Guardian. TheProfessional. Calendar & Coming Events

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1 TheProfessional APRIL 2014 Guardian A publication by the Guardian Association of Pinellas County for the purpose of promoting advocacy & education. Calendar & Coming Events APRIL 15, 5:45 P.M. MEMBERSHIP MEETING How to Get Sued... RUSSELL R. WINER, ATTY. AT LAW Civil Litigation, Probate & Estates, Trust Administration, Guardianship 1 CEU available Hors d oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., Regal Palms APRIL 15, 3:30 P.M. GAPC BOARD MEETING REGAL PALMS VERANDAH ROOM APRIL 25, 9 A.M. GAPC NETWORKING BREAKFAST ARBOR TERRACE th Avenue, Largo Speaker: Katherine Campbell These Joints Are Jumpting/Ageless Grace RSVP to Association Website: Regular Monthly Meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Cypress Palms 400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONS P.O. Box 1826 Pinellas Park, FL Info@guardianassociation.org APRIL SPEAKER HOW TO GET SUED... Russell R. Winer, Attorney at Law Russell Winer has been a lawyer in private practice since 1985 with the majority of his practice involving issues surrounding the elderly. Russell Winer, Attorney Russell received his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication at University of Maryland, College Park and his Juris Doctorate from University of Oregon. As a member of the Elder Law section, the Tax Law Section and the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, Russell attends many seminars devoted to issues affecting inheritances, and has spoken to widow support groups, insurance companies, Realtors, and on television. He has previously been appointed as an inventory attorney by the Chief Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and designated a Certified Research Analyst by the predecessor to LexisNexis Risk Management. He litigates contested Guardianships, Trusts, and Estates and administers those matters when uncontested. He has handled successful appeals in the Second District Court of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. In addition to the Supreme Court of the State of Florida, Russell is admitted to the Bar of the following Courts: US. District Court, Middle District of Florida; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; U.S. Tax Court; U.S. Claims Court; U.S. Court of Military Appeals; U.S. Supreme Court; and U.S. Court of International Trade. Russell will focus on liability issues associated with a ward's actions as well as liability issues associated with handling intangible and tangible assets, real property assets and IRS and State tax reporting, plus Solution-Risk Managagement. PLEASE NOTE: This month s regular membership meeting will be held at Regal Palms, 2nd floor.

2 2014 Board of Directors Officers President...Sue Schramek Vice President...LynnMarie Boltze Secretary...Rebecca Weitzel Treasurer...Ken Shoop Board Members Mel Coppola Tina Costa Trisha Randall Ron Viele Cynthia Van Vliet Bruce Wallace Laverne Welch Past President Irene Rausch Committees Administration Committee Sue Schramek, Chair Budget & Finance Committee Ken Shoop, Chair By-Laws Committee Ron Viele, Chair Education & Program Committee Laverne Welch, Chair Conference Committee Cynthia Van Vliet, Co-Chair Tina Costa, Co-Chair Membership/Public Relations Committee Trisha Randall, Chair Newsletter Editor & Breakfast Facilities Coordinator Phyllis Johnson or Association FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Sue Schramek THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENT... Spring is here and we are actively cleaning out the closets! A big thank you to Cynthia Van Vliet for moving stored files from our Summit office which we are vacating. She is also going through the many boxes, shredding duplicate pages and organizing our documents. At our last meeting the Board once again worked on the revision of our Bylaws. They will be reviewed one more time by an attorney and then presented to the membership for review and ratification. The Conference Committee is organizing our conference seminars for our Annual Conference October 17, 2014 at the The Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park. Suggestions for speakers are always welcome and can be submitted to Conference Chair Cynthia Van Vliet at cynthiavanvliet@ tampabay.rr.com. We as a Board are committed to continuing the high quality of education and networking opportunities for our members. We welcome your comments and suggestions. SUE The Guardian Association of Pinellas County, Inc. is a non profit corporation, formed in 1977 as a voluntary group. It is a professional association which allows the receiving of tax deductible contribution of goods and services. The association is governed by an elected Board of Directors and meetings are open to all members. The purpose of the association is primarily that of education, thus promoting a better quality of service for elders by developing and improving the capabilities of guardians and their relationship with other entities within the community. 2

3 NETWORKING BREAKFAST 3 IT'S ALL ABOUT FUN Katherine Campbell is a Certified Ageless Grace Trainer & Educator, teaching seniors a fun functional fitness program for body and brain in the Tampa Bay area since Exercises are enjoyed seated in a chair with music to work all parts of the body. Katherine Campbell As seniors learn to reduce stress and attain program goals of increased pain-free flexibility, confidence in movement and healthy longevity through socialization in group activity, they are better able to relax and enjoy life with themselves and those they care for. Katherine also does senior placement, counseling, nursing assistance and marketing for ALFs. Some of her clients include Aging Well Center, Hale Center, Mease Manor, H2U and Pinellas County Schools. Come join us April 25th at 9:00 a.m., Arbor Terrace, th Avenue, Largo. Extra parking is available at the church on the corner of 16th Avenue and Seminole Blvd. It s a great networking opportunity, filled with lively discussion and a great breakfast. When eating that Easter candy, remember that sugar causes the brain to age faster. The way the cells in your body recognize and use sugar may speed up the body s aging process and make your skin look older. Courtesy of: Demential Details Newsletter Proud Supporter of the Guardian Association 750 Starkey Road, Largo, FL Assisted Living Facility Lic #7301 IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM Gold identification badges are available to members for $15 Badges will be mailed to your address.. For information, contact Sue Schramek at (727) Name on badge (Title will read Professional Guardian) Shipping address City, State, Zip or phone ADVERTISE In The Professional Guardian Newsletter Advertising Rates Full page, 1 month, Sponsoring $ /2 page $130.00* 1/4 page $ 80.00* 1/8 page business card $ 50.00* * Per month with 3 month minimum Send camera ready color ads and payment, as well as editorial copy to: Phyllis Johnson One Windrush Blvd., #55 Indian Rocks Beach, FL pjohns3@tampabay.rr.com telephone: (727) Deadline for ads with payment is the 25th of each month. Same deadline for editorial copy. A complimentary copy of each issue is sent to our advertisers.

4 4 CORRECTION We Listen. We Respond. We Care. Individualized Care in a Home-Like Atmosphere Specialized Memory Care Neighborhood Licensed Nurse On-site 24 Hours A Day On-site Therapy & Rehabilitation Engagement Program & Social Outings Short & Long-Term Stays Assisted Living Starting at $ th Avenue S.E., Largo, FL ALF# 7933 The March Newsletter contained an article on page 8 entitled Happy Trails, Seniors. The Travel Agency's license numbers were incorrectly placed. Please note the correctly placed license numbers below: ADVANCED SENIOR SOLUTIONS: License HCS CAREMINDERS HOME CARE: License HHA , HHA

5 DIVISION OF INSPECTOR GENERAL PRESERVING THE PUBLIC S TRUST Division of Inspector General Office of Ken Burke Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller For Pinellas County, Florida 5 PERSONNEL CHANGES IN THE GUARDIANSHIP DIVISION Recently, there have been personnel changes in the Probate Department of the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (Clerk) as well as the Sixth Judicial Court s Probate Guardianship Division. On the Clerk s side: After 31 years with the Clerk, Diane M. Elliott, Manager of the Clerk s Probate Department, retired on March 14, A celebration of her career and dedication was held at the Island Way Grill in Clearwater. William Bill Burgess, who has been with the county over 16 years, has been promoted to the Manager of the Clerk s Probate Department. Bill was the Assistant Manager of the Clerk s Civil Court Records Department previous to his promotion. On the Court s side: Sue Landress, Court Monitor, who was appointed to investigate areas of concern reported to the court, retired on February 27, The Sixth Judicial had a farewell retirement party for Sue and she is planning a trip to Morocco. Ramona Denmark is our new Court Monitor. Ramona was previously with the Florida Department of Children and Families and brings a vast amount of experience. Thank you Diane and Sue for your dedicated years of service to the citizens of Pinellas County and we wish them a wonderful retirement. Welcome Bill and Ramona as our new partners who join us all in our efforts to provide due process, protect, and respect the rights and dignity of the wards. Please note: If there is a topic you would like discussed in any of our upcoming monthly newsletter articles, please it to adinatale@plinellascounty.org. HOW TO CONTACT US: If we can be of assistance, please call: Division of Inspector General, PIU Division of Inspector General, Fax Probate Court Records Guardianship Hotline FRAUD ( )

6 6 March 18th Membership Meeting Cypress Palms, Largo Licensed Insurance Agent for Health Markets Bob Lonardo gave his views on the Affordable Care Act, distibuting angels to attendees that symbolically represent the protection he feels the Act will provide. "There will be a positive outcome for a lot of people," he said. "Previously 15-20% of the population were unable to get insurance. Now we are close to the parameters set for the plan in the number of people that have signed up so far." "The key is going to be prevention," he continued, In spite of the complexity and enormity of the plan that has caused some pain in getting it out there to the public, "there is no way we can go back," he concluded.

7 THE MANY FACETS OF HOSPICE submitted by Marci Pruitt, VP, Hospice 7 Suncoast Hospice Gives Comfort & Support Suncoast Hospice is a not for profit, community hospice, which has served Pinellas County for over 35 years. Founded by volunteers, its mission is to provide compassionate, expert hospice and palliative care to patients to comfort them and improve their quality of life. Suncoast Hospice also supports families and caregivers working alongside them to provide care, as well as bereavement services. Hospice and palliative care are specialized types of care, which bring comfort and support to patients with advanced illnesses. Families also receive support as part of the care continuum. Pinellas County residents may call Suncoast Hospice for themselves or those in their care and a physician referral is not required to find out how we can help. Holistic Care for Patients and Families Suncoast Hospice care focuses on bringing patients physical, emotional and spiritual comfort. Care includes medical services to relieve pain and symptoms, counseling and support, personal care, and more. Suncoast Hospice also provides support to families and caregivers during the patients illnesses and after their deaths. Support may include emotional counseling, education on caregiving techniques, assistance with decision making and planning, bereavement support and more. Services include: Medical /physician care Personal care (bathing, dressing, meal preparation, etc.) Emotional, spiritual and grief counseling Physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapies Medications related to the hospice diagnosis Deliveries and pick ups of medical equipment and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis (hospital beds, walkers, oxygen, etc.) Volunteer assistance, companionship and palliative therapies

8 ...continued 8 (music, massage, pets, etc.) Dietary guidance Counseling, support groups, education, resources and respite for families and caregivers Suncoast Hospice Care Centers for pain and symptoms management Care Teams Suncoast Hospice care teams include skilled staff of several disciplines and trained volunteers who are committed to bringing comfort to patients and families. The care teams work together with patients and their families, doctors and other caregivers to provide the care and support that honors patients wishes. Team members are available 24/7 to answer questions or to help. Members of the care teams include: Hospice and palliative medicine physicians Registered nurses Home health aides Licensed counselors and social workers Chaplains Trained adult and teen volunteers Care Anywhere Suncoast Hospice provides care wherever patients live including homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, Suncoast Hospice Care Centers or wherever you call home. Care Payment Suncoast Hospice care may be paid for with Medicare hospice benefit, Medicaid, private health insurance, personal pay, grant funding and financial support from the community. To learn more about Suncoast Hospice care or to get help today, call 727-HOSPICE ( ) or visit

9 9 Computer Corner by Bruce Wallace Professional Guardian The Thinker Guardians attend various networking functions that may contain hot spots. According to Wikipedia, hotspot is a site that offers Internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN) through the use of a router connected to a link to an Internet service provider. Hotspots typically use Wi-Fi technology. Hotspots may be found in coffee shops and various other public establishments in many developed urban areas throughout the world. The public can use a laptop or other suitable portable device to access the wireless connection (usually Wi-Fi) provided. Of the estimated 150 million laptops, 14 million PDAs, and other emerging Wi-Fi devices sold per year for the last few years, most include the Wi-Fi feature. For venues that have broadband Internet access, offering wireless access is as simple as configuring one access point (AP), in conjunction with a router and connecting the AP to the Internet connection. A single wireless router combining these functions may suffice. In my own office I have a wired/wireless router installed. It is hooked up to my ISP (Internet Service Provider) and makes easy access for my Samsung Tablet (although it is password protected). My computer I use in my work is wired into the router as well as another desktop machine. Security is a serious concern in connection with Hotspots. There are three possible attack vectors. First, there is the wireless connection between the client and the access point. This needs to be encrypted, so that the connection cannot be eavesdropped or attacked by a man-in-the-middle-attack. Second, there is the Hotspot itself. The WLAN encryption ends at the interface, then travels its network stack unencrypted and then travels over the wired connection up to the BRAS of the ISP. Third, there is the connection from the Access Point to the BRAS of the ISP. The safest method when accessing the Internet over an Hotspot, with unknown security measures, is end-to-end encryption. Examples of strong end-to-end encryption are HTTPS and SSH. Of course you would never process banking transactions except in your own office with encryption enabled. If you need wireless access in your home check with your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Since I had 20 years of computer experience I was able to set up my own router and connected my wired devices to it. If you need assistance, I can help. If you have any questions about this article, please call or Celebrating 45 Years of Caring THE VILLAS AT LAKESIDE OAKS Our Services Include: ~ Private & Semi-Private Rooms ~ Assistance with Daily Activities ~ 24 hour Skilled Nursing ~ Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapies ~ Long-term Care Services ~ Medicare & Medicaid Certified ~ Caregiver Support Group (727) / (727) Virginia Street, Dunedin, FL 34698

10 APRIL COMMUNITY CALENDAR To advertise your event on this calendar, submit information to Phyllis Johnson at by 4/ /8 Tues. 11:00-1:00 PM Chef s Luncheon Grand Villa - Pinellas Park th Street N. Pinellas Park RSVP to Angel (727) /9 Wed. 9:30 Motivational Marketing Breakfast Grand Villa - Largo 750 Starkey Road Largo RSVP Laverne (727) No Wine Down Wednesday this month Will continue in May 4/9 Wed. 4:00-6:00 PM Spa Day Pacifica Senior Living 620 Belleair Road Clearwater RSVP by 4/7 (727) /10 Thurs. 8:45-10:00 Fall Prevention Coalition Quarterly Meeting Medical Center of Trinity 9330 S.R. 54 New Port Richey RSVP Christine Hamacher (813) /10 Thurs. 10:00 Referral Networking Group Arbor Terrace th Avenue S.E. Largo RSVP Diane / Jackie (727) /10 Thurs. 1:30-3:00 PM Hear the Latest in Hearing Technology Grand Villa - Largo 750 Starkey Road Largo RSVP by 4/9 (727) /11 Fri. 9:00 Teepa Snow Understanding Alzheimer s Inn on the Pond 2010 Greenbriar Blvd. Clearwater RSVP by 4/9 (727) /11 Fri. 9:00 BLS Chomp & Chat St. Mark Village 880 Highlands Blvd. Palm Harbor RSVP by 4/9 to Suzanne (727) /15 Tues. 3:30 PM Guardian Association Board Meeting Regal Palms, Verandah Rm. 300 Lake Avenue Largo RSVP to website: 4/15 Tues. 5:30 PM Guardian Association Regular Meeting Regal Palms, 2nd Floor 300 Lake Avenue Largo RSVP to website: 4/16 Wed. 4:30 PM No Name Marketing Group Location TBA RSVP Terri (727)

11 APRIL COMMUNITY CALENDAR To advertise your event on this calendar, submit information to Phyllis Johnson at by 4/ /17 Thurs 10:00 Professional Women in Healthcare The Barrington Seminole Blvd. Largo RSVP Susan (727) /24 Thurs. 10:30 GAPC Legislative Committee Meeting Office of Atty. Christopher Young th Ave. N., St. Pete All are welcome 4/24 Thurs. 4:00-6:30 PM FALA Happy Hour Grand Villa - Largo 750 Starkey Road Largo RSVP (727) /25 Fri. 9:00 Guardian Association Monthly Breakfast Arbor Terrace th Ave. Largo RSVP to website: 4/30 Wed. 8:30 Monthly Networking Breakfast Arden Courts 9300 Antilles Dr. Seminole RSVP to Bernadette (727) /6 Tues. 8:30 North County Networking Freedom Inn / Countryside 3260 N McMullen Booth Rd Clearwater RSVP Terri Bolander (727) northcounty2008@aol.com 5/7 Wed. 9:00 Brunch n Learn The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, 1255 Pasadena Ave., St. Petersburg RSVP Jennifer Naster (727) Legal and Financial Planning for People with Alzheimer s Disease Fact Sheet. Print copies of this publication can be ordered online from the National Institute on Aging s website: or call: (Courtesy of Demential Details Newsletter) Villas & Apartments for Seniors... A Safe & Secure place to call home. Full Continuum of Care Community in Largo, offering Senior Amenities & Services , ext

