TheProfessional - Guardian Association of Pinellas

TheProfessional
MARCH 2015
Guardian
A publication by the Guardian Association of Pinellas County for the purpose of promoting advocacy & education.
Calendar
& Coming
Events
MARCH 17, 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
JENNIFER SHAWEN
Audit Supervisor
Clerk 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 Palms
RSVP to Association Website:
www.guardianassociation.org
MARCH 17, 3:30 P.M.
GAPC BOARD MEETING
REGAL PALMS
VERANDAH ROOM
MARCH 27, 9:00 A.M.
GAPC NETWORKING BREAKFAST
THE VILLAS AT LAKESIDE OAKS
1059 Virginia Street, Dunedin
RSVP to Association Website
www.guardianassociation.com
Regular Monthly Meeting
the third Tuesday of each month
at 5:30 p.m. at Cypress Palms
400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo
ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONS
P.O. Box 1826
Pinellas Park, FL 33780
1-954-866-GAPC (4272)
Info@guardianassociation.org
www.guardianassociation.org
FEATURED SPEAKERS
GAPC WELCOMES SPEAKERS FROM
PINELLAS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE
The Guardian Association of Pinellas County is pleased to announce
our March speakers will be Jennifer Shawen, Audit Supervisor and Jerome
Jordan, Proabe Court Records Manager from the Pinellas County Clerk of
the Circuit Court’s office. Our speakers will focus primarily on the
responsibilities of the Clerk’s Office as it relates to guardianship. They will
review the current forms used to audit a case, internal tracking mechanisms, annual reports, petitions for discharge, guardian fees and similar
items.
Jennifer Shawen began her career with the
Pinellas County Clerk of the Court in 1998 as a
CBE student and was hired full time after graduating
from Northeast High School in 1999. She worked
in the Probate section of the St Pete Branch office
until her promotion to the Court Assistance
Department in 2004. From 2004 until 2013
Jennifer worked as a Court Clerk keeping track of
Jennifer Shawen
the Court minutes for Criminal and Civil proceedings.
In April of 2013, Jennifer was promoted to the Audit Supervisor in
Probate Court Records. During her 15 plus years spent with the Clerk’s
Office, Jennifer earned a degree from St Petersburg College.
Jerome Jordan began his career with the Pinellas
County Clerk of the Court in 1999 as a full time
employee in the Civil Court Records department.
Since joining the Clerk’s Office he has earned several
promotions and has worked in numerous departments.
In January 2015, he assumed his current role as the
manager of the Probate Court Records Department.
During his tenure with the Clerk’s Office, Jerome
Jerome Jordan
has completed several degrees, to include an undergraduate degree in technology management and post graduate degrees in
organizational management and business administration.
Join us March 17th at Cypress Palms, 400 Lake Ave. N.E. in Largo for
an informative presentation. Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30. A great opportunity
for networking. Please RSVP to the Association website at:
www.guardianassociation.org
2015 Board of Directors
Officers
FROM THE DESK OF
President ...........................................Cynthia Van Vliet
253-3735
cynthiavanvliet@tampabay.rr.com
THE PRESIDENT
Vice President ................................................Ron Viele
533-6656
proguardian.tb@gmail.com
Treasurer...........................................LynnMarie Boltze
813-625-8734
lynnmarieguardian@gmail.com
Board Members
Tina Costa
813-334-3472
2
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 guardianship
reform. As an Association we are in the process of preparing
responses to these bills.
tcosta@arcadiahomecare.com
Mark Grande
785-0973
mark@eternalcremations.com
Fernando Gutierrez
776-2266
24-7guardian@email.com
Larry McDonough
668-8104
mcdonougholson@aol.com
Trisha Randall
553-5100
trandall@seniorlivingonline.com
Dale Smrekar
813-244-4160
das@ij.net.com
Bruce Wallace
804-8933
pinellasguardian@yahoo.com
Past President
Sue Schramek
791-3972
advocaretrustinc@verizon.net
Committees
By-Laws/Ethics/Legislation Committee
Ron Viele, Chair; Dale Smrekar, Co-Chair
Conference Committee
LynnMarie Boltze, Chair; Cynthia Van Vliet, Co-Chair
Education Committee
Fernando Gutierrez, Chair; Bruce Wallace, Co-Chair
Membership/Public Relations Committee
Trisha Randall, Chair; Mark Grande, Co-Chair
New Member Mentoring Committee
Cynthia Van Vliet, Fernando Guttierrez,
Larry McDonough, Ron Viele
Newsletter Editor & Breakfast Facilities Coordinator
Phyllis Johnson
596-8919 or pjohns3@tampabay.rr.com
Association Contact Information
info@guardianassociation.org
1-954-866-GAPC (4272)
HB5, supported by Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, gives
clerks the authority to refer cases of wrongdoing for criminal
prosecution; allows judges to order mediation at any point in the
process; attempts to curb the practice of bickering over attorney
and guardian fees; and defines a guardian’s duties to honor a
ward’s desire and file accurate reports to the court.
