The Professional AUGUST 2013 a Publication by the Guardian Association of Pinellas County for the Purpose of Promoting Advocacy & Education

GuardianGuardian The Professional AUGUST 2013 A publication by the Guardian Association of Pinellas County for the purpose of promoting advocacy & education

AUGUST SPEAKER

Mark Your “When is Guardianship Calendar Appropriate? What to do if Monday 8/19, 1:00pm previously prepared documents Won’t Work”

EDUCATION COM MEETING

Pacifica Senior Living Michael Porter, Esq. 620 Belleair Road, Clearwater

Tuesday 8/20, 3:30pm Michael W. Porter, Esq., has been engaged in the practice of law BOARD MEETING primarily in the areas of Guardianship, Probate & Estate Administra- The Plaza at the Palms tion, Trust, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law since his admission to Alt Keene Road the Florida Bar in 1986. He has represented the guardian, the ward, or another interested person in over 1,000 guardianship matters. He has authored numerous articles on subjects relating to Florida guardianship Tuesday 8/20, 5:45pm procedures, estate planning and advance directives. From 1989 to 2006, MEMBERSHIP MEETING Mike taught various portions of the 40 hour guardianship training course and the 8 hour family guardianship training course at St. Peters- When is Guardianship Appropriate? burg College. Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30pm

Cypress Palms Mike’s talk will focus on the process of deciding which course 400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo of action to take when the properly prepared documents such as Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Directives won’t work as a solution to the problems that have arisen after the individual becomes incapacitat- Friday 8/30, 9:00am ed. He will also discuss the issues relating to the establishment of legal

guardianship. MONTHLY BREAKFAST

“Transitioning from Home to an AUGUST Breakfast Speaker Assisted Living Facility”

Tierra Pines Our speaker Christine Varner, RN, Executive Director of Pacifica 7380 Ulmerton Road, Largo Senior Living for the past 12 years will discuss how to choose the appropriate assisted living facility and how to effect a smooth transition from the home to the facility. She will also discuss what is needed to have a pet Association Communications stay with its owner at the facility. P.O. Box 1826 Pinellas Park, FL 33780 This month’s breakfast will be held at Tierra Pines, 7380 Ulmer- Phone (727) 323-9380 ton Road, Largo. Join us for a lively discussion, wonderful breakfast and [email protected] great networking opportunity. www.guardianassociation.org 2 2013 Board of Directors From the President’s Desk Officers

Irene Rausch, President 784-4200 By Irene Rausch [email protected]

Susan Ugan, Vice President 742-4546 No Respect…..

[email protected] Several times a month I hear the comment that Sherry Dunn, Secretary 392-3374 guardians get no respect—from the community, family [email protected] members, the court, etc. Reflecting on over 30 years as a Sue Schramek, Treasurer 791-3972 professional guardian, I have learned that respect is not a [email protected] gift, it must be earned. It happens when one conducts him- Board Members self or herself in a professional manner, showing respect for those we serve, for other professionals that we work with Mark Grande 785-0973 and for the legal system and the rules and laws that we are [email protected] obligated to follow. Unfortunately, each guardian represents

Trisha Randall 553-5100 all guardians in the eye of the public. So, when one guardi- [email protected] an displays less than ethical behavior, uses poor judgment, makes detrimental or degrading statements about others, Will Slicker 322-2795 refuses to follow the law because he or she doesn’t agree [email protected] with it, then that behavior or those statements reflect badly Dale Smrekar 813-244-4160 on all guardians. What we say and how we act are always on [email protected] public display and open to criticism because of the choice Ralph Spencer 531-0225 that we have made to take on the role of guardian and be [email protected] held to a higher standard of conduct. This means even when

Cynthia Van Vliet 253-3735 we think no one is watching……. [email protected]

Rebecca Weitzel 467-9464 .Are you Interested in Serving on the [email protected] Board of Directors?