12 Listing your Ward s Home for Sale? Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase: As Is or Regular 12 An As Is contract is exactly what it says you re selling your ward s home As Is and as the seller, you are not under any obligation to Nick Acosta make any repairs if a buyer decides to purchase. Often, buyers are taken back when they realize that it is an As Is sale. The immediate response is something must be wrong with the house that the seller is aware of and doesn t want to repair. That could be true, but it is not always the case. It could be that the ward doesn t have liquid cash to financially pay for the repairs prior to the closing date, or that you as their Guardian, do not have the time needed to address all of the repairs that are identified on the home inspection report this is commonly known as sold As Is for the sellers convenience. The buyer does have the option to get a home inspection done (Right to Inspect/Cancel) within a 15 day period after a contract is ratified. If the results of the inspection are not satisfactory, then the buyer can, at their sole discretion, terminate the contract by delivering written notice of such election to you (the seller) prior to expiration of the Inspection Period. They would then be entitled to get their escrow deposit back, and both parties are released of all further obligations under the contract. Unless it is definitely a deal breaker, quite often, prior to canceling the contract, the buyer will ask the seller to make some repairs that they feel should be made. If you are a motivated seller, possibly because the ward needs to sell the home quickly for financial reasons, it may be advisable to come to agreement on making the repairs or renegotiate the sales price so that the buyer can make the repairs on their own after the closing. With this approach, you could still sell, relieving yourself of putting the home back on the market and then going through the same process with the next buyer. If you choose a Regular contract when listing your ward s home, you then have the opportunity to negotiate with the buyer prior to going to contract on fixed amount or a percentage of the sales price that you re willing to spend on repairs. The standard contract stipulates 1.5% of the purchase price for General Repair items - it cannot be just any repair. Just to name a few General Repairs plumbing/ water leaks or water damage, roof (missing tiles/shingles), electrical, safety/security (windows, doors), appliances. As the Guardian, it is imperative you realistically evaluate the ward s financial circumstances, determine the true amount of time that can be allocated for repairs and come to the conclusion on how important it is to sell the home in an expeditious manner. After determining those factors, you can then make an informed decision as to whether you should sell your ward s home As Is or with a Regular contract. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to me at jnickacosta@gmail.com or you can call/text me directly at (813) I am a licensed Realtor with Lipply Real Estate in Pinellas County. Compassionate, Excellent, & Reliable Home Care For 35 years, Bayada Nurses has helped people live a safe home life with comfort, independence, and dignity. Skilled nursing & personal care Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week Stringent hiring standards Free nursing evaluation Private pay, Medicare, worker s comp., most insurance accepted Serving Pinellas, Pasco, & Hillsborough Counties Licensed HHA Icot Blvd., Suite 517, Clearwater, FL

13 Announcements 13 If your ward has had the power disconnected or had delinquent notices, he/she may be able to receive help through the Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP). Vouchers for fans, heaters, blankets, etc. may also be available. For more information, call (727) , Ext. 10. May 5th, 2014 at Bayfront Medical Center, FSGA will present a free 3-4 CEU seminar. Speakers are TBA but will emphasize end-of-life decisions, clinical ethics, and a primer on respiratory issues affecting ward/patient. Proposed intensive theme, "Professional Guardians are making medical decisions, are they making the correct choices? " For more information on the intensive contact Fernando Gutierrez at (727) or Space is limited to 20 participants. Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders residing in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program's local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents' concerns. Special training and certification is provided. All interested individuals who care about protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care facility residents -- who often have no one else to advocate for them -- are encouraged to call toll-free (888) or visit the program's Web site at The local council meets on the third Thursday of each month at the St. Anne Byzantine Church, 7120 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey to discuss the program's current activities and give the public a chance to provide comments about long-term care facility issues. The open session of these meetings begins at 10:00 a.m. The next council meeting is on April 24, Concerned citizens and those interested in volunteering are welcome to attend Save the Date - November 21, The New Age of Caregiving Symposium - The Many Faces of Caregiving. Created by Kim Linder, Host of the Caregiver Hour Radio Show. For more information, contact Kim Linder at kim@thecaregiverhour.com. Celebrating Life - A 100th Birthday Party, May 1st, 1-3pm at Suncoast Hospice - The Gathering Place, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater. For details or to become a sponsor, call Cynthia Rhet at (727) Free two week trial of structured alkalized antioxidant water, call Lori at (727) or Marcus (941)

14 The Palms of Largo is an Independent, Assisted & Memory Care Campus! 14

15 February Networking Breakfast 15 March 28th at Grand Villa of Pinellas Park Sandra Narron (above center) who manages marketing, fundraising, public relations and volunteer recruitment for Neighborly Care Network informed audience members of available services NCN provides for seniors, including rehabilitation and supervised adult day care, transportation and nutritional services such as Meals On Wheels. For more information, contact Sandra at (727) , ext

16 16 Guardian Association of Pinellas County, Inc. Membership Request Membership Year: August 1 through July 31 Membership Application: New Renewal Date: Guardian $45.00 (must be a Guardian or taken the State Guardian Competency Exam) SPGO# Affiliate $60.00 (Non-guardian, Individual) Corporate $75.00 (company is owner of the membership, includes two members, transferable between employees) Category for listing on GAPC website (Please check appropriate boxes and print legibly) Professional Guardian Family Guardian Assisted Living Facility Nursing / Rehab Facility Health Care Agency Attorney Paralegal / Legal Assistant Power of Attorney (POA) Care Manager Finance / Banking Government / Court Personnel Other Name Business Name/Organization Address City State Zip County Home Phone Fax Address Website Address Please make check payable to Guardian Association. Mail to GAPC c/o Ken Shoop, Treasurer, 2803 Gulf to Bay Blvd., #166, Clearwater, FL To apply or renew membership online, please visit our website at Pay Pal Accepted. For more information contact: