Did you know that 76% of clinicians are doing teletherapy? Did you know that Family Service of Glencoe offers teletherapy?

What does this mean exactly? It means that if you have a phone or computer you can meet with a therapist for a therapy session. It means that you can schedule the session at your convenience. It means that if you’re in- network with BCBS PPO of Illinois or Medicare, your sessions are covered.

More importantly, it means that if you’re feeling anxious, depressed, out of sorts, frustrated or isolated, FSG is here to help.

Does teletherapy really work? The answer is yes. While most therapists and clients prefer in-person sessions, Covid-19 has forced us to rethink telehealth. Clients and therapists report feeling a connection that was once thought to have occurred only through in-person sessions.

FSG currently offers therapy sessions through a HIPPA -approved video platform. Client feedback is overwhelmingly positive because telehealth is incredibly flexible. Senior clients report liking the fact that they don’t have to find a parking space. Teens like that they can close their bedroom door and meet with a therapist in private. Parents can meet either during the day, or after the kids have gone to bed.
If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to explore therapy for yourself or a family member, give us a call.

Cal 847/835-5111 OR kathy@familyserviceofglencoe.org

Coping with the Covid-19 Quarantine: Tips for Healthy Living

by Kathy Livingston, LCSW, Clinical Director

Imagine someone had sat you down on January 1, 2020 and told you the following:

Beginning mid-March, your children will not go to school. They will be home-schooled using remote learning. Your college-aged children will be sent home and will finish the year by remote learning. If you work, you will either work from home, or, you may be laid off or furloughed. You won’t be able to see your loved ones or friends in person without maintaining a 6-foot separation. Even then, you may not be able to spend time with your elderly relatives. You will wear masks when going outside in public spaces.

Sounds like a fantasy, right? But the reality is our world has turned upside down and inside out. Today, three months in to the Covid-19 quarantine, our predictable, reliable way of life no longer exists. Instead, we have adapted to a new way of living. Within our homes we’ve adjusted to remote learning and working from home. We venture outside when the weather cooperates, taking advantage of fresh air while maintaining social distance. High school graduations, college graduations, trips and summer programs are either postponed or canceled.  The typical transitions of daily life can’t happen so how do we cope? How do we begin to embrace and thrive in this new world rather than just tolerate and accommodate?

Experts who’ve weighed in recommend routine and structure as two key factors in adaptation. By developing and practicing habits, we learn to readjust more easily. By now, you may have figured out that spending all day in your pajamas probably isn’t a good idea. Waking up at a normal hour, dressing in clothing rather than sweats or pajamas and sticking to regular mealtimes can help us acclimate to this new way of life.

Creating purpose and intent in your life is also key, as many experts have pointed out. After adapting to our new way of life, how do we live with more intention rather than just gritting our teeth and tolerating this experience? Becoming resilient in times of stress means finding meaning, practicing gratitude and reaching out for help when you need it. Intention can simply mean making a nice meal for your family, reading a book you’ve been wanting to read, practicing meditation or making exercise a part of your daily routine.

What are you grateful for? Are there silver linings in staying home? These might be spending more quality, uninterrupted time with your family, working on a puzzle together, creating a Zoom family reunion or simply giving thanks for having food on the table, a roof over your head and a job to go back to. New Trier Township families have cooked and delivered meals to hospital staffs, cooked for the homeless, helped to fill the New Trier Township Food Pantry and checked in on elderly neighbors to make sure they’re safe and have food. Getting involved provides a sense of purpose and control in our daily lives.

Finally, how do you tend to your mental and emotional health? Knowing when to reach out for help is key. Are you feeling depressed and anxious most of the day? It’s normal to feel some sad feelings and grieve for canceled trips, graduations and parties. It’s normal to be concerned about your health and the health of your loved ones. But if your sadness or anxiety prevents you from participating in daily life, it’s time to reach out. Talking with a therapist can help you or your family members cope with stress. If you’re a parent, therapy can help you feel more resilient in dealing with your children. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Family Service of Glencoe is here to help you.

Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Caring from afar: Strategies for supporting older adults during COVID 19

By Emily Mysel LCSW FSG Senior Program Manager

For many older adults during this pandemic, their ability to connect with the outside world has been limited. Over the past two months, older adults, who are residing in independent and assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities, have had limited social interactions. They have only been able to have direct contact with staff, home health care aides, and other employees in order to protect the safety and well-being of their communities. These safety restrictions have been very difficult for families as they miss their loved ones and find it difficult to help from afar.
Here are some ways to reach out to your loved ones residing in communities:
Write letters and encourage your friends and family to write letters:
Share something on your social media account like “My mom/dad has been in quarantine since March and hasn’t stepped out of her/his apartment. If you have a few minutes and would consider sending a card or note with good wishes it may help to fill all those lonely hours.”

Speak to a staff member (i.e. activities coordinator, social worker) about helping your loved one Facetime or Zoom and discuss ways to incorporate it into their weekly schedule.
For many communities, staff are helping to set up and guide the older adult during the call or are teaching the older adult so he/she can learn to do it independently.

Send care packages of things your loved ones enjoy:
Activities: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, ad libs, word searches, adult coloring books
Food/Treats: hard candy, chocolate, pretzels, cookies
Reminiscing Activities: creating picture albums, music (cds)
Personal Hygiene and Essentials: lotion, hand sanitizer, soap, disinfectant wipes, towel papers, paper towels

Establish and coordinate weekly calls
There are volunteers and agencies that have established weekly calls to seniors. Argentium Senior Connections in Evanston is a weekly friendly call program. For more information contact: Mary Ellen Viskocil, Program Manager, at 847-869-0682.
Rotate between family members and assign them a day to call and check in with your loved one.

Visit outside:
Sit outside your loved one’s window (even if it’s just for 5 minutes).
Put signs outside the window so they have words of encouragement or pictures to look at.

Unfortunately, for some older adults living in communities, they are not able to participate in these activities and that’s why it’s even more essential to check in with the staff and get updates. Collaborate and find ways that you can provide the opportunity be part of your loved one’s life from a distance.

If you have a loved one who resides in a community or an older adult who lives at home and need recommendations and/or support, please contact Emily Mysel, LCSW, Senior Program Manager at 847-835-5111

Emily’s sons visiting their great-grandparents at their independent living community in Wilmette.
Emily’s sons visiting their great-grandparents at their independent living community in Wilmette.

Friendly Visitors Needed!

Happening Now: Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment began October 15 and continues until December 7, 2018. During this period, individuals can make changes to their current Medicare coverage that will go into effect on January 1, 2019.  Understanding your Medicare benefits can be complicated, but there is an array of support available in the area to help you navigate through your Medicare options.  The assistance available can help provide a better understanding of your coverage, available choices, limitations and more.

Medicare 101:

To learn more about Medicare and your specific coverage go to: https://medicare.com/about-medicare/medicare-coverage-basics/

For further assistance:

For additional questions regarding Medicare or older adult concerns, please contact Emily Mysel, MSW, LCSW Senior Program Case Manager at 847-835-5111

Parenting in Anxious Times: How to Talk to Your Kids and Remain Calm

The tragic anti-Semitic shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue, two African-Americans shot in a Kentucky grocery store, pipe-bombs sent in the mail…how do we talk to our kids about recent events in today’s world?  As parents, it’s easy to feel frightened, frustrated and angry. What’s appropriate to share with our kids and when? How do we remain calm while navigating this unpredictable and scary terrain?

FSG Clinical Director Kathy Livingston and Rabbi Wendi Geffen of North Shore Congregation Israel facilitated a conversation earlier this week which occurred due to the anti-Semitic shooting in Pittsburgh. The synagogue and FSG wanted to provide parents with a safe place to discuss their worries and concerns about talking with their children after such a horrible event.  Here are some tips from The Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) for talking with your children and grandchildren about tragedy, and tips from FSG on how to remain hopeful and calm despite the news.

Preschool: Depending on what your preschooler has been exposed to (TV, hearing older siblings talk) he/she may ask repetitive questions or may go about their day as if nothing has occurred. If you need to answer questions, keep your answers short and clear.

