day-long public event offering informational sessions as well as health screenings and blood pressure checks. Hour-long presentations include:
  • 9:30 a.m. Healthy nutrition for older adults by Wesley Homes Dietician, Valerie Rawlinson
  • 10:30 a.m. Living well with a chronic illness by Wesley Homes Home Health Nurse, Ellen Martin
  • 1:00 p.m. Fitness activities for a healthy life presented by our wellness partner, the YMCA
  • 2:00 p.m. Fall prevention and recovery presented by our therapy partner Kurt Moss
• Friday, May 29, 6-9pm: A Night in the Garden
  Friends from the past, present, and future are invited to attend a special celebration at Wesley Homes Des Moines to help us celebrate where we’ve been and share our vision for the future. Socializing and hors d’oeuvres begin the evening set on the lovely patio of The Terrace. Soothing music provides the backdrop for an elegant meal prepared by our own Executive Chef, Chuck Chalfant. To conclude the celebration, we’ll present a very special program honoring our past and sharing the vision for the future of Wesley Homes.
• Tickets are $65 per person and are available by calling the Wesley Homes Foundation at 206-870-1334. Space is limited.

Wesley Homes is a not-for-profit organization providing retirement communities and a network of services offering a continuum of care. It owns and operates Wesley Homes Des Moines and Wesley Homes Lea Hill in Auburn, Washington, serving over 800 older adults. Home health services are provided by its private pay agency, Wesley Homes Community Health Services, and a Medicare certified agency called Wesley Homes At Home.

Wesley Homes is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Des Moines’ Wesley Homes Turns 65 This Year!

A few weeks ago our latest Waterland Blog Advertiser Wesley Homes of Des Moines shared their blog with us. We loved the audio histories of some of their residents, especially the one of the woman who survived a concentration camp in the Philippines (link here). Those at Wesley refer to their residents as “community treasures,” and they plan to feature and celebrate their lives on their blog as well as in person and in the newsletters.

The Waterland Blog encourages all of our readers to enjoy this site to read about members of your local senior community and their past and continued contributions.

Wesley Homes was commissioned by the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1944. Today, with a majority of the Board of Trustees coming from the Church, their mission remains the same as it did 65 years ago:

“Wesley Homes is a faith-based organization providing retirement communities and a network of services for older adults.

With love and joy, we are called to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of those we serve.

We affirm the worth of all those we serve and those who provide service.”

On the Des Moines campus they serve nearly 600 people living in cottages, apartments, assisted living and skilled nursing. They offer a continuum of care for all residents. Wesley Homes is available to anyone over 62 years young. They have multiple payment options, with scholarship programs available on some units. Wesley employs over 400 people serving over 800 residents at Des Moines and their new Lea Hill campus in Auburn (opened 2007).

But Wesley Homes is more than a place to live – they offer Adult Day Health and Elder and Adult Day Services (EADS),  as well as home health care services for adults living off campus, but needing care in their own homes.

Wesley’s Adult Day Health Center provides a home-like environment for up to 22 participants each day. In addition to serving patient needs, the center helps to ease the daily strain on caregivers who need a safe place for older adults during the day.

Elder and Adult Day Services operates the day health center located on the Des Moines campus of Wesley Homes. For over 20 years EADS has led the industry in quality health, rehabilitative, and social support programs to help older adults remain living with their families.

For more information, call 206-592-1211 or visit their website here.

Wesley Homes Community Health Services serves the greater community in three counties with private pay home health care and through their award winning Wesley Homes At Home, a Medicare-certified home health agency.

Recently recognized in the Top 25 in Home Health Care Providers by Home Health Care Elite, (read this article posted on 3/17/09) Wesley Homes At Home is a not-for profit home health agency offering Medicare-certified home health services and therapies for those who meet Medicare eligibility requirements. Home health care is available for those who need personal assistance with daily activity on a short-term rehab basis. Whether patients need assistance with daily activities or 24-hour skilled nursing care, they can depend on Wesley Homes At Home. This service helps patients maintain their health, safety and independent lifestyle.

For 65 years Wesley Homes has been one of the jewels of Des Moines. Like some of her senior residents she’s had some repairs, a facelift or two, a little rehab perhaps, but she and her staff continue to shine when it comes to providing housing and quality care services for older adults.

What’s next for Wesley Homes? They are preparing for the next influx of seniors as baby boomers reach their golden years by planning strategic growth to strengthen their foundation and looking for a third site to create yet another location. Further recognizing the need for home care services, they plan to expand Wesley Homes Community Health Services throughout the Puget Sound.

