5 Reasons to Support the Best Life Alliance

1.  Minnesotans believe people with disabilities and older adults should live in and contribute to their communities. Community-based services provide greater opportunity to build strong connections with neighbors and the community. A 5% rate increase supports this belief.
2.  Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Caregivers support your family; shouldn’t they be able to support their own?
3.  A 5% increase will help to recruit and retain consistent staff; this is crucial to quality care. Low wages lead to higher staff turnover, creating more stress, less stability and lower quality care.
4.  DSPs and caregivers who support people with disabilities and older Minnesotans have demanding, highly-skilled jobs. A 5% increase shows we value these employees and their commitment to this field.
5.  Community-based services are some of the largest employers in rural Minnesota. A 5% rate increase will support dedicated staff who will put dollars to work in their local communities.

Get Involved!

Best Life Alliance. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arrm.org/ARRM/Advocacy/Best_Life_Alliance.aspx

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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

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The legislation requires that 80% of the money made available by the rate adjustment be used to increase wages and compensation-related costs for eligible employees. Pinnacle Services will be passing 100% of the COLA increase on to our employees by increasing starting wages for all employees, increasing initial orientation and asleep shift wages to exceed 2014 minimum wage requirements, increasing mileage and meal reimbursements, establishing Affordable Care Act compliant medical insurance coverage and providing existing employees 4% increase to present wages. The wages and increases are as follows:

• Initial Orientation wage will be increased to $9.50.

• Starting wage for Asleep Overnight will be increased to $9.50.
This increase exceeds the requirement to increase asleep wages following a minimum wage increase mandate. Pinnacle is choosing to provide higher wage immediately rather than waiting until 2016 as allowed by law. Existing employees who work asleep overnight shifts will have their wages increased to $9.50.

• Starting wage for Program Counselor will be increased to $11.64.
Existing employees who work at Bavaria Lake, Hidden Valley, Jasper Hill, Sunset Park, Ridge Point, and in Supported Employment Services (SES), Independent Living Skills (ILS), In Home Family Support (IHS), Ryan White (RW) will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• Jackson Square and Edinbrook Crossing starting Program Counselor wage will be increased to $12.08.
Existing employees who work at Jackson Square and Edinbrook Crossing will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• The starting wage at Hill Crest will be increased to $12.60.
Existing employees who work at Hill Crest will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• Program Specialist starting wage will be increased to $13.40.

• Meal reimbursement rates will be increased to: $6.25 for breakfast, $7.00 for lunch, and $8.25 for dinner.

• Mileage reimbursement will be increased to $0.50 per mile.

All wage and reimbursement increases took effect July 13, 2014 and be reflected on the paycheck received on August 8, 2014. If you have questions regarding how the 2014 COLA specifically applies to you, please contact:

Ellen Behrhorst, Human Resources Director at 612-977-3103;
Susie Mayer, Human Resources Associate at 612-977-3119; or
Rose Hoye, Human Resources Associate at 612-977-3128.

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If your senior is suffering from sneezing, a runny nose, and watery, itchy eyes, and it’s clearly seasonal allergies, she’ll probably want relief with an antihistamine. Note, however, that side effects from over-the-counter allergy medications can be very uncomfortable for older adults, who may already be suffering from some of the same effects through prescription medications or simple aging. Be wary of the constipation, dry mouth and eyes, drowsiness, dizziness, and urinary retention that can come with earlier-generation antihistamines like Chlor-Trimeton® and Benadryl®.

The newer antihistamines can be a better choice for older people because the side effects are typically fewer or milder. Zyrtec®, Claritin®, and Allegra® can bring welcome relief when taken short term. It’s wise to consult a pharmacist specializing in senior health.

Allergy symptoms can include a cough and dry throat. Have your senior drink lots of water, fruit juice, or hot tea to help clear mucus. Encourage your senior to keep beverages handy and take small sips as soon as a coughing fit erupts. Humidifiers can offer relief by alleviating dry indoor air. To help with nighttime coughing, have your older adult use extra pillows and sleep with his head elevated.

SOURCES

http://www.medicationadvisors.com/2012/03/seasonal-allergies-and-the-elderly/

http://www.ehow.com/how_4888159_cure-allergy-cough-naturally.html

http://www.allernet.com/FAQ/index.html

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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

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A conservator is appointed to make financial decisions such as entering into contracts, paying bills and investing assets for a protected person.

How much power do they have over an individual’s life?
Their powers are broad, but not absolute. According to the Minnesota attorney general’s office, they may use their authority only as necessary to provide care and services for the protected person. The court should ensure that decisions are not overly restrictive of the protected person’s rights.

The Legislature recently passed a Bill of Rights for Wards and Protected Persons (statute 524.5-120). Find it here:

http://www.mncourts.gov/Documents/4/Public/Probate/Bill_Of_Rights_For_Wards_And_Protected_Persons.pdf

Find more information about guardians and conservators at:
www.tinyurl.com/mrzfp8

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

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As reported recently by KARE-11 News, the Arc Legislative Action Center of the United States conducted a survey that found some startling facts. Forty-six percent of parents said they have more caregiving responsibilities than they can handle. One out of five families said one parent has had to quit working to help take care of their disabled child.

“We’re not supporting families like we used to,” said Steve Larson of The Arc of Minnesota. The Arc Minnesota says the change has nothing to do with people’s feelings toward those with disabilities and everything to do with budgets. Federal cuts to Medicaid would make the current problems even worse.

The Arc is calling on people to join their movement to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities. You can sign up by going to www.thearc.org/joinwithus.

See the KARE-11 News story at:
http://www.kare11.com/news/article/927068/14/Families-dealing-with-disabilities-hit-hard-by-economy

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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.

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