Past President Correy Pastore 823-7033 Susan Ugan has been appointed to chair the Nomi- [email protected] nating Committee and will work with Sherry Dunn and Maryanne Fisher to solicit candidates for the board vacan- Committees cies. There will be six seats up for election in November—

Administration Committee currently 4 seats are filled by professional guardians and 2 Chair—Irene Rausch by affiliate members. The term of office is 2 years and a board member may serve 2 consecutive terms (a total of 4 Budget & Finance Committee years). Chair—Sue Schramek

IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM By-Laws Committee/Legislation

Co-chair—Will Slicker, Cynthia VanVliet Gold identification badges are available to members for $ 15. Education & Conference Committee Badges will be mailed to your address. Chair—Rebecca Weitzel For information contact Susan Ugan (727) 742-4546

Membership/Public Relations Committee ______Co-Chair—Mark Grande, Trisha Randall Name on Badge (Title will read Professional Guardian) Newsletter Editor and Breakfast Facili- ______ties Coordinator—Phyllis Johnson Shipping Address 596-8919 or [email protected] ______City, State, Zip Association phone: (727) 323-9380 [email protected] Email or phone 3 Announcements

Are you Interested in Serving on Dues Renewal the Board of Directors? Membership Dues Renewal date was 7/31. If you missed the deadline, you will have to Susan Ugan has been appointed to chair pay your dues in order to register for the confer- the Nominating Committee and will work with ence at the member rate. There are 2 ways to do Sherry Dunn and Maryanne Fisher to solicit can- this: You can pay the member dues via paypal on- didates for the board vacancies. There will be six line first and then register for the conference or seats up for election in November—currently 4 you can mail the dues and the registration in at the seats are filled by professional guardians and 2 same time. Please send registration form along by affiliate members. The term of office is 2 with the fees to: GAPC, c/o Sue Schramek, Treas- years and a board member may serve 2 consecu- urer, 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, Fl 33765. tive terms (a total of 4 years). We will send out a

separate notice detailing the qualifications and

Misty Needs a requirements.

Home

MISTY, an affectionate We are Looking 6 year old spayed female for You! cat, needs a home due to present owners' allergies. She prefers a quiet envi- Looking for congen- ronment and lots of lap time and petting. Litter ial folks who sing, play an box, wet and dry food, small tower, scratching instrument or both to join a post and toys included. Delivery arranged if need- band that entertains seniors ed. See for yourself how cute Misty is at vic- in ALF's and Nursing streasuretrove.com/Misty. Call 727 946-7106 or Homes. We provide the music and binders and email [email protected] help each other with songs of choice. Practice

1st, 2nd and 4thWednesday of each month at The

Barrington, 901 Seminole Blvd., Largo. Contact Bruce at (727) 585-0783 or (727) 804-8933. Guardianship 2013: Discovering the Magic, Dispelling the Myths

Interested in being a table sponsor or Ex- hibitor at our annual conference? Information on sponsorship and registration forms are located on our association website: guardianassociation.org. Register early and you can choose your table location. Space is limited , don’t miss out on this great opportunity to showcase your services.

Proud Supporter of the Guardian Association

Our community features Encore Senior Living’s Rediscovery™ Program, which was developed to assist residents to continue With day-to-day activities and hobbies they’ve done all their Lives and help them “rediscover” Remaining abilities.

Our residents enjoy Outstanding food, beautiful Outdoor walkways and gardens, And a robust activities program Tailored to their needs.

750 Starkey Road Largo, Fl 33771

(727) 586-0108

www.assistedsenior.com Assisted Living

August Spotlight is on:

Diane McGauley Arbor Terrace Senior Living

"One of the most repeated com- assessed based on remaining abili- needs of their loved ones," ments we hear from prospective resi- ties and assigned a gem level. says Diane, who as Senior dents and their families who walk Care Counselor is a resource through our front door is, 'It feels like "Using these assessments we for families needing financial, home'", says Arbor Terrace ALF and truly get to know and understand medical or legal information in Memory Care Community Senior Care each resident," says Diane. "This regards to placement of their Counselor Diane McGauley. makes it a place where people want loved ones. to be." "I love that Arbor Terrace looks For more information ahead and strives to be progressive In addition, Arbor Terrace about Arbor Terrace contact in our Engagement Program," she con- has accommodations for spouses to Diane McGauley tinues. live together in the same apartment 727-588-0020. or choose to be in two separate 333 16th Ave SE Diane is a resource for families apartments. “I love helping families Largo,FL33771 needing financial, medical or legal in- make decisions that best fit the www.at-largo.com formation as well as help in differentiat- ing normal forgetfulness from signs of dementia.

