bradculp, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Kelly Bass of Griswold Special Care, and Amy Hentschel of Senior Provisions

November 17, 2011 by bradculp

Kelly Bass is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Griswold Special Care’s Plano office. Kelly was born in New York but moved to the Dallas area when she was 4, so she’s “kind of a Texas home-grown girl”. After graduating from North Texas State and getting married and starting a family, Kelly discovered she was a natural caregiver. Kelly began by opening a Montessori school in her home and eventually opened a Kumon Math and Learning Center.

Like so many of us, Kelly’s passion for seniors grew from a family situation when her mother in law sent out an “SOS e-mail” when she needed help after a surgery. When Kelly’s brother, Doug Decoursin, approached her about opening a non-medical home care office with Griswold Special Care, Kelly jumped at the chance to help. Kelly has enjoyed learning about senior care and how the industry can help seniors live more independent and healthy lifestyles.

You can reach Kelly via e-mail at kelly.bass@griswoldspecialcare.com or by calling the Griswold Special Care Plano office at 469-277-3541. Visit the website at www.griswoldspecialcare.com.

“Show Me”! Amy Hentschel is a Show Me Girl! Born and raised in Missouri, Amy believes that actions speak louder than words. Drawn to serving seniors at an early age, Amy spent many hours during her high school years volunteering in hospitals and with hospice. After earning a degree in Communications and Mass Media from the University of Missouri, she took a job with Medicare provider and equipment distributor in Illinois, where she called on 250 long term care accounts. Spending her days going in and out of skilled care facilities, she quickly realized how much help the residents needed, and how ill-equipped many facilities were in terms of holistic treatment of their residents. About a dozen years ago Amy, finally sick and tired of Illinois winters, moved to Atlanta where she took a job with Sunrise. She loved her work there, and thought she’d be there indefinitely. About a year ago, Amy began planning for a new business that would provide support, advice and resource to the seniors she’d become so attached to. To make the transition from business development to care consultant, she created Senior Provisions, and organization dedicated to assisting seniors evaluate their needs, and find solutions to meet those needs, whether in their current home, or in a new environment. She provides expert guidance in the areas of senior living options, adult day programs, skilled nursing options, Alzheimers care, non-medical home care, support groups and financial/legal services. To find out more about Senior Provisions, visit their website at www.myseniorprovisions.com, or call Amy directly at (678) 925-0223.

We want to thank Griswold Special Care for sponsoring today’s show. Griswold Special Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Dallas and Atlanta for 20 years.

Outback Steakhouse to provide a Thanksgiving meal to Gwinnett County seniors

November 10, 2011 by bradculp

Yanis Latsis emigrated to the United States from Latvia in 1989. He came with his parents, being 14 at the time, because his parents sought a better life for him and his siblings. In 1992, being a typical teenager, he had aspirations of a stereo, video games, dates, a car… At the time, his brother was working for Outback Steakhouse, and encouraged him to also apply for a job there. He started with Outback as a dishwasher in 1992. In 1996, Yanis helped open the Suwanee location as the Kitchen Manager. He continued to work his way up in the organization, and in 2003, he was offered an opportunity to buy into a partnership at the Gainesville location. Five years ago, Yanis became the owner of the Suwanee location – a kind of homecoming for him.

One of the things that is very important to Yanis, and to Outback Steakhouse, is giving back part of his success to the community. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities he has had to build a life for himself and his family, and now is committed to making an impact in the community that gave him that chance. Yanis is joined by Gary Galloway, of Gwinnett County Senior Services today. Outback and Gwinnet County Senior Services joined hands more than a decade ago to implement the Outback at Work program that has now generated more than $100,000 for Gwinnett County’s Seniors. This money, donated to Gwinnett County’s seniors through non-profit Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services has been used to support Meals on Wheels, Emergency Home Repair and transportation, among other things.

As we near the holidays, Yanis and his team at Outback Steakhouse in Suwanee want to make sure that several hundred more people have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. As such, Yanis is opening his restaurant from 10 am to Noon on Thanksgiving Day to cook a free meal for those who would not otherwise have a Thanksgiving dinner. Yanis tells us he is personally cooking these turkeys!

Outback Steakhouse in Suwanee is located at 145 Gwinco Boulevard, near the Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd exit of I-85. They are now open for lunch! Check out their menu here. If you know of a senior that might not otherwise get a Thanksgiving meal that is in reasonably close proximity of the restaurant, please call Charlene Barr, Gwinnett County Senior Services, at (678) 377-6715, or email her at Charlene.barr@gwinnettcounty.com.

Mike Bolla of Heritage LifePath, Dan Bourland and John Cowan, SRES

November 4, 2011 by bradculp

Eugeria! Radio is excited to welcome back Dan Bourland and John Cowan. You may remember them from our February 17th show, but since then, they have developed an hour long presentation targeted at seniors who have questions about what to do about their home. Combining targeted market research and years of experience, they are helping seniors make educated decisions on a regular basis. Welcome back Dan and John!

Dan Bourland and John Cowan are both Texans! Dan was born and raised in Lubbock, attended Texas Tech, and has lived in the Dallas area for 30 years. John is from Houston, graduating from the University of Houston Business school in 1973. Interestingly, both Dan and John had different careers before deciding to move into real estate. Dan started his career in the Office Products business, and John in the Wholesale Materials business. John had a second career in Outpatient Imaging. Today, Dan and John are Realtors with Coldwell Banker Apex Realty. Both have the designation “Senior Real Estate Specialist” (SRES). The SRES designation is a certification demonstrating that these two gentlemen have made a commitment to serve the unique requirements of seniors in real estate. In addition to the purchase/sale of real estate, Dan and John also provide seniors with other options, including leasing and reverse mortgages. Dan can be reached at (469) 878-6391, or via email at dan@danbourland.com. Visit him on the web at www.danbourland.com. John can be reachedc at (972) 231-0363, or via email at john.cowan@coldwellbanker.com. John’s website is www.jgowanproperties.com.

While attending the University of Pennsylvania, Mike Bolla and some of his classmates became acutely aware of the need to protect our country’s freedoms as a result of Iranian hostage crisis, and enlisted in the Army. Consequently Mike has a special place in his heart for veterans, their families, and the unique challenges many of them face. After selling a successful trust business, Mike decided 10 years ago to give back to these veterans. At that time, he assisted his father in applying and qualifying for Aid and Attendance benefits – a process that took him 14 months, and a great deal of frustration. Coincidentally, a local pastor asked him to help a couple of parishioners through the process. As a result, Mike spent a good bit of time evaluating the process, and streamlining an approach to assist veterans navigate it. A year ago, Mike decided to expand the reach of his efforts by creating Heritage LifePath to provide a broader array of services to veterans. Recently, Mike invited registered nurse Nancy Votta to join him in his work. Mike is thrilled to be able to provide these services free of charge to the veteran. If you would like more information, or would like to speak directly with Mike, please send him an email at info@heritagelifepath.org, or call (678) 602-9559, or visit their website at www.heritagelifepath.org.

We also want to thank Griswold Special Care for sponsoring today’s show. Griswold Special Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Dallas and Atlanta for nearly 20 years.

Dr. Ross Stewart, Elizabeth Stewart, Greg Gerendas of Brain and Body Wellness Center, Lee Lambert – Author of “The Caregiver’s Companion”

October 31, 2011 by bradculp

Greg Gerendas is a third time guest to Eugeria! Radio. As he has informed us previously, he is not a native Texan, but acknowledges he got here as soon as he could! He was trained as a Lutheran pastor, and now serves as the Executive Director for Senior Adult Services, a non-profit organization committed to caring for seniors as they face either short or long term changes in abilities caused by illness or age. Senior Adult Services provides supportive services such as home delivered meals, home modifications and transportation to seniors and disabled adults in the cities of Farmers Branch, Carrolton, Coppell and Addison.

Today, Greg is introducing us to two new guests, Dr. Ross Stewart, and his daughter, Elizabeth Stewart. Dr. Stewart has been in the field of Behavioral Psychology for 41 years! In private practice for more than 30 years, Dr. Stewart has spent the last ten years studying brain chemistry, and is committed to providing real help to patients over 50 that are beginning to suffer from depression or some sort of cognitive decline.

Dr. Stewart is joined in the studio today by his daughter, Elizabeth. Facing a potentially life-threatening illness as a youth, her parents, Ross and Ania observed adverse effects of prescription medication, and began to explore clinical nutrition, applied nutritional physiology and “Complete Food” nutritional supplementation. Elizabeth tells us that this saved her life! As a result, the Stewart family is committed to bringing these solutions to their clients through the Brain and Body Wellness Center. Warning! Do not listen to this broadcast if you’re comfortable with your diet of donuts, french fries and soft drinks (both diet and regular)! That said, if you want to learn more about how to eat your way to better health, listen in today, and join the Stewarts again on December 7 for Part 2! In the mean time, call them directly at 972-248-0780, or visit their website at www.brainandbodywellnesscenter.com.

Though Lee Lambert was born in Alabama, she considers herself an Atlanta native, having lived there better than 30 years. She is the author of “The Caregivers Companion” and founder of a not-for-profit by the same name. “The Caregivers Companion”, who’s purpose is to support and bring awareness to the unique needs of caregivers, is full of useful, practical information supported by real life experiences.

Though her formal education is in the management and building design industry, Lee speaks with authority regarding caregivers, having personally cared for her father, who suffered with Alzheimer’s for 15 years. During this journey she realized that her father’s disease greatly affected the quality of her emotional and physical life and therefore impacted the care she was providing her father. Lee’s philosophy that “care is the common thread between all diseases and disorders” is the fuel that drives her. Lee’s advice, “develop a proactive attitude”, creating a foundation upon which the caregiver’s quality life is built. For more information, contact her at lee@thecaregiverscompanion.org.

David DeLucia of Assisted Living Locators, and Keith Colley of Jewell Family Care Homes

October 21, 2011 by bradculp

Originally from Ft. Lauderdale, David DeLucia is nearly an Atlanta native after 20 years! Graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in Economics, David spent the bulk of his career in Banking and Medical Sales. Early in 2010, David felt compelled to make a career change, and started investigating franchise opportunities that might give him an opportunity to help people. Earlier in his career, David had frequently worked with older adults, and found it to be particularly rewarding. David describes himself as a problem solver. When he became aware of Assisted Living Locators, he felt that it was a niche that fit him perfectly. Today, David is the Owner and Director of Assisted Living Locators North Georgia. His role is to help seniors and their families transition from a potentially unsustainable environment to one that is better suited to a seniors needs, whether it is finding assistance in an existing home, or moving to some type of senior living community. For more information on David’s services (free to seniors), please call (678) 965-3459, email him at Davidd@assistedlivinglocators.com, or visit him on the web at www.assistedlivingnorthga.com.

Keith Colley is a Kansas City native and has had a remarkable journey into hospice and residential care. After graduating with a degree in Christian education and ministry, Keith moved to Canada before moving back to Kansas City. After working for a church in Kansas City, Keith moved to Dallas to build furniture for lofts and urban homes. In 2001, Keith was deeply effected by the tsunami disaster that struck Asia and dropped everything to go to Sri Lanka to aid in the disaster relief efforts.

Upon returning to the United States, Keith was encouraged to work in hospice as a bereavement counselor (now with Gardendale Hospice in Dallas). His experience in hospice has led him to open Jewell Family Care Homes, the first of which will open in the Lakewood Area of Dallas on November 1^st. For more information you can visit www.jewelcarehomes.com or call 469-358-6580.

Don’t Miss This! Arts4Alzheimers and Aging with Hope

October 13, 2011 by bradculp

Originally from Boston, Tania Becker spent a good bit of her childhood in Paris. She moved to Manhattan at the age of ten. Until 1987 she was a real estate agent in Manhattan. In 1987 Tania married Kip Becker, and moved to Atlanta. About seven years ago, her husband, in his early 50s at the time, died suddenly of a blood clot during knee surgery. Faced with a gaping hole in her life, Tania needed something different to do. While reading the New York Times one day (once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker…)she came across an article describing a program of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Intrigued, Tania did more research, and decided to match her love for art and her formal art training with a mission to serve those dealing with the harsh realities of Alzheimer’s. Tania is the Founder and Director of Arts4Alzheimers, a non-profit initiative to help bring meaning and happiness to early stage Alzheimer’s patients that stay in their own homes. One of the primary outlets for her mission is a weekly class at the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody. To find out more, visit www.arts4alzheimers.com, email Tania directly at Tania@arts4alzheimers.com, or call her at 404-492-6181.

Barry Teller is a Mississippi native and moved to Texas in the 1970s. Barry says that growing up on the Mississippi River never leaves you and he makes frequent trips back to his home state. After spending many years in business, Barry went back to school to pursue an advanced degree in counseling through Texas A&M University – Commerce. Barry’s background in counseling and therapy was the catalyst to his new career in coaching.

Focusing on the senior communities, Barry now helps seniors through individual life coaching and group work shops. Aging With Hope provides many programs that can help support seniors and their communities. To contact Barry and Aging With Hope, you can call 972-914-9107 or email barryteller@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/agingwithhope.

Eugeria! Chats with Wesley Woods, Emory Healthcare

October 6, 2011 by bradculp

Today’s show is dedicated to the Emory Healthcare’s Wesley Woods campus. The Wesley Woods campus is a pristine, wooded 64 acre piece of property near Emory University in Atlanta. In the early 50s, the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church had a mission to take care of older adults, especially the poor. To that end, the conference passed a resolution to build its first residential retirement community, Wesley Woods Towers, which opened in 1965. Seven years later in 1972, Budd Terrace, a skilled nursing and subacute rehab center opened. This was followed by the construction of the only free standing geriatric hospital in the country.

Joining us today are six members of the Wesley Woods team, representing a variety of its facilities and disciplines. Joyce Wilson is the Administrator of Wesley Woods Towers, a 200 unit independent living community. She has been with Wesley Woods for nearly 40 years! She was joined today by one of her residents, Dr. Joyce Meyers-Brown. Dr. Meyers-Brown had been a minister in South Africa in her career. She and her husband retired to Decatur, and later decided to move to a retirement community. After looking at several, they chose Wesley Woods Towers. She loves the spirit of community, as well as the quiet waling trails throughout the campus.

Carly Ortlund is the Director of Admissions at Budd Terrace. Carly’s job is to facilitate a person’s transition into and out of the facility. Faced with the reality of social work after she graduated from the University of Georgia, Carly tells us that Bud Terrace rejuvenated her spirit about nursing homes. She loves the staff that is so focused on the well-being of its residents and their families.

Dr. Doris Armour, MD, went to med school in St. Louis to become a primary care physician. Upon moving to Atlanta, she immediately took a position at Wesley Woods. Today she is the Medical Director for the Wound Therapy Clinic. Dr. Armour tells us that the Wound Therapy Clinic at Wesley Woods treats wounds that are chronic in nature, and are generally caused by other healthcare issues. Dr. Armour was joined from the clinic by Marion Waugh, a Certified Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse Specialist who moved to Atlanta from Canada in 2004. Marion also acknowledges that she loves the community spirit of the entire Wesley Woods campus.

Finally, though not present for the show this morning, we wish to extend a special thanks to Kristi Sullivan, without whom this show would not have been possible. Kristi invited each of the guests, and arranged a schedule that worked for all involved. Kristi is the Senior Outreach Liaison Market Development for the Wesley Woods campus. Thank you, again, Kristi!

Sara Biehl and Susan Howard for the Alzheimer’s Association, Buckner Village

September 30, 2011 by bradculp

It’s that time of year again! A respite from the heat, pumpkins, and… the Walk to End Alzheimer’s! Joining us on the show today are two repeat guests – five time guest, and world record holder for Eugeria! appearances, Sarah Biehl, of Hope Memory Care, and Susan Howard from Highwoods Properties. Listen in as Susan and Sarah fill us in on this year’s walk. The Walk for North Fulton/Gwinnett County is this Saturday at the Duluth Town Green. Registration is at 8:30AM, and the Walk will begin around 9:45. It’s not tool late to join the walk – just show up with your walking shoes! And it’s never to late to support the terrific work in caregiver and family support and research being done by the Alzheimer’s Association., For more information, check out www.alz.org. To reach Susan directly, call (404) 443-1869. To reach Sarah, call (770) 963-4673. Sarah was also excited to announce that Hope Memory Care will be having its grand opening on October 25th. Call her directly for details!

Alicia Russell has been the Executive Director at Buckner Retirement Village for 12 years. After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree as a dietician, Alicia began working for Buckner as the campus dietician and a year later became the Executive Director. Cheryl Seabaugh was raised in Kentucky and Oklahoma before moving to Texas for college. After graduating with a degree in psychology, she entered the marketing field and has been with Buckner Retirement Village since the spring of 2011. Diane Williams has been a nurse for 48 years. Diane’s passion has always had a passion for geriatrics. As a licensed RN in 5 states, Diane has spent a lot of time serving our seniors across the country.

Buckner Retirement Village is a continuing care community that offers independent living, assisted living and skilled care. For more information about the events mentioned in the interview, or to schedule a tour, please contact Cheryl at 214-381-2171 or visit www.bucknerretirement.org.

Special thanks to Griswold Special Care, providers of high quality, affordable in home senior care in Dallas and Atlanta, for hosting today’s show!

Eugeria! talks with Greg Zarbo of the Alzheimer’s Association

September 21, 2011 by bradculp

Greg Zarbo is originally from the Buffalo, New York area. In 1981, Greg and his wife moved to Texas to find jobs and have lived here ever since. While in New York, Greg completed a bachelor’s degree in Human Services which launched his career working for non-profits, now going on 30 years. After 8 years with Mental Health and Mental Retardation (now Northstar Managed Services), followed by 18 years at Mental Health America, Greg took a position with the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For the past year, Greg has been the Manager of Early Detection Programs.

For more information about the Dallas Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s on November 12, 2011, please call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alzdallas.org. You can reach Greg directly by email at greg.zarbo@alz.org or by phone at 214-540-2425.

Special thanks to Griswold Special Care, providers of high quality, affordable in home senior care in Dallas and Atlanta, for hosting today’s show!