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  • Monday, January 08, 2024 10:41 AM | Noel White

    Unlocking Your Potential: The Benefits of Using a Life Coach Now

    By Stacy Alcide RN, BSN, CCM, Certified Aging Life Care Manager

    Introduction:

    In life's journey, we often encounter external and internal obstacles that can hinder our personal and professional growth. A life coach can be a guiding light, helping individuals break through limiting beliefs, develop a plan of action, and find their purpose. This article will explore the numerous benefits of life coaching and the different types of life coaches available to cater to specific needs.

    Benefits of Life Coaching

    Self-Awareness: Hiring a life coach can help you better understand yourself, including your values and motivation, leading to better decision-making.

    Finding Purpose: Many individuals struggle with a sense of purpose in life. Life coaches specialize in helping clients explore their passions, values, and interests. By discovering what truly matters, individuals can set meaningful goals aligned with their purpose, making their efforts more rewarding and motivating.

    Overcoming Limiting Beliefs:One of the primary roles of a life coach is to help clients identify and challenge their limiting beliefs. These self-imposed restrictions can hold individuals back from realizing their full potential. A life coach provides the necessary support and tools to overcome these barriers and build self-confidence.

    Goal Achievement: Life coaches can help you set and clarify achievable goals by creating a roadmap for your personal development.

    Creating a Plan of Action:Life coaching is all about setting clear objectives and creating a structured plan to achieve them. Whether personal or professional goals, a life coach assists in breaking down larger aspirations into manageable steps, making the path forward more achievable and less overwhelming.

     Accountability: They hold you accountable for your actions and progress, ensuring you stay committed to your goals and make consistent strides.

    Types of Life Coaches

    General Life Coaching: General life coaches support various aspects of life, from personal development and relationships to health and well-being. They assist clients in setting and achieving a broad range of goals, ultimately achieving a healthy work-life balance.

    Career Coaching: Career coaches focus on guiding individuals in their professional pursuits. They help clients identify their strengths, career aspirations, and areas for growth. Career coaching can assist in making strategic career moves, improving job performance, and enhancing job satisfaction.

    Health and Wellness Coaching: These coaches assist individuals in making lifestyle changes to improve their physical and mental well-being, including fitness, nutrition, and stress management.

    Business Coaching: Business coaches work with entrepreneurs and owners to drive business growth and success. They offer guidance on strategy, leadership, marketing, and other vital aspects of business development. Business coaching helps individuals navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and take their ventures to new heights.

    Financial Coach: Financial coaches help clients with budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and overall financial management to achieve financial goals and stability.

    Conclusion

    Life coaching works because it offers many benefits for those looking to enhance their personal and professional lives. By addressing limiting beliefs, creating a plan of action, and finding one's purpose, individuals can unlock their full potential and reach their goals. Different life coaches, such as career, business, and general life coaches, cater to specific needs, ensuring that clients receive targeted guidance. Through life coaching, individuals work to overcome obstacles and embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and success.

    If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don't hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.

    About The Option Group:Founded in 2010, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers and Educational Advocates provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals and professional family advisors in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or severe illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899/ 215-896-6756 (PA) / or 302-858-6449 (DE). For Minor & Young Adult Life Care Management or Educational Services, call Mary Jo Siebert at 410-967-0122 or 443-318-4244.


  • Monday, December 04, 2023 9:32 AM | Noel White

    More Ways to Be the Best Advocate for Your Child's Education Today

    By Keishya Fiore, Educational Advocate

    https://theoptiongroup.net/more-ways-to-be-the-best-advocate-for-your-childs-education-today/

    Your job as a parent is pretty simple on paper: love your child. This means changing peanut butter poop diapers; it means being woken up by a tiny little foot in your neck in the middle of the night; it means watching the same Cocomelon song five times in a row because the only shot at sanity you have is the insanity of repetitious Cocomelon music.

