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Parkinson’s Resources: Will we “see” you this week?

This week we start a fun and supportive virtual song circle to practice projection, voice control and coordination through the joy of singing! Join us for the first event Thursday April 9th 3-4:00pm. See friendly faces, sing and laugh! All are welcome. This will be a weekly event through April. Click HEREto register and get details on how to join from home.

We are also launching our daily Coffee Chat series on Zoom, an an easy to use online service with video capability. Each day is hosted by a different PRO staff member. Say hello, meet new people and reconnect with those you are missing from your exercise or other activities. We begin each morning at 9:30 am. Send an email (AskPRO@parkinsonsresources.org) to get the invitation.

Learn what researchers know (and don’t know) about the Genetics of Parkinson’s disease. This program on WEDNESDAY the 8th! will be live for those who would like to engage with our presenter. Register and submit your questions ahead of time.

Our staff and volunteers remain available on our Helpline and have already reached hundreds of you at home as part of our Client Outreach Initiative.You should feel confident to reach out – we are here for you.

Support groups continue in April, but with a modified format. We are facilitating telephone call-in groups as well as select groups on Zoom. Let us know if we can include you.

Parkinson’s Resources
800-426-6806

Oregon State Board of Nursing COVID-19 Update

The global spread of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) is a rapidly evolving situation. To help the nurses and nursing assistants on the frontlines, and to help those retirees who want to rejoin the effort, the Oregon State Board of Nursing has implemented three emergency temporary licensing changes:

  1. Expiration dates extensions. As of March 24, all license and certificate expiration dates have been extended 60 days, so licensees don’t need to worry about renewing their licenses during this stressful time. On the OSBN online verification system, 60 days have been added to all license expiration dates.
  2. Retired RNs, LPNs, and CNAs who wish to reactivate their Oregon licenses or certificates may do so now at no charge. The normal fees and fingerprint background checks for these applications have been waived during this period of crisis response. This will ease the path for approximately 2,500 RNs and LPNs and 3,100 CNAs if they choose to rejoin the workforce.
  3. Emergency authorizations. Per ORS 678.031(4), the Board is allowing nurses and nursing assistants licensed in another state or US jurisdiction to provide care in Oregon under special provisions.

Regarding the Use of PPE:

The OSBN does not expect any nurse or nursing assistant to work in conditions hazardous to themselves or their families. The Nurse Practice Act requires nurses to assess their situations and determine if they have the knowledge, skills, abilities (this would include the appropriate equipment), and the competency to provide safe care while keeping themselves safe. Nurses must make this decision for themselves. Please know that this does not negate any actions by nursing employers. While the Board of Nursing has jurisdiction over nursing licenses, it does not have authority over employers. Employers are entitled to make decisions regarding conditions of employment as determined by applicable contracts.

The Board does not have legislative authority to take any action against employers, other than levying a fine for letting nurses or nursing assistants continue to provide care without a valid license. The Board cannot compel an employer to change working conditions. If nurses or nursing assistants act with evidenced-based information that they are working in unsafe conditions, they are supported by the Nurse Practice Act.

Currently, there is much misinformation and conjecture regarding transmission of COVID-19, who should have PPEs, or in what cases PPEs are not necessary. Please stay informed as the science around this develops and make informed decisions about your practice that protects the safety of your patients and your own safety.

Helpful Links:

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Oregon Board of Nursing

Coronavirus update from Alzheimer’s Association’s President/CEO

The health and safety of our volunteers, staff and all of our constituents remain our drivers as we address the COVID-19 outbreak and as we continue to pursue our mission, today and in the longer term. And, the senior leadership team continues to meet daily, to monitor the impact of COVID-19 across the country and on our organization.

Earlier today, we held a virtual town hall meeting for all staff nationwide. At that meeting, I announced that staff will work remotely, beginning tomorrow. To maintain service to constituents, contact center staff will work onsite through the weekend as we finalize the transition to fully remote operations. We will also have very limited ongoing exceptions, including a few staff to handle ongoing mail and related work. As already announced, anyone who has any discomfort in any of these circumstances will not be required to participate.

Remote operations will be indefinite as we continue to monitor this pandemic. Today, tomorrow and into next week, staff members will have the opportunity to access their offices to gather the items they need to work from home or elsewhere.

We are prepared with technological and other support for our staff to successfully operate this way. Tomorrow, we’ll host tailored webinars to ensure all staff have the understanding to utilize the remote technology and other support. We’ll deliver similar support sessions next week and beyond to facilitate ongoing operations. No doubt we’ll have some bumps along the way, but as with everything, we’ll work together to be successful.

Consistent with operating remotely, we will also reschedule existing or planned in-person gatherings, whether groups or individual meetings, effective immediately. These events and meetings of all types will either become virtual in the immediate term or be rescheduled live at later dates, when COVID-19 issues are resolved. We will entertain exceptions only in very unusual and compelling mission-driven circumstances.

