After operating two family owned Mail Boxes, Etc. “MBE” franchises (now The UPS Store) and managing all aspects of daily operations, Victor held senior positions with some of the most well respected brands in franchising including MBE and Jenny Craig. Mimi Zeller, Sr. VP of franchising, notes,

“As LivHOME’s program expands, Victor’s expertise in both branch operations and franchise development will be invaluable in building a strong program around LivHOME’s professionally led home care model.”

Victor holds an MBA from San Diego State University and is a Certified Franchise Executive.

He can be reached at vdesio@livhomefranchise.com or (323) 932-1332.

LivHOME’s mission is to enhance, not only maintain quality of life for seniors and their families.

Travel is a key component for enhancing quality of life — be it for adventure, family get-together, a relaxing trip or to expand knowledge.

In the latest episode of The Senior Care Podcast by LivHOME, Steve Barlam, MSW, LCSW, CMC, walks us through some travel destinations that are particularly well suited to seniors. He looks at both specific places to visit as well as types of destinations that are a good choice for older adults. Topics include:

• Attributes of travel destinations that are particularly good for seniors
• Some issues to watch out for when planning trips
• Great travel ideas for seniors such as national parks, cruises and resorts
• Major cities that are worth a visit

Click here to listen to Episode 24 –Travel Destinations for Seniors.

Seniors travel for a variety of reasons, from attending reunions and family celebrations to seeking R&R or new experiences. Yet many don’t consider travel an option due to a compromised functioning ability or their spouse’s health. Picking the right destination suited to their needs can make travel both possible and enjoyable.

Read more.

LivHOME won gold for Total Advertising Campaigns, Magazine Advertising and Direct Mail Piece; silver for its website; and bronze for Brochure Advertising.

Earlier this year, LivHOME was honored with 4 awards by the Healthcare Advertising Awards.

These awards are important as they recognize efforts that not only drive business at LivHOME’s company-owned offices but speak to the level of marketing and PR support available to LivHOME franchisees.

LivHOME has also been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies for a fourth-straight year.

The franchise will cover municipalities including Lake Forest, Waukegan and Crystal Lake, and the territory is home to more than 50,000 seniors.

LivHOME is offering large franchise territories, with a minimum of 50,000 seniors per territory, a differentiated home care model (led by a professional geriatric Care Manager) and hands-on training and support directly by the LivHOME management team.

To read more about LivHOME franchising, visit www.livhomefranchise.com.

In this newly created position, Boehmer will work directly with the owners of LivHOME franchises nationwide to help them capitalize on growth opportunities, manage their business operations and successfully implement LivHOME’s professionally led home-care model for seniors.  Boehmer’s substantial expertise ranges from business development and marketing to staffing and training.

Click here to read more.

Click here to read more.

LivHOME was selected from nearly 4,000 entrants for the following awards, based on our 2010 marketing and PR programs:

Brochure
Direct Mail
Total PR Program
Professional Recruitment

These awards are important as they recognize efforts that not only drive business at LivHOME’s company-owned offices but speak to the level of marketing and PR support available to LivHOME franchisees.

In August, LivHOME was named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies for a fourth-straight year.

Cheryl joined LivHOME in 2009 as Manager of Professional Services, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience and a passion for improving the quality of life of older adults.

She also has written three  books on caregiving — including the award-winning “Navigating the Journey of Aging Parents” (Routledge 2006) .

To contact the Chicagoland branch, please click here.

In the late 1950s, I loved to watch the Ed Sullivan Show.  I would marvel at his wide array of performers and acts.  Who doesn’t remember being awed by the Beatles?  As memorable to me were the Chinese plate spinners.  With multiple plates a-spinning, I always wondered when there would be one too many that would upset the delicate balance.  And so it is with becoming a caregiver.  Even the best multi-taskers, with the best intentions, can’t do it all.  Taking care of an ill or disabled loved one and managing other obligations can not only impact the ability to provide effective care to the recipient, but also have a dramatic impact on the health and well being of the caregiver.

In my years of professional experience working with aging and disabled individuals, and now as a depended-upon caregiver for several family members, I have learned both academically and first-hand the importance of balancing and prioritizing responsibilities to meet the needs of all involved.  As someone who is used to taking charge, I now acknowledge that I can’t do it all.  These are some of my observations that seem to hold true for the very divergent families that I have encountered:

Ø      Aging is a family affair.  The needs of an ailing older or dependent adult must be balanced with the demands, abilities and other circumstances of all involved.   The burden of caregiving and the toll it can take must be considered equally with the needs of the care recipient.

Ø      Quality of life involves both physical and emotional aspects of care.  A gentle touch may have more impact than a sophisticated procedure or medication in providing comfort.

Ø      Every situation is unique.  People differ in terms of values, preferences, personalities and ability to assist.  Keeping judgments out of the equation benefits all.

Ø      Asking for and seeking help can be a strengthening experience.  Assistance can come in many forms.  Caregivers can become stronger by seeking and accepting the type of support that suits them.  Respite offered by adult day care centers such as OPICA, paid and informal caregiver support, counseling, and religious guidance are just some ways of receiving help.

Ø      Caregivers need understanding.  Most caregivers didn’t plan for this role.  They often find themselves in the role by default, with little preparation, planning or even personal compatibility with what is being asked.  Caregivers need affirmation, not judgment, as they learn to balance.

Caregivers:  pat yourself on your back, and embrace the moments that you can.

Respectfully yours,

Bunni Dybnis, MA, MFT, CMC

President, OPICA Board of Directors