Ages 5 to 9: You might get lots of why questions: “Why did they shoot the people?” “Why does someone hate?” Be honest if you don’t know. Encourage questions from your kids.

Ages 10 to 12: Kids in this age group may have talked with their friends about current events. You could ask, “What are you hearing from your friends?” This is a good way to open the conversation. And kids may not want to talk about the event. Letting them know you are available if/when they want to talk is important.

Age 13 and over: Many teens in this age group will want to talk about the event, and discussions about the news can result in stimulating conversations. Be sure you show your teen you’re listening to what he/she is saying. Teens want to be heard but some may not want to discuss the event or may want to argue about certain points.

The most important thing you can do for your kids is process your emotions first so that when you are talking with your child you are present and focused on what he/she is telling you. Parents should express sadness and anger, and it’s important to label those feelings for kids, but you don’t want to be an emotional mess so that your child needs to take care of you. Self-care is key: seek out friends and family for your own conversations, take a break from the news, try and practice some mindfulness techniques even if it’s just some deep breathing. Tending to your own emotional needs away from your children will build your resilience so you in turn can help your child build his/her own.

Further reading:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2018/10/30/horrific-shooting-chance-teach-kids-your-values/?utm_term=.8d45536350b1

Suicide Prevention and Awareness: A Community Approach

FSG Clinical Director Kathy Livingston, LCSW, shares information about suicide risk and protective factors, and how to talk with those we love about this sensitive issue.

With September being Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Family Service of Glencoe is committed to joining the Village of Glencoe in supporting our community by educating and informing all who work and live in Glencoe about suicide prevention and awareness.

Suicide can be a scary topic to talk about, and yet, there is research that shows that talking about suicide can prevent it in many cases.  Suicidepreventionlifeline.org states that “evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.”  But how do we as family members and community members talk and listen to our relatives, friends and colleagues? Before you can be helpful to someone, it is important to understand some facts about suicide.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but it’s important to be aware of these.

Risk Factors (from AFSP.org):

  • Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders
  • Hopelessness
  • Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
  • History of trauma or abuse
  • Major physical illnesses
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Job or financial loss
  • Loss of relationship(s)
  • Easy access to lethal means

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

Warning Signs (from afsp.org):

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

If your loved one is exhibiting any of these warning signs and you are concerned, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Many people may not exhibit warning signs but have persistent depression or anxiety.  Depression is often a factor in suicide attempts. Here are ways you can help.

Check-in and show up – if you have a loved one or friend who you know is struggling with depression or other mood disorders, or perhaps he/she has recently experienced a life-changing event or loss, check-in and have a conversation with the person. Don’t underestimate the importance of showing up and being there for someone.

What to Say (and Not Say) – sometimes it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is struggling.  It can be as simple as saying, “I know you’re struggling and want you to know I’m here and will always be here for you.”

Don’t say things like: “Cheer up.”  “Things aren’t so bad.”  “I’m sure tomorrow will be better.” It’s better to offer support to the person rather than trying to cheer them up or problem-solve.

Don’t be afraid to ask if he/she is feeling suicidal. It’s a myth that talking about suicide will encourage someone to think more about it or cause it to happen. Experts say the opposite is true.  If the person says they are thinking about suicide, staying calm and asking him/her about their plan and getting specifics will be helpful. If the person is seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, you can have them call their mental health professional with you there. If that’s not possible, you can call Family Service of Glencoe during business hours and/or call Public Safety 24/7 for help.

Saying something is always the better choice if you’re concerned about a loved one, friend or colleague.  By learning to talk more about suicide, we raise awareness and heightened awareness can result in prevention.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or need support in helping someone who is, please call Family Service of Glencoe for help at 847-835-5111.

SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION: Resources That Can Help

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org   1-800-273-TALK (8255)

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  www.afsp.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/index.html

Suicide Prevention Resource Center  www.sprc.org

#BeThe1To  www.bethe1to.com

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education  www.save.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness  www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month

The Importance of Grandparents

FSG Senior Program Case Manager Emily Mysel, LCSW, reflects on the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

I have often believed that the loss of one’s grandparents closes the door to one’s childhood.  For many, childhood memories of grandparents can be idyllic ones filled with laughter, an abundance of sweets and unconditional love.  While my grandparents’ roles shifted as they aged, I was fortunate to have three of my four grandparents actively present in my life until two years ago.  Today, at the age of 34, I am blessed to have my maternal 91-year-old grandmother in my life and be part of my son’s (and soon-to-be newborn’s) life as well.

