IKOR of Charlottesville

IKOR employee Jacob Michael Plaugher had a baby and she is absolute perfection and the cuteness level will bring you to your knees. I'm adjusting Company rules to require that Lily Grace come hang out with me whenever I want.

Central VA Scam Alert: a "trooper" claiming to be with the State Police is calling citizens to tell them they are the subject of an active arrest warrant for failing to show up for jury duty, BUT for the low, low price of $1,500 you can pay a personal recognizance bond to resolve the situation. ALERT: this is a scam. First, police don't politely call you about an arrest warrant. Second, PR bonds don't require money, they're merely a written promise. Third, lots of people are jerks. The scam is so convincing in part because your caller ID will display Cville PD. I've alerted police and they're aware of the scam but admit there is little they can do. Spoke to a Sheriff who said it's been a particularly effective scam; these guys are taking in thousands, often from the elderly.

A quick point worth clarifying: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (i.e. MoCA) is not an intelligence test. It's a cognitive-functional assessment used to detect early dementia. The questions on the MoCA aren't designed to be intellectually difficult, rather, they're designed to measure the physical structure and function of various parts of the brain. Really "smart" people can fail; really "not smart" people can pass.

https://www.nbc29.com/2020/05/27/ikor-charlottesville-is-helping-seniors-make-difficult-life-decisions/

IKOR of Charlottesville is helping seniors make difficult life decisions IKOR of Charlottesville aims to gives seniors the resources to be able to age at home ,or help navigate life at a senior living facility.

Our local NBC affiliate, NBC 29, is airing a profile piece on IKOR of Charlottesville and IKOR Transport tonight at 5pm and again at 6pm. Hooray to our few minutes of fame!

Excellent COVID-19 Information from Johns Hopkins Hospital:
* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (RNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).
By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
- 42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).
But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.
* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.
They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.
* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.
* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, k***s, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
* You have to HUMIDIFY HANDS DRY from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.
-JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

Announcing IKOR Transport, LLC (434) 989-2255

First, I hope you, your families and coworkers are healthy and safe.

Second, the majority of seniors we interact with tell us they are sheltering-in-place without much trouble or angst. However, some have a critical need to leave their homes for a variety of reasons including dialysis, non-routine device calibrations, and in-office injections. In response to COVID-19, we are pre-launching* IKOR Transport, LLC and providing safe, reliable transportation to seniors and individuals with disabilities. For those individuals with acute transportation needs whose source of income has been interrupted by COVID-19, we are offering our transportation services on a Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC) basis for an indeterminate period of time. Meaning, our normal rates will be held in abeyance and passengers whose income has been interrupted by COVID-19 need only pay what they feel the service is worth to them and/or what they can afford; this can include no payment whatsoever. Other passengers/clients are asked to please pay the standard rate of $25/half hour + .50 cents/mile. The PWYC rate is available on a first-come-first-serve basis and intended for non-routine, highly important outings only. To secure the PWYC fare, please request that rate at the time of booking.

While a more formal launch of IKOR Transport, LLC is forthcoming, the business model includes:

• Rigorously vetted drivers who have passed multiple rounds of interviews along with extensive background and reference checks. Each driver is individually interviewed and selected by me, and only after having demonstrated a genuine desire to work with seniors and adhere to IKOR’s overall mission.
• Drivers who have been trained in communication strategies for those with dementia, managing wheelchairs and walkers, transfer techniques, and managing falls. They will also soon take an in-person CPR and First Aid certification program.
• A brand new Dodge Caravan that has been professionally customized to be wheelchair accessible. It is clean, bright, and in perfect working order. In response to COVID-19, drivers have been trained in enhanced cleaning techniques.
• By-appointment-only scheduling resulting in fewer passengers overall than other public transportation and ride-sharing options.
• Drivers who will wait with/for passengers while they conduct their business, assist with sign-in paperwork at doctors’ offices, perform light errands, and – generally speaking - observe passengers with a wide lens so that they can attend to their wellbeing along the way and, if necessary, elevate concerns to IKOR of Charlottesville, an experienced care management firm.