Arbor Terrace recognizes that well over 80% of residents have signs of early to mid-stage dementia. The Arbor Terrace Community's Dementia Care Specialist, Assisted Living & Memory Care for Seniors Teepa Snow, uses gem stones -- sap- phires, diamonds, emeralds, ambers, An Arbor Company Community rubies and pearls --to describe what level a person may be experiencing as he or she progresses through the stages of WE LISTEN. WE RESPOND. WE CARE. dementia-related diseases.  Individualized Care in a Home-like Atmosphere Activities are delivered in a  Specialized Memory Care Neighborhood Assisted Living more engaged and holistic way to meet  Licensed Nurse On-site 24 Hours A Day each resident’s social, physical, mental  On-site Therapy & Rehabilitation Starting at and spiritual needs. No matter where  Engagement Program & Social Outings $ 1,995.00 residents live in the Community, Gem  Short & Long-Term Stays level programming was created to provide structured programs for each level ARBOR TERRACE

The gem program focuses on 333 16th Avenue, Largo, FL 33771 www.at-large.com the progression of dementia, but also includes normal aging. Residents are 727-588-0020 ALF# 7933

6 Compassionate, Excellent, and Reliable Home Care

For 35 years, Bayada Nurses has helped people live a safe home life with comfort, independence, and dignity  Skilled nursing and personal care  Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  Stringent hiring standards  Free nursing evaluation  Private pay, Medicare, worker’s comp. and most insurance accepted  Serving Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties www.bayada.com

Licensed HHA299991728 13733 Icot Blvd., Suite 517, Clearwater, FL 33760 727-531-3059

Notice to our advertisers

We can now display your ad Classified Ads in color via this e-newsletter Accepted at no additional cost! Send your camera-ready color ad Do you have an article to sell, to Phyllis Johnson by the wish to acquire, or donate? Send 25th of the month to be in- your copy to Phyllis Johnson cluded in the next issue. Call (727) 596-8919 [email protected] or [email protected]

(727) 733-4189

Our Services Include:

LAKESIDE OAKS  24 hour Skilled Nursing

 Comprehensive Rehabilita- CARE CENTER tion Therapies  Long-term Care Services Villas & Apartments for Seniors… Celebrating  Medicare & Medicaid Certi- fied A Safe & Secure place to call home. 45 Years of Caring  Caregiver Support Group A Full continuum of Care Community in Largo

offering Senior Amenities & Services 1061 Virginia Street, Dunedin, FL 34698 727-581-9427x2052 www.oakmanorliving.com 7 Division of Inspector General

Office of Ken Burke Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller For Pinellas County, Florida

GUARDIANSHIP FRAUD HOTLINE

Pinellas County’s Division of Inspector General (IG) monitors a Fraud Hotline within Pinellas County. If anyone suspects fraud, waste or abuse, they are encouraged to contact our Fraud Hotline with specific and de- tailed information regarding the suspected fraudulent conduct. If the IG does not have jurisdiction to investigate, the IG will forward the matter to the proper authorities (i.e., Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, State Attorney’s Office, Sheriff, DCF, Tax Collector, etc.)

When an allegation is received for cases involving guardianship, the IG will do the following:  Evaluate the allegation, review the case file, complete a Guardian Hotline Memo, and forward the Memo to the General Magistrate of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court.  When evaluating the allegation, the IG will include the name of the complainant (if provided), and if available, the contact information.  The General Magistrate will review the allegations and forward to the appropriate judge, as necessary. The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court can appoint the Court Monitor, Division of Inspector General, refer to another agency, and/or forward to the attorney of record to investigate the allegations.

The following are examples of a Guardianship Hotline Complaint:

Call #1: The ward called stating the family guardian was using their funds for personal use, such as: Purchase of an automobile Purchase of jewelry Vacations In this case, the guardian was removed; a professional guardian was appointed. The family guardian was ordered to reimburse the guardianship $65,000, and the case was forwarded to law enforcement.

Call #2:  The ward called stating the professional guardian was not paying their expenses and bills, and the ward had no food. There was a home visit done, and the ward’s refrigerator and pantry had food. The bills were paid timely. There was no evidence of wrong-doing by the guardian.

