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Happening Now: Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment began October 15 and continues until December 7, 2018. During this period, individuals can make changes to their current Medicare coverage that will go into effect on January 1, 2019.  Understanding your Medicare benefits can be complicated, but there is an array of support available in the area to help you navigate through your Medicare options.  The assistance available can help provide a better understanding of your coverage, available choices, limitations and more.

Medicare 101:

To learn more about Medicare and your specific coverage go to: https://medicare.com/about-medicare/medicare-coverage-basics/

For further assistance:

For additional questions regarding Medicare or older adult concerns, please contact Emily Mysel, MSW, LCSW Senior Program Case Manager at 847-835-5111

Parenting in Anxious Times: How to Talk to Your Kids and Remain Calm

The tragic anti-Semitic shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue, two African-Americans shot in a Kentucky grocery store, pipe-bombs sent in the mail…how do we talk to our kids about recent events in today’s world?  As parents, it’s easy to feel frightened, frustrated and angry. What’s appropriate to share with our kids and when? How do we remain calm while navigating this unpredictable and scary terrain?

FSG Clinical Director Kathy Livingston and Rabbi Wendi Geffen of North Shore Congregation Israel facilitated a conversation earlier this week which occurred due to the anti-Semitic shooting in Pittsburgh. The synagogue and FSG wanted to provide parents with a safe place to discuss their worries and concerns about talking with their children after such a horrible event.  Here are some tips from The Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) for talking with your children and grandchildren about tragedy, and tips from FSG on how to remain hopeful and calm despite the news.

Preschool: Depending on what your preschooler has been exposed to (TV, hearing older siblings talk) he/she may ask repetitive questions or may go about their day as if nothing has occurred. If you need to answer questions, keep your answers short and clear.

Ages 5 to 9: You might get lots of why questions: “Why did they shoot the people?” “Why does someone hate?” Be honest if you don’t know. Encourage questions from your kids.

Ages 10 to 12: Kids in this age group may have talked with their friends about current events. You could ask, “What are you hearing from your friends?” This is a good way to open the conversation. And kids may not want to talk about the event. Letting them know you are available if/when they want to talk is important.

Age 13 and over: Many teens in this age group will want to talk about the event, and discussions about the news can result in stimulating conversations. Be sure you show your teen you’re listening to what he/she is saying. Teens want to be heard but some may not want to discuss the event or may want to argue about certain points.

The most important thing you can do for your kids is process your emotions first so that when you are talking with your child you are present and focused on what he/she is telling you. Parents should express sadness and anger, and it’s important to label those feelings for kids, but you don’t want to be an emotional mess so that your child needs to take care of you. Self-care is key: seek out friends and family for your own conversations, take a break from the news, try and practice some mindfulness techniques even if it’s just some deep breathing. Tending to your own emotional needs away from your children will build your resilience so you in turn can help your child build his/her own.

Further reading:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2018/10/30/horrific-shooting-chance-teach-kids-your-values/?utm_term=.8d45536350b1

Suicide Prevention and Awareness: A Community Approach

FSG Clinical Director Kathy Livingston, LCSW, shares information about suicide risk and protective factors, and how to talk with those we love about this sensitive issue.

With September being Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Family Service of Glencoe is committed to joining the Village of Glencoe in supporting our community by educating and informing all who work and live in Glencoe about suicide prevention and awareness.

Suicide can be a scary topic to talk about, and yet, there is research that shows that talking about suicide can prevent it in many cases.  Suicidepreventionlifeline.org states that “evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.”  But how do we as family members and community members talk and listen to our relatives, friends and colleagues? Before you can be helpful to someone, it is important to understand some facts about suicide.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but it’s important to be aware of these.

Risk Factors (from AFSP.org):

  • Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders
  • Hopelessness
  • Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
  • History of trauma or abuse
  • Major physical illnesses
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Job or financial loss
  • Loss of relationship(s)
  • Easy access to lethal means

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

Warning Signs (from afsp.org):

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

If your loved one is exhibiting any of these warning signs and you are concerned, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Many people may not exhibit warning signs but have persistent depression or anxiety.  Depression is often a factor in suicide attempts. Here are ways you can help.

Check-in and show up – if you have a loved one or friend who you know is struggling with depression or other mood disorders, or perhaps he/she has recently experienced a life-changing event or loss, check-in and have a conversation with the person. Don’t underestimate the importance of showing up and being there for someone.

What to Say (and Not Say) – sometimes it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is struggling.  It can be as simple as saying, “I know you’re struggling and want you to know I’m here and will always be here for you.”

Don’t say things like: “Cheer up.”  “Things aren’t so bad.”  “I’m sure tomorrow will be better.” It’s better to offer support to the person rather than trying to cheer them up or problem-solve.

Don’t be afraid to ask if he/she is feeling suicidal. It’s a myth that talking about suicide will encourage someone to think more about it or cause it to happen. Experts say the opposite is true.  If the person says they are thinking about suicide, staying calm and asking him/her about their plan and getting specifics will be helpful. If the person is seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, you can have them call their mental health professional with you there. If that’s not possible, you can call Family Service of Glencoe during business hours and/or call Public Safety 24/7 for help.

Saying something is always the better choice if you’re concerned about a loved one, friend or colleague.  By learning to talk more about suicide, we raise awareness and heightened awareness can result in prevention.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or need support in helping someone who is, please call Family Service of Glencoe for help at 847-835-5111.

SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION: Resources That Can Help

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org   1-800-273-TALK (8255)

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  www.afsp.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/index.html

Suicide Prevention Resource Center  www.sprc.org

#BeThe1To  www.bethe1to.com

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education  www.save.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness  www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month

The Importance of Grandparents

FSG Senior Program Case Manager Emily Mysel, LCSW, reflects on the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

I have often believed that the loss of one’s grandparents closes the door to one’s childhood.  For many, childhood memories of grandparents can be idyllic ones filled with laughter, an abundance of sweets and unconditional love.  While my grandparents’ roles shifted as they aged, I was fortunate to have three of my four grandparents actively present in my life until two years ago.  Today, at the age of 34, I am blessed to have my maternal 91-year-old grandmother in my life and be part of my son’s (and soon-to-be newborn’s) life as well.

Multi-generations have become a changing trend as people live longer.  According to the University of Florida’s research on “Family Relationships in an Aging Society” the 2000s consist of more generations living at the same time. Families are having fewer children, but grandparents and great-grandparents are living longer.  There are currently 70 million grandparents in the nation (Metlife’s 2013 Survey-Grandparents Investing in Grandchildren).  In a study conducted by Oxford University and the Institute of Education in London, it was noted that children are ordinarily happier when grandparents are involved in their childhood.  For many families, grandparents provide emotional support while parents are working and bring stability into the lives of their grandchildren, especially when families are facing adversity or experiencing crisis situations.

Reflecting on my childhood, I realize how influential my grandparents were on the choices I made and the values I have.  As research illustrates, grandparents contribute in a variety of ways during a child’s formative years.  In my experience, my grandparents provided wisdom and advice in moments of uncertainty.  They fostered my growth and independence. Their love was constant, present, and uncomplicated.  A study conducted by Boston College found emotionally connected grandparents and grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms for both age groups.  The research showed that the longer people live, the more important these bonds become between grandparents and adult grandchildren.

Summer was often the best time to visit my grandparents and create these special memories.  As summer is upon us, find some special time with your grandchildren. Glencoe has an array of events and is surrounded by various places to visit.

 

FSG Welcomes New Volunteer Leaders

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG), Glencoe’s primary social service agency, welcomes four members to its board of directors as well as acknowledges the service of outgoing board members. FSG’s newest board members were elected at the June board meeting: Bob Breisblatt, Colette Hays, Michele Heftman, and Katie Turner. They may serve up to three two-year terms beginning at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2018.

Bob Breisblatt and wife, Marjorie, have lived in Glencoe for 20 years and prior to that Wilmette for 12 years. Both of their daughters graduated from New Trier and his oldest lives in Glencoe with her husband and three young children. Bob graduated from Duke University Law School in 1972 and after two years in the Army and one year of practice in Florida came to the Chicago area. He was an Assistant United States Attorney in Chicago for approximately nine years before moving to private practice. His last seven years of active practice was as a partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman in Chicago. He has now retired from the practice of law.

Colette Hays first moved to Glencoe in 1986 with her husband, Dave. As a marketing research executive with Information Resources, Inc. in Chicago, Glencoe provided an ideal small town atmosphere (and a backyard for their two labs) with easy train access to jobs downtown. Nine years and three daughters later, career opportunities moved the family to San Francisco and then Houston.  Fast forward to 2008, she and her family were fortunate to move back to Glencoe just three blocks from their first house. Colette comes to the board with 35 years of board experience in many charitable endeavors, most recently on the Winnetka Board of the Northwestern Settlement House. Colette looks forward to working with FSG community volunteers and serving with long-time friends since first settling in this very special community.

Michele Heftman grew up in Michigan and graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in Photography and Museum Studies. She comes to the board with an artistic eye and 15 years of experience working in Chicago area museums. Michele was the Collection Photographer at Spertus Museum before deciding to stay home to raise her family. She has lived in Glencoe for seven years with her husband Jeff and their two children. She enjoys volunteering with the Glencoe PTO and teaches art classes at both the JCC at Am Shalom and North Shore Congregation Israel.

Katie Turner grew up in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. After graduating from Miami University with a BA in Communications, she returned to Chicago and spent the next ten years at Aon consulting with Fortune 500 clients on their insurance needs. Her husband was transferred to Zurich, Switzerland in 2007, where their children were born. Shortly after returning to the States, the family moved to Glencoe where they have been happily residing since 2011. Katie has been an active realtor on the North Shore for the last seven years. She is excited about the opportunity to give back to the community she loves so much by being part of the FSG board.

“We are pleased to welcome these four new board members to the FSG family,” said William Hansen, MSW, Executive Director. “Their diverse backgrounds and shared compassion for those in need will be instrumental to our organization as we continue to serve the mental health needs of our community.”

This year’s board will be led by board president Lisa Cardonick who held the vice president position previously. “FSG is helping families of all ages through outreach and education, therapeutic treatment, and crisis care services,” said Cardonick. “I look forward to working with the board, villagers, and all of our supporters to ensure that FSG continues to be a go-to resource for Glencoe.” Serving in her fourth year on the board, Heather Jagher will begin her new position as vice president. Lara Port begins her new role of treasurer; Wendy Netter Epstein continues in her role as secretary.

Board members continuing their service include Amy Edelson, Holly Newcomb, Rick Richker, Susie Spitzer-Cohn, Jennifer Stone, and Sheri Styles.

On June 30, 2018, board terms came to a close for Elaine Duckler, Nicole Hayek, Beth Karnes, Karen Mason, Nicole Wineman, and Carrie Rose. FSG extends sincere appreciation for their significant contributions and leadership. Their combined 23 years of leadership and service have supported the agency in fundraising, governance, program development, and community awareness. Karnes will continue involvement with the agency as a villager.

FSG also welcomes two new villagers—Amy Kaniff and Elizabeth Ohana. Villagers continuing their service include Paula Alexander, Marisa Bingham, Erica Conlon, Mira Duncan, Carrie Feig, Rene Firmin, Melissa Jarmel, Amy Maher, Jennifer Mesterharm, Jessica Rappaport, Steve Santiccioli, and Jamie Straight.

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICE OF GLENCOE: Rooted in Glencoe for more than 100 years, Family Service of Glencoe strengthens our community through highly confidential services that prevent and treat emotional and psychological problems. Services include counseling to individuals and families; community education; crisis intervention; senior housing assistance and more. To receive help or become a supporter of this non-profit organization, visit www.familyserviceofglencoe.org.

Community Strokes of Kindness

GLENCOE — July 5, 2018 — Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) is pleased to partner with Angelina Vivant Fine Art on a community painting to take place during the 2018 Glencoe Festival of Art. A Glencoe resident and first-time exhibitor at the festival, Angelina has created a charitable component to her exhibit called Community Strokes of KindnessTM with proceeds to benefit a local community support system.

Angelina notes, “Our community supports and enriches our every day, but some of us need a little guidance from time-to-time. My hope is to lift and to bring awareness to community organizations through my exhibits when I can—because everyone deserves a chance to find clarity, support, and joy in living.”

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to apply paint strokes to a canvas, building on prior strokes, to collectively create a piece of art. Angelina continues, “It will be a tangible symbol of how we can support each other and build each other up, creating something beautiful, purposeful, and rewarding.” The final piece will be sold through a silent auction on the second day of the festival. Angelina has selected FSG as the recipient of the proceeds for this piece.

“FSG is honored to be chosen as the charity recipient for this special kindness project as it resonates with our mission to strengthen our community,” said FSG Board Member Lara Port. “We are excited to share in Angie’s growth as an artist and her desire to use her talents in this personal way.”

The 2018 Glencoe Festival of Art will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29 from 10am to 5pm in downtown Glencoe. Guests of all ages and abilities are invited to add strokes to the community painting. There is no cost to contribute to the painting. Bids may be submitted directly to Angelina at her booth.

A native of Chicago, Angelina started painting at age 12, when she went to a local college to learn about painting, composition, and color theory. That experience set the foundation for her career in graphic design and advertising. She has recently returned to painting with acrylics as her family-friendly medium of choice. Her paintings explore happy and inspirational themes and are characterized by large strokes of color/texture via palette knife. For more information about the artist and her 2018 collection, visit www.angelinavivant.crevado.com.

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICE OF GLENCOE: Rooted in Glencoe for more than 100 years, Family Service of Glencoe strengthens our community through highly confidential services that prevent and treat emotional and psychological problems. Services include counseling to individuals and families; community education; crisis intervention; senior housing assistance and more. To receive help or become a supporter of this non-profit organization, visit www.familyserviceofglencoe.org.

Caregiving Support & Resources

FSG’s Senior Program Case Manager, Emily Mysel, LCSW, shares her thoughts on the important role of caregiving.

Caregiving comes in all shapes and sizes. It does not discriminate and can occur during any point of someone’s life.  I have observed both my maternal and paternal grandmothers become primary caregivers for each of my grandfathers.  As one grandmother learned about the course of Multiple Sclerosis and how to navigate caregiving responsibilities while raising three young children, my other grandmother became a caregiver in her 80’s and provided care for my grandfather who was impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease while she herself was dealing with severe medical issues.  Each grandmother dealt with a variety of challenges that greatly affected their lives, the lives of their husbands and their families. They both emotionally struggled through the journey of caregiving, often feeling overwhelmed, scared, and alone.  Each were unaware of how becoming a full-time caregiver would affect their emotional, mental, and physical health and felt that asking for help would exhibit failure.

Caregiving involves a vast amount of responsibility.  There are approximately 44 million Americans caring for an older family member at any certain time and these caregivers provide 37 billion hours of unpaid “informal” care each year for adult family members and friends (Family Caregiver Alliance). Caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one can be emotionally, physically, and financially draining.  Caregivers need support. Support services include caregiving and disease education, financial assistance, counseling, respite care, and support groups. When the appropriate level of support is available for caregivers, their loved ones will benefit.

Maybe you’re currently a caregiver or anticipating that you may need to commit to that role in the future.  Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • Am I capable of caring for my loved one by myself? Should I hire additional help inside or outside of the home?
  • Who can be part of my support team? Friends? Family?
  • How may caregiving affect my physical and emotional health?
  • Will I be open to accepting help from others or getting respite when necessary?
  • How will caregiving financially impact me and my family? Am I ready to take on the additional costs?
  • How may caregiving impact my historical relationship with my loved one?

For more information about caregiving, or if additional support is needed, please call 847-835-5111.

View additional caregiving resources

Clinical Staff Updates

GLENCOE — June 1, 2018 — Family Service of Glencoe (FSG), Glencoe’s primary social service agency, promotes Senior Therapist Kathy Livingston to the position of clinical director and welcomes two new staff members, Joshua Annex and Emily Mysel, both licensed clinical social workers, to its program services team. Please join us in congratulating Kathy in her new role and welcoming Joshua and Emily to FSG.

Kathy Livingston, LCSW, MAT, has served as a therapist with FSG since 2013. As a therapist who has worked with adults and children for 20 years, Kathy supports the psychological needs facing adults, parents, families, and children in our community. Her clinical focus is helping individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. Kathy helps children and parents navigate through the divorce process, blended families, and other life transitions. Additionally, she offers parents support when faced with the challenges of child rearing in today’s world and supports families in creating stronger attachments and communication. Prior to coming to FSG, Kathy worked in hospital, school, and private settings as a therapist and an educator. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago, and a master’s degree in teaching from National-Louis University, with Illinois state certification in early childhood education.

“Kathy has contributed greatly to FSG, our school/parent partnerships, and the Glencoe community as a whole during her five years with the organization,” said William Hansen, MSW, Executive Director. “Her established community relationships and therapeutic expertise make her an ideal candidate for the clinical director position.”

Joshua Annex, LCSW, CADC, joins FSG as a therapist. He is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor helping clients who wish to moderate or eliminate their relationship with drugs and alcohol. Josh also works extensively with relationship issues and often counsels couples who are looking to make positive changes in their relationships or requiring help to separate more amicably so as not to negatively impact their children. He also spends time with clients seeking career and life changes who currently feel “stuck” in their present circumstances. Josh is a graduate of Loyola University’s social work program working with clients grappling with substance abuse disorders and associated trauma. He spent a year at the VA’s mental health clinic counseling veterans with symptoms of PTSD due to combat situations overseas. Josh also has a private practice in the Lakeview area of Chicago.

Emily Mysel, LCSW, is FSG’s new senior program case manager. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Miami University of Ohio and holds a Master of Social Work degree from University of Illinois at Chicago-Jane Addams College of Social Work, with a concentration in community health and urban development. Emily has worked with older adults and their families for the past 13 years. Her clinical expertise includes educating clients and their families on the complexities of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia and providing support and referrals throughout their aging journey. Emily has vast experience in bereavement and end of life support, community outreach, and facilitating support groups. Emily’s passion for her work, combined with a commitment to providing older adults and their families the respect, compassion, and dignity they so deserve, is founded in her enduring love for her grandparents.

“We are pleased to have Emily and Josh join our staff,” said Kathy Livingston, LCSW, MAT, Clinical Director. “They are strong additions to our clinical team. Their professional expertise and experience will help us serve critical needs in our community.”

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICE OF GLENCOE: Rooted in Glencoe for more than 100 years, Family Service of Glencoe strengthens our community through highly confidential services that prevent and treat emotional and psychological problems. Services include counseling to individuals and families; community education; crisis intervention; senior housing assistance and more. To receive help or become a supporter of this non-profit organization, visit www.familyserviceofglencoe.org.

Older American’s Month

FSG’s Senior Program Case Manager, Emily Mysel, LCSW, shares her thoughts on Older American’s Month:

Older adults have always been a focal point in my life.  I celebrate older adults every day and strive to provide the support they need as they travel along their aging journey.  I reflect upon the impact they have made on society, the challenging times they have faced, and the ways they have overcome life’s adversities.  I enjoy hearing their stories and helping them review and process the meaning of their lives.  In the month of May, we celebrate Older American’s Month and the importance of community engagement for these residents.

According to the Administration on Aging and the Administration for Community Living, Older American’s Month was first established in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy collaborated with members of the National Council of Senior Citizens. During that time, there were approximately 17 million Americans who had turned 65 years old. Over the past 51 years, the older adult population has grown to 46.3 million Americans 65 and older. It is projected by the year 2060, there will be 98 million Americans living in this age group.  As the aging population continues to grow, it’s crucial that we acknowledge and support their unique needs.

Each year, the Administration on Aging creates a theme that drives programs, activities, and knowledge around aging issues. This year’s theme is Engage at Every Age. It’s a friendly reminder that no matter the age, people can get involved in programs that enhance emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.  There are many ways that older adults make a difference in our village, and it is important to recognize those contributions.

Recently, four Glencoe older adult residents participated in The Legacy Project—a collaboration between Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) and Glencoe Junior High Project. The older adults partnered with Central School students to share their wisdom and life experiences. Each student then developed a short video highlighting the life of the senior they interviewed. Friendships across the generations were fostered and legacies will live on through this intergenerational exchange.

As we continue to expand senior programs and support services at FSG, we recognize the importance of older adults taking part in activities that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is also vital that older adults are surrounded by a community that supports and strengthens their sense of belonging, purpose, and acceptance as they navigate through physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.  There are many ways that we as a community can engage older residents through local events, volunteer opportunities, and every day interactions.

For the month of May (and beyond), I encourage you to connect with the older adults in our community.  Ask to hear their stories, establish meaningful relationships, and find ways for them to engage in your life and the lives of other Glencoe residents.

For more information about senior services, please contact emily@familyserviceofglencoe.org or call 847-835-5111.