Veterans' Aid and Attendance Benefit Seminars set for June Southeast PA FREE

Ever heard of the Veterans Non-Service Connected Improved Pension?
The Veterans Non-Service Connected Improved PensionThis pension benefit program is federally funded for veterans and/or their surviving spouses age 65 or older. It's designed to fund in-home care for those who meet established criteria. It may be in addition to a VA Pension or a VA Compensation. If you or your spouse meets the criteria established by the VA, you might qualify to get an additional $1000 per month from the VA. Some of the basic criteria are:
Total Financial Assets – aid is based on financial need for assistance
Physical Condition – veteran or spouse must require assistance with daily living skills
Current Marital Status – veteran may be alive or passed but must married to spouse
Total Gross Income versus Medical Deduction – current income versus medical expenses
How Can Comfort Keepers® Help?We will provide you with professional guidance while you are completing the necessary paperwork and being assessed for eligibility for the Veterans Non-Service Connected Improved Pension. While your application is being processed, Comfort Keepers can be your solution for quality in-home care. Comfort Keepers provides services such as light housekeeping, transportation, laundry, meals, assistance with bathing and grooming and medication reminders in the home, hospital or facility. All of caregivers are our employees, bonded, insured with background checks.
What to know more? Think you might qualify? Answer the following questions and if you meet the basic requirements, Comfort Keepers will (with your consent) have a member of the Government Benefits Staff contact you to review the answers and assist with paperwork for FREE. Comfort Keepers uses third party to assist with paperwork because it involves disclosure of your income and assets and Comfort Keepers prohibits its staff from access or knowledge of your finances. Call Comfort Keepers – 610-543-6300 for more information. or to attend a FREE educational session on this benefit, rsvp at the above phone number. The dates for the upcoming sessions are: June 9, 2009 at 1pm at Rocky Run YWCA right past the Granite Run Mall south on route 1 in Media or on June 11, 2009 at 2pm at Rose Tree Place on Sandy Bank Road in Media, PA. If unable to attend please call for more information.

Seniors Safety Choice and Independence at Home, How technolgy can help

A growing number of older Americans choose to continue living
in their homes as long as they can. The MetLife Mature Marketing
Institute reports that 91 percent of Americans who are approaching
retirement age — those 50 to 65 — say they want to remain in their own
homes after they retire.
Responding to this “aging in place” trend, a variety of organizations
have created solutions to assist seniors with living safely and
independently in their own homes. For example, the National
Association of Home Builders has created the Certified Aging-in-
Place Specialist program to help seniors adapt their homes for their
later years. The trend also will call for increased in-home caregiving
services. As the Centers for Disease Control reported in the 2007
“State of Aging and Health in America,” 88 percent of seniors have at
least one chronic health condition and 30 percent have three or more.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services adds that more
than two-thirds of older Americans who need daily assistance are now
living at home. This includes more than 70 percent of persons with
Alzheimer’s disease.
The Challenges Of Aging
Our nation’s elderly population is increasing at a far greater rate than
the overall population, a result of advances in medical science and
technology that have lengthened life expectancy. The 65 and older
population increased eleven-fold during the 20th century, compared
to three-fold for the entire population.
Now at nearly 40 million, the 65+ group will more than double by
2050. This growth will be fueled by 76 million baby boomers, the
first of whom will turn 65 in 2011. Consequently, current systems for
elderly care are being stretched. And as more and more seniors choose
“home sweet home” over institutional care, demand for in-home
caregivers — professional and family — will increase. To read more about safety at home and how technology can help, click on the webstite: http://www.comfortkeepers.com/content/view/274/284/

Local Comfort Keepers Owners win Presidents' Award at annual convention April 2009

COMFORT KEEPERS OWNER WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Mainline, Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware County Areas – Clark and Sallie Bongaardt not only provide non-medical in-home services to area families, but were recently honored by CK Franchising, Inc. for their performance as Comfort Keepers franchise owners. The Bongaardts were recognized at the Celebration Dinner and Awards Ceremony during the Comfort Keepers Annual National Convention held in Louisville, KY in April of 2009.

Clark and Sallie received one of the top honors of the evening when they were inducted into the President’s Club for the fifth year in a row. Owners are selected for this honor based on several criteria including hours of service, revenues, and the adherence to the ideals and standards of the Comfort Keepers’ system. At the Awards’ Ceremony, Lisa Ripley, of CK Franchising, Inc., presented the Bongaardts with a crystal award to commemorate their achievement.

“Being recognized as one of the top performers in the Comfort Keepers system was a great honor,” said Clark Bongaardt.