So click on their Ad (above or on the right sidebar), check out their blog and website, give ‘em a jingle at 206-592-1211 and let them know you saw it on The Waterland Blog!

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Wesley Homes‘ “At Home” announced last week that it has been named to the 2008 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States.

This annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance.

The 2008 HomeCare Elite also indicates those providers who are included in the Top 100 and Top 500 of providers nationwide. The data used for this analysis was compiled from publicly available information.

“The 2008 HomeCare Elite winners exemplify a commitment to providing their patients with optimum care while performing at the highest level,” said Nancy Buller, Senior Director of Marketing Communications at OCS, Inc. “We congratulate Wesley Homes At Home on being one of the Top home care agencies in the country.”

“DecisionHealth would like to congratulate the top HomeCare Elite agencies that achieved excellent clinical and financial outcomes by providing quality care to their patients,” adds Marci Heydt, Executive Editor of DecisionHealth’s Home Health Line.

The 2008 HomeCare Elite is the only performance recognition of its kind in the home health industry. The 2008 HomeCare Elite is brought to the industry by OCS, Inc., the leading provider of healthcare informatics, and DecisionHealth, publisher of home care’s most respected independent newsletter …home health line. The entire list of the 2008 HomeCare Elite agencies can be viewed by visiting the OCS web site at HYPERLINK “http://www.ocsys.com/HCE” www.ocsys.com/HCE.

About Wesley Homes
Founded in 1944, Wesley Homes is a not-for-profit organization providing retirement communities and a network of services offering a continuum of care. It owns and operates Wesley Homes Des Moines and Wesley Homes Lea Hill in Auburn, which fully opened in May 2007. Home health services are provided by its private pay agency, Wesley Homes Community Health Services, and a Medicare certified agency called Wesley Homes At Home. Wesley Homes is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church. For more information, call 866-937-5390 or go to www.wesleyhomes.org.

by Josh Hart

Last October, a cool new program started in the Des Moines area when Don Harper and Wayne Corey founded the Des Moines/Normandy Park Elder Watch Program.

It took these guys 1-1/2 years to put together this project, which is aimed at increasing public awareness and reducing instances of Elder Abuse and neglect in the community.

Harper and Corey do this through a coordination of resources, support and response from various sources like the Des Moines Fire Aid Fund, South King Firefighters Foundation and the Legacy Foundation fund.

Wayne is the Elder Watch Co-Director, publisher of publicsafe.org, chairman of The Enhanced Public Safety Committee, a member of King County EMS/Medic One Advisory Committee, a volunteer for the Des Moines Police and South King Fire & Rescue, and a board member at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmer’s Market

Don also serves as Elder Watch Co-Director, a part of the Des Moines Senior Services Advisory Committee, and is a volunteer at the Des Moines Police and South King Fire & Rescue, a retired police officer, a volunteer at the Senior Services of King County, and a Suicide Prevention counselor.

Don and Wayne, along with the Des Moines Senior Advisory Committee, the Enhanced Public Safety Committee and local police target elders who get abused and who don’t get protected via the APS (Adult Protection Service). Don and Wayne find four ways of abuse, with Financial Exploitation and Neglect (either self neglect or caregiver neglect) as the most common one, in over 50% of cases. At a smaller amount but still noticeable is Physical and Emotional abuse along with sexual abuse in many cases.

• Intentionally causing pain and suffering and/or injury to an elderly adult can be considered physical and emotional abuse.
• Sexual Abuse is any form of non-consensual physical contact. It includes rape, molestation, or any sexual conduct with a person who lacks the mental capacity to exercise consent.
• Neglect is the failure of caregivers to fulfill their responsibilities to provide needed care. Self Neglect is the person’s own failure to maintain heath and safety. Intentionally taking advantage of an elderly adult financially is financial abuse.

The signs of these forms of abuse are the following:

• Physical & Emotional Abuse: unexplained injuries or behavior, elderly adult appears afraid of a person or circumstances, significant weight loss/gain that is not attributed to other causes, and stress related conditions, including elevated blood pressure.
• Sexual Abuse: inappropriate sex-role relationship between victim and suspect, genital or anal pain, irritation, bleeding or bruising, difficulty walking or sitting, torn, stained or bloody underclothing, and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Neglect/Self Neglect: untreated injuries or health, sudden decline in physical appearance, unsafe living conditions, and signs of medication mismanagement, including empty or unmarked bottles or outdated prescriptions.
• Financial Exploitation: disappearance of possessions or property, sudden transfer of money, unauthorized use of bank cards, and or/ forged signature on checks, and undue influence or coercion.