Please note that all calls to the Fraud Hotline are confidential. The complainant can remain anonymous.

If there is a topic, you would like to have discussed in any of our upcoming articles for the monthly newsletters, please email it to [email protected] and/or [email protected]

HOW TO CONTACT US: If we can be of assistance to you, please call: Division of Inspector General, PIU 464-8371 Division of Inspector General, Fax 464-8386 Probate Court Records 464-3321 Guardianship Hotline 453-FRAUD

8 AUGUST COMMUNITY CALENDAR

To advertise your event on this calendar submit information to Phyllis Johnson at [email protected] by 7/25

Time Event Location Contact/RSVP 8/10 9:00am Ageless Grace® Seminar Morton Plant Hospital RSVP Katherine Campbell Sat 1:00pm 303 Pinellas St (727) 487-1234 Clearwater [email protected]

8/13 10:00am Networking Breakfast Emeritus of Dunedin RSVP (727) 586-0108 Tues 800 Patricia Ave (727) 734-4696 Dunedin

8/13 Professional Women in Eternal Cremations RSVP Susan Tues Healthcare 1750 S Pinellas Avenue (727) 484-0563 Tarpon Springs

8/13 9:00am Staying Balanced Inside & Out The Centre RSVP (727) 771-6000 1:00pm Free health screenings, 1500 16th Street demonstrations, exhibits Palm Harbor

8/13 1:00pm “Are You Prepared?” Arden Courts Tues 3:00pm Peg Macaluso Seminole RSVP (727) 517-7800

8/14 9:00am Rise and Shine Grand Villa RSVP Laverne Welch Wed Motivational Breakfast 750 Starkey Road (727) 586-0108 Largo www.LargoSeniorLiving.com

8/14 1:00pm Farmer’s Market The Barrington RSVP (727) 219-1962 Wed Fresh Local Flavors 901 Seminole Blvd Seminole

8/15 Open House and Grand Villa RSVP Laverne Welch Thur Tour Newly Renovated 750 Starkey Road (727) 586-0108 Memory Care Neighborhood Largo www.LargoSeniorLiving.com

8/16 6-9pm & Ageless Grace® Morton Plant Hospital RSVP Katherine Campbell & 9a-6:30p Certification (12 hours) 303 Pinellas St (727) 487-1234 8/17 Clearwater [email protected]

8/19 1:00pm Education Committee Pacifica Senior Living RSVP Rebecca Weitzel Mon Guardian Association of 620 Belleair Road, 418-6340 Pinellas County Clearwater www.guardianassociation.org

8/20 3:30p Board of Directors Meeting Plaza at the Palms of Largo RSVP Tues Guardian Association of 385 Alt Keene Road www.guardianassociation.org Pinellas County Largo Please register on website 8/20 5:30pm- Cypress Palms www.guardianassociation.org Tues 7:00pm Guardian Association Lake Ave NE, Please register on website Meeting Largo

8/21 Noon FALA Luncheon TBA RSVP FALAwestcentralre- [email protected]

AUGUST COMMUNITY CALENDAR 9

Time Event Location Contact/RSVP 8/21 4:30pm No Name Marketing Group Marlin Darlin RSVP Terri Wed Belleair (727) 403-0017

8/28 8:30am Networking Breakfast Arden Courts RSVP Bernadette Wed Seminole (727) 517-7800

8/29 4:30pm FALA Happy Hour TBA RSVP Thu [email protected]

8/30 9am Guardian Association Tierra Pines www.guardianassociation.org Fri Networking Breakfast 7380 Ulmerton Road Please register on website Largo 8/31 Guardianship 2013: Discover- Last day for early www.guardianassociation.org Sat ing the Magic; Dispelling the Registration Please register on website Myths For annual Conference 9/3 8:30am- North County Networking Freedom Inn Countryside RSVP Tue 10:00am Breakfast 3620 N. McMullen Booth Road Terri Bolander (727) 432-1073 or Clearwater [email protected] 9/4 8:30am- North County Guardian Perkins Restaurant Wed 10:00am Support Breakfast US 19 and Curlew Road Clearwater