In addition to the President’s Club award, Comfort Keepers of the Mainline, Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware County areas was recognized for hitting weekly operational milestones for hours of service provided to clients. “Ask any senior and most will tell you that they prefer to stay in their own home as long as possible,” said Sallie Bongaardt. “I am thrilled to own a business that can make their wishes a reality.”

Comfort Keepers provides in-home services on an hourly, daily or weekly basis with tailored care plans customized to an individual’s needs. Services offered include companionship, personal care assistance, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, incidental transportation, laundry, recreational activities, and more. All caregivers are employees and have criminal, driving, and credit background checks as well as personal and business reference checks that ensure dependability and reliability.

About Comfort Keepers
Clark and Sallie Bongaardt opened their Comfort Keepers’ business on July 1, 2002. Their office is an approved agency providing Medicaid services through the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare and the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging. They are members of the Greater Springfield Business Alliance, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the National Private Duty Association. Clark and Sallie are lifelong residents of the Delaware County area and have both worked in the area in the legal profession for over 20 years. Clark is a retired attorney and has been a member of the Delaware County Bar Association for 25 years.
Since opening in July, 2002, the Bongaardts have provided service to numerous residents in the area.

Founded in 1998 by a registered home health care nurse and her husband, the Comfort Keepers franchise system has grown to over 500 locations in 44 states, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Comfort Keepers has ranked as one of the top three franchises in senior care Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past four years. For more information about Comfort Keepers, visit http://www.comfortkeepers.com/. Each office is independently owned and operated.# # #

Best of Delco The Delaware County Daily Times 10th annual Best of contest please vote Comfort Keepers Senior Services 2009 Best of Delco

The 10th Annual Best of Delco contest is currently running from May 16 to May 26, 2009. Comfort Keepers has been nominated by the public to run in the Services Category under Best of Senior Services. Providing in-home non-medical services to anyone over the age of 18, Comfort Keepers of Delaware County serves many many seniors in their private home, assisted living and other facilities. Our award winning caregiving staff has won the prestigious John H. Bauer Direct Caregiver of the Year Award from the County Office Services for the Aging (COSA) in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, COSA awarded the Barbara White Direct Caregiver of the Year Award to another one of our caregivers. Also the Delaware County office has the 2006 National Comfort Keeper of the Year Award which is given by the corporate Comfort Keepers after nominations are made from over 550 offices around the country. The winner 5 years running of the Presidents' Award, the Delaware County Comfort Keepers hopes to add the Best of Delco title to its already impressive set of awards. Please vote for Comfort Keepers in The Daily Times' Best of Delco contest. For more information about the awards and our community outreach, see our webpage at: http://www.comfortkeepers.com/caregivers/326/

Channel 10-nbc philadephia article on Duck Derby Race Sat May 16, 2009 ntbf not to be forgotten

5 Bucks for a Duck
By KELLY BAYLISS

Adopt a ducky, help a senior, win a prize

The Not-to-be-Forgotten Foundation, a charity that helps seniors, wants you to adopt a duck to race against other ducks in the Pennsylvania Ducky Derby.
Why? Well, because this month is Older American Month and the adoptions will help seniors with bills, heating, needs and wishes.
Adopting one duck for $5 will help heat a senior home for more than eight hours. Six ducks will run you $25, but will heat a home for a day and half. If you're feeling really generous. Throw up $50 and that'll buy three days worth of warmth for a senior who simply needs the help.
The adopted yellow duckies will be tagged and dropped into the Delaware at Governor Printz Park in Essington. The winning ducks will win their "parents" prizes.
The big race takes place this Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. You don't have to be present to claim you're prize if your baby wins -- the Foundation will contact you.

This article appeard on Channel 10 -nbc philadelphia's website http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/around_town/the_scene/5-Bucks-for-a-Duck.html

Fair Trade Town Committee of Media Invites Everyone to Prom Night:Party with a Purpose Fundraiser May 16, 2009 7pm Media, PA