Only five percent of cases are reported, mainly because the elders are afraid to report the case or because they aren’t aware that they are being abused. Sometimes the elderly won’t talk to or let in First Responders, so Don and Wayne try to be less threatening and more low-key in trying to get the victim to open up.

Elder Watch provides victims rights information; help with information about the investigation; assistance with application for victims compensation benefits; liaison with prosecuting attorney’s office; referrals to other community agencies and resources that assist victims; assistance in getting property returned, and court support through the criminal justice process.

For more information on this program or to schedule a presentation to your group, please click on their website here: www.publicsafe.org/edlerwatch.org or call Elder Watch at 253-946-7338.

You can also visit the Des Moines Senior Center at 2045 S. 216th Street.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Josh Hart is The Waterland Blog’s first Intern!

He’s also a 15-year old student at Highline’s “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac.

Did you know you can get a hot and affordable meal in Des Moines for under $6 and only $3 for those over 60?

According to the City of Des Moines Website:

LUNCH IS SERVED
A hot, nutritious meal is served Monday through Thursday at noon. No reservation required. Suggested donation is $3.00 for those over 60, $5.75 under 60. You have a choice of the regular meal, or a “souper sandwich” lunch. Alternative desserts, milk and condiments are available for diabetics or those on restricted diets.

Interested in a more international flavor?

LATINO LUNCH PROGRAM
Every Thursday is Spanish Lunch Program day at Activity Center.  Enjoy a nutritious and tasty lunch and the companionship of others who speak Spanish.  We have participants from Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico and other Latin countries.  Seamar Community Health Center provides a volunteer interpreter for those who need assistance with language. A Spanish dance is held the second Thursday of the month at 12:30pm.

Know a senior that could use help from home food delivery?

MEALS ON WHEELS
The Activity Center has frozen, microwavable meals available for persons age 60 and over who are homebound or unable to prepare balanced meals. There are thirty dinner and five breakfast options. Like lunch, we ask a $3.00 donation per meal. Also available are liquid diet supplements. Call for an appointment or to order.

The City of Des Moines is also looking for volunteers to help with these programs and more.

If you would like more information visit: http://www.desmoineswa.gov/dept/senior/info.html

When you think of Highline Community College, you usually think of fresh-faced young college kids, right?

Well, maybe it’s time to add another demographic to the pie – senior citizens – because HCC is hosting the South King County Senior Expo on Friday, March 27th.

WHAT: South King County Senior Expo

WHEN: Friday, March 27th, 10am to 2pm

COST: Free

WHERE: Highline Community College’s main campus, Highline Student Union (Building 8), first floor. Highline’s main campus is located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99); address: 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines (map below).

INFO: Community members can spend a day on the college’s main campus exploring business and personal services for seniors and enjoying live entertainment.

Entertainment performances include:

• The Silvertones, a women’s singing group from Port Orchard
• Spirit of Sound Singer, a women’s barbershop group from Federal Way
• Holly Rose, a local musical theater artist

Exhibits will include:

• AARP
• Edward Jones
• The Weatherly Inn at Lake Meridian
• Wesley Homes
• Smith Barney
• Highline Audiology

Sponsored by: Highline Community College’s Center for Extended Learning, Molina Healthcare, Escapes by Donna Longwell & Associates and Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre

For more information: Call (206) 870-4366 or e-mail dlongwell@highline.edu.

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How does a mouthwatering maple and cinnamon French Toast soufflé sound?

Well, you can enjoy just that and more this Saturday morning, March 7th, at the Des Moines Activity Center, which is located at 2045 South 216th Street in Des Moines (map below).

It runs from 8:30am to 11am, and the cost is just $7 for adults and $5 for ages 10 and under.

Tickets are available at the door, as well as right now at the Activity Center, which is open Mon.-Friday from 8am to 4pm.

This event will serve as a fundraiser for the Senior Center, and it’s sponsored by the good people at Powell Homes Renovations and Fred Meyer!

The Des Moines Activity Center is a community focal point where older adults and their families come together for services and activities that reflect their experience and skills, respond to their diverse needs and interests, enhance their dignity, support their independence and encourage their involvement in and with the Center and the Des Moines community. We focus on service to ALL AGES in the community who have needs, issues, and interests with older adults. Classes offered by Des Moines Activity Center are for 50 and older with space for those younger than 50 on an availability basis. Our hours are Monday, 8am-8pm (May through September) , and Tuesday through Friday, 8am-4pm. Call the Center at (206) 878-1642 if you have questions or comments.

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