St. Petersburg’s Exciting New Senior Living Community! ADVERTISE In the Professional Guardian Newsletter

Advertising Rates

Full page 1 month $250.00 1/2 page $130.00* 1/4 page $ 80.00* 1/8 page business card $ 50.00* * Per month with 3 month minimum Luxury Studio, One and Two Bedroom Assisted Living Apart- ments

6280 Central Avenue Send camera-ready color ad and payment, St. Petersburg, FL 33707 as well as editorial copy to:

Phyllis Johnson (727) 536-9900 One Windrush Blvd., #55 www.brentwoodslc.com Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 email: [email protected] ●Assisted Living ●Alzheimer’s and Memory Support telephone: (727) 596-8919 ●24 Hour Admissions Program ●VA Aid and At- tendance Deadline for ads with payment is the 25th of each ●Senior Day Program ●Dusk to Dawn Program month. Same deadline for editorial copy. A compli- ●Short-term and Respite Stays mentary copy of each issue is sent to our advertis-

July 16 Membership Meeting 11 Cypress Palms of Largo How to Choose a Home Health Care Agency Tina Costa

Isn't home where you want to be when illness prevails? Aradia Home Care and Staffing's Florida Operations Director Tina Costa conveyed the importance of making sure there is rapport between the health care worker and the client when home care is the option you choose over an institution. Tina spelled out some of the things to consider when choosing a home care agency including asking how long the agency has been serving the community, is the agency staff available directly 24 hours, in what manner and how often are caregivers super- vised by health care professionals, are caregivers employed by the agency offered ongoing training and are they screened by the agency?

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Guardian Association of Pinellas County

Annual Conference Registration Information

Guardianship 2013: Discovering the Magic Dispelling the Myths

Friday, September 13, 2013 Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park

We are offering an Early Bird reduced rate to our supporters in the community to participate in our annual conference and business showcase. This year’s conference will be held at the St. Petersburg Hilton Carillon Hotel. We anticipate more than 200 will attend—professional and family member guardians, attorneys, paralegals, case managers, nurses, medical providers, ALF and nursing home administrators.

CE for Guardians, Nursing, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, ALF and Attorneys Early Bird Deadline September 1 13 Guardian Association of Pinellas County Annual Conference Schedule Friday, September 13, 2013

Complimentary Valet Parking sponsored by Deeb Elder Law

TIME TRACK 1 TRACK 2 TRACK 3 Legal Practice Medical

7:45 am to Registration, Check In 8:30am Continental Breakfast sponsored by Easy Living and Aging Wisely Visit Exhibitors’ Showcase

8:30am to Welcome, Irene Rausch, President 9:30am Discovering the Magic The Honorable Jack St. Arnold

9:30am to Slaying the Debt Dragon: Conjuring Up Veterans’ Magic Potions: Psychotropic 10:30am Strategies for Using Bankruptcy Benefits Medications and Alternative and Foreclosure Defense Michael Hill Treatments Jill McDonald, Esq. Pam Seefeld, R.Ph

10:30am to Morning Break sponsored by Will Slicker and Grace Ignicio 10:50am Visit Exhibitors’ Showcase

10:50am to Oh, Crystal Ball: Should Dealing with the Mentally Ill: Guardians’ Bag of Tricks: Best 11:50am I Operate my Business as a Where’s the Magic Wand Placement for a Ward—at Home Sole Proprietor? LLC? or an When You Need It? or in a Facility? S Corporation? Phyllis Clark, NRG, Dee Wynn Cox, NRG Kathy Cormier, CPA Lee Ann Angelini, Windmoor Robert Elliott, NMG

11:50pm to Luncheon 1:50pm Ethics and Legislative Update, Senator Jack Latvala

1:50pm to Taking the Mystery Out of Dispelling Myths About Clients No Illusions: Ethics for Ordinary 2:50pm Proper Trust Administration With Developmental Disabilities and Extraordinary Care Charlie Robinson, Esq Sue Schramek, Advocare Trust Dr. Eric Carver

2:50pm to Abracadabra: Pulling the The Great Escape: Preparing Disappearing Act: Recognizing 3:50pm Assets Out of a Hat for a Disaster End of Life Cedric Powell, CLU Debbie Peck, FPEM Dr Bob Arnold

3:50pm to Afternoon Break 4:00pm Awarding Door Prizes Audio Visual Equipment sponsored by Arcadia Home Care & Staffing

4:00pm to Secret of Success: Self Care for the Healthcare Professional 5:00pm Dr Jim Messina 14 Conference Registration

Date: Friday, September 13, 2013 Time: 7:45am to 5:00pm

Location: St. Petersburg Hilton Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33716

Registration Fee: $ 105 for members, $ 200 for non-members. Non-members may enclose membership dues and enjoy the “member” registration rate.