We will continue to follow the evolution of COVID-19 on a daily and even hourly basis and we will continue to communicate regularly, including virtual town hall meetings with all staff at least weekly.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly. You and any member of staff should always feel free to contact your supervisor or your human resources representative as well. As a volunteer, please work with your local staff or reach out to us at the home office anytime.

None of us want to be addressing these issues, but, of course, we need to. Working together to navigate through such times will keep us on the progressive path we’re on to success in delivering on our mission and realizing our vision.

I deeply appreciate all of your many contributions, your resilience in these challenging times and your relentless dedication to our mission.

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Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association

Coronavirus update: 1:25 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2020

As of 11:53 a.m., Thursday March 5, 2020, Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler made an emergency order today as respects Washington state health insurers, requiring them to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer require testing for coronavirus (Covid19).
Insurers must also:
  • Allow a one-time early refill for prescription drugs
  • Suspend any prior authorization requirement for any diagnosis and treatment of COVID 19
Consumers should check with their primary care doctor or nearest emergency room to determine if your current symptoms are consistent with COVID19.
The order by Commissioner Kreidler was effective as of Thursday, March 5, 2020 and applies to all state regulated health insurance plans and short-term limited duration medical insurance plans.  This order shall be in effect until May 4, 2020.
If you have questions or concerns about your specific health issues, contact your primary care physician for further information.
I will continue to provide updates on information related to COVID19 and your specific Medicare insurance plan as new information develops.

Pat Roley
206-852-7970
pat@yourmedicarecoach.com

Plans Take Shape for Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community Expansion

New development will add 90 luxury apartments.

Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community that has been committed to providing top-quality retirement options for Pierce County and Tacoma seniors for over 80 years.

The community has partnered with Greenbrier Development to plan this modernizing evolution which will offer new options to serve current residents but also ensure a strong appeal for future generations to come.

Located on a spacious, property adorned with towering trees and manicured gardens, this community is nestled in one of the most accessible and beautiful areas in the Pacific Northwest— in North Tacoma, just blocks from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and minutes from the vibrant Ruston Way Waterfront, 6th Avenue and Proctor Districts. Mt. Rainier majestically towers above the area, beckoning adventurers to get outdoors. Water, mountains, and evergreen trees… we truly do have it all.

Other recent community additions include unique common spaces such as the Chihuly Family Arts Center offering state of the art ceramics, painting, woodworking and craft space, the Edwards Family Plaza and Arneklev Gardens including an expansive greenhouse, and the Emerson Wellness and Clark Aquatic Center, complete with window-lined class space and heated, indoor pool.

The expansion project is slated to begin in early 2020, with a grand opening projected for late 2022. The new development will be part of a refundable entrance fee program (80-90% refundable) with a monthly fee that will cover all resident programming and access to amenities and will include a discount on future care. Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community provides a full continuum of care offering Memory Care, Assisted Living and is a 5 star CMS rated community for Skilled Nursing Care.

Pre-sales of the new development are expected to begin as early as April 2020.

Montlake Capital Invests in Fedelta Home Care

Montlake is pleased to announce a growth equity investment in Fedelta Home Care. Founded more than 15 years ago, Fedelta Home Care (“Fedelta”) is the leading provider of home care and home health care services in the Puget Sound region. Fedelta services the Puget Sound through offices in Seattle, Federal Way and Bellevue focusing on Service, Quality, Safety and Uncompromising Integrity.

Fedelta is headquartered in Seattle, providing in-home care for all ages living with health challenges. Fedelta offers short-term home care for people who are recovering post-surgery or are healing from an injury or medical event. Fedelta also provides long-term care for those with chronic conditions and illnesses who require ongoing nursing care, care management services or caregiver companionship. Home care and nursing options are flexible and can range from a few hours a week, to a few hours a day, to 24-hour live-in care.

This is an opportune time for Fedelta to be focused on growth as the need for home health care services has never been higher in the central Puget Sound region. The share of seniors in our community is projected to increase steadily to 18% around the year 2030 when the last baby boomer turns 65.

Fedelta will continue to be led by CEO Steve Meyer who founded the company in Seattle in 2004. The company selected Montlake Capital as its financial partner to support it in its next phase of growth. Montlake Capital is a well-known Seattle area growth equity firm that proved to be an ideal fit for the company.  Steve Meyer noted, “I believe we have found the best partner for our company. I have maintained a relationship with the Montlake team for more than 10 years and believe they are uniquely qualified to help us build Fedelta into the leading independent home care and home health company in the region.   Montlake will add both capital and expertise and I appreciate their success and understanding of health care services and experience building leading businesses in and around Puget Sound. Their strategic guidance will enable us to stay on our rapid growth trajectory and help us continue to improve in how we care for our clients in conjunction with our business partners. We believe Montlake will help us to retain and attract great co-workers and a skilled workforce providing exciting growth opportunities for all.