Tango Hop Demonstration & Lesson, Dancing, Silent Auction, Food are Highlights
Media, PA (May 1, 2009) – The community is invited to “Prom Night 2009: A Party with a Purpose,” a special fundraising event for all ages set for Saturday, May 16,
7 - 10 PM at Media Borough Community Center, Fourth & Jackson Streets in Media. Tickets, at $20, are on sale at Earth & State (23 W. State Street in Media), or by calling Barbara at 215-601-0038. Proceeds benefit Media’s Fair Trade Town Committee –
the group which organized last September’s highly-successful Fair Trade Live! and brought national and international attention to Media by becoming America’s First Fair Trade Town. Please visit www.visitmediapa.com/fairtrade for event details, our list of silent auction items, and for information about Media and Fair Trade.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get decked out (or come as you are), to dance the
night away to classic hits and current favorites, and to join in fun for attendees of all generations. There is no dress code: come in funky attire, go elegant or retro, or
pull out your worst or best bridesmaid dress! You may bring your best date or come solo, but be ready to dance the night away to classic and modern music. Highlights include: a chance to move to the hottest Latin rhythms as Media’s own Tango Hop gives demonstration and a mini-lesson from 7-8 PM; a Silent Auction, and food to munch on. Media performance artist The Great Quentini will make a special appearance (www.quentini.com). Also, fun door prizes will be awarded for the Most Outrageous, Most Elegant, and Most Retro attire, announced by Honorary MC
Tom Hibberd.
Silent Auction Items include: Certified, Signed Brian Dawkins Gameday Eagles jersey; A Will, Living Will and Power of Attorney (Gibley and McWilliams, P.C. Attorney Fred August Nehr); Three Sessions Leadership Coaching (Wisdom At Work); Gift Cards for The Media Theater, Brodeur’s, Salon Bella Gente, others; Public Relations or Corporate Resume Writing (Ayars Communications); Two Hours “Handyman” Services (The Handy Man); Home Goodie Basket & Expert Home Market Evaluation (Jill Goldman, Keller Williams); Special Meal in Paradise, PA (ride included); a Home-Cooked Meal; wonderful items from Ten Thousand Villages; Membership to Selene Co-op; Tango Hop beginner dance lessons, and many more.
What is Fair Trade? Fair Trade is a practice that guarantees family farmers and workers will receive fair wages for their harvests: a comprehensive social-economic tool strong enough to raise the standard of living for millions of people. Media, PA became America’s First Fair Trade Town in July 2006. Our town’s leadership has inspired nine more U.S. towns to
follow suit, with 20 or more towns close to making the Fair Trade Town declaration.Visit www.visitmediapa.com/fairtrade for event details and for information about Media and Fair Trade.

Testimonials From Past Clients - Comfort Keepers Mainline and Delaware County

Testimonials from Past Clients - Comfort Keepers serving Mainline, Delaware, Center and South Philadelphia and parts of Chester County served:A Few of Our Testimonials I wish to commend the Comfort Keepers' care giver, Lisa. She is outstanding and has improved my mother's quality of life 100%. I have a tremendous comfort level knowing Lisa is with her. Lisa takes care of all her needs and they have a great relationship. In addition to taking care of her physical needs, Lisa takes her to the Senior Center where she gets interaction with all ages. I know this helps her psychological well being and she enjoys every minute. We truly appreciate all Lisa does for my mother and believe there could not have been a more perfect match. Thank you for caring. Wayne, PAWe are closing in on two years that Comfort Keepers has made it possible for my mom to stay in her home despite the continuing advance of her dementia. It is an understatement to say that we could not possibly have done it without you. For the last year or more, Glenn and Marie have been as dependable as clockwork and as caring as your brand name implies. When problems have arisen they have been responsive and concerned. And in the year before that, not once did the assigned personnel let me down. There were always there, 24/7 (and 365). Essentially, they have permitted me to sleep at night. I also do not want to overlook Liz's contribution to all of this. When I have had a problem, she has been there to respond - day and night. I cannot imagine what she must go through to coordinate vacations, sick days, my mom's hospitalizations and the myriad of other issues Liz must confront. What I do know is that when I call, I get a smile on the other end of the line and a prompt and friendly solution to my problem. She is a valuable employee and one of whom you should be proud. Those who know me know that I throw compliments around like manhole covers. I approached this whole thing two years ago full of trepidation. But it has been a pleasure working with all of you from the start .... Merion, PAMyself and Family want to send you our appreciation for helping give Mom wonderful care and support. It's hard to find someone with compassion and dedication and the wisdom to pitch in and help ... I have to share with you what a difference [Kathy] has made in our home. Always giving 100% making sure Mom is clean and comfortable and safe. Mom depends on Kathy like she's a member of our family and she sure has fit in like one. You know how difficult older people are to make them feel wanted and useful. Kathy has done that every day. As you know, my dad has been difficult ... Kath makes Dad feel good knowing Mom is well cared for. If you remember, she even talked him into going to the hospital when the ambulance drivers couldn't. She got Dad to the car and the four of us drove him to Delaware County where they found he was dehydrated. That's why he fell. ... Thank you all. Clifton Heights, PAPaul and I want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to you for introducing Lisa into our lives. She is truly a warm, compassionate and loving person and always maintains a high level of professionalism. We felt at ease when leaving Lisa in charge of Dad's needs in our absence. Lisa is a very special caregiver -- reliable, dependable and caring. Frank became comfortable with her and they had a great relationship. She was the answer to our prayers and she responded well above and beyond the call of duty. Her strength and encouragemenet got us through a very difficult time. We will miss her as we always looked forward to her coming to our home -- always prompt and courteous. Thank you Comfort Keepers for sending an angel into our lives. God Bless everyone at Comfort Keepers. Drexel Hill, PA

