Home Care News and Events
Speaking Engagements/Special Events
December 3 10:00am – Melissa is hosting a Parkinson’s support group at Devonshire in Palm Beach Gardens
December 3 2:00pm – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group at Palm Beach Memory Care in North Palm Beach
December 4 10:00am – Melissa is hosting a Parkinson’s support group at Palm Beach Neuroscience Institute in West Palm Beach
December 4 2:00pm – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group at Artis Senior Living in Boca Raton
December 5 2:00pm – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group via Zoom (please call the office for details)
December 10 10:00am – Melissa is hosting a virtual Parkinson’s support group for people living with Parkinson’s disease and family caregivers via Zoom (please call the office for details)
December 10 10:30am – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group at Wellington Bay in Wellington
December 10 1:00pm – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group at the Wellington Community Center in Wellington
December 10 3:00pm – Melissa is speaking at the Parkinson’s Support Group for people living with Parkinson’s disease and family caregivers at Allegro Senior Living in Parkland
December 11 10:00am – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group for Veterans’ family members via Zoom (please call the office for details)
December 11 1:00pm – Melissa is hosting a Parkinson’s support group at Wellington Bay in Wellington
December 12 2:00pm – Melissa is hosting a Parkinson’s support group at JEM Research in Atlantis
December 12 2:00pm – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group at LaPosada in Palm Beach Gardens
December 17 10:00am – Melissa is hosting Parkinson’s training for our staff in our office in Palm Beach Gardens
December 17 11:00am – Tino is hosting Alzheimer’s training for our staff in our office in Palm Beach Gardens
December 18 11:00am – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group at Allegro in Parkland
December 18 1:00pm – Scott will discuss the difference between Alzheimer’s and normal aging at Palomino Gardens in Lake Worth
December 18 2:00pm – Tino is hosting an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group at the Coral Springs library in Coral Springs
December 19 1:00pm – Melissa is hosting a Parkinson’s support group at PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Jupiter
December 19 2:00pm – Tino is hosting a virtual Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group via Zoom (please call the office for details)
ComForCare of Palm Beach, FL, Employee Recognized as 2020 Caregiver of the Year
ComForCare Franchise Systems, a franchised provider of in-home caregiving services, announced their Caregiver of the Year at the company’s 18th annual conference. Luis Guzman, a ComForCare caregiver in Palm Beach, FL, was awarded the 2020 Caregiver of the Year from more than 12,000 caregivers across North America.
“Over the past 12 years, Luis has been described by multiple clients as a miracle worker, respectful, honest, compassionate, patient, and nurturing,” said Melissa Morante, franchise owner of ComForCare of Palm Beach. “It’s rare to find a caregiver that works well with all clients. Particularly during this challenging time, Luis’ calm and easy-going demeanor and his comforting nature has had a profound impact on clients and their families.”
Through this award, Luis is recognized for his extraordinary commitment, hard work and dedication. Clients and family members have shared that they have peace of mind knowing that they or their family members are in the best hands possible with Luis. Luis has been with ComForCare of Palm Beach since 2008.
“Caregivers are the heart of the ComForCare franchise system across the U.S. and Canada,” said J.J. Sorrenti, CEO of Best Life Brands, parent company to ComForCare and At Your Side Home Care. “Luis embodies all of ComForCare’s core values and everything we stand for as an organization. We are honored to have Luis as a part of our team and recognize the tremendous impact he has had on so many lives."
Volunteer Bringing Joy To Seniors
There are some songs that are so ingrained in your mind that they become a part of you. When you hear them, vivid memories come flooding back. According to the latest Alzheimer's research, music therapy brings back memories and feelings of familiarity and increases emotion for individuals living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It can also help manage stress, shift mood and stimulate positive interactions, decreasing their need for medications.
For the last two years, Tino Negri, community volunteer, National Certified Alzheimer's Educator and owner of ComForCare Senior Services, has brought the joy of music to residents at Tequesta Terrace Assisted Living once a month in an interactive and highly stimulating way. He pours his heart out and wakes up the residents' senses. Negri has helped develop a type of therapeutic music program specialized for memory care residents that allows them to sing, dance and play instruments together called "Joyful Memories." Through his dedication, the residents' spirits are lifted and their loved ones see glimpses of the people they knew and loved.