*Although this is a pre-launch, drivers have been vetted and trained, and the DMV has granted our commercial operating authority. In-classroom CPR and First Aid training is pending as are a number of back-office matters.

If you or someone you know needs to schedule a ride, please call (434) 989-2255. For more information about IKOR Transport, LLC, please visit our website at www.ikortransport.com.

Best,

Katie

Transportation for Seniors in Charlottesville IKOR Transport provides senior-focused transportation. We offer concierge-level service and our drivers are specially trained to meet the needs of seniors, those with mobility issues, and those living with dementia.

IKOR Clients and Family Members:
At IKOR of Charlottesville, our clients’ wellbeing is not just a priority, it’s our founding and guiding principle. During this time of heightened awareness and concern regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we wanted to share with you the extra precautions we’re taking among ourselves and with our clients.
New Procedures for IKOR Staff Members:
• Travel & Large Gatherings – The CDC and public health officials are advising against non-essential travel and recommending everyone avoid large gatherings. We are taking these warnings seriously. Employees must report travel and large events that they have attended to the Managing Director so that their risk of exposure can be assessed, and appropriate action can be taken to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
• Personal Care – We are fortunate to have experienced nurses on our team. Our RN Advocates have reviewed preventative health measures with IKOR staff members. These preventative measures include refreshers on proper hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting, and staying home if an individual is feeling sick. I have taken special care to make sure my team understands that staying home due to illness will in no way jeopardize their employment.
• Personal Contact – Our employees will no longer shake hands or embrace clients, vendors, or others we come in contact with during our day. When practically possible, we will follow the CDC social-distancing recommendation of maintaining six feet of distance between individuals.
Conducting Business and Serving Our Clients:
• Caring for you is our top priority. Our RN Advocates will continue to attend important doctors’ appointments, and most client hospitalizations.
• We will be pausing all non-essential client visits for both clients living at home and in senior communities. This policy will be evaluated regularly, and non-essential home visits will resume once it has been deemed safe.
• For clients that are concerned about their prescription medications being refilled, please contact Kathy Allerton, IKOR Case Coordinator. She will work with your RN Advocate to develop a plan.
• We are in contact with other service providers, including homecare agencies and senior communities, to discuss their plans to address potential caregiver shortages. Currently, we are not seeing such shortages impact our clients and will be monitoring this subject on an ongoing basis.
Keeping Yourself Safe and Minimizing Your Exposure:
• Follow proper hand-washing techniques.
• Try to maintain a social space of six feet between you and other people.
• Call ahead before visiting a senior community as many are now limiting visitors.
• This situation is unprecedented and evolving quickly. Please seek information only from the most reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Even as this situation forces us to cut back on in-person client contacts, all of us at IKOR remain deeply committed to the health of each and every one of our clients and families. Should you have anything you would like to discuss or need extra help or reassurance, please contact IKOR’s Case Coordinator, Kathy Allerton at [email protected], (434) 962-5293.

Sincerely,
Katie Caverly
Managing Director
IKOR of Charlottesville

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

A recently published study in JAMA Surgery highlights the need to consider frailty before undergoing surgery. "Frail, older adults are more likely than other patients to die after even supposedly minor procedures, even when the surgery goes well and is without complications," says Dr. Daniel Hall, the study's author. He points out that even the most minor of surgeries (e.g. removing a cyst from a hand) were associated with notably increased mortality rates in the first 30 days post surgery. Have an elder in your life considering surgery? The accumulation of factors such as admission to a nursing home in past 3 months, unintentional weight loss, dehydration, shortness of breath, cancer, cognitive decline and heart disease leave patients vulnerable to stressors, and surgery is hugely stressful. What to do? Download the Surgery Questionnaire developed by Dr. Gretchen Schwarze at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and help your elder work through it with their surgeon.