Duck race will benefit senior citizens - Delaware County Daily Times article May 2, 2009

On May 16, a flock of ducks will be dumped into the Delaware River and they will race to the finish line to help wishes come true for county seniors.This whole scenario is the brainchild of Springfield residents Sallie and Clark Bongaardt, who are using the event to fund the non-profit Not-To-Be-Forgotten Foundation.In 2002, Sallie Bongaardt formed Comfort Keepers, a provider of assisted living-style care for seniors and the disabled in their homes after both of her parents died two months apart in 1999.Through that service, her employees have seen the struggles many seniors face and Bongaardt wanted to give them hope so she formed the Not-To-Be-Forgotten Foundation in September.Last fall, the foundation helped the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging provide 59 seniors with $300 of home fuel costs.“Two people were bed-bound with literally no heat,” Bongaardt said. “Another was a blind, partially deaf veteran of a foreign war.”They also hope to hold elder exploitation and medication educational programs.With the Pennsylvania Ducky Derby, featuring fowl of the rubber variety, Bongaardt wants to create a solid foundation to start providing wishes for seniors.“I’m hoping that the duck derby will raise sufficient funds to get the going on a big scale,” the foundation’s executive director said.She’s already had one request. A county lady was feeding her cats and dogs instead of herself and Bongaardt said she’s hoping her foundation can help fill that gap.She also has other ideas in mind.Bongaardt said some of the homes her staff enter need maintenance as residents are using buckets to catch the water coming through the holes on the roof.“It really tugs at your heart,” she said.Another senior, whose a huge baseball fan, has told them, “Before I die, I just want to see that new stadium.”To raise funds to fulfill these, the foundation is hosting the Pennsylvania Ducky Derby on May 16.Governor Printz Park opens at 1 p.m. that day for activities such as face painting and a moonbounce. Ducks can be adopted up to 3 p.m.“It’s going to be a fun, family day,” Bongaardt said.Depending on the tide, the ducks will be dropped into the river at 4 p.m. The grand prize winner wins a week stay at Sea Isle City, N.J. Second place takes an HDTV.Leading up to the race, a 12-feet inflatable duck is making its rounds throughout the county to encourage people to adopt the critters.Bongaardt just wants to honor those who came before her.“They are the (ones) who built our bridges, fought our wars, who made our country exactly what it is today,” she said.Remembering her call to help seniors, Bongaardt reiterated, “I’ve got to do this. I’ve got to do this now.”Ducks can be adopted for $5 each or six for $25 online at http://www.ntbff.org/ or by calling 888-521-4333. They can also be adopted at Comfort Keepers or Best Buy in Springfield, at any M&T Bank in the county or the Granite Run Mall. this article originally printed and shared from the Delaware County Daily Times on May 2, 2009, Kathleen Carey, writer kcarey@delcotimes.com
http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/05/03/news/doc49fd07ca5705f826228526.txt

Older Americans Month May 2009 Springfield Library PA Veterans Museum and ntbf

May is Older Americans Month. A month that we could honor those who have served our country in previous times of war and peace especially our Older American Veterans who served during WWII, Korean and even Vietnam.
May is also a month that we could honor our Older Americans by doing an act of kindness for an elderly neighbor, relative or friend. Some things like bringing the trash cans to the curb or up from the curb to bigger things like cutting grass or painting for a senior could really make the difference in the life of an elderly person and honor him or her during the month of May.
To honor the month of May, Older Americans Month, Comfort Keepers and Baskets by Donna decorated the window at the local library in Springfield, PA with items from the PA Veteran’s Museum in Media, information on Not-To-Be-Forgotten Foundation ntbf and several antiques to remind our Older Americans of things they enjoyed when they were young. Take a look at the picture above of the window display and if you are in the Springfield PA area, stop in the library and see it in person. It is really terrific!