An identical companion Senate bill, SB 360, is sponsored by
Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland.
An additional bill (SB1226) filed by Sen. Nancy Deter, RVenice, would establish an Office of Public and Professional
Guardians to certify and supervise the court-appointed guardians.
Our Board of Directors will keep members apprised of any
additional bills that may affect how Professional and Family
guardians interact with the court system.
The second in a series of "New Guardian luncheons" was held
at Bayfront Center the end of February. We will alert new
guardians regarding details for the next luncheon to be
scheduled in the near future.
CYNTHIA
cynthiavanvliet@tampabay.rr.com
At the March 17 General Membership
Meeting we will have a drawing for
a $25 gift card and the winner will
be profiled in an article in the
next e-Newsletter.
3
ASSOCIATION INFO
MARCH NETWORKING BREAKFAST
As founder and CEO of Keeping Us Safe,
Matt Gurwell’s mission is to provide strategies
and guidance to seniors that will help them
to continue driving safely until the decision is
made to retire from their driving career. He
also provides an excellent array of services
and resources for both families and professionals
as they deal with topics related to the aging process and its adverse
effects on driving' s very sensitive issues.
Matt retired from a 24-year career as an Assistant District
Commander with the Ohio State Highway Patrol in the spring of
2005. His creative, innovative and common sense approach,
combined with his uncanny ability to bring calm and resolve to
stressful situations without ever jeopardizing the dignity of others, has
contributed greatly to the success of Keeping Us Safe's programs.
WE ARE MAKING
OURSELVES MORE
VISIBLE!
https://facebook.com/
GuardianAssociation
Pinellas
Guardians and Healthcare
professionals can exchange
ideas, ask questions, seek
solutions, and check out
networking events.
SAY IT ISN’T SO.....
LAVERNE WELCH RETIRES!
Laverne Welch, who officially
retired last month from her
community relations coordinator
post at Grand Villa of Largo,
describes herself as a "Reliable,
High-Energy Team Player". This
certainly proved to be the case in
the years she served on the
Guardian Board of Directors as
Education Committee chair.
Laverne Welch
Laverne has worked in various
capacities throughout her career including nursing, sales and
marketing, customer service, human resources, catering and
hospitality and instructing in a geriatric aide course.
Migrating from Canada to Florida, Laverne has also been
co-owner/operator/administrator of nursing homes and
health care services in Gagerstown, New Brunswick, Canada.
Locally, she has been past chair of the Ambassador's
Committee of the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce,
was on the Board of Directors for the Seminole Chamber of
Commerce and Membership Chair on the Board for the
Largo Rotary Club.
Her retirement leaves a position open on the Guardian
Board of Directors which we would like to fill as quickly as
possible. Interested parties, please contact the GAPC office
at 1-954-866-GAPC (4272) or Info@guardianassociation.org.
The Guardian Association of
Pinellas County
encourages all members
and/or vendors to utilize
PayPal for all transactions
with the GAPC.
IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM
Gold identification badges are available to members for $15
Badges 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
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
4
Administrative Office of the Courts
The Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida
14250 49th Street North, Suite 2000
Clearwater, Florida 33762 (727) 453-7176
Suncom: 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 of
the 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 to
seek re-election after serving three two-year terms. The term for Rondolino, who has been a judge in the circuit
since 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 staff
within the sixth circuit, which serves almost 1.5 million residents in the two counties. Forty-five circuit judges and
24 county judges preside over court proceedings in seven locations and are supported by an administrative staff of
approximately 235.