Tequesta Terrace recently honored Negri for his commitment and time during National Volunteer Appreciation Week with an award ceremony and party. "Tequesta Terrace is a community that feels like home, and when I'm able to get the residents laughing and having fun along with the music, there's no other feeling like lifting these seniors' spirits," said Negri. "I'm not a doctor or a therapist, but I truly believe that where medicine falls short, I know music, laughter, and a big hug can cure someone's soul. You can never overdose on it, it doesn't cost you anything and there are no bad side effects."
Throughout the 45-minute activity, Negri focuses on music from time periods the seniors grew up with, including patriotic, folk and classic Americana music from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. To get the group in the spirit, he brings percussion instruments like tambourines and maracas to engage the residents.
"We are proud to present Tino with our Volunteer Award," said Lisa Gallagher, executive director at Tequesta Terrace Assisted Living. "His visits are something our community looks forward to, and it makes such a difference in the residents' lives when they interact with him through music. Anyone can press "play" on an iPod, but Tino is what makes the program so beneficial for our residents. He's an irreplaceable asset to our whole community."
"I am honored to be recognized by Tequesta Terrace and am thankful to have found a community where I can combine two of my life's passions: music and caring for people. After seeing my grandmother battle dementia, I'm glad I can help improve the quality of life for others battling this disease. It's hard to grow tired of doing something that brings people so much joy."
If you are a member of the media interested in attending the ceremony, covering this story or setting up an interview, please contact Amy Jones via phone at 214-890-7912 ext. 30 or email at ajones@fortegroupinc.com, or Ashley Wessel via phone at 214-890-7912 ext. 27 or email at awessel@fortegroupinc.com.
Tequesta Terrace is the premier assisted living community in Tequesta. It is conveniently situated near the water, shopping, restaurants, and other services. Not only does Tequesta Terrace offer 24-hour nurse staffing, but it also is within minutes of additional physician offices and medical care – including Jupiter Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital. For more information, please see Tequesta Terrace's web page located at www.terracecommunities.com. Ashley Wessel is a senior account manager for forté group, inc.
Palm Beach County Pushing for Tighter Regulations on In-Home Caregivers
Charlie Keegan
Palm Beach County leaders want stricter rules for the people taking care of your loved ones. A committee is meeting later this month to help draft a new ordinance regulating in-home caregivers. The bad stories pile up: Tiffany Spraggs and Heather Young are just two examples. Both women were caregivers arrested and accused of stealing from their patients.
"It breaks my heart," said Scott Greenberg. He's heard too many stories. He runs ComForCare Senior Services in Palm Beach County. Now he's part of a committee assembled to create tighter regulations on caregivers in Palm Beach County. "[It's about] giving them the confidence, and giving their families the confidence - who often live very remotely, that the person going into that house has been properly vetted and properly trained," Greenberg explained.
The state requires most caregivers to pass a background check. Greenberg said several private caregivers work independently, and under the radar, without a way of checking their backgrounds. "We want to weed out the bad players and attract the good players," Greenberg added. He hopes the ordinance creates a registry of licensed professionals, giving you a pool of verified caregivers to choose from.
It could save people like Steve Aranoff and his father from falling victim. The woman he hired to care for his father is now in prison, convicted of stealing from him. "She was just doing this for her own benefit and he knew nothing about it," Aranoff said. Greenberg pointed out most caregivers do a great job. This proposal would put all caregivers on a level playing field, helping you ensure you get a trustworthy caregiver.
The committee is meeting for the first time later this month. It will determine when and how to move forward with this ordinance.
The Boomer Counselor
Leslie Gray StreeterPalm Beach Post Staff Writer
Baby boomers are said to be aging differently than any other generation previously. In their 60s, which must have seemed ancient to them in their youth, they're starting new careers, new marriages, new hobbies, 65 is the new 45, or so they'd like to think. They're not going to be old like their folks were. Norsiree. But they are aging, nonetheless. And Scott Greenberg thinks he can help.
