Actually, Mindy probably doesn’t need any introduction! She’s built a stellar reputation across the DC area, with over 30 years experience in the areas of trusts and estates, and all aspects of elder law. She’s active in the community at large and a leader in the legal community. We were pleased to be a part of a great networking event with Mindy July 19th and wanted to share a few photos. For more info on her practice, visit The Law Offices of Mindy Felinton, PC.

Warman Home Care was happy to donate gift baskets and attend the Gaithersburg, MD Upcounty Senior Center Holiday Luncheon.

As you can see, we had a great time exchanging gifts, playing games, eating way too much and – dancing! At Warman Home Care, we try and donate food from time to time to the senior center to help our. But it was extra special to join this event and get to spend some quality time with the staff and members. The live music was a treat, and we had a great turnout for the event.

The Gaithersburg Upcounty Senior Center serves Gaithersburg Maryland and residents of Upper Montgomery County by offering a variety of classes, trips, special events, activities, and a lunch program for senior citizens 55 years of age and older. Click through to find out more about this senior center.

Amidst the debate surrounding health care reform, senior citizens and their families should be aware of what the potential changes will mean for them. If the bill passes, does it mean that the elderly and their families have more choices? Or does it mean the loss of care entirely?

In a recent article for the New York Times, conservative author and blogger Ross Douthat wrote that the elderly are skeptics when it comes to health care reform. It may seem to them that their benefits are being cut, which could result in a loss of essential care. According to Douthat, some are also expressing concern over the rumor and myth that after a certain point, care for the elderly is going to be withheld, resulting, ultimately, in death. Although this would never happen, the bill may result in certain limitations on Medicare procedures that are needed by the elderly.

On the other hand, Democrat Howard Dean, former Governor of Vermont, argues that health reform will result only in more healthcare choices, not a lack or loss of care. In an article for the Washington Post, he wrote that controversy surrounding health care reform stems from myths, which are largely falsified, especially in regard to its supposed support of euthanasia. Reform, he wrote, will resemble the much like in place Medicare system, only it will be available to everyone instead of just the elderly. Dean agreed that steps will be taken to cut waste and frauds, ultimately resulting in more affordable healthcare, rather than a lack or loss of care that some believe to be part of the planned system.

More than anything, it is important to understand what health care reform will mean for the senior citizens in your life. If you would like to learn more about health care reform, please see the list of resources below. 

AARP

New York Times

New York Times Health Care Reform Blog

Washington Post

Government Health Reform

At Warman Home Care we’re always on the lookout for things that make you feel warm and fuzzy.  Philadelphia Magazine is coming out with their “Best of Philadelphia” issue where you can find more than 350 restaurants and services that will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling right here in Philly.

Warman Home Care will also be launching another “Warman Fuzzy” Photo and Video Contest in honor of Grandparent’s Day, which is October 4.  Winners will receive an iPod Nano or iPod Touch for sending in their warm & fuzzy photos and videos of their grandparents or a special senior that has touched their lives. Updates about the next “Warman Fuzzy” photo and video contest will be posted to the Care Share blog.

By popular demand, here are several recipes from our most recent CareShare event! Thanks to personal chef Nikki Haddad for preparing several fantastic healthy, delicious Spanish tapas dishes for all to try. Nikki conducts classes, especially for area hospitals. She demonstrates how fun, easy and tasty healthy cooking can be, even on a tight schedule and budget.

CareShare events like this one, graciously hosted by the Georgetown Retirement Residences in Washington, DC, bring together select professionals in the senior care field. Pictured below is Megan Pickard, from Professional Health Resources (left) and Jackie Adams, new Director of Nursing for the Georgetown Retirement Residences enjoying the event.

Tapas – the Small Plates of Spain
Presented by Personal Chef
Nikki Haddad
The Little Chef
callthelittlechef@gmail.com

Spanish Lettuce Wraps

8-10 small lettuce cups (iceberg or butter lettuce leaves work well)
1 cup crumbled feta (sheep’s milk) or goat cheese
1 cup oil packed sun dried tomatoes (reserve oil)
1 cup roasted red pepper, ½ inch pieces
1 cup Spanish olives, cut in half
1/2 cup scallions, diced
1/4 cup capers
1-2 cloves minced garlic (to taste)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Sea Salt and Pepper to taste

Arrange lettuce cups on a platter.  Combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.  Adjust seasoning.  Divide the filing between lettuce cups.  Serve 8-10.