Judge Rondolino has served as a circuit judge longer than any other in the sixth circuit except for one, and he
has played a role in roughly 300 jury trials, either during his 15 years as a lawyer or during his 25 years on the
bench. While a judge, he has presided over a wide range of civil cases, including accident claims, medical
malpractice 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’s
criminal 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 University
School of Law in 1974, and shortly thereafter joined the local public defender’s office, rising to the position of
chief 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 and
committees, including the Child Support Enforcement Coordinating Council, of which he was the chairman, and
the Pinellas County Domestic Violence Task Force; His awards include the St. Petersburg Bar Association’s Judicial
Appreciation Award, the William Castagna Award for Judicial Excellence, and in 1988 he was named Outstanding
Assistant 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 with
limited resources," McGrady said. "We were able to succeed by providing timely justice to those who would appear
before 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 20,000
mortgage foreclosure cases, started up veterans’ treatment courts in both counties, and helped establish Pinellas
Safe Harbor, the county’s homeless shelter.
Regular Membership Meeting
Cypress Palms, Largo
February
17th
“‘Don't wait until you are in a desperate
situation to seek help,” warned Nick Barton
(pictured left), February speaker at the regular
Guardian meeting, who is founder and CEO
of AGED (Advocates and Guardians for the
Elderly and Disabled). Illustrating how his
company could alleviate certain problems, he
gave a power point presentation with topics
including: What is a Special Needs Trust;
Federal, Social Security and Medicaid Codes;
Disability; SSI/Medicaid related Programs and
Benefits; Pooled Special Needs Trusts;
Guardianship Benevolent Fund; Helpful
Websites. Nick can be reached at (407)6824111, email nick@trustaged.org.
5
6
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).
Bob Lonardo
Licensed Insurance Agent
Life / Health / Medicare / Long-Term Care
CELL: 727-743-8124
OFFICE 727-216-6925
blonardo@HealthMarkets.com
www.HealthMarkets.com/blonardo
Important Information for Our Membership
7
Greetings fellow GAPC members,
Another Florida Legislative session is well underway. Two major proposed pieces of legislation directly affecting
guardians have emerged. The links for several documents are provided for your personal review throughout this
letter. 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 House
Representative, multiple committee member, Civil Justice Subcommittee Chair, Judicial Committee Vice
Chair, and attorney from Naples, FL.
NOTE: For those of you interested non-guardians, the link "HR Staff Analysis HB5.pdf " contains an educational
overview of guardianship and how the proposed legislative changes will affect it. It may be the reading you would prefer
to 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 guardianship
and handling of transition of health care decision making from a previously established decision maker to
an 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 that
they are/were the ETG.
• Code defining guardian abuse, neglect, and exploitation added to section 744 (guardianship) that was, in
the past, generally covered and defined as elder abuse in other elder law sections and addressed in the
Florida and National Guardian Codes of ethics. Adding language to 744 appears to open the door to
greater 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 and
protection 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 by
moving 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 increasing
publicity given to the "horror stories" of ward isolation and other ward exploitation by court appointed
guardians. I personally would find the bill as originally submitted to contain changes that, aside from creating
potential for future conflict over "reasonable fees," were understandable and generally somewhat acceptable to
live with. However, a series of events and changes beginning in early January have raised some BIG red flags for
guardians. I will focus on the most disturbing issues and let each reader elect to do his own research on other
bill 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 Elder
Abuse and Human Trafficking)
Review of the workshop overview quickly leads the reader to conclude that the workshop was the impetus for
radical and unreasonable changes to HB 5 in committee. Incidentally, there was no guardianship representation
continued page 8
Important Information for Our Membership....continued
8
at the workshop. Can we suspect that none were invited? Linked file, "20150112 memo to Bill Hennessey and
Pete 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 of
Anthony 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 into
consideration conflicts arising under this chapter, unless the Court makes a determination that a specific
professional 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 education
requirements.
As a result of the workshop, additional follow-up documents, and further correspondence, the following radical
and detrimental subparagraphs were added to the committee's amended bill (excerpted from the link "PCS for
HB 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 guardians
deemed qualified by the chief judge of the circuit. However, the court may appoint a professional guardian
without 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 the
permanent guardian of the ward unless such professional guardian had been designated as a standby guardian
or pre-need guardian.