What’s Included: Continental breakfast, refreshments at morning and afternoon breaks, exhibitor showcase, lunch and all conference materials.

Continuing Education: 7 credit hours will be provided for guardians through the Statewide Public Guardian- ship Office. 7 CLEs for attorneys approved by the Florida Bar. 6CE for Nursing, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT and ALF provided by SPC (CEBroker 50-2525).

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone needing reasonable accommodations or services should advise GAPC no later than August 20, 2013.

CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION FORM Please print legibly or type

Name ______Title or Profession ______Company ______Address______City, State, Zip______Phone __(______)______email: ______

Guardian SPGO Id number______For Nursing, LCSW/LMFT/LMHC, last 4 digits of Social Security # is required ______

Continuing Education Credit If requesting multiple CEU credits, check each separate CEU classification.

Category ___ guardian ___ attorney ___ Nursing ___ ALF ___LCSW/LMHC/LMFT Other ______

____ Member registration received before September 1 $ 105 $______Member registration received after September 1 $ 150 $______Non-member registration received before September 1 $ 200 $______Non-member registration received after September 1 $ 250 $______

____ Membership Dues, Guardian (8/1/13-7/31/14) $ 45 $______Membership Dues, Affiliate (8/1/13-7/31/14) $ 60 $______Membership Dues, Corporate (8/1/13-7/31/14) $ 75 $______

____ Lunch for extra guests ___ @ $ 35 each $______Total $______

Date paid ______Amount of payment ______check # ______paypal ______

Please make checks payable to the Guardian Association and mail to GAPC, Sue Schramek, Treasurer, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765 15 Computer Corner

By Bruce Wallace Professional Guardian

Computers, a.k.a. PC’s, can be complicat- into the card reader. Viola! There are my pic- ed, confusing and downright daunting. But when tures! In other words, it doesn’t take any software you look at the individual pieces that make up to- installation to make USB work for you. day’s modern machines, they really aren’t that hard to understand. If you Google USB Devices you will see many different devices that can easily be hooked up This month I’m talking about hardware to your computer to do a variety of tasks. A really which, according to Wikipedia, 'is the collection of neat thing I’ve used is SKYPE. It is a free down- physical elements that constitute a computer sys- load and you will need a web-cam enabled comput- tem.” Specifically I’m talking about USB or Uni- er to truly take advantage of real-time communica- versal Serial Bus devices which, as defined by tions. Wikipedia, are an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s that de- Other devices like “thumb fine the cables, connectors and com- drives”, memory sticks or whatever you munications protocols used in a bus want to call them are useful tools which for connection, communication and are USB-devices. One thumb drive I use power supply between computers and is to transfer data to my notebook com- electronic devices. puter. I use the computer in the field for making notes on contacts, etc. Since I For instance, a device on my have a wireless network in my SOHO desk is called the Kingston card read- (small office/home office), I can simply er. After taking many pictures with copy data files across my network instead my digital camera, I discovered my of physically using the “thumb drive” new desktop computer did NOT have approach. a card reader. USB is really easy and it works every In order to copy photos from the media time! Today’s printers are generally USB- card in my Fuji camera, I purchased a “USB- connected devices. And printers can also be wire- compatible” card reader this is easily connected to less. I have a wireless printer that hooks up to my one of my USB ports. A port is simply a place on network. As long as the device drivers are installed your computer that will accept a connection via a on the PC, I can print from my notebook computer USB cable. When I hooked up my Kingston card to my wireless printer. reader, Windows recognized it as another drive letter, in my case the letter “H”. Anytime I want to If you need assistance, I can help. If you transfer pictures to my computer, I simply remove have any questions about this article, please call my media card from my Fuji camera and insert it Bruce @ 727-585-0783 or 727-804-8933.

