The Annual Leadership Launch was held Wednesday, April 17 at The Hallmark located in Chicago. Even though it was pouring outside and many attendees’ commutes quite were long, the turnout was great. Fifty-four people attended the event. The group was filled with both emerging and seasoned professionals eager to network. [...]

On February 27, 2013, Ed Stone with Transamerica Long Term Care presented Long Term Care: Are you the Titantic or the Apollo 11? This Chicago Bridge event was hosted by Northwestern University Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center (CNADC) and food was provided by Home Instead. With enthusiasm, humor, professional insights, and personal experience as [...]

On November 28, 2012, the Chicago Bridge screened the HBO film, “How to Die in Oregon,” exploring the issues surrounding physician-assisted dying. The film followed several individuals with terminal illness who were considering physician-assisted dying, which is also known by the terms “physician-assisted suicide,” or “death with dignity. “ At this time, the practice is [...]

Chicago Bridge had a great opportunity to learn and connect to the Chicago senior community on May 19th, 2012 at the Bethel Terrace Intergenerational Community Garden Launch! A few Chicago Bridge members (organized by Lauren Kessler), University of Chicago first year medical students, Englewood community members, and the residents of Bethel Terrace senior building came [...]

Chicago Bridge’s event on May 16th, 2012 featured Amy Wiatr-Rodriguez, Aging Program Specialist at Administration on Aging, Erin Weir in her new position as Manager of Healthcare Access (previously Healthcare Consumer Protection Coordinator) at AgeOptions, and Collen Ceh, Associate Director of Social Services at Mayslake Village. Phyllis Mitzen from Health & Medicine Policy Research Group [...]

For many seniors examining their long-term care options, the decision to “age in place” remains the most desirable. Unfortunately, for those individuals with dementia who require a higher level of care, often nursing homes are the only option. For many, the traditional model of institutionalized care represents a detention center they will try desperately to avoid. The culture change model represents a more person-centered approach in which the comforts of aging in place can be replicated in an institutional setting.

Aging in general is complex enough as it is. But the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community is faced with additional aging related challenges. The February, 2012 Chicago Bridge event was held to learn more about the issues the LGBT seniors face. Intrigued, I came to find out more.

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.