If you share my and other guardians' concerns over how this proposed legislation would hinder our ability to
operate independently and build viable guardianship businesses through the individual relationships we
cultivate, 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 committee
workshop), and is a sister bill to HB 5. Though it contains the amended language in (4) above, it currently does
not contain (5) nor (6). It does contain some changes I personally find disturbing. I encourage you to read it
and the other attached documents if you wish to have a deeper understanding of the underlying issues and the
players 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 forward
to Pinellas County representatives.
Thank you all for your attention and future participation in our legislative process.
Best regards,
Ron Viele
Chairman, BEL committee
Professional Guardian
VP, GAPC BOD
Phn: 727-533-6656
Fax: 727-533-6106
ProGuardian.tb@gmail.com
9
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The Association
has 150
1” notebooks
for sale.
For more
information call
Cynthia Van Vliet
at
(727) 253-3735.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
10
Office 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 to
another wonderful year in 2015 and to working with you to meet the needs of your clients. We
are committed to continuing to provide the exceptional customer service that you have grown
accustomed to over the years.
A few updates and reminders:
• Bond Approval Fee: All guardianship bonds have an $8.50 bond approval fee. This
fee is due when the bond is submitted to our office. When filing your guardianship bond
please 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 down
account number and that you are authorizing the Clerk’s Office to charge your account for
the fees. This will save you time.
• Re-Location of Wards: When changes are made to the ward’s address from one
facility to another, please make sure you send notification of the change of address to our
office as soon as possible. This will ensure that our records accurately reflect the location of
your client.
• Annual Fees: Don’t forget to pay your 2015 Annual Professional Guardianship
maintenance fee of $7.50 to the Clerk of the Court. We do not want you to experience any
unnecessary delays in the processing of your cases.
• Probate Forms: Be on the lookout for a change in the requirement to use the new
Broward Smart Guardianship forms and to discontinue the use of the current forms. Until there
is 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 articles
please email your suggestions to: jdjordan@pinellascounty.org.
Additionally, we offer tours of the Clerk’s Probate Department. Tours usually last
between one and two hours, depending on what you and the other tour guests
would like to see. Tours provide a good opportunity to meet staff assisting with
your cases and to understand how we process the work submitted to our office.
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
"Sometimes all you need is
someone to listen..really listen"
11
by Mary Jane Cronin
Twenty-five percent of the working population on any given day would say they are
stressed or overwhelmed. Work related stress
can negatively affect the lives and health and
safety of workers. Health care workers are
subject to stresses that workers in other fields
of work do not experience. Examples include
the death of a patient, being responsible for
the care of several patients in critical condition
and being assaulted by a patient. Here are five
ways that stress can affect the body and
lead to an unproductive working
experience.
Cognitively or the way your
brain thinks about things may be
altered to the point of feeling like
you are going “crazy” at times.
Withdrawing into yourself and not
wanting to talk to anyone, when
you are usually a sociable kind of
person. “At times I couldn’t find my
keys when I wanted to go out of the
house, or I would leave the house and forget
where I was going”. When the brain is on
overload things get missed. Appointments,
messages from phone calls may not get written down and are later forgotten.
Physically our body responds to stress the
same way we do with grief. Changes such as
this in our lives can cause us headaches as
well as heartaches. Headaches can come
from not sleeping enough, from fear, or tension to resolve the situation. Heartaches or
feeling weary due to heaviness in the chest is
often experienced as a by-product of this
exhaustion and can seem as if one is walking
through a fog. The physical ability you once
had may seem to have disappeared, only to
be replaced by a desire to sleep more often.
Emotional responses
are familiar to anyone
who has experienced
stress. Those suffering
Mary Jane Cronin
from stress may be
surprised at some of
the emotions surfacing. “I had bouts of crying,
being angry at those close to me, and had a
shorter temper. I did not trust my feelings or
the intensions of others”. Being responsible
for someone else’s care when you are
emotionally absent can result in poor
decision making and may put that
recipient at risk. If not addressed
and managed, these emotions
can come to the surface as one
struggles to make sense out of a
senseless situation.
Socially those suffering from
stress 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 I
thought I had had become a fallacy. Not wanting to experience the hurt I was feeling now, l
refused invitations of support and comfort”.
Spiritually or how a person has been raised
and their faith beliefs can affect their response
to stress. For some their upbringing and the
life they are now living are out of balance, and
they may find themselves angry with God. For
others, their spiritually can be a comfort or
cause as they feel God has a plan for them,
and this too shall pass.
Being aware and accepting that stress
affects our body in various ways is important
continued on page 12
SOMETIMES ALL YOU ...continued
12
to the healing process of stress and the selfcare that follows. Finding an activity that can
take your mind off of your situation can bring
some comfort. Journal writing is one of the
activities that can be a helpful tool when one
is feeling stressed. As one begins to list the
problems, they also begin to formulate
options and begin writing out a plan to
reduce the stress. To reduce that stress
you’re feeling…start by jotting it down - sorting it out…and begin to relax.
Mary Jane Cronin had been working for Suncoast
Hospice as a Licensed Mental Health counselor for ten
years.. She became aware of the lack of emotional support available for those providing care to others. Taking
a “leap of faith” Mary Jane opened her own counseling
office in February 2015, Cronin Counseling and
Coaching at 1301 Seminole Blvd D-138 in Largo.
Mary Jane is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and
has worked with various populations in Pinellas
County for over 17 years. She raised four sons and has
been a resident of Largo for 38 years.
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13
GRACE is a 5 Letter Word
Living it up to live longer
by DAVID BERNSTEIN, M.D.
PART 2 - The first three elements in Dr. Bernstein's acronym
GRACE (goals - roots - attitude) were discussed last month and
conclude here with companionship and environment.
Dr. David Bernstein
C – COMPANIONSHIP
Companionship has to do with having strong
personal relationships and intimacy. I have had the
great fortune to observe this dynamic among many
couples I have taken care of over the years. It is that
special bond that holds people together, the sharing of
raising children or having a pet or working together
professionally or on community projects.
Mary Brown brought her parents to my office one
day after they moved them from Delaware to Florida.
I had known Mary for many years as our children went
to the same school, but prior to this visit I had never
met her parents. They had been married for 60 years.
He was a very intelligent man and had been involved
in planning and engineering while living in Delaware.
His wife, a very supportive woman, was his pride and
joy. At their first visit, Mary told me how devoted they
were to one another and how protective they were of
one another as well. The reason they had moved was
that they could no longer take care of themselves as
they both had dementia and he had heart problems.
They were a cute, adorable and endearing couple for
the entire time I took care of them.
Mary and others who knew them well would describe
them as inseparable. They covered up for each other's
cognitive shortcomings, which ultimately made it
difficult to figure out exactly what was going on in
their lives. As time went on, his bathing and grooming
habits deteriorated and she became very protective of
his 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 office
and fractured her hip. This incident was the beginning
of 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 hospitalization
was short but she needed to be in a nursing home to
recover. The husband was beside himself with loneliness.
I had never truly realized just how close these two
people were until I learned from administrators at
their retirement community and the nursing home
that they were constantly holding hands. To my
disbelief, when I inquired further, I was informed that
despite their older age and maladies, they slept in the
same bed and held hands all night long; when they
were at the dinner table, they constantly gazed into
each other's eyes. What love they had for each other!
Their companionship supported them and kept them
independent and alive.
E – ENVIRONMENT
The environment in which we live plays a major role
in how we maintain our health. The choices people
make to practice healthy lifestyles are key attributes to a
longer, happier and more fulfilling life. In my practice,
I tend to see more people who have unhealthy habits
because as people make poor or unhealthy choices, it
leads to more illness and need for medical care. Did
you know that over the past 50 years the following 5
things have grown at the same rate: the number of fast
food restaurants, the number of television stations, the
percentage of the population with obesity, the number
of diabetics, and the number of prescriptions for
antidepressants? These are alarming statistics that
indicate the role of environment in health and longevity.
Betty is a 72-year-old patient whom I have treated
for several years. She has been resistant to accepting
my interventions to improve her health and reduce her
potential to die of a heart attack. She is obese, has
diabetes and high
continued on page 14
cholesterol—and
14
GRACE is a 5 Letter Word...continued
she smokes. Her diet is
unrestricted and she
does not exercise. She
pleads with me for one
more chance every time I
recommend placing her
on more medication.