    That love you have for your child - who ate the last cookie and still had the nerve to smile at you sweetly and ask for another bedtime story - goes beyond sleepless nights. It goes beyond the care, time, and money that you give. That love also translates to advocating for your child and teaching them to self-advocate. However, when you have a child with special needs, advocacy can seem like a complex thing. 

    Below are some tips to be a better advocate and teach advocacy to your kids, but remember, through the whole process, the number one driving force is the same as it was in the infant stage when your child didn't sleep through the night, or the toddler stage when they peed all over your carpet, or the preschool stage when they refused to get dressed for company and ran around the house naked- it is and always will be to love your child and want what is best for them. 

    Have a Goal

    The first part of being an effective advocate is knowing what you want. Going to an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting without an outcome in mind can be like trying a new restaurant without looking at the menu - you may end up with a good meal, or you may find yourself nodding along and ordering the fish because that's what the waiter said to order even though you hate fish. Always have an outcome in mind. This can be long-term, "I want my child to have a successful career." However, it's best to backwards map. In other words, you are considering how shorter-term goals will lead to that long-term goal. For example, I may want a thousand dollars by the end of the year, but it's easier to say let's put a hundred dollars in the savings account each month. So, keeping in mind that you want your child to have a career when they enter adulthood, your goal can be, "By the end of the school year, I want my child to add and subtract numbers." 

    Having a goal in mind helps you focus on your advocacy. A good way to practice this is to write out five outcomes you want from your next IEP meeting. Enter the meeting with these five things in mind. With these five things in mind, you know where you need to drive the conversation. For example, if your child struggles with math, focus on math and not another subject. This is good both for IEP meetings when you are literally goal-setting, and life in general. 

    Another thing to think about: what goals does your child have? Have them set the goal, whatever it may be. Again, this may be long term "I want to be on my own, living my best independent life," but remember to set short-term goals that help work towards this long-term one, like "I want you to leave me alone while I do my homework." Short-term goals are easier to work towards, and when your child is involved in the goal setting, they will be invested in working towards it. 

    Ask Questions 

    Any good teacher will tell you that questions are the best! You learn so much through a good question! Question your child about their goals, interests, strengths, weaknesses, and what they notice in each class and between classes. Ask about your child's life so that you can better understand your child and their struggles. Question your child's teachers. What do you see? What do you think they need to work on? Where do you think their strengths lie? What do you notice about their social group? Be sure to ask these questions before the next parent-teacher conference. Teachers are often pressed for time on conference days and the dates themselves are months apart. You can gain a more detailed picture by asking when the teacher’s attention is not divided. Just tap into that inner detective or conspiracy theorist (whichever comes more naturally, no judgment) and question everything. Gather information by asking questions because then you know exactly what is going on and can start to problem solve. Your child should also ask questions - at meetings, in class, throughout their life. This doesn't have to be done publicly; they can send questions electronically or write some on a sticky note in class but teach your children that the best way to problem solve is to ask questions.     

    Learn the IEP

    Questioning is also good to do in an IEP meeting. There is a lot of jargon and many acronyms that get thrown around in the meeting - IEP, 504, PLAAFP, RTI, AT, FAPE, BIP, LRE, SDI. It's alphabet soup at some of these meetings. This can be confusing and intimidating, but remember, you are a parent, not a special educator. It’s ok if you don’t “speak IEP.” You should not feel like you are expected to know everything; there is no shame in asking questions. Remember that you are there because you, not anyone else, is the expert in your child. The IEP team should respect that. So if you need help understanding something, ask for clarification. Don’t let anyone talk over you or make you feel excluded from the meeting. This is especially true if something is raising a red flag to you. Asking the simple question, "Why do you suggest this?" will not only provide clarity, but also force others to explain their reasoning so you can then decide if it makes sense. You and your child are the most critical IEP team members, and you need to know what's going on and why. Make sure that you understand your child’s IEP, that it makes sense and reflects your child. Once you understand it, you can then make sure that it is being upheld. Was this assignment modified? Did they receive extended time? Were teacher notes provided? When you understand the IEP you can then uphold the IEP and if that IEP is not being upheld you can call another meeting. If any of this is confusing or overwhelming, please note that you are allowed to bring whoever you want to the IEP meeting to advise you; friend, advocate, attorney, therapist, Big Bird - whoever has knowledge of your child and their needs. You do not need to be in this process alone.

          

    Be Prepared 

    Whether it is going into an IEP meeting, a parent-teacher conference, or even just Back-2-School night, be prepared. Things run smoothly when you have a plan and a goal and understand the game's rules. Be prepared to ask questions and have some questions ready. Be prepared to say, "I'd like us to focus on the behavior I'm seeing.” Be prepared to discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, part of that preparation includes knowing what to expect. Do some research on IEPs and IDEA 2004 to know your rights. Let me repeat that, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. You, as a parent, have the right to call a meeting at any point, you have the right to hire an advocate, and you have the right to be as involved as you want to be. Parents have rights! 

    Furthermore, know what resources are available and what expectations are appropriate for your child and their stage of development, with their disability, and with their course work. Be active! If you don't know, see who the best person would be to give you answers. All members of the school staff are listed on your school's website.

    Teach your child how to be better prepared as well. Be vulnerable and admit that you do not know what’s going to happen, so you need a plan. Teach them that having a plan can be a way to feel secure. Show them what that looks like - skills such as time management, planning and organization are not yet fully developed in a child's brain, so it can be helpful for both of you to set the example and show them the confidence (and dopamine) boost you can get from going into any situation after some preparation and with a well-laid plan. 

    Document

    Document everything. Calls from the school, notes from the teacher, time spent on a single assignment. Document behaviors you are seeing at home, what you are hearing about in school, after school, changes you’ve noticed etc. Document, document, and document some more. Moreover, always make requests in writing. You may be more comfortable talking about something over the phone, but make sure that the request for a conference and/or an IEP meeting is in writing and then do a follow-up detailing what was said in writing. Document everything because you don't know when something may come up. If you are in a meeting and the school says that your child doesn't need extra time, having documentation on the three hours it took them to do ten questions will prove otherwise.

    Lawyers require evidence, and so does special education. Remember that an IEP is a legal document based on the evidence you bring, so ensure you have that documentation. Have your child do the same if appropriate. Tell them to tally how many times they felt frustrated or note how long it took them to start their last test. The more documentation you have, the more prepared you will be to advocate for your child effectively. 

    Make Allies

    Sometimes, the best way to support your child may be to make friends. Catch more flies with honey, right? Make allies where you can. If someone likes you and knows you are approachable, they are much more likely to keep you in the loop and look out for your child. Teachers are under a lot of pressure, so a bit of friendliness can go a long way with them. Likewise, IEP chairs make a lot of meeting scheduling and other IEP related decisions. Paraeducators work with your child. They are often overlooked but may have the most one-to-one time with your child. Think of the school staff as a whole and make allies wherever possible. 

    This also goes for your child. Teach your child to make allies where they can and then utilize those alliances. Knowing who the basketball coach is may give you some leverage over academics. Knowing that your child likes the English teacher will provide you with insight into what that teacher is doing that the Science teacher is not. Opening the conversation with "My daughter loves your class" opens the conversation to what their strengths are and what works well for them within that class. If going to school or IEP meetings feels like going to war (which it should not), you should have allies who you know will be on both your and your child's sides. 

    Communication

    There is some overlap here, but it needs to be made clear - communication is always key. Make sure communication is open. Communicate as much as necessary. Communicate with the faculty, the staff, and with your child. When there is a problem, document it and let it be known. When things are going well, making allies means saying, "Thank you so much for your work with X; I've seen so much improvement." Communicate with your child and listen to their feelings.

    You love your child, and that, above all else, should be communicated with everyone in that meeting, but especially with your child. 

    These tips will help you and your children advocate for a better education. However, the special education process can be a lot to handle and if you decide that you need additional support, please call Ask & Aces at The Option Group at 410-967-0122 or email us at aainfo@theoptiongroup.net.