Ceviche’

1 lb. medium shrimp, steamed*
1 lb. krab, steamed*
1 cup cilantro, chopped fine*
1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
1 small red onion, sliced thin (or green onion)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced (to taste)
2 limes, juiced
2 lemons, juiced
1 orange, juiced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine garlic, citrus juices, oil and tomato paste…whiskto combine..  Add shrimp, mussels, tomato, cilantro, red pepper flakes, and red onion.  Toss gently but thoroughly.  Refrigerate and hour or two before serving.  Bring to room temperature and as you would shrimp cocktail or with tortilla chips or crostini.  Serves 8-10.
*  Use preferred seafood- anything goes!
*Use your favorite herbs or whatever you have on hand–fresh is best!

Spanish Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

1 ½ -2 lb Flank Steak, cut lengthwise into halves or thirds

Dry Rub:
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ tsp ancho chili powder
½ tsp Spanish paprika
1 tsp. dry oregano
1 tsp. ground coriander
¼ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp coarse ground pepper
1 tbsp kosher or sea salt

Whisk well.  Rub steak with a little olive oil-just enough for rub to stick.  Generously rub steaks with spice mix and allow to marinate 2-24 hours.  Bring to room temperature, about 20 minutes.  Place steak slices under broiler or on grill and cook 5-7 minutes per side or to desired doneness.  Remove from heat and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.  Slice across the grain into very thin slices.  Drizzle with chimichurri sauce and enjoy. Best served at room temperature.
Serves 6-8

For 1 ½ lbs. to 2 lb. flank steak

Chimichurri Sauce:

1 cup finely chopped parsley or cilantro leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 T fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. red pepper flakes (to taste) or a dash of cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Place all ingredients in a jar or shaker and mix well.  Place sliced steak on a platter and drizzle with chimichurri.  Buen Provecho!

callthelittlechef@gmail.com

The flickr and YouTube comments, favorites and ratings are counted, and we finally have winners of the  “Warman Fuzzy” Photo and Video Contest.  The winning photo, is one of a dog wrapped up in a warm and fuzzy bed,  pictured to the left.

The winner of the “Warman Fuzzy” video contest is a video (below) of a cute puppy whistling.

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos and helped us decide which photo and video should win. Warman Home Care is a private duty homecare provider that serves clients in Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia and the greater Philadelphia region. Very soon, we plan to hold another contest similar to the “Warman Fuzzy” contest. We hope that future contests are just as fun as this one was!

A few weeks ago, we asked what Warm and Fuzzy Meant to you. We found out that Warm and Fuzzy can be many things, from a cute kitten to a grandfather reading to his granddaughter.  More than 100 adorable photos were submitted to the Warman Home Care “Warman Fuzzy” Photo Contest, and we just couldn’t decide on our own.

So, we’re leaving voting up to our readers! We’ve narrowed it down to 23 finalists. You can vote simply by commenting on  flickr for the particular photo you think should win. Votes can also be earned when photos are  marked “favorites” on flickr.

We also received video submisssions for the Warmest and Fuzziest video. Voting will be handled the same way for the videos, just leave a comment on your favorite video or rank it on YouTube.

Thanks for your participation, and good luck to the finalists!

All of us here at Warman Homecare are always on the look out for what we call a “Warman Fuzzy” – something that touches your heart and makes you feel good inside.  This story has got it all – cute baby animals, a daring rescue, and a happy ending!  Check out this recent story and then go to www.warmanfuzzy.com to post your best warm and fuzzy pictures or videos to win an iPod Nano or iPod Touch.

Our first CareShare meeting, held March 25, was graciously hosted by The Support Center. This event brought more than 30 healthcare professionals together and recognized National Social Work Month! Here are some photos from the event: