If you have questions about Independence Program Services, please contact Brittany Bergquist at brittany.bergquist@pinnacleservices.org

In addition to our Independence Programs, we also support individuals through Supported Living Services (SLS) homes and Housing with Services – Assisted Living.  We currently have openings in one of our six Supported Living Services (SLS) homes, located in Chaska.

Can we help you or someone you love to live a more independent life?  Pinnacle Services will provide respectful interactions and flexibility in meeting your individual needs. Questions are always welcome!

If you have questions about Residential Services, please contact Laura Boss at laura.boss@pinnacleservices.org.

THANK YOU PROGRAM!!!!

March 17 is just around the corner, and the program management staff are plotting the annual St. Paddy’s Day Party!  The party gives us an opportunity to recognize everyone’s hard work and dedication to providing quality care to each and every individual we serve.  We are excited to celebrate great work and have FUN!

Thank you for all you do!

Program Management Team

The post Pinnacle Independent Living Services appeared first on Pinnacle Services.

The post PACER’s Run Walk Roll Against Bullying appeared first on Pinnacle Services.

The post Pinnacle Consumers are Awesome. appeared first on Pinnacle Services.

It’s important for caregivers to understand that the incontinence is more than just inconvenient. Associated health problems can occur and potentially turn serious, such as skin rashes and urinary tract infections. And incontinence is even known to increase the chances of falls and injuries. Further, the need for long-term care often arises; one study found that urinary incontinence is second only to dementia among reasons for admission to long-term care.

Here are several ways to help those suffering urinary incontinence:

• Establish a restroom routine and be diligent and patient. Try to get the person to go to the bathroom every two hours during waking hours. This can lead to a degree of bladder “retraining.”
• Consult a health care professional with experience training the patient in pelvic-floor strengthening exercises (such as Kegel exercises).
• Consult a doctor, who may determine if prescribing a medication called an antimuscarinic is appropriate. These can help with the different types of urinary incontinence: overactive bladder and urge incontinence.
• Ensure the person avoids stimulants in the evening, such as caffeine, as well as liquids before bedtime.
• Simplify the person’s wardrobe — pants with elastic waistbands offer great convenience.
• Keep a close eye on nonverbal signals that the patient needs to use the restroom. These include facial expressions, distraction, and pulling at clothes.
• Realize the person may have been hiding their incontinence and suffering longer than you’re aware of. This can result in a longer time period required for managing the incontinence, and if the patient has become more socially isolated and less likely to leave home, the incontinence may have been the primary reason.
• Know that surgery may be an option for patients who do not respond to conservative methods as described above.

Sources:

http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c3835.full

http://www.caregivershome.com/community/askexpert_full.cfm?UID=90

The post Managing Urinary Incontinence appeared first on Pinnacle Services.

New venue, new attractions.  This year Pinnacle Services began what it hopes to be a tradition; The Pinnacle Pub Crawl.  Approximately 150 participants gathered Wednesday evening to receive pub crawl T-shirts and patronize some of the area establishments surrounding the Hilton.  Pre-registration was required and managed by the MSSA conference committee.  Pinnacle Services employees served as guides visiting Hell’s Kitchen, 8^th Street Grill, Brit’s Pub and Eating Establishment, The Local and Zelo.  Feedback from attendees of the event was overwhelmingly positive.  Pinnacle Services also participated in the Booth Bash conference event Thursday evening.  While the organization did not sponsor a booth, attendees were invited to try the 14 foot Velcro Wall the agency provided.

The widely attended annual conference and expo provides opportunity for those in the field to attend educational sessions, network and gather information.  Pinnacle Services provided information to attendees regarding the services the agency provides including In Home Family Support, Housing with Services, Case Management/Service Coordination, Employment Services, Independent Living Skills, Semi-Independent Living Services, Support Planning, Corporate Foster Care and Supported Living Services, Home Care Services and 24 hour Customized Living Services.

For more information regarding any of these services please contact Sara Yee, Program Director at sara.yee@pinnacleservices.org.

The post Pinnacle Services and Summit Fiscal Agency attend the 2010 Minnesota Social Service Association Conference appeared first on Pinnacle Services.