As Arista expanded, Paula transitioned to part-time at ProMedica to focus more on the business, including client assessments, HR, and caregiver training. In 2017, we moved into our first office on Centennial Road and hired our first team member. Paula left ProMedica to work full-time as Arista’s Client Care Coordinator.

Paula became a Certified Dementia Practitioner in March 2018, and maintains that through continuing education. In October 2018, Alyson joined our team as a scheduler and, after six years of dedicated work, is now our Office Manager. As our client base and community reputation grew, Clayton continued marketing efforts, developing referral partnerships with local facilities and doctors’ offices. Encouraged by our clients, Arista became a certified provider of the Department of Developmental Disabilities in October 2019.

In the same year, we launched Orange Transport, a non-emergency medical transportation company. Clayton is PASS (Passenger Safety and Sensitivity) certified and is a PASS-certified trainer, with comprehensive expertise in passenger assistance techniques and emergency preparedness. To date, Orange Transport has logged over 200,000 miles, providing essential wheelchair-accessible transportation to our community.

In fall 2019, we began negotiations with a privately owned home health agency and, in December, acquired Alpha Home Health Care. This acquisition doubled our client and employee base, and we were pleased that most of Alpha’s staff joined our Arista team. By summer 2020, Arista Home Care Solutions had become a Medicare and Medicaid-certified agency, offering skilled nursing and therapy services. We moved from the Centennial Road office to Alpha’s offices on N. Holland-Sylvania Road as a temporary measure while consolidating the two companies and searching for additional office space.

In June 2020, we were excited to relocate to our current space on Central Avenue. This bright and open office perfectly accommodates our growing company. Paula, now serving as Administrator, and Clayton as President, continue to provide excellent in-home care services. In 2021, we established a new division, CareConnect, to manage our private pay and DODD clients, while Arista Home Care Solutions continued to focus on skilled care.

Today, our 60+ Team Members serve approximately 100 clients, patients and individuals. We’ve added HR and Business Development positions, and our office staff of 4 is managed by Alyso. Our DON, Diane, RN manages our skilled services clinical care, including the nursing and administrative staff.

During these ten years, we have been involved in many activities and organizations assisting seniors and others in our community. Clayton continues serving, now in his 5^th year, as board president of The Northwest Ohio Gerontological Association, and recently led the Monroe County Walk to End Alzheimer’s Volunteer Walk Committee for a three-year stint. Paula is the President Elect of the Rotary Club of Maumee, an active member of HerHub (Women of Toledo) and the Northwest Ohio Chapter of Medical Assisting, and a Community Educator with the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Both Clayton and Paula volunteer at many area senior centers, and are supporters of local fundraising organizations like the D.O.V.E. Fund and Ruthie’s Angels, to name a few.

The Significance of Fireworks:

According to USA Today, over one billion dollars is spent annually on fireworks for the Fourth of July. That’s 285 million pounds of explosives each carrying an average of 150 decibels of sound, the same sound level of a jet plane taking off and significant enough to cause ear drum rupture. Fireworks are both audible and felt in vibrations when launched with these decibels. It’s no wonder that Fourth of July celebrations can cause distress to our elderly and people with dementia, but there are some ways that caretakers can help.

What You Can Do To Help As a Caregiver:

• Talk about the fireworks prior to the holiday. Remind your loved one that the celebration is coming up and that they may begin to hear fireworks.
• If your loved one lives alone, leave a note in places they will see that they will be hearing and possibly feeling fireworks. In the case of memory loss, this will serve as a consistent reminder throughout the holiday.
• If you use respite care or they are with a caregiver, remind that person to discuss the upcoming celebrations and fireworks with them. Go over any past problems and discuss the best way to keep your loved one calm this year.
• If you will be with them, suggest ear protection, play comforting music, turn on a fan for white noise and have an exit strategy if the experience is too overwhelming.
• People who suffer from Sundown Syndrome are especially susceptible to firework distress as both incidents will occur at nearly the same time. Keep them inside a well-lit home until after the fireworks are done.
• In cases of loved ones with significant ongoing anxiety, talk to their doctor prior to the Fourth of July and understand what symptoms demand medical attention.

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration and summer fun. Worrying about your loved ones during the holiday can be a significant concern for family caregivers. If you need additional information or professional caregiver assistance please call us anytime at 419-754-1897.

My relationship with my mother, Betty, in her last years would have been very different. 15 years ago, I did not understand that her unusual behavior, forgetfulness and confusion were signs of dementia. Simple tasks became increasingly difficult for her, leading to frustration and a sense of helplessness among family members who witnessed these changes firsthand.