Multi-generations have become a changing trend as people live longer.  According to the University of Florida’s research on “Family Relationships in an Aging Society” the 2000s consist of more generations living at the same time. Families are having fewer children, but grandparents and great-grandparents are living longer.  There are currently 70 million grandparents in the nation (Metlife’s 2013 Survey-Grandparents Investing in Grandchildren).  In a study conducted by Oxford University and the Institute of Education in London, it was noted that children are ordinarily happier when grandparents are involved in their childhood.  For many families, grandparents provide emotional support while parents are working and bring stability into the lives of their grandchildren, especially when families are facing adversity or experiencing crisis situations.

Reflecting on my childhood, I realize how influential my grandparents were on the choices I made and the values I have.  As research illustrates, grandparents contribute in a variety of ways during a child’s formative years.  In my experience, my grandparents provided wisdom and advice in moments of uncertainty.  They fostered my growth and independence. Their love was constant, present, and uncomplicated.  A study conducted by Boston College found emotionally connected grandparents and grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms for both age groups.  The research showed that the longer people live, the more important these bonds become between grandparents and adult grandchildren.


Summer was often the best time to visit my grandparents and create these special memories.  As summer is upon us, find some special time with your grandchildren. Glencoe has an array of events and is surrounded by various places to visit.

 

FSG Welcomes New Volunteer Leaders

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG), Glencoe’s primary social service agency, welcomes four members to its board of directors as well as acknowledges the service of outgoing board members. FSG’s newest board members were elected at the June board meeting: Bob Breisblatt, Colette Hays, Michele Heftman, and Katie Turner. They may serve up to three two-year terms beginning at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2018.

Bob Breisblatt and wife, Marjorie, have lived in Glencoe for 20 years and prior to that Wilmette for 12 years. Both of their daughters graduated from New Trier and his oldest lives in Glencoe with her husband and three young children. Bob graduated from Duke University Law School in 1972 and after two years in the Army and one year of practice in Florida came to the Chicago area. He was an Assistant United States Attorney in Chicago for approximately nine years before moving to private practice. His last seven years of active practice was as a partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman in Chicago. He has now retired from the practice of law.


Colette Hays first moved to Glencoe in 1986 with her husband, Dave. As a marketing research executive with Information Resources, Inc. in Chicago, Glencoe provided an ideal small town atmosphere (and a backyard for their two labs) with easy train access to jobs downtown. Nine years and three daughters later, career opportunities moved the family to San Francisco and then Houston.  Fast forward to 2008, she and her family were fortunate to move back to Glencoe just three blocks from their first house. Colette comes to the board with 35 years of board experience in many charitable endeavors, most recently on the Winnetka Board of the Northwestern Settlement House. Colette looks forward to working with FSG community volunteers and serving with long-time friends since first settling in this very special community.


Michele Heftman grew up in Michigan and graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in Photography and Museum Studies. She comes to the board with an artistic eye and 15 years of experience working in Chicago area museums. Michele was the Collection Photographer at Spertus Museum before deciding to stay home to raise her family. She has lived in Glencoe for seven years with her husband Jeff and their two children. She enjoys volunteering with the Glencoe PTO and teaches art classes at both the JCC at Am Shalom and North Shore Congregation Israel.


Katie Turner grew up in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. After graduating from Miami University with a BA in Communications, she returned to Chicago and spent the next ten years at Aon consulting with Fortune 500 clients on their insurance needs. Her husband was transferred to Zurich, Switzerland in 2007, where their children were born. Shortly after returning to the States, the family moved to Glencoe where they have been happily residing since 2011. Katie has been an active realtor on the North Shore for the last seven years. She is excited about the opportunity to give back to the community she loves so much by being part of the FSG board.


“We are pleased to welcome these four new board members to the FSG family,” said William Hansen, MSW, Executive Director. “Their diverse backgrounds and shared compassion for those in need will be instrumental to our organization as we continue to serve the mental health needs of our community.”

This year’s board will be led by board president Lisa Cardonick who held the vice president position previously. “FSG is helping families of all ages through outreach and education, therapeutic treatment, and crisis care services,” said Cardonick. “I look forward to working with the board, villagers, and all of our supporters to ensure that FSG continues to be a go-to resource for Glencoe.” Serving in her fourth year on the board, Heather Jagher will begin her new position as vice president. Lara Port begins her new role of treasurer; Wendy Netter Epstein continues in her role as secretary.

Board members continuing their service include Amy Edelson, Holly Newcomb, Rick Richker, Susie Spitzer-Cohn, Jennifer Stone, and Sheri Styles.

On June 30, 2018, board terms came to a close for Elaine Duckler, Nicole Hayek, Beth Karnes, Karen Mason, Nicole Wineman, and Carrie Rose. FSG extends sincere appreciation for their significant contributions and leadership. Their combined 23 years of leadership and service have supported the agency in fundraising, governance, program development, and community awareness. Karnes will continue involvement with the agency as a villager.

FSG also welcomes two new villagers—Amy Kaniff and Elizabeth Ohana. Villagers continuing their service include Paula Alexander, Marisa Bingham, Erica Conlon, Mira Duncan, Carrie Feig, Rene Firmin, Melissa Jarmel, Amy Maher, Jennifer Mesterharm, Jessica Rappaport, Steve Santiccioli, and Jamie Straight.

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICE OF GLENCOE: Rooted in Glencoe for more than 100 years, Family Service of Glencoe strengthens our community through highly confidential services that prevent and treat emotional and psychological problems. Services include counseling to individuals and families; community education; crisis intervention; senior housing assistance and more. To receive help or become a supporter of this non-profit organization, visit www.familyserviceofglencoe.org.

Community Strokes of Kindness

GLENCOE — July 5, 2018 — Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) is pleased to partner with Angelina Vivant Fine Art on a community painting to take place during the 2018 Glencoe Festival of Art. A Glencoe resident and first-time exhibitor at the festival, Angelina has created a charitable component to her exhibit called Community Strokes of KindnessTM with proceeds to benefit a local community support system.

Angelina notes, “Our community supports and enriches our every day, but some of us need a little guidance from time-to-time. My hope is to lift and to bring awareness to community organizations through my exhibits when I can—because everyone deserves a chance to find clarity, support, and joy in living.”

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to apply paint strokes to a canvas, building on prior strokes, to collectively create a piece of art. Angelina continues, “It will be a tangible symbol of how we can support each other and build each other up, creating something beautiful, purposeful, and rewarding.” The final piece will be sold through a silent auction on the second day of the festival. Angelina has selected FSG as the recipient of the proceeds for this piece.

“FSG is honored to be chosen as the charity recipient for this special kindness project as it resonates with our mission to strengthen our community,” said FSG Board Member Lara Port. “We are excited to share in Angie’s growth as an artist and her desire to use her talents in this personal way.”

The 2018 Glencoe Festival of Art will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29 from 10am to 5pm in downtown Glencoe. Guests of all ages and abilities are invited to add strokes to the community painting. There is no cost to contribute to the painting. Bids may be submitted directly to Angelina at her booth.

A native of Chicago, Angelina started painting at age 12, when she went to a local college to learn about painting, composition, and color theory. That experience set the foundation for her career in graphic design and advertising. She has recently returned to painting with acrylics as her family-friendly medium of choice. Her paintings explore happy and inspirational themes and are characterized by large strokes of color/texture via palette knife. For more information about the artist and her 2018 collection, visit www.angelinavivant.crevado.com.

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICE OF GLENCOE: Rooted in Glencoe for more than 100 years, Family Service of Glencoe strengthens our community through highly confidential services that prevent and treat emotional and psychological problems. Services include counseling to individuals and families; community education; crisis intervention; senior housing assistance and more. To receive help or become a supporter of this non-profit organization, visit www.familyserviceofglencoe.org.