  • Thursday, October 26, 2023 9:33 AM | Colleen Konstanzer

    Ever wonder what "drives" people to volunteer with Neighbor Ride? From the flexibility to the difference they make, our volunteers are happy to share why being a Neighbor Ride driver is one of the best volunteer gigs in town. Click the link to listen for yourself...

    Neighbor Ride Volunteers - Why I Drive

  • Wednesday, October 18, 2023 3:41 PM | Becky Sieck (Administrator)

    Aging in Place: Transforming Bathrooms for a Lifetime of Comfort and Safety

    By Stacy Alcide RN, BSN, CCM, Certified Aging Life Care Manager, The Option Group

    Aging in place, the concept of living independently in one's own home as one ages has gained significant popularity in recent years. Many seniors prefer to stay in familiar surroundings, maintaining their autonomy and cherished memories. Thoughtful home modifications are essential, and the bathroom is one of the most critical areas to consider. This blog will explore why bathrooms are crucial in the aging-in-place equation and discuss vital considerations in transforming them into safe and accessible spaces.

    Why Bathrooms Matter

    Bathrooms are inherently complex spaces that pose numerous challenges as people age. Slippery surfaces, tight areas, and the need for frequent access can become major obstacles. Here are some reasons why bathrooms deserve special attention when adapting a home for aging in place:

    High Risk of Falls: According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatalities and non-fatal injuries among older adults. Bathrooms are hazardous due to wet floors, tripping hazards, and the need to navigate these confined spaces.

    Frequent Use: Bathrooms are among a home's most frequently used rooms, making them crucial for maintaining independence. Difficulty in using the bathroom can lead to dependence on caregivers for basic personal hygiene tasks.

    Privacy and Dignity: Maintaining privacy and dignity is essential for self-esteem. An accessible bathroom can ensure that seniors can maintain personal hygiene independently.

    Key Considerations for Bathroom Modifications

    Grab Bars and Handrails: Install grab bars and handrails near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to provide stability and support when standing or moving around. These fixtures should be securely anchored to the wall and able to support an individual's weight.

    Non-Slip Flooring and Throw Rugs: Replace slippery flooring materials with non-slip options like textured tiles or non-slip mats, thus reducing the risk of slipping, especially when the floor gets wet. Another thing to consider is the hazards posed by throw rugs, which is one of the most significant dangers because they tend to curl up at the edges or slip out of place.

    Walk-In Showers: Consider replacing traditional bathtubs with low or no thresholds with walk-in showers, reducing the need to step over the edge of a tub, which can be challenging for those with limited mobility.

    Handheld Shower Heads: Handheld shower heads are versatile and easily maneuvered to reach different body parts. Seniors can bathe and wash themselves more easily, reducing the need for assistance from caregivers or family members.

    Raised Toilet Seats: Install raised toilet seats to make it easier for seniors to sit down and stand up. These seats can provide added comfort and reduce the strain on joints.

    Adequate Lighting: Ensure that the bathroom is well-lit with easy-to-reach switches. Proper lighting helps seniors see clearly, reducing the risk of accidents. Aging and the related changes in vision often lead to the need for more lighting in homes.

    Lever-Style Faucets: Replace traditional knob-style faucets with lever-style handles. These are easier to grip and require less skill to operate.

    Accessibility Features: Consider widening doorways for mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. Also, create clear pathways within the bathroom for easy navigation.

    Emergency Response Systems: Install an emergency response system that allows seniors to call for help. These systems typically include wearable devices or wall-mounted buttons.

    Conclusion

    Creating a safe and accessible bathroom is crucial in enabling seniors to age comfortably and independently. By implementing thoughtful modifications and considering the unique needs of aging individuals, they can maintain quality of life while remaining in the homes they love. Consulting with care managers and other professionals experienced in aging-in-place renovations can provide valuable guidance in this critical endeavor. With the proper modifications, the bathroom can become a space where seniors can thrive, ensuring that the golden years are filled with comfort, dignity, and safety.

    If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don't hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.

