Here is a great article from Paula Span from the New York Times.

Here is a more positive view on social interaction compared to our last post!

Here is a great piece from the Alzheimer’s Association that discusses important aspects of dementia and how to deal with increased aggressive behavior.

The chief cause of behavioral symptoms is the progressive deterioration of brain cells. However, environmental influences can also cause symptoms or make them worse. Aggression can be caused by many factors including physical discomfort, environmental factors and poor communication. Aggressive behaviors can occur suddenly, with no apparent reason, or can result from a frustrating situation. If the person is aggressive, consider the following:

Physical discomfort

• Is the person tired because of inadequate rest or sleep?
• Are medications causing side effects? Side effects are especially likely to occur when individuals are taking multiple medications for several health conditions.
• Is the person unable to let you know he or she is experiencing pain?

Environmental factors

• Is the person overstimulated by loud noises, an overactive environment or physical clutter?
• Does the person feel lost ?

Poor communication

• Are you asking too may questions or making too many statements at once?
• Are your instructions simple and easy to understand?
• Is the person picking up on your own stress and irritability?
• Are you being negative or critical?

The best way to react is then: to back off and ask permission; use calm, positive statements; reassure; slow down; add light; offer guided choices between two options; focus on pleasant events; offer simple exercise options, try to limit stimulation.
You can also say things such as: May I help you? Do you have time to help me? You’re safe here. Everything is under control. I apologize. I’m sorry that you are upset. I know it’s hard. I will stay with you until you feel better.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a ruling affirming a 2009 jury verdict, where HCP (NYSE:HCP) must award approximately $102 million in damages to Ventas, Inc (NYSE: VTR).

According to Ventas, the lawsuit was filed due to tortious interference with business expectation arising out of its acquisition of Sunrise Senior Living REIT in April 2007.  The court also reversed a previous decision to block Ventas from seeking punitive damages against HCP for its conduct.

“In light of the evidence presented at trial, we believe it was error for the district court to prevent the jury from considering an award of punitive damages,” said court documents. “Accordingly, we reverse the decision of the district court as to punitive damages, and remand with instructions that the matter proceed to trial on the single issue of punitive damages.”

Ventas originally sought approximately $300 million in compensatory damages as well as punitive damages.

Ventas is a leading healthcare real estate investment trust with diverse portfolio of more than 700 assets in 44 states and two Canadian provinces consists of seniors housing communities, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, medical office buildings and other properties.

HCP said it’s reviewing the Sixth Circuit’s opinion to determine its options with respect to the ruling.

The cost of healthcare is a major determinant of when 72% of non-retired U.S. investors will stop working according a recent poll from Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index.

Proximity also plays an important role, with 60% of non-retired investors saying that being located near good medical facilities is a major factor in determining where they will live in retirement.  As Americans live longer, the cost and quality of the healthcare available to them becomes increasingly important, resulting in a strong tie-in between healthcare and retirement.

“Politically, this relationship tends to reinforce the notion that proposals to alter the healthcare system — whether they involve overall healthcare reform or new proposals to alter Medicare in the future — are the “third rail of American politics,” said Gallup. “In fact, the political heat may be hotter now than ever before, but that may make it even more important to address these issues. Such proposals are of major concern not only to those who are retired, but also to all Americans considering when and where they will retire.”

The survey also shows the importance non-retirees place on the value of their home and its uses for funding retirement.  According to Gallup, 58% of non-retired investors see their home as an investment asset that will help fund their retirement. Of those, 42% say their home will help fund their retirement by providing them with a place to live and 39% say it is “an asset to sell to add to retirement funds.”

About one in three non-retired investors (31%) say they would consider renting throughout their retirement.

As the Baby Boomer generation approaches retirement age, starting in 2011, the population of American seniors is expected to double from 37.9 million to 72.1 million. A study released by San Diego’s The Center, an organization devoted to housing and related needs of the LGBT community, says there are an estimated 1.5 million LGBT seniors currently, and that number will continue to grow. The study lists senior housing as one of the top concerns for the LGBT community as it approaches retirement age.

Members of San Diego’s LGBT Community Center have met during the last two years to discuss issues affecting LGBT seniors, including senior housing. “The guiding mission of the group was to help to facilitate the development of a long-term community vision for affordable housing and other living facilities,” the study says.

The San Diego LGBT Senior Needs Assessment Survey polled seniors on topics most important to them as they age, finding the fourth-ranked concern was lack of safe, LGBT-affirmative, affordable housing.

More than 56% of respondents to the survey report owning or making payments to their own home, says the survey, and “one issue shared by LGBT seniors and their heterosexual counterparts involves the desire to remain in their homes as they grow older. Both groups hope to stay in their homes for as long as possible while aging.”

The survey found that 79% of LGBT seniors wish to age in place; however, the same percentage reports feeling safer living in an LGBT community than in other environments. The survey reveals that 26% of respondents sometimes, often, or almost always attempt to hide their orientation from neighbors, so it comes as no surprise that an overwhelming majority (90%) say they would live in LGBT-affirmative housing if it were available.

However, 23% of the survey’s respondents reported their yearly income at $19,999 or less, and barely more than half consider themselves “very able” to afford their monthly mortgage or rent payments. Additionally, aging in place often necessitates adjustments to the home environment in order to maintain safety standards for seniors, and this incurs extra costs. Because of this, the survey emphasizes the importance of affordable senior housing for the LGBT community as it reaches retirement age.