I would become annoyed when she did odd things, bounced checks, left the oven on, and repeated herself. As her health declined, I missed the mom I had known. My children noted the changes also wondering why the meals she prepared no longer tasted as good.  Unfortunately, not recognizing the signs of dementia and feeling frustrated with behavior is common among families facing similar situations.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it often marks the start of a profound shift in roles and responsibilities. Managing life with a parent who has dementia requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt to evolving needs. Family dynamics can undergo significant changes as roles shift from parent-child to caregiver-patient. It’s critical for family caregivers to educate themselves about dementia, its progression, and effective caregiving approaches. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and organizations specializing in dementia care can provide invaluable guidance and reassurance during this challenging time.

While the journey may be fraught with challenges, there are opportunities for moments of connection and love amidst the difficulties. Finding joy in small victories, preserving cherished memories, and ensuring the well-being of both the caregiver and the person with dementia are paramount. Be present in each moment. By seeking knowledge, building a support network, and embracing each stage with compassion, families can navigate this journey together with greater resilience and understanding making the most of the time you still have with them.

Today, I am a Certified Dementia Practitioner. I own a home health agency providing care for seniors and the disabled, some of whom have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. I am a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association and a Dementia Friends Champion. My goal is to educate people caring for a loved one with dementia so their last years can be rewarding. My personal experience has made me uniquely empathetic and effective in supporting families who are navigating the challenges of dementia. Educating caregivers on how to provide fulfilling care for their loved ones with dementia is invaluable. It not only improves the quality of life for those affected by dementia but also eases the emotional burden on their families. 

May is Stroke Awareness month and the BEFAST acronym is valuable information for sure. I am here to tell you that if you or a loved one has survived a stroke, Toledo Ohio has one of the best resources to help you get living your best life post-stroke. The Stroke Life Center (SLC) is a nonprofit founded and run by stroke survivors for stroke survivors and their families. We are the fourth in the country to do what we do. We believe that the stroke happens to the entire family. We also believe we can understand the nuances of living with stroke differently than health providers can. 

SLC is 100% independent, located on the fourth floor of the Mercy College Building at 2200 Jefferson Ave, Toledo Ohio. We have nearly 8000 square feet of space that includes a physical therapy area designed with the help of University of Toledo Physical Therapy Professor Dr. Tori Smith.  Stroke survivors love giving back to the future healers in the area and SLC has a fantastic working relationship with both the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy departments at University of Toledo. The students gain valuable experience by collaborating with our members prior to clinical rotations. SLC hopes that our members will use the information from the students and prior PT experiences to exercise on location four days a week all year. 

Cindy Roshon, Co-Founder, I and all our members are here to support each other through the ins and outs of life in this new existence. 

Founded ten years ago, we have continuously had our Wednesday 1:00 pm support group meeting, (even through Covid19 when we met on ZOOM!)  One of our core tenets is rehabilitation does not stop when your insurance quits paying. We have members that are twenty plus years post stroke STILL making gains. Offsite we have aqua therapy at NOMS off Central Avenue. On Tuesdays we have yoga and either occupational therapy or physical therapy. Wednesdays we have a support group and once a month the caregivers go into another room to reinforce the special needs they have. We have just added yoga on Thursday also. We go on ‘field trips’ to The Toledo Museum of Art, Copper Moon Studio; we go out for dinner monthly and support our local sports teams. This helps give members the confidence to travel. SLC demonstrates to our members and the community that there is life after stroke. We laugh, turn ‘can’t’ into ‘not currently able too,’ share ideas, have the best potlucks in the world, hug and sometimes cry. And we dance. Cindy and Sue Rindskopf (co-founder) decided that the Vivian Greene quote fit our mission perfectly. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” 

Please feel free to look at our calendar and join us. If someone you know has been touched by stroke let them know about us. We have rack cards available, just contact me and I will send them to you. I invite you to any of our fundraising efforts: Euchre Tournaments quarterly, a 5K run/walk on July 14^th as well as an October event that will show up in THIS newsletter soon!! Help us to no longer be one of Toledo’s best kept secrets. 

Valerie Diem is the Co-Director of Stroke Life Center 

Contact her at ValerieD@strokelifecenter.org 

Follow us on Facebook or www.strokelifecenter.org 

Arista Home Care Solutions is a proud sponsor of SLC.

What about something for the green thumbs in your family? Our greenhouse is a beautiful way to spend the day while also contributing something to the community. Plus, some of the vegetables grown here are used to create delicious, nutritious meals for all our residents!