16 July 26 Breakfast Meeting

“What Happens After You Die”

Mark Grande Eternal Cremations Arden Courts 2855 Tampa Road Palm Harbor Eternal Cremation Services could be a one-stop shop for families requesting cremation after the death of a loved one. Owner Mark " Grande, who spoke at the July breakfast, provides At Need Direct Cremation Service which includes a death certificate for a reasonably low price and a slightly larger amount takes care of Pre-need arrange- ments with the purchase of an Urn and Administrative Package.

During his talk mark fielded questions from audience members, keeping the tone light and making the subject of death, which many people shy away from, more palatable to discussion.

17 “Medical Decisions Made by Surrogates for Persons with

Advanced Dementia Within Weeks or Months of Death”

by Peter V. Rabins, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kathryn L. Hicks, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Betty S. Black, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Foreword by Fernando Gutirrez: the difficulty of making decisions advance directive available. "I encourage Guardians, care- to not treat. Eighty percent of surrogates takers and families to google the article who had an advance directive and authors to review the full text of First, because most, if not available found it very helpful. this well written study. As a right con- all, individuals with advanced de- firmed in letters of guardianship to mentia lack decisional capacity; This supports the withhold or withdraw medical treat- decisions about their health care movement to encourage all ment, we owe it to our patients (wards) must be made by others. This limits adults to either appoint a to either study formally and informally the individual's ability to make health care agent or to express medical ethics or seek the assistance of medical decisions based on their their specific wishes for care in certified professionals to help us make values and wishes (autonomy). case they become decisionally critical decisions. Future studies that Furthermore, the lack of decisional incapacitated (Triplett et al. examine whether surrogates should be capacity means that individuals 2008). able to override a wish previously ex- who have previously executed an pressed by a now permanently incapac- advance directive cannot change Nonetheless, the fact an itated person are essential." these prior expressed or document- advance directive did not elim- ed wishes. inate the perceived degree of Background: Surrogates make all difficulty for many decisions, medical decisions for persons with ad- A large body of work has suggests that there are limits to vanced dementia. This study describes demonstrated that a high proportion “prophylactic” discussion of the types of medical decisions that sur- of health care costs are incurred potentially difficult decisions. rogates faced prior to the person’s within the final year of life. While death and their perceived difficulty and there are specific hospice criteria satisfaction with those decisions for dementia, the ability to predict death is not well established. Non- Methods: Seventy-six surrogates of specific symptoms likr shortness of nursing home residents meeting hos- breath, poor oral intake, bowel in- pice criteria for dementia were fol- continence, and not being awake lowed longitudinally and interviewed most of the day (Mitchell et al. following the death of the person with 2004) and a single episode of pneu- dementia. monia (Hicks, Rabins, and Black 2011) are better predictors of death Results: The most common decisions within 6 months than specific cog- made were related to transfer to hospi- nitive symptoms of dementia. tal, diagnostic testing, and placement of a feeding tube. Surrogates perceived Difficulty in accurately Servicing the Forever Young decisions to not treat to be more diffi- prognosticating is a barrier to the Generation And their families! cult than decisions to treat. appropriate use of hospice care for Making a Transition to a people with dementia (McCarty 55 and over community Retirement Community Conclusions: Surrogates frequently and Volicer,2009). Even in the set- Assisted Living Community are faced with making medical deci- ting of severe dementia, surrogates Work with a Senior Real Estate Specialist sions for persons with advanced de- find it difficult to decide to limit [email protected] mentia near the end of life. Clinicians treatment and evaluation, in spite can help surrogates by acknowledging of the fact that a majority had some 18

Guardian Association Membership Membership year: August 1 through July 31

Membership Application: ___New ___Renewal Date______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 ___Care Manager ___Finance/Banking ___Government/court personnel ___Other ______

Name ______Business Name/Organization ______Address______City______State______Zip______County ______home ______Fax______Email Address ______Website Address______

Please make check payable to Guardian Association. Mail to GAPC, c/o Sue Schramek, Treasurer, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765 To apply or renew membership online, please visit our website at www.guardianassociation.org Pay Pal Accepted. For more information contact: 727-791-3972