She is unwilling or
unable to make any
lifestyle changes to
reduce her risk – she
simply will not change her environment. Yet her
environment will kill her. On the other hand, I do have
countless patients who see me very infrequently as they
have created favorable environments for themselves.
Robin is one of my patients who takes her health
very seriously. She is a slender, 48-year-old married
woman and mother of 2 teenage boys. In the 20-plus
years I have known her she has been a great example of
what I mean by interacting well with the environment.
She has maintained her ideal body weight, performs
both cardiovascular exercises and yoga a minimum of
2 days each a week. She eats a low fat, mostly organic
diet free of high-fructose products. She has an annual
exam including a mammogram and takes the opportunity
to review her tests results carefully. When I diagnosed
her with an underactive thyroid condition she educated
herself on the condition and resisted taking medication
for a few months before consenting to follow the
advice of her physician (me). She makes sure to get
the proper amount of sleep every night (7 to 8 hours)
and she flosses her teeth daily (no doubt because she is
a 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 family
so 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 Beyond
By David Bernstein, MD
He is a graduate of Albany Medical College and is an
associate clinical professor in the department of medicine at the University Of South Florida College Of
Medicine.
Dr Bernstein can be reached via his
Website/Blog: www.davidbernsteinmd.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidbernstein2200
Facebook & Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/davidbernsteinmd
Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbernsteinmd
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/davidbernsteinmd
MARCH is
Brain Injury Awareness Month
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) leads
the nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month
by conducting an awareness campaign in March each
year. The theme for the 2015 to 2017 campaign is:
Not Alone. The campaign provides a platform for
educating the general public about the incidence of
brain injury and the needs of people with brain injuries
and their families. It also lends itself to outreach within
the brain injury community to de-stigmatize the injury,
empower those who have survived, and promote the
many types of support that are available.
According to the BIAA, each year an estimated 2.4
million children and adults in the US sustain a traumatic
brain injury (TBI), and another 795,000 individuals
sustain an acquired brain injury (ABI) from no traumatic
causes. TBIs can affect the functionality of the brain –
affecting thinking, reasoning, and memory. Whether
the victim is an adult, a child, or an infant, TBIs can
have a major impact on individuals and their families.
15
Villas & Apartments for Seniors...
A Safe & Secure place to call home.
Full Continuum of Care Community in Largo,
offering Senior Amenities & Services.
727-581-9427, ext. 2052 • www.oakmanorliving.com
The Palms of Largo is an Independent, Assisted & Memory Care Campus!
16
Computer Corner
by Bruce Wallace
Professional Guardian
“The Thinker”
Everyone uses stamps! Whether you travel to the post office and stand in line
to purchase your stamps, fax an order to your local post office or use a service by
www.stamps.com you still depend on stamps to mail your ward’s bills and
documents to your attorney’s office.
I resorted to using a postage scale and the website supported by
USPS.COM to apply the proper postage to envelopes of all sizes. If you wish to print your own
postage you can certainly check out www.stamps.com but be aware there is an ongoing monthly
fee of $15.95 to use their service and system. I have faxed stamp orders in the past but it does
involve more handling of forms and I chose to stick to the traditional postage scale and USPS’s website to calculate postage. Obviously if the envelope is a number 10 (standard) you will probably only
apply the current postage of 49 cents. Forever stamps come to mind? Who knows when the USPS
will raise their rates again!
Using a postage scale I incorporate USPS website at http://postcalc.usps.gov/. The first box
that probably should always be used talks about Destination. The USA is the default. The second box
talks about the From Zip code which should be your location. The destination zip code is the zip code
you are mailing the item to. Question 5 relates to either Flat Rate Service or the shape (large mailing
envelope), etc. Click the appropriate radio button. Question 6 relates to the weight. This is where my
postage scale comes into play. Enter the weight and then click Continue. The next screen that appears
refers to envelopes that may be too rigid, not square or rectangle or is thicker than ?”. Click the check
box if appropriate. Click Continue.
The final screen has a checkbox at the top “Display all options”. Click that box. You will
be presented with an array of mailing choices. Locate the one that is appropriate and you will find how
much postage to apply to your mailing piece. No guesswork and the correct amount of stamps are at
your fingertips.
If you need assistance or have any questions, please call Bruce @ 727-585-0783 or 727-804-8933.