Andy Dale, Managing Director of Montlake said, “We are very excited to work with Steve and the team. They have a proven business model that we will scale together. Steve’s leadership and creative, motivated workforce will continue to deliver an industry leading customer experience supported by best in class quality and safety.”  Dale added, “We would also like to thank the advisory teams at Karr Tuttle Campbell (www.karrtuttle.com), Clifton Larson Allen (www.claconnect.com),  COO Services (www.cooservices.com)  and Ryan Swanson & Cleveland (www.ryanswansonlaw.com)  for their support in creating this partnership!”

View Original Article by Andy Dale of Montlake Capital.

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Fedelta Home Care
Sindi Markette
(206) 362-2366
Fedeltahomecare.com

Parkinson’s Resources’ “Sole Support” Walk Season Raises over $300,000

WOW – how fantastic the last two months have been. As we enter the season of gratitude, the PRO team and I thank you for the fabulous 2019 Sole Support for Parkinson’s walk season. Due to the amazing efforts of the Portland metro area, we raised $178,347 through our Portland event and collectively
more than $318,000 across all four events! Our team is already hard at work on plans for programs and
services that will directly benefit from your efforts! YOU made that happen. Thank you. We look forward to sharing more on those soon!

Although we are winding down our 2019 Sole Support season, your fundraising does not have to. Your personal fundraising page will remain available to you until December 31, 2019. You are always welcome to send emails to friends and family, share your story, or set up a Facebook fundraiser to benefit your team and PRO. If you raised more than $250 you should have received an email from me regarding the prize(s) you earned. If not, please reply to this email.

To relive the walk day, use this link to check out our event photos. So amazing to see these photos full of smiles and joy, knowing the funds raised here will stay here in the Pacific NW to support our loved ones living with Parkinson’s. We truly hope you enjoyed stepping out on Parkinson’s with us.

We look forward to seeing you at our 2020 Sole Support for Parkinson’s walk set for Saturday, September 26. Thank you again for being part of the PRO family. If you’d like to get more involved or share ideas, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to call me directly at 971.727.3534.

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Parkinson’s Resources
Dana Kilgus
971.727.3534
ParkinsonsResources.org

Sara Sievers Named Executive Director of The Springs at Sherwood

Senior Living Community in Sherwood, Ore. to Open 20 New Assisted Living Units

McMinnville, Ore., October 14, 2019 –The Springs Living announced that Sara Sievers has been promoted to executive director of its senior community in Sherwood, Ore., The Springs at Sherwood. In this role, Sievers will oversee all aspects of the senior living community, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

The announcement comes as the company prepares to expand the community with 20 additional assisted living apartments opening this month and 73 new independent living apartments scheduled to open in Spring 2020.

The senior living community, located in the heart of Old Town Sherwood, will offer a variety of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and will feature on-site amenities that promote an active lifestyle experience, such as a fitness center, theater, beauty salon, pub and multiple dining venues. The sales center offers virtual tours, allowing prospective residents to visually experience the colors, architectural details, and flow of the community’s expansion.

“There is always something to do in Sherwood with its historic downtown and Center for the Arts,” said Sievers. “With the town’s ongoing increase in population, we recognized the need to grow our community so additional seniors can call Sherwood home.”

Sievers recently completed the company’s Executive Director in Training (EDiT) program, a requirement for those applying to an executive director position at a Springs community. The goal of the program is to prepare high-potential employees to lead one of the 17 Springs communities in Oregon and Montana. Executive directors are responsible for all operational elements of a community, including overseeing the staff and serving the residents and their families. As a program that is customized to each participating individual’s strengths, EDiT was built out of the company’s “quality of you” philosophy. This ensures that each person leading a Springs community is well prepared to uphold the company’s high standards for serving its residents, exemplifying its value based culture, and managing its daily operations.

“Having recently completed our Executive Director in Training program, Sara is well equipped to lead our community in Sherwood,” said Fee Stubblefield, Founder & CEO of The Springs Living. “As we prepare to open the new independent living apartments and additional assisted living units in Sherwood, Sara will build on our workplace culture that empowers our employees to do the right thing.”

Previously, Sievers worked as the resident relations manager at The Springs at Clackamas Woods in Milwaukie, Ore. where she was responsible in supporting the day-to-day lifestyle needs of 140 residents in independent living. Sievers has worked in senior living for over nine years and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human development from Warner Pacific University in Portland, Ore.

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The Springs Living
503-435-2323
www.TheSpringsLiving.com

Cooling Centers in Clackamas County

Be sure to stay safe in the heat! Below is a list of Emergency Cooling Centers in Clackamas County.  These facilities are open during normal operating hours noted below, for individuals and families needing shelter from severe weather.

View Cooling Centers.

Shelli Johnson
Outreach Coordinator/I&R Specialist
ADRC Clackamas County Social Services
503-650-5622 (main)
www.adrcoforegon.org