Gardening for seniors is a wonderful way to promote an active physical and mental lifestyle. Cultivating a garden can be empowering and provide a wealth of benefits to help our seniors stay active without too much strain to the body. Common gardening activities like digging, planting, watering and harvesting can create enjoyment and stimulation while aiding the bodies and minds of seniors. Raised beds are easy on the back and knees.

Here are some benefits to gardening for seniors:

Physical Activity: light gardening can burn up to 330 calories per hour.

Improved Motor Skills: Promotes mind and muscle connection.

Improves Mobility and Flexibility: This can help improve recovery from strokes and other medica; conditions.

Improves Endurance and Strength: gardening for seniors can improve overall body and mind endurance.

Keep Joints and Bones Healthy: Increased mobility will ensure joints and bones are kept in optimal condition.

Gardening Reduces Stress: Nurturing a garden can quickly help to relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Promotes Social connection: Social interaction and improved social skills. Social interaction can quickly help improve your mood thanks to increased serotonin levels.

Boost overall immunity: While gardening, we expose ourselves to important bacteria and other microbes that help keep our immune systems healthy and ready to tackle a variety of health conditions and infections.

Some medical conditions and physical disabilities can prevent certain seniors from gardening. Be sure to first consult with your loved one’s physician before they begin their cultivation journey.

With proper planning, we can empower our seniors to create a safe and accessible garden to nurture. Happy gardening from Maumee Pointe.

It is getting to be that time of year when the sun is out a little bit longer and the temperatures start to creep a little higher….Spring is in the air.  It never fails, as soon as this time of year comes around I kick into spring cleaning mode.  While dusting and cleaning is obvious and most know how to tackle these tasks, decluttering and organizing can seem overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to start.  

5 Tips to get Organized

1- Start small.  Don’t try to tackle an entire room all at once.  Pick a small space like a shelf or a drawer.  This will help prevent feeling overwhelmed.  Also when you get interrupted (cause you will) you won’t have a giant mess on your hands. 

2- Look for obvious trash first.  You’d be surprised how often random trash gets lost on its way to the garbage can.  This is a no brainer task!

3- Define the space.  When you know what the purpose of the space is, you can easily decide what actually belongs there and what should find a new home (AKA where would you naturally go to look for that item).  

4- Set a timer.  Seriously.  It works.  Set a timer for 15 minutes and work in a space until the timer goes off.  Our brains try to talk us out of doing tasks for one reason or another.  Setting a timer tricks our brain into being motivated.  *Secret* You might even be motivated to keep going after the timer ends, but no pressure. 

5- Try to put “like” things together.  By putting the same items or similar items together you can see what you have and make informed decisions on what should stay and what needs to go!

The decluttering process looks different for different people.  Don’t be discouraged if one method doesn’t work.  So put on some fun music and set that timer, you got this!  

Jen is the owner of Jen Hill Organizing- Professional Home and Office Organizer.  You can find her online at jenhillorg.com or on Facebook and Instagram at Jen Hill Organizing. 

A January survey by Home Instead noted that nearly one-fifth of Americans observed a noticeable decline in their elderly loved one’s health over the 2023 holiday season, leading to a surge in business for home care companies at the beginning of the year.

Both Justin McPherson of Home Instead and Clayton Birney of Arista Home Care Solutions attribute this rise in demand to the aging Baby Boomer population and the extra assistance they require, which ranges from meal preparation and medication reminders to personal care.

The non-medical in-home care serves as a first step in supporting the elderly. However, the home care industry faces challenges such as high caregiver turnover and the need to continuously hire to meet the demands of the growing aging population.

Caregiver pay varies from $13 to $17 per hour, with turnover attributed to inconsistent work availability and entry-level income. Despite these challenges, in-home care is presented as a more financially viable option compared to assisted living, though the decision to seek help often falls on the adult children of the elderly, highlighting a generational responsibility in caregiving decisions.

Click here to read the full article on newsbreak.com

The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by the Toledo Blade’s technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

When we started Arista Home Care, we wanted to create a different in-home care agency to allow those in need to remain comfortably in their home, close to family and friends. Our staff’s care and compassion for our clients has made it possible for so many to live life to the fullest.

The level of care we provide is dependent on the quality and dedication of our employees. The caliber of care each of you provides is what makes each of us as individuals and as a company succeed, and we thank you for your hard work and enthusiasm!

If you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the holidays can be a difficult time of year. Family traditions may be different than they once were. But there are many ways you can both still enjoy this special time together.

Whether you’re a dedicated care partner or hosting a guest who lives with dementia, these tips will help make the holiday season a little easier.

Keep it simple, smaller and shorter

From the decorations to the number of people and loud music all this can be overwhelming for your loved one with dementia. Decide what traditions are most important and focus on those few. Spend time with people who are respectful of your loved one’s condition. Letting your relatives and friends know about your loved one’s dementia diagnosis is important, especially if their dementia has progressed since their last visit. A personal phone call or family letter explaining your loved one’s situation can help set family members’ expectations. Be honest about your loved one’s abilities and prepare family members. Let guests know how to communicate and interact with your loved one. For example, your loved one may no longer be comfortable with hugging.

Make your home as safe and accessible as possible

Hosting a guest with dementia may require you to do some adjustment to your environment. In combination with some of the challenges of aging, dementia can affect how a person perceives their surroundings, such as depth perception and balance, so area rugs, low furniture, and stairs without handrails can pose a risk. Clear pathways, no open fires or candles, no plastic fruits that appear edible. Clutter can be confusing. For more information on adjusting your home, visit the National Institute for Aging’s home safety checklist.

Include your loved one in the preparation and planning if possible

Just because your loved one has dementia doesn’t mean their desire to connect and enjoy the holidays goes away. Keep them involved with simple dementia-friendly activities. Simple tasks like tidying up before gatherings, setting the table, decorating or making easy holiday arts and crafts are a great way to connect with your loved one. They may also enjoy cooking simple recipes, viewing Christmas lights together or listening to their favorite holiday music.

Schedule downtime into the holiday

There is so much going on that can be overwhelming and overstimulating. Perhaps your event is shorter with less guests. Try to be patient with your loved one — and yourself. As a care partner or family member, it’s normal to feel sad, tired or frustrated. Take a deep breath and take a break when needed.

Maintain a routine

Holidays and travel can really throw off routines such as mealtimes, bath time, naps and toileting. It may take several days after to recover from a break in the routine.

Make the holiday inclusive

If your loved one has difficulty with name recollection, or if you’ll be having some new faces at this year’s gathering, having name tags can be helpful. Write in bold, clear letters and introduce family members as they arrive. You don’t want people playing the name guessing game with your loved one. You might even consider keeping a family photo album on hand to help them remember and reminisce. If playing games, make sure your loved one can be involved and not feel singled out, using large print and simple instructions.

If you’re a care partner for someone with dementia you might feel obligated to do it all yourself. As you prep for the holidays, with shopping, cooking, decorating or cleaning, don’t feel guilty about asking for help with caring for your loved one. Ask a trusted friend or family member to spend a few hours with them, or look into local options for adult care or respite care. Follow these tips, and with a little extra patience and care, you can turn the holidays into an opportunity to bond with your loved one.

Downsize Your Life: By Brooke Michel-Yussim

In our fast-paced world, it’s astonishing how much stuff we accumulate over time. Many  of us find ourselves drowning in our possessions, often without realizing it. If you’ve been in the same home for a decade or more, it’s all too easy to lose track of what’s  been piling up. However, clutter is not just a visual annoyance; it can have a profound  impact on your mental and physical well-being. The chaos can be incredibly distracting,  causing spikes in stress levels and even straining personal relationships. Beyond that,  it can pose safety hazards and make your living space far from enjoyable.  

But fear not, there’s an Upside to Downsizing! To help you create a healthier, more  harmonious living environment, here are some valuable tips for decluttering your home.  

1. Reach Out to Loved Ones: One person’s clutter might be another’s treasure. Reach out to your kids and grandkids, offering them items you no longer use or need. Not only does this open space in your home, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to involve your family in the downsizing process. It’s often easier and more enjoyable when you have company! 

2. Plan for Your New Space: If you’re moving to a new place, it’s crucial to know what you’re working with. Measure your new living space to get a clear picture of what will fit. This will help you decide which personal items to take with you and which to let go of. Remember, you can’t take everything with you, so plan accordingly. 

3. Tackle One Room at a Time: The thought of decluttering your entire home can be overwhelming. To prevent feeling swamped, start with the smallest or least cluttered room. Set a schedule and allocate specific chunks of time to dedicate to each room. For example, block out two hours once a week on your calendar for decluttering. 

4. Sort Into Piles: After each decluttering session, make sure your space remains organized. Sort your items into different piles: Keep It, Pass It Down, Donate, Sell, Trash, or Recycle. Before deciding which pile an item belongs in, ask yourself a crucial question: if it vanished tomorrow, would you rush out to replace it? If the answer is no, or if you haven’t used it in over five years, it might be time to let go. 

Parting with items you’ve held onto for years can be emotionally challenging, but it’s  also remarkably liberating. By embracing the downsizing process, you’ll transform your home into a more functional, safe, and enjoyable space while accomplishing a great feat  for yourself.  

Brooke Yussim 

Associate Broker, The Danberry Co