That
This ‘n
❖ Linda Burhan's new company, linda@harmonyhh.com or 727-365-8383.
"Caregivers, Connecting, Coaching ❖ Mel Coppola, former Guardian Association Board
and Resources" is a continuation
of the work she has been doing with
Harmony for the past 5 years.
Linda is a best selling author and
nationally renowned speaker and
experienced caregiver coach. In Linda's new venture,
she will continue to focus on supporting family caregivers as a caregiver coach, educator and advocate. She
has a new book coming out called "Connecting
Caregivers: Answers to Questions You Didn't Know
That You Needed to Ask". She can be reached at
member and former staff member of Griswold Home
Care has also branched out to form her own company,
“Hearts In Care, LLC” dedicated to enriching the care
experience through advocacy, coaching and education.
She will be a guest speaker at the March 4th Brunch 'n
Learn, The Fountains of Boca Ciega Bay to talk about
her
. transition.
❖ Frank Rodante will be with the Molina Healthcare
team in Tallahassee on March 11th , to interact with
our legislators to make them aware of the issues facing
underserved seniors, families and children..
17
ADVERTISE
In The Professional Guardian Newsletter
Advertising Rates
Full page, 1 month,
Sponsoring
1/2 page
$250.00
$130.00*
1/4 page
$ 80.00*
1/8 page business card
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 that
$ 50.00*
* Per month with 3 month minimum
Send camera ready color ads and payment, as
well as editorial copy to:
Phyllis Johnson
One Windrush Blvd., #55
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
email: pjohns3@tampabay.rr.com
telephone: (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.
specializes in the care and services for individuals with:
brain injury • difficult dementia
post traumatic stress disorder
other behavioral associated conditions
TBI Offers:
TOUR TODAY!
• Licensed
(727) 938-6800
assisted living
2563 KEYSTONE ROAD
community in
TARPON SPRINGS, FL
a secure setting
• Computerized Medication Management
to 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
Assisted Living Facility H 9034
F
WH
Cen
resid
Com
Priv
Apa
in c
FEBRUARY COMMUNITY CALENDAR
18
To advertise your event on this calendar,
submit information to Phyllis Johnson at pjohns3@tampabay.rr.com by 3/17
4:30 3/5
Thurs. 6:00 PM
Trinity Area
Marketing Mix (TAMM)
3/6
Wed.
VA & SPC 16th Annual
Psychiatric
Update/Conference
7:30 AM3:30 PM
(Non VA Employees $64))
Brass Tap
10700 State Road 54
Trinity
RSVP Monee
(727) 843-8878
Banquet Masters
13355 49th Street N.
Clearwater
Registration & Info,
call (727) 341-3393
Grand Villa - Largo
750 Starkey Road
Largo
RSVP by 3/10
(727) 586-0108
3/11
Wed.
Rise & Shine! Motivational
9:30 AM
Marketing Breakfast
3/11
Wed.
1:30 2:15 PM
Catch Yourself Before
You Fall
Gulfport Senior Center
5501 27th Avenue So.
Gulfport
For more info, contact
Katherine Campbell @
(727) 487-1243
3/11
Wed.
5:00 6:30 PM
Wine Down Wednesday
Princeton Village
333 16th Avenue S.E.
Largo
RSVP Cintia
(727) 588-0020
3/12
Thurs.
10:00
AM
Referral Networking
Group
Princeton Village
333 16th Avenue S.E.
Largo
RSVP Cintia
(727) 588-0020
3/12
Thurs.
1:30 3:00 PM
Medicaid & Asset
Protection
Grand Villa - Largo
750 Starkey Road
Largo
RSVP by 3/11
(727) 586-0108
3/12
Thurs.
4:30 7:00 PM
Doctor’s Choice
Open House
Doctor’s Choice
11152 Starkey Road
Largo
For more info:
(727) 498-8600
Chomp ‘n Chat
Horizon Bay Clearwater
3141 N. McMullen Booth
Road, Clearwaterr
RSVP Michelle
(727) 723-7110
Guardian Association
Regular Meeting
Cypress Palms
400 Lake Avenue
Largo
Networking Meeting
Largo Medical Center
201 14th St. SW
Largo
RSVP to
588-5788
Location TBA
RSVP Bijou
(813) 330-6796
9:00 3/13
Fri. 10:30 AM
3/17
Tues.
5:30
PM
3/17 11:00 AM
Tues.
12:30 PM
3/18
Wed.
11:30
AM
Speaker: Wa;t Shurden, Esq.
FALA - Pinellas
Members $10/
Non-members $15
RSVP to website:
www.guardianassociation.org
FEBRUARY COMMUNITY CALENDAR
19
To advertise your event on this calendar,
submit information to Phyllis Johnson at pjohns3@tampabay.rr.com by 3/17
4:30 PM
No Name
Marketing Group
Rumba’s Restaurant
3687 Tarpon Road
Oldsmar
for more info:
call Terri: (727) 403-0017
7:309:30 AM
Pancake Breakfast
for Professionals
Brookdale - Countryside
3260 N McMullen Booth Rd
Clearwater
RSVP
(727) 726-5090
9:00 3/19
10:00
AM
Thurs.
Casual Networking
Breakfast
Westminster Shores
125 56th Ave. S.
St. Petersburg
RSVP/ Into to Jennifer
(727) 641-4222
The Barrington
901 Seminole Blvd.
Largo
RSVP Dawn Gretter
(727) 585-5900
Grand Villa - St. Pete
3600 34th Street South
St. Petersburg
RSVP
(727) 219-9722
Arden Courts
9300 Antilles Dr.
Seminole
RSVP to Bernadette
(727) 517-7800
3/18
Wed..
3/19
Thurs.
3/19 11:00 AM
Thurs. NEW TIME
Professional Women
in Healthcare
(Mid-County)
3/24
Tues.
10:00 11:30
AM
Professional Women
in Healthcare
3/25
Wed.
8:30
AM
Monthly Networking
Breakfast
3/26
Thurs.
(South County)
First Baptist Church St. Pete
7:00 AM Hurricanes & Healthcare
1900 Gandy Blvd. N.
(6 possible CEU’s through SPC)
-4:30 PM
$79 registration
St. Petersburg
3/27
Fri.
9:00
AM
Guardian Association
Monthly Breakfast
3/28
Sat.
8:30 AM 1:00 PM
9th Annual Caregiver’s
Conference
4/1
Wed.
8:30 10:00
AM
(registration required)
North County
Guardian Support Group
Registration / Info:
(727) 341-3393
The Villas at Lakeside Oaks
RSVP to website:
1059 Virginia Street
www.guardianassociation.org
Dunedin
Enoch Davis Center
1111 18th Avenue So.
St. Petersburg
For info & registration by
3/20: (727) 321-9444
Perkins Restaurant
2375 Curlew Road
Dunedin
RSVP Irene Rausch
(727) 784-4200
The Fountains at Boca Ciega
Bay, 1255 Pasadena Ave.,
St. Petersburg
RSVP
(727) 347-2169
4/1
Wed.
9:00 10:30 AM
4/1
Wed.
Belleview Biltmore Golf Club
4:00 RSVP Gerri: gfortino@
Belleair Besties 1501 Indian Rocks Rd.
6:00 PM a new networking group
belleviewbiltmoregolf.com
Belleair
Brunch & Learn
20
February Networking Breakfast
Our Speaker (above),
Arwyn Elden, LCSW
Empath Health / Choices for Care
February
27th
at
WESTMINSTER
SHORES
Arwyn Elden, LCSW, Facilitator/Instructor for
Empath Health / Choices for Care, effectively
spelled out the benefits of an early health care plan
to ensure wishes are honored based on a person's
values and medical treatment preferences. Contact
Arwyn at 536-7364 for questions. Her presentation
is on the GAPC website.
21
Guardian Association
Membership Request
of Pinellas County, Inc.
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
Assisted Living Facility
Attorney
Care Manager
Other
Family Guardian
Nursing / Rehab Facility
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
Finance / Banking
Health Care Agency
Power of Attorney (POA)
Government / Court Personnel
Name
Business Name/Organization
Address
State
City
County
Email Address
Zip
Fax
Home Phone
Website Address
Please make check payable to Guardian Association. Mail to GAPC, P.O. Box 1826, Pinellas Park, FL 33780
To apply or renew membership online, please visit our website at www.guardianassociation.org
Pay Pal Accepted. For more information contact: 813-625-8734.