"We don't give into aging as much, which I see as a positive. It keeps plastic surgeons in business," says the host of "Oh My God I'm Getting Older and So Is My Mom," heard Mondays on Seaview Radio, and the president of ComForCare, which provides health services for seniors from its Palm Beach Gardens offices.
Taking Care of Aging Parents 101
Marci Shatzman, Sun-Sentinel June 25, 2014
Nothing he tells people to do hasn't happened to him, said Scott Greenberg, who wrote the book on taking care of aging parents.
"Oh My God, I'm Getting Older and So is my Mom" is indicative of Greenberg's light touch with a serious issue nobody wants to talk about. That's also the title of this Boca Raton's weekly radio show on seniors and aging from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays on 95.9 FM, 106.9 FM and 960 AM, and simulcast at seaviewradio.com.
Why did you write this book on such a touchy subject?
People typically make decisions in crisis and invariably the wrong decisions. I wanted to highlight in an upbeat, humorous way the things you should be focused on while you make those decisions with reasonable forethought.
Why do you call "I can do it myself!" the battle cry of a generation?
The Greatest Generation is accustomed to taking care of their own problems. They can no longer carry the heavy packages from the supermarket, so instead of eating healthy food they are eating not what they want, but what they can carry.
Where can people buy the book?
At Amazon.com or here. The book won first place in the Parenting/Family category in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in New York.
The Michael Dresser Show
Listen to an interview with Scott when he appeared as a guest on The Michael Dresser Show June 5th to introduce "Oh My God, I'm Getting Older and So Is My Mom" and discuss the potholes that appear along the aging highway.
The Mantz and Mitchell Show
Scott appeared as a guest on The Mantz and Mitchell Show on June 7th, 2014 to discuss his book "Oh My God, I'm Getting Older and So Is My Mom" and all the things we are unprepared for as we begin the aging process...from sibling rivalry to estate planning to funeral planning and so much more.
New Book Release
Through Scott Greenberg’s experience as a weekly radio show host dealing with issues that are confronting boomers and their parents, coupled with his tenure as President of a private duty home health care agency, Scott addresses many serious topics in a humorous but informative way.
The later-years road is often believed to look like midnight rides on a sailboat with a glass of wine in our hand or a pleasant bike ride through a nature preserve. All too often, Scott has learned, reality gets in the way. Bottom line: getting older can be tougher than we thought.
Enjoy as Scott addresses topics as diverse as dealing with sibling rivalry (mom always loved you more), sex after sixty (yes, it still happens), funeral options (who knew there were so many), the value of volunteerism, along with other situations you never thought you would need to deal with. With a humorous look at aging, coupled with practical advice, Scott hopes this book will encourage you to look at where you are today and where you are going to be in the not too distant future so as to prevent crisis decision-making at the time when you are at your most vulnerable. If you’re spending more time at health fairs than at art fairs these days, then this book is for you.
ComForCare in the News
Alzheimer's Community Care and Joyful MelodiesTino Negri arrives with maracas, tambourines, American flags, and most importantly, smiles. Read more about the interactive and engaging sing-a-long program.
See an interview with Scott Greenberg on WCBS
Scott explains the services available that can not only improve quality of life but can extend independence.
Family Franchises
Family franchises thrive amid unique challenges and advantages USA Today Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Special Recognition
Every month, we take the time to recognize those who have made a difference, not just at AJFCS, but for our community as a whole. This month, we would like to give special recognition to Allison Greenberg Negri of ComForCare Senior Services. Read more.
Interviews
Have you seen Scott on CBS12? If you missed him, watch his interviews at the links below.
Caregiver Stress Watch Here Chronic Disease Watch Here Getting Help Watch Here Interviewing Agencies Watch Here Social History Watch Here:
Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (772) 584-2416 to learn more about the transition care services offered through ComForCare Home Care (Treasure Coast, FL).
(772) 584-2416