2011 was a great year for the Chicago Bridge. Let’s celebrate by sharing all of our success. Below lists areas of our work, growth, and success in 2011.  A big thanks to all the volunteers of Chicago Bridge including the leadership core past and present, all the event coordinators, the sponsers who provided us food and [...]

On October 19th Michael Lindenmayer from Caregiver Relief Fund and Joe Ferguson at Wellspring Personal Care presented on Family Caregiver and Professional Caregiver Relationships. The meeting was graciously hosted by Lincolnwood Place retirement community. Although the weather was awful the attendance for the event provided a great forum to discuss the tsunami for aging in [...]

Did you miss the Chicago Bridge event last week? Read the review….Early signs of dementia were noticed but unidentified in the seniors living independently without the benefit of social workers or therapists on staff. The employees at independent senior housing communities often including building manager or administrator, maintenance staff or janitor, and a social service coordinator, may not intervene when residents exhibit dementia symptoms. Attempts are rarely made to stabilize a crisis by assisting with emotional difficulties and transitions.

During the last week in April, more than 4,000 professionals in the field of aging convened in San Francisco for Aging in America, the American Society on Aging’s annual conference. Learn how the Chicago Bridge’s members were represented at this conference.

Panel of Professionals in the Field of Aging On March 16, 2011 the Chicago Bridge held had a wonderful panel of professionals in the field of aging share their advice and tips on getting started in the field of aging. This event was hosted by the Methodist Home. Claudia Cook from LivHOme, Robert Mapes from [...]

This event provided an overview of the complex maze of Medicare and Medicaid, the two main health care funding mechanisms for older adults. Presenter Laura Garcia, Assistant Director of the Chicago Senior Health Insurance Program Office through the Illinois Department of Insurance, educated attendees on current Medicare and Medicaid coverage and shared resources for helping [...]

The six-month Chicago Bridge Mentorship Program pilot matched emerging professionals in the field of aging with seasoned professionals already established as respected names in Chicago’s aging network. The program’s goal included developing the Mentee’s skills, network, and professional confidence. Along the way, the Chicago Bridge Mentorship Program made a meaningful contribution to Chicago’s eldercare workforce.

The Chicago Bridge is excited to announce our 2nd launch of the Mentorship Program. The program is currently seeking interested Seasoned Aging Professionals to become mentors and Emerging Aging Professionals to become mentees. If you are interested in either Mentee or Mentor roles please email Kristen.Palve@gmail.com for an application packet. Applications are due March 1st.

We are coming into a new year and we need your help. The Chicago Bridge blog is looking for editors. As an editor you will work with one writer and review each of their 6 articles throughout 2011. In addition, you may assist with editing other posts that are submitted by Chicago Bridge members. Average articles to be edited by one editor is 6-10 a year. Blog article editing training will be provided, so if you are unsure how to edit a blog post, we will teach you.

Self Care is not Self Indulgence. Learning these skills and being aware of our own vulnerabilities early on can make us resilient and protect us throughout our careers. Gentry’s techniques offer simple and practical ways to incorporate healthy behaviors into our everyday routines.