A recent article on the CBS New York website, reported by Brian Conybeare, presented a story that graphically illustrates the plight that many seniors face in regards to the senior housing issue. In White Plains, NY, the residents of a senior living complex are being ordered to move out, as the owner intends to convert their housing units into luxury apartments. Needless to say the residents are not pleased, some even going so far as to say the forced move was "destroying them and their families." While the owner of the complex has made it clear that no one will be homeless, offering housing in temporary rooms in another building across the street, this does little to satisfy some of the residents who consider this to be their "last stop".
Certainly the decision to enter a senior housing facility is a good plan for some people. However, even the best laid plans can go awry. What do we do then? In regards to planning for senior care, it would not be possible to plan for every conceivable scenario. The key to peace of mind is to have a plan that accounts for every likely possibility. That is not only possible - it is necessary. But people new to caregiving for seniors are overwhelmed with options. There are too many choices - most of them difficult and confusing. First time senior caregivers are often overwhelmed.
Cynthia Neher Martindale, author of 'Graceful Last Chapters: Helping Seniors Who Need More Care', is a veteran of all things senior-related. In 'Graceful Last Chapters', she shares her twenty years of experience with senior care in a voice filled with compassion, understanding, and an insider's point of view. As the primary caregiver for her parents in their declining years, as a sales and marketing director for senior living communities, and as a lawyer, Ms. Martindale brings readers a valuable resource about caring for aging loved ones. The book is filled with support and guidance for caregivers, clearly defined options for care, and the ways and means for readers to craft their own successful journey through caregiving challenges and heartbreak. Ms. Martindale offers readers fundamental knowledge, hope, a sense of identity and, ultimately, a path toward peace of mind.
"Reader's first response to the sudden closing of New York's Esplanade Senior Living Residence will likely be outrage and empathy for residents and their family members,” Martindale stated. “After all, each senior's personal journey to choose the Esplanade as their new home was complex and exhausting in itself. There were discussions and decision making, touring options, downsizing, packing, moving, adjustments, making new friends and, hopefully, eventually, significant pleasure. And now they have to do it all over again? The relocating residents and their families can expect some difficult days ahead, but could this situation have been prevented? The answer is yes.”
Martindale cautions, “As a shopping consumer of adult care communities, always be certain the facility is appropriately licensed by the state's Department of Health. Certification verifies adult care facilities meet regulatory standards for personal care and supervision. Ideally the license will be prominently displayed in a public area of the community, but if not, ask to see it. If the community is not licensed, and the Esplanade was not, the risk is unacceptable. Senior living residents may always be disappointed by the occasional surprise change in management, personnel, or programming that disappoint, but the situation at the Esplanade is a different animal altogether. The blame is clearly on the Esplanade for failure to comply with the law, but always remember, caveat emptor -- buyer beware."
Martindale combines her education, business expertise, and personal experiences to bring readers a valuable resource about caring for aging loved ones. [Her academic accomplishments include degrees from Hillsdale College (B.A. in English), Northern Illinois University (M.A. in English), and Valparaiso University School of Law (J.D.).] 'Graceful Last Chapters: Helping Seniors Who Need More Care' is the result of her years as both a sales and marketing director for senior living communities and as the primary caregiver for her parents.
The book's twenty-seven chapters are grouped into seven sections: (One) Considering Long-Term Care Options; (Two) Caregiving Challenges; (Three) Creating a Plan; (Four) Aging in Place With Additional Care; (Five) Senior Living Communities; (Six) Touring Senior Communities; and (Seven) After the Bloom Fades. The chapters build gradually to mimic the progression of the journey caregivers take with their senior loved one, whether that individual is their mother, father, aunt, uncle, sibling, spouse, friend, or neighbor.
'Graceful Last Chapters' has achieved a perfect 5 star rating on Amazon. One reviewer stated, "It is rare to encounter such an obviously experienced counselor in the field of Senior Care as Cynthia who demonstrates on every page of this impressive and ultimately authoritarian guide such tenderness, calm and candor." Another said, "This book captures not only the practical information on choices for seniors but it deals with the tougher emotional side of caring for loved ones as they age."
Cynthia Martindale is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cindy@martindalecopywriting.com. 'Graceful Last Chapters: Helping Seniors Who Need More Care' is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. More information is available at http://www.bookforcaregivers.com.
About Cynthia Neher Martindale:
Cynthia Neher Martindale holds degrees from Hillsdale College (B.A. in English), Northern Illinois University (M.A. in English), and Valparaiso University School of Law (J.D.). Graceful Last Chapters: Helping Seniors Who Need More Care is the result of her years as both a sales and marketing director for senior living communities and as the primary caregiver for her parents. She lives in Flossmoor, Illinois, with her husband and son.
Contact:
Cynthia Neher Martindale
cindy@martindalecopywriting.com
http://www.bookforcaregivers.com
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