In light of the survey’s findings, the Community Center’s report lists a series of recommendations in regards to senior LGBT housing, including identifying “a low-income, senior housing developer who may be willing to work in partnership with the LGBT community to develop subsidized, affordable, low-income senior housing for LGBT seniors; existing low-income, senior housing options for LGBT seniors, including existing landlords or property owners who may be willing to work inpartnership with the LGBT community to expand their affordable offerings to low-income LGBT seniors; and existing market-rate senior housing communities who may be interested in the further development of market rate housing or retirement communities for LGBT seniors.”

Interestingly enough, construction of the nation’s first LGBT retirement community, called Fountaingrove, has begun in Sonoma County, Calif.

View The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s report here.

Written by Alyssa Gerace

Are you thinking about doing a remodeling project to carve out a space for an aging loved on?  Before you get started, you may want to spend time reviewing books on the process and looking at examples to help spur your imagination.  A new book, In-laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats: Your Guide to Turning One House into Two Homes, presents an informative, illustrated guide that outlines strategies for construction and design of dwelling units either as part of an existing single family residence or an additional structure on premise.

The first half of the book provides chapters on design that encompasses basic concepts of universal design applicable in designing residential living space for seniors that covers appliances, zoning, architectural plans.  The author highlights various types of projects that include basement redesign, garage conversions, bump-outs, carve-outs and other strategies that might make sense when examining the options.  Many of the concepts identified are applicable to any age and provide some basic fundamentals on residential design but other components are clearly aimed at a 55+ market.

The second half of the book shows over 25 variations of in-law units in the United States and Canada and chronicles the stories behind each space that the homeowner modified from general requirements to very specific personal preferences for each space.  The book includes 200 color photographs, 50 floor plans and architectural details for a variety of designs and concepts.

Michael Litchfield, who has authored other home-remodeling books in the past, shows his depth of knowledge and understanding of the home remodeling market.  ”In-Laws” builds on that knowledge and provides a practical approach that incorporates his deep experience in providing examples an concepts of well designed spaces for aging in place.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to remodel your home for an aging parent or relative, ”In-Laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats” is a good starting point to evaluate your current home’s potential and provide inspiration for its future potential.

The Village at Orchard Ridge (TVOR) celebrated its groundbreaking of a  National Lutheran Communities and Services (NLCS) senior living and health care community,

During the ceremony, Reformation Lutheran Church in New Market, VA, represented by Pastor Jeffrey Sonafelt, was recognized for a generous contribution of nearly $50,000. The donation, which was given by Reformation at the bequest of Virginia Stickley Estep, is the first to be designated for the Orchard Ridge Capital Campaign for the Chapel. Mr. and Mrs. Braswell, Mr. and Mrs. Gyauch, and Mr. and Mrs. Duesing, the founding residents, were also presented with the groundbreaking shovels and received commemorative gifts.

“We are excited to stand here today and make this neighborhood a reality,” stated Larry Bradshaw, Chief Executive Officer of NLCS. “This eco-friendly designed community will have a positive impact on the Winchester surrounding area by meeting the needs of the region’s seniors and their families, and providing a variety of new jobs including those in healthcare, construction and operations.”

The Village at Orchard Ridge is expected to open in 2013. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), the facility will offer residents three different levels of residential accommodations and care ranging from independent living to skilled nursing. Phase I of construction, which is being conducted by Howard Shockey & Sons, will include 51 LEED certified independent living cottage homes and 127 apartments with home-based assisted living services, 18 memory support/assisted living residences and 10 private skilled nursing services residences. 

Phase I will also include The Chapel at Orchard Ridge. It will provide people of all faiths a place to worship and act as a gathering place for community conversations, music, cultural events and educational offerings. The Chapel will feature moveable seating, which can accommodate up to 180 people, and enclosed walkways to apartment residences and campus buildings.

“As a major employer, The Village at Orchard Ridge will contribute to the growth and economic-stability of the region by bringing new residents and vitality to Winchester,” stated Lisa Behr, President of the Board of Directors. “Reinforcing our mission as a social ministry, TVOR will provide seniors and their families with a vibrant, friendly community suited to meet their physical, psychological and spiritual needs both present and future.” 

Situated around the “Village Green,” the cottage homes and apartments are being offered in a variety of floor plans specifically designed to meet each residents’ needs. Each home will feature easy, walkable access to all community amenities and common areas. On-site social, recreational and educational programming, local transportation and exquisite dining services will also be available for residents.

Sunrise Senior Living (NYSE: SRZ) said it entered into an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) to have its Quadrangle Continuing Care Retirement Community in Haverford, Penn., license reinstated after it was revoked in April for what the agency called gross incompetence, negligence and misconduct.

An investigation into the facility using a hidden camera recorded three employees physically abusing a resident with dementia and ultimately led to Sunrise having its operating license revoked.

“The Quadrangle is an elegant, welcoming community and Sunrise has and will always have a culture dedicated to championing the quality of life for all of our residents. We are pleased that the DPW reached this decision so quickly,” said Mark Ordan, CEO of Sunrise in a statement.

State Representative Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) whose district includes the Quadrangle, said the company is a major provider of senior living services in Pennsylvania is pleased the groups were able to resolve the matter.

“This clearly is the best possible solution for all involved, especially the vibrant seniors living at the Quadrangle, who reached out to me directly to express their loyalty and commitment to their home,” he said.

While Sunrise may have its license back, issues related to the incident are far from over.  The family of the elderly woman who was allegedly abused by caretakers at the facility plans to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the victim and every resident at the facility.

Sunrise currently manages 17 senior living communities in Pennsylvania.

Details of the agreement were not released.