Untitled document Untitled document Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. PATHWAYS FOR AGING E-NEWSLETTER Volume 2, Issue 5 November 2009 Dear %$firstname$% The professional Social Workers at Pathways for Aging would like to wish each of you Happy Holidays, and hope that it is a happy time spent with friends and family! Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Holidays, Spirituality, and Aging Becky Schwantes, MSW, MA, PLCSW For many people in the U.S.’s religiously diverse society, the fall and early winter are a time where holidays and spirituality are placed at the forefront of many minds and hearts. Given that the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, http://www.pewforum.org/, currently reports that more than 90% of Americans believe in a god or hold some sort of spiritual belief, it is important to recognize the role that faith plays in aging, especially during this part of the year that is filled with so many religious holidays. Numerous empirical studies generally suggest that religious and spiritual practices have positive impacts on: · social supports · coping skills · overall quality of life in older adulthood · well-being and life satisfaction · heightened purpose and meaning in life · greater hope and optimism · reduction of anxiety and depression levels · decrease in morbidity · lower rates of substance abuse · increased lifespan National surveys also show that the majority of U.S. elders, particularly minority elders, consider spirituality to be important component of their lives. For those involved in community oriented religious activities, such as worship services and volunteer activities related to it, the above positive associations are further increased. Not all older adults, however, even if they are spiritual, are currently associated with a faith community. Those who are members of a spiritual group have an extra community support built into their social lives and are often healthier because of this connection. Many of these faith communities already exist and have a large support network that could be tapped for many older adults. But many of the most vulnerable older adults are isolated from these supports, because they cannot attend services and events, even though volunteer members of the communities can and often do make house visits if they are asked to do so. At this time of year, many people may feel a longing to be connected to a faith community or connected to their spiritual beliefs, especially if they have been estranged for any reason. They may benefit by a reconnection to a religious practice, faith community, or engaging in a discussion with a supportive listener about how faith does or does not impact their lives. It is important to ask older adults about their past and current faith connections to see if they may benefit from the support that a faith life and/or faith community may provide while respecting their autonomy, self determination, and freedom of choice regarding their spiritual beliefs. It is important to remember that “the holidays,” whichever ones a person may celebrate, can be very difficult for older adults who are isolated. It is beneficial to help older adults be proactive in making decisions about how to approach the holiday or holidays, cope with the holiday if it is a difficult subject or time of year, and find support for going through the holiday if needed. Becky Schwantes joined Pathways for Aging as a practicum student while working on her master of social work degree at Washington University and was hired following graduation to continue providing therapy, counseling and geriatric care management with Pathways for Aging. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Theology with a special focus in faith formation & spiritual care Pathways for Aging is now on Facebook! Become a fan by searching for "Pathways for Aging" and get information on mental health, support for older adults, and caregiver needs, and join in the discussion about issues important to you!' Reminder - Pathways Clinical Social Workers are currently offering Free Community Education Presentations Pathways for Aging has historically provided psychotherapy and geriatric care management for older adults, yet we also offer more preventative programs to promote healthy psychological living. All staff members hold masters degrees. Our social workers are experienced in working with older adults and their families, and we want to work with organizations and the St. Louis community to promote healthy minds and spirits among older adults and those who care for them. Pathways for Aging is able to offer community presentations on the following topics for older adults, caregivers, agency staff, family members, or a combination of any of these audiences on site at your location. Feel free to contact Pathways for Aging with any questions you may have or to schedule a presentation, by emailing pathwaysforaging@gmail.com or by calling 314.361.3530. Website Tip of the Month CLAIM Missouri - Is a nonprofit organization, providing free, unbiased information about Medicare to Missourians. They have trained volunteers who can answer questions about Medicare and supplemental insurance. They recently received a grant to assist them in spreading the word to low-income seniors about their eligibility for programs Pathways for Aging Special Report: Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway? Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway? Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System Only $14.95. Get your copy here. by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW "How will you or a loved one die?" This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues. It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made. Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan. Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE. Our team....the Clinical Social Workers of Pathways for Aging: Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, C-ASWCM Yvonne Fallert, MSW, LCSW, ACSW Ann Fitter, MSW, LCSW Rebecca Fierberg, MSW, LCSW Deb Kinmonth, MSW, LCSW ReBecca Schwantes, MSW, MA, PLCSW Visit our website for additional information about our staff, www.pathwaysforaging.com Recent Posts on Our Blog Why Pathways for Aging serves the Mental Health Needs of Older Adults Please Contact Us Call us today at 314.361.3530 if you or a friend or family member needs help with an older adult. Pathways for Aging, Inc. Helping you help the older adults in your life. Contact us at 314.361.3530 or e-mail us here. Geriatric Care Management Psychotherapy 6614 Clayton Road, #235 St. Louis, Missouri 63117 How We Can Help Personalized Care Management from the staff at Pathways for Aging provides: Customized information about community resources to meet the needs of your loved one. Peace of mind if you are separated from your loved one by geography or by a vacation or business trip. Someone to act as your eyes and ears, and troubleshoots problems before they become crises. A supportive advocate if you need to make life-altering decisions which impact quality-of-life, such as medical decisions, whether your loved one is able to continue independent living, when is it time to consider alternative housing, etc. A professional to help with strained family relationships and negotiating difficult decisions. Counseling from the staff at Pathways for Aging provides: Individual Counseling for older adults who may be experiencing Depression, Anxiety, or have a chronic mental illness In-home/On-site therapy counseling sessions are provided in the residence of older adults who live in the Saint Louis metro area Outpatient office - counseling services are also available in an outpatient setting located in Clayton, Missouri Call us today at 314.361.3530 to see how we can help you. Your privacy is very important to us. Read our terms of use and privacy policy. (C) 2008 Pathways for Aging, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. This newsletter is provided with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Our mailing address is: 6614 Clayton Road, #235, St. Louis, Missouri 63117 Our telephone is 314.361.3530 Sign up to receive this newsletter.