In the Sunday Reno Gazette Journal, Paul Dugan discusses his life as a caregiver behind the scenes and how local services such as Right At Home in home care and assistance and The Courts memory care, have helped. Please visit the link below to read the full article:
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/rgj/access/1805111871.html?dids=1805111871:1805111871&FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&fmac=18f3fa06a58687315c67e8ce38140b0e&date=Jul+26%2C+2009&author=Lenita+Powers&desc=Paul+Dugan+Outgoing+chief+has+some+regrets+as+he+leaves+to+care+for+wife
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Right At Home Receives 2009 Best of Reno Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Right At Home has been selected for the 2009 Best of Reno Award in the Home Health Service category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce AssociationCONTACT:U.S. Commerce AssociationEmail: PublicRelations@us-ca.orgURL: http://www.us-ca.org
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Right At Home has been selected for the 2009 Best of Reno Award in the Home Health Service category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce AssociationCONTACT:U.S. Commerce AssociationEmail: PublicRelations@us-ca.orgURL: http://www.us-ca.org
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Cosumer Alert: Diligence and Education Thwart Scams
Bernie Madoff-like ponzi frauds, foreign lottery winnings ploys and work-at-home check cashing schemes. These are just a few of the scams that have made headlines over the past year. Scams and fraudulent business practices that intend to swindle can impact anyone including the affluent and highly educated, as well as the non-native speaking, the poor and the elderly. In difficult economic times, scammers continually search for new ways to deceive. Recently publicized scams include individuals posing as bank officials offering to refinance mortgages or to confirm account numbers via the Internet or over the phone.
Anyone with a phone, mail box, Internet access or front door can be a possible scam target. Scammers prey on the weakness of human nature or a specific demographic group. They understand that most people want a “great deal” or desire to be wealthier and more beautiful. Scams are often targeted to individuals with unique backgrounds and special needs, including seniors.
“Scam artists steal more than money for a product or service. They steal a senior’s dignity, trust and self esteem,” said Allen Hager, CEO and founder of Right at Home, a national provider of in-home care with 160 locations in 41 states. “Education and awareness are key components of stopping scams and protecting our loved ones.”
It has been the experience of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that the elderly are targeted for fraud for several reasons:
- Seniors grew up in an era in which your word was your bond and a handshake closed a deal. They assume that if someone seems nice, they must be trustworthy.
- These individuals were raised to be polite, especially if they are showing the time to care. Many scammers prey on their loneliness and desire for conversation.
- Seniors have money to spend. Many seniors have retirement savings, own their home and have an excellent credit rating.
- As seniors strive for independence, they have an increased need for goods and services to maintain their homes. They make purchase decisions without the input of others.
- Mental or physical impairments are used by perpetrators to confuse the elderly. Scammers can give one price, but demand more money after the service is completed, claiming the senior did not clearly hear or completely understand the price.
- Seniors are least likely to report a fraud since they are afraid that relatives will doubt their mental competency. They fear that they will seem foolish since they fell for a fraud.
Most common senior scams according to FBI:
- Health Insurance (“rolling lab” schemes, medical equipment fraud, Medicare fraud)
- Counterfeit Prescription Drugs (“Special deals” or on-line purchases)
- Funeral and Cemetery Fraud (contracts, refund terms, embalming rules)
- Telemarketing (“get rich quick” schemes, travel offers, often involve prizes)
- Anti-aging Products (vitamins, creams, “secret” formulas, “breakthroughs”)
- Investment Schemes (advance-fee, Nigerian letter, Prime bank notes)
- Internet Fraud (non-delivery of items, credit/debit card fraud)
- Charitable Fraud (non-existent charity)
Things to remember to stop scamming by Stopseniorscams.org:
1. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. When it comes to a "now or never" opportunity, choose "never."
3. Keep account numbers, codes and passwords private. Be wary of giving any information out to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call.
4. Shred bills, junk mail and receipts before discarding them.
5. Don't be afraid to report your experiences. If you feel uncomfortable, tell someone.
If you have any questions regarding a company, contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at www.bbb.org to check its service or complaint record. To find out your legal rights if you or a family member has been a victim of a fraud, contact the Consumer Protection Division of your state Office of the Attorney General. A number of federal and state laws are designed to protect consumers from unethical business practices including the Federal Trade Commission or the Postal Inspector.
If an individual has been victimized once, he or she becomes a more likely target for additional scams. You can take precautions to avoid a second incident, including changing the senior’s phone number and making it unlisted. The telephone company can also block all outgoing 900 numbers. In addition, a family member, caregiver or friend can assist seniors with sorting mail and identifying possible scams.
About Right at Home®Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client's home. The Right At Home Reno Office is one of 160 franchise locations across the U.S. It is located at 6490 S McCarran Blvd. Ste. C-19. For more information, contact Christy Cunningham, or visit www.righathomereno.com
Anyone with a phone, mail box, Internet access or front door can be a possible scam target. Scammers prey on the weakness of human nature or a specific demographic group. They understand that most people want a “great deal” or desire to be wealthier and more beautiful. Scams are often targeted to individuals with unique backgrounds and special needs, including seniors.
“Scam artists steal more than money for a product or service. They steal a senior’s dignity, trust and self esteem,” said Allen Hager, CEO and founder of Right at Home, a national provider of in-home care with 160 locations in 41 states. “Education and awareness are key components of stopping scams and protecting our loved ones.”
It has been the experience of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that the elderly are targeted for fraud for several reasons:
- Seniors grew up in an era in which your word was your bond and a handshake closed a deal. They assume that if someone seems nice, they must be trustworthy.
- These individuals were raised to be polite, especially if they are showing the time to care. Many scammers prey on their loneliness and desire for conversation.
- Seniors have money to spend. Many seniors have retirement savings, own their home and have an excellent credit rating.
- As seniors strive for independence, they have an increased need for goods and services to maintain their homes. They make purchase decisions without the input of others.
- Mental or physical impairments are used by perpetrators to confuse the elderly. Scammers can give one price, but demand more money after the service is completed, claiming the senior did not clearly hear or completely understand the price.
- Seniors are least likely to report a fraud since they are afraid that relatives will doubt their mental competency. They fear that they will seem foolish since they fell for a fraud.
Most common senior scams according to FBI:
- Health Insurance (“rolling lab” schemes, medical equipment fraud, Medicare fraud)
- Counterfeit Prescription Drugs (“Special deals” or on-line purchases)
- Funeral and Cemetery Fraud (contracts, refund terms, embalming rules)
- Telemarketing (“get rich quick” schemes, travel offers, often involve prizes)
- Anti-aging Products (vitamins, creams, “secret” formulas, “breakthroughs”)
- Investment Schemes (advance-fee, Nigerian letter, Prime bank notes)
- Internet Fraud (non-delivery of items, credit/debit card fraud)
- Charitable Fraud (non-existent charity)
Things to remember to stop scamming by Stopseniorscams.org:
1. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. When it comes to a "now or never" opportunity, choose "never."
3. Keep account numbers, codes and passwords private. Be wary of giving any information out to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call.
4. Shred bills, junk mail and receipts before discarding them.
5. Don't be afraid to report your experiences. If you feel uncomfortable, tell someone.
If you have any questions regarding a company, contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at www.bbb.org to check its service or complaint record. To find out your legal rights if you or a family member has been a victim of a fraud, contact the Consumer Protection Division of your state Office of the Attorney General. A number of federal and state laws are designed to protect consumers from unethical business practices including the Federal Trade Commission or the Postal Inspector.
If an individual has been victimized once, he or she becomes a more likely target for additional scams. You can take precautions to avoid a second incident, including changing the senior’s phone number and making it unlisted. The telephone company can also block all outgoing 900 numbers. In addition, a family member, caregiver or friend can assist seniors with sorting mail and identifying possible scams.
About Right at Home®Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client's home. The Right At Home Reno Office is one of 160 franchise locations across the U.S. It is located at 6490 S McCarran Blvd. Ste. C-19. For more information, contact Christy Cunningham, or visit www.righathomereno.com
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Locally Owned and Operated In-Home Care Agency Reaches Out to Those Facing the Reality of Caring for Loved Ones
Reno, NV June 29, 2009 – As the number of baby boomers reaching retirement age steadily grows in the Reno, Sparks, and Carson City areas, family members of aging loved ones are facing the difficult task of providing care while continuing to work, parent and maintain their marital and social relationships.
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, today, 83 percent of those providing care to seniors are unpaid individuals such as family members, friends, and neighbors. Thus, now more than ever it is critical for family caregivers to understand the health risks associated with the demands being placed upon them.
Right at Home of Reno, a leading local provider of in-home companion and personal care to seniors and others, understands the challenges family members face when providing care to an aging loved one. It is with these compassionate, selfless relatives in mind that Right at Home offers these useful tips to help improve the quality of life for family caregivers.
Managing the Stress
Family caregivers take on a wide range of responsibilities for their aging loved ones. They provide varying degrees of support, including tasks such as running errands, making financial decisions, giving 24/7 personal care and liaising with medical professionals. Undeniably, family caregivers are faced with a vast array of complex issues.
Fortunately for family caregivers, there are steps to take that can help alleviate some of the pressures associated with caring for others. In their tips for caregivers, AARP notes, “taking care of yourself and your needs is like performing regular maintenance on your car.” The organization offers several ways for caregivers to nurture themselves and improve their well-being. These include:
· Eating nutritious meals
· Exercising
· Engaging in social activities
· Asking for help from friends and relatives
· Taking vacations
· Talking to friends and co-workers in similar situations
· Clearing your mind on a daily basis through meditation, walking, reading or listening to music
· Planning and setting priorities with realistic goals for caregiving responsibilities
· Focusing on the positive and holding family meetings when conflict arises
Given that most family members begin providing care to their loved ones without training or counseling, they often are not aware of the overwhelming stress associated with it. For that reason, it is important to receive counseling and to develop a plan of action prior to making a caregiving commitment.
The Older Americans Act, passed in 1965, provides resources to the State of Nevada in support of caregivers. Programs are offered at minimal to no cost, and include: counseling, caregiver training, respite care, adult day care, meals, and more.
In addition to state-funded programs, professional in-home care providers, such as Right at Home of Reno, work with families to relieve the burden placed on them as primary caregivers. Professional in-home care agencies offer trained, fully screened, insured and bonded caregivers who can offer services for as little as a few hours a week, when a family caregiver simply needs respite, to 24 hours a day. Their services include companion care, which includes medication reminders, meal preparation and light housekeeping. Some in-home care agencies also provide personal care, encompassing bathing, toileting and 24-hour emergency response.
Lastly, caregivers should consider joining a support group. Talking to others in a compassionate environment where everyone is facing similar personal situations can help caregivers vent their stressful emotions.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Select offices provide light skilled nursing as well. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 160 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s national office is based in Omaha, Nebraska with franchise offices located in 41 states nationwide. For more information on Right at Home, visit the company’s website at www.rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to www.caringnews.com.
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, today, 83 percent of those providing care to seniors are unpaid individuals such as family members, friends, and neighbors. Thus, now more than ever it is critical for family caregivers to understand the health risks associated with the demands being placed upon them.
Right at Home of Reno, a leading local provider of in-home companion and personal care to seniors and others, understands the challenges family members face when providing care to an aging loved one. It is with these compassionate, selfless relatives in mind that Right at Home offers these useful tips to help improve the quality of life for family caregivers.
Managing the Stress
Family caregivers take on a wide range of responsibilities for their aging loved ones. They provide varying degrees of support, including tasks such as running errands, making financial decisions, giving 24/7 personal care and liaising with medical professionals. Undeniably, family caregivers are faced with a vast array of complex issues.
Fortunately for family caregivers, there are steps to take that can help alleviate some of the pressures associated with caring for others. In their tips for caregivers, AARP notes, “taking care of yourself and your needs is like performing regular maintenance on your car.” The organization offers several ways for caregivers to nurture themselves and improve their well-being. These include:
· Eating nutritious meals
· Exercising
· Engaging in social activities
· Asking for help from friends and relatives
· Taking vacations
· Talking to friends and co-workers in similar situations
· Clearing your mind on a daily basis through meditation, walking, reading or listening to music
· Planning and setting priorities with realistic goals for caregiving responsibilities
· Focusing on the positive and holding family meetings when conflict arises
Given that most family members begin providing care to their loved ones without training or counseling, they often are not aware of the overwhelming stress associated with it. For that reason, it is important to receive counseling and to develop a plan of action prior to making a caregiving commitment.
The Older Americans Act, passed in 1965, provides resources to the State of Nevada in support of caregivers. Programs are offered at minimal to no cost, and include: counseling, caregiver training, respite care, adult day care, meals, and more.
In addition to state-funded programs, professional in-home care providers, such as Right at Home of Reno, work with families to relieve the burden placed on them as primary caregivers. Professional in-home care agencies offer trained, fully screened, insured and bonded caregivers who can offer services for as little as a few hours a week, when a family caregiver simply needs respite, to 24 hours a day. Their services include companion care, which includes medication reminders, meal preparation and light housekeeping. Some in-home care agencies also provide personal care, encompassing bathing, toileting and 24-hour emergency response.
Lastly, caregivers should consider joining a support group. Talking to others in a compassionate environment where everyone is facing similar personal situations can help caregivers vent their stressful emotions.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Select offices provide light skilled nursing as well. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 160 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s national office is based in Omaha, Nebraska with franchise offices located in 41 states nationwide. For more information on Right at Home, visit the company’s website at www.rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to www.caringnews.com.
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