    About The Option Group: Founded in 2010, The Option Group's compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers serves families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for an individual who needs assistance due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of quality resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899 / 215-896-6756 (PA) or 302-858-6449 (DE).

  • Thursday, October 05, 2023 5:31 PM | Becky Sieck (Administrator)

    How Prepared Are You and Your Loved Ones When Natural Disaster Strikes?

    by Karen Sorensen, CMC, NBC-HWC

    Certified Care Manager

    Maui’s catastrophic wildfire and Hurricane Idalia’s battering of Florida and neighboring states are recent reminders that natural disasters are sudden, ruthless, and can happen anywhere. This September, as we recognize National Preparedness Month, is an ideal time to evaluate your disaster preparedness.

    History has taught us that major storms are unpredictable. The best we can do for ourselves and our family members is to plan ahead for emergency. Understanding your risk based on where you live is critical when developing your emergency response. Hurricanes and nor’easters are not just a Maryland and Delaware coastal problem. The damaging effects of water and wind can be felt hundreds of miles inland. It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, if your home is prone to flooding, and whether your home has any structural weaknesses. For residents of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, visiting Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Region 3 website or downloading the FEMA app is an excellent first step. Staying informed through the U.S. emergency alert system and wireless emergency alert is also beneficial.

    Emergency Preparedness Checklist

    Once you identify your risks, preparing your emergency response and supply kit are critical next steps. Will your family need to shelter in place or evacuate? Planning responses for both scenarios may be necessary. Disaster planning must consider the unique needs of children, older adults as well as family members with disabilities. Ensure your disaster plan is pet friendly, as pets and service animals are often overlooked.

    - Basic disaster supplies kit: Water and non-perishable food for several days, battery-powered radio and flashlight, first aid kit, sheeting and duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, tool kit, manual can opener, maps, and cell phone with chargers are deemed essential.

    - Prescription and over-the-counter medications: Emergencies can close pharmacies temporarily. Ensure your emergency kit includes an organized supply of your prescription and over-the-counter medications and vitamins. Having a list of your medicines, including information about your diagnosis and dosage, is advised. A backup supply of oxygen is also recommended.

    - Cash and documents: Having a supply of cash or traveler’s checks is advised. Digital copies of important documents such insurance and Medicare cards, insurance policies, identification and bank account records should also be secured. Creating emergency contact cards is also helpful in case family members are separated during an emergency.

    - Extra batteries for electronics: Older adults and people with disabilities are particularly dependent on electronic devices. Having extra batteries for equipment such as hearing aids, communication devices, and wheelchairs is helpful. Wheelchair and scooter users should also have a manual pump and patch kit on hand.

    - Identify your support network: Identifying family members, friends, and neighbors who can support you during an emergency is critical before disaster strikes. In addition, reach out to vulnerable individuals within your community who might need help during an emergency. Communicating your plan within your support network and practicing your plan are great ways for your community to stay informed and safe during an emergency.

    - Prepare your home: Clearing drains and gutters and securing and storing outdoor furniture and items such as firepits and grills can help to prevent structural damage. - Evacuation plan: The Maryland Department of Emergency Management offers tips on evacuation and checklists for family members and pets as well as a guide to returning home safely.

    Additional resources

    FEMA Region 3 Red Cross emergency contact card Ready.gov (Department of Homeland Security) Emergency supply kit checklist Pet supply checklist

    If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Please contact our professional care management team for assistance.

    About The Option Group: Founded in 2010, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers serves families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for an individual who needs assistance due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of quality resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899 / 215-896-6756 (PA) or 302-858-6449 (DE).

  • Monday, April 27, 2020 5:29 PM | Becky Sieck (Administrator)

    Many thanks to Jade Duggan for her wonderful presentation last week!  In case you missed it, check out her presentation, Staying Steady Amidst Chaos, HERE!

  • Wednesday, October 31, 2018 3:46 PM | Becky Sieck (Administrator)

    Did you miss Dr. Lazaris' presentation on Medical Marijuana?  COGS would like to thank him for his riveting presentation and also for providing us with this Fact Sheet.


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