Senior
Lifestyles
Special publication of the Addison Independent • Monday, November 10, 2014
PAGE 2 — Senior Lifestyles • Addison Independent, Monday, November 10, 2014
EastView’s new director hopes to build on success The board of directors for the Middlebury retirement community EastView hired a new executive director in June. Brenda Schill is a high-energy, positive woman with a passionate drive to enhance EastView’s already successful model. Schill holds both a nursing degree from the University of Vermont and a business management degree from Trinity College, which she says gives her the right skills to be successful as executive director. Prior to coming to EastView, Schill was the executive director at another retirement community, the Lodge at Shelburne Bay. She has also worked as the vice president at Hickok & Boardman Insurance, director at the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), director of the Guaranteed Student Loan and Default Collections, and as executive director at Converse Retirement Home. “However, the key to success is the team you work with and in the case of EastView the entire team works extremely well together and it includes not only the staff but the residents and the board of directors,” Schill says. “It is a slice of heaven located right in Middlebury.” Schill spoke with the Independent about her background and what motivates her in her work with seniors
ward to identifying the areas in the community that would enhance the residents’ lives and developing a strategic plan together to meet these desires. I will ensure that every EastView employee views their position as a career not just a job and is passionate about their work, which results in providing the highest level of service to each resident.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with residents and faculty/ staff at EastView? A: I am most excited about developing a unified community between all staff and residents in every area. Meeting all of the residents and staff and learning about each of them as individuals and their backgrounds enhances building a strong community.
Q: In one word, how would you describe life for residents at EastView? A: Vibrant or Enriching.
Q: What special qualities or characteristics do you bring to EastView? A: I am committed to exceed the expectations of the residents, board of directors and the staff of EastView. I am passionate about working with seniors in the health care industry and this position allows me to use my business, human resource and nursing background.
Q & A
Q: What kinds of changes do you foresee at EastView as a result of new management? A: I am a proactive individual and look for-
Q: What is one unique aspect of EastView that helps it stand out in comparison to other similar facilities? A: You might expect me to respond the magnificent view to the east with close proximity to Porter Medical Center, Middlebury College and downtown Middlebury. However, the most unique aspect of EastView is actually the people who reside at EastView. It is a very special nonprofit, locally governed, resident-driven Vermont company with a local vision by local people.
Q: What in your background has prepared you for this job? A: I was executive director for a nonprofit residential care home that was at 30 percent occupancy with need for multiple renovations to increase occupancy. This experience of achieving a wait list after accomplishing the necessary renovations was instrumental in my development. Subsequently working at a for-profit retirement community pro-
BRENDA SCHILL WAS named in June as the new executive director at the EastView retirement community in Middlebury. Independent photo/Trent Campbell
vided me exposure to the different approach between the profit and nonprofit communities. VSAC provided me with a strong management and regulatory background and at Hickok & Boardman I was involved in all aspects of the organizations operations from human resources, finance, technology, insurance, strategic planning and management.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about working with older people? A: I feel working with the senior population is the most rewarding field as the residents have years of experiences to share. The most difficult thing to deal with at any age is loss but it is something we all experience. (See Schill, Page 11)
Grandchildren help seniors stay young and engaged Grandparents have a lot to offer the next generation (MS) — What used to be the “golden years” of life for seniors is now turning into any opportunity to spend even more time with their youngest family members. Nowadays, a growing number of grandparents are called on to provide childcare for their grandkids, many of whom are growing up in twoincome households. Others are helping to raise grandkids while providing financial assistance for adult children who may not be able to live on their own. This trend has been corroborated in a few recent studies. Information from the Pew Research Center showed 7.7 million children in the United States were living in the same household as one of their grandparents in 2011. A University of Chicago analysis of a decade of data based on interviews with 13,614 grandparents, ages 50 and older, found that 61 percent of grandparents provided at least 50 hours of care for their grandchildren during any given year between 1998 and 2008.
And an April 2012 study for the MetLife Mature Market Institute and the nonprofit Generations United, an intergenerational policy group, found that 74 percent of respondents provided weekly childcare or babysitting service for grandkids. Grandparents often cite helping their own children financially as well as staying in touch with grandchildren as motivating factors behind providing care. According to Generations United, staying in touch with grandkids can give seniors a feeling of self-worth and improve their overall health. When spending so much time together, grandparents may develop special relationships with their grandchildren, who may benefit from the knowledge and wisdom offered by their elders. The following are some lessons grandparents can share with youngsters. Empathy: By sharing stories of how things were when they were younger, when opportunities may have been more scarce, grandparents can (See Grandparents, Page 11)
Senior Lifestyles • Addison Independent, Monday, November 10, 2014 — PAGE 3
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PAGE 4 — Senior Lifestyles • Addison Independent, Monday, November 10, 2014
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Senior-to-Senior Program is a win-win MIDDLEBURY — November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month and the Addison County Humane Society is using this opportunity to promote its Senior-to-Senior program with the goal of placing senior pets with senior citizens at no charge to the adopter. A “senior” pet is considered over the age of eight and a “senior” adult is defined as over age 55 for the purposes of this program. So far this year, Homeward Bound has taken in 35 senior animals — five dogs surrendered by their owners, four stray dogs, 18 cats surrendered by their owners, and eight stray cats.
Eighteen of these senior animals have been adopted to date. “We are proud of our Senior-to-Senior no charge adoption program because it encourages seniors to adopt a pet and allows them to enjoy the many documented health benefits of pet ownership,” said Homeward Bound Executive Director Jessica Danyow. “Our program also increases the rate at which our senior animals find homes of their own in which to enjoy their golden years.” For pet lovers, the joy that comes from being a pet owner is not apt to weaken as they get older, however the type of pet may change as living arrangements or health conditions evolve. Today, more and more seniors are stepping up to adopt older dogs and cats. By doing so, they have companionship without having to worry about housebreaking or training. Their older pets have established personalities and know the rules of good behavior. This becomes a win-win situation: The senior benefits from the companionship of a pet and the pet gets to live out his or her life in a loving home instead of a shelter. The benefits of owning a pet, particularly during one’s golden years, are many and can include: • Lower blood pressure • Reduced cardiovascular disease • Reduced feelings of stress • Decreased likelihood of depression • Lower cholesterol levels • Improved overall health, thus fewer doctor appointments • Increased sense of responsibility and alertness • Reduced sense of loneliness • Increased activity during the day • Increased social interaction • A clear sense of purpose and improved JERRY, A LARGE orange and white senior cat, was adoptmorale ed by Lauraine Warfield of Vergennes on September 6. Jerry • A sense of consistenwas one of many senior animals adopted through Homeward Bound’s Senior-to-Senior adoption program this year. cy in an ever changing
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world • Reinforced feelings of self-sufficiency, dependability and optimism • Someone to talk to • Mental stimulation • Encouraged independence Few would argue that the benefits of pet ownership for seniors are considerable. Homeward Bound can help prospective adopters choose the right pet for them, as there is much to consider. Lifestyle, experience with pets, age, animal temperament, health, mobility and financial responsibilities are all important to finding the right match. For instance, dogs are a great match for seniors who remain physically active, whereas cats are a safe bet for those who prefer a purring kitty in their lap. At the end of the day, the goal is to have a pet that will be well loved and a senior whose life will be enriched. For more information on this program and adoption opportunities, visit www.homewardboundanimals.org or pay a visit to the shelter at 236 Boardman St. in Middlebury, TuesdaySaturday between noon and 5 p.m. Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Jessica Danyow, executive director of Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society.
RODEO WAS ADOPTED by Barbara Drapelick of Middlebury on October 9.
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Nursing care has come a long way from humble roots MIDDLEBURY — The Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center was first established as the Helen Porter Nursing Home in the ColBuilt originally to lins Building on accommodate 50 the Porter Medipeople, the Helen cal Center campus in 1970. However, Porter Nursing it is fair to say that Home quickly its origins go back gained a reputo 1935 when tation for highCongress passed quality, compas- the Social Security Act. With this sionate care. act, the United Eventually, its acknowlcapacity grew to States edged that caring 118 people with for elderly citithe opening of zens was a social the “new” Helen duty. World War II Porter in 1992 on drew women into the opposite side the workplace. of the campus “Rosie the Rivthan the original eter” became a building. national symbol of homefront solidarity. When the war ended, many of those women stayed in the workplace. Women were
THE PORTER MEDICAL Center Collins Building was the first home for what was then called the Helen Porter Nursing Home.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
less likely to be at home to care for grandparents. Three or four generations under the same roof became rare. This sociological shift had a profound impact on the elderly. In the post-war boom, nursing homes were rapidly being constructed to meet the growing demand for residential el-
derly care. And so it was here in Middlebury. Built originally to accommodate 50 people, the Helen Porter Nursing Home quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, compassionate care. Eventually, its capacity grew to 118 people with the opening of the “new” Helen Porter in 1992 on the opposite side of
the campus than the original building. By the year 2000, the federal government recognized how many millions of dollars it was spending each year for nursing home care. Inevitably, spending cutbacks and financial controls followed. As a result of government (See Helen Porter, Page 6)
PAGE 6 — Senior Lifestyles • Addison Independent, Monday, November 10, 2014
Helen Porter (Continued from Page 5) controls and other cost pressures, Helen Porter now operates with 105 beds. Today the Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center continues successfully with an average daily census of 97 people. “Helen’s Place” is “home” to 84 of these residents and an average of 13 residents are in residence for a short stay of recovery or rehabilitation. The annual cost of providing care for Helen Porter Residents is $10.8 million. Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is highly regarded in Addison County and continues to be a vital component of Porter Medical Center’s commitment to providing a continuum of care to the Addison County community. Ellen, the daughter of a Helen Porter resident, recently acknowledged that prior to her father coming to Helen Porter for care, she had no idea what was going on “under the blue roof,” referring to the iconic building of that description on the Porter Medical Center campus. Her comment suggests there is a need for Helen Porter to communicate more carefully with the community about the remarkable things that are going on under the blue roof. Many people may not realize that approximately 400 people per year receive short-term therapies to promote recovery from illness or injury — on average; these people reside at Helen Porter for just a couple or a few weeks before being discharged to return to their active lives. The food service department at Helen Porter prepares and serves over 106,000 meals per year, all of which are prepared under the watchful guidance of a registered dietician. The nursing staff carefully dispenses nearly a
THE HELEN PORTER Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, which opened in its current blue-topped building in 1992, typically serves around 100 residents and patients.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
million doses of prescribed medication in the course of a year, and simultaneously they record every dose in the resident’s medical record. These qualified teams help keep the residents under the blue roof healthy and feeling strong through their stay at Helen Porter. The Memory Care Neighborhood provides specialized support to the 50 residents who
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cope with the challenges of memory loss and dementia. Three new ARCH rooms provide high quality/compassionate end-of-life services for the Helen Porter residents. And, serving all residents is an activities team who design and implement social and cultural opportunities to enhance daily life for
everyone. What cannot be measured, however, are the many subtle acts of kindness that occur during the one-on-one moments shared between caregivers and the residents. Editor’s note: This piece was contributed by Bruce Bodemer, acting administrator of Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
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SANDRA WEST IS the new executive director at the Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury. Independent photo/Trent Campbell
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West likes to see seniors active at The Residence Sandra West is the executive director at the Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury. She started the job Sept. 22. Before coming to this position, she had more than 20 years’ experience in the senior living industry. West started her senior living career directly out of graduate school as a consultant to the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm within their 26 skilled nursing and rehabilitative communities across nine states. Her professional experience includes development, marketing, and operations in several communities from assisted living and memory care communities to retirement living within a continuing care retirement community. West spoke with the Independent about her philosophy when working with seniors and her hopes and plans for the Residence.
A: Otter Creek is a unique senior community in that we have an extremely vibrant independent population along with other levels of service. This creates a lively dynamic of activity, interaction and interests that benefits everyone and makes for an exciting place to live. This, of course, is reflected in the staff associates as well, energizing them. As someone who actually lives in the community with the residents, I have had the fortune of seeing this firsthand, and am very much looking forward to being a part of it for a long time.
Q & A
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with residents and associates/staff at the Residence?
Q: What kinds of changes do you foresee at the Residence as a result of new management? A: I have stepped into a truly wonderful community that has known great success up to this point, so from that perspective, not a lot needs to change. Still there’s always room for improving, and I believe it is an even stronger focus on excellence. The sense of camarade(See West, Page 10)
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PAGE 8 — Senior Lifestyles • Addison Independent, Monday, November 10, 2014
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Senior Lifestyles • Addison Independent, Monday, November 10, 2014 — PAGE 9
Take these steps to meet retirement goals (MS) — Many budding retirees plan to travel, relax and enjoy the company of their spouses when they officially stop working. But such plans only are possible if men and women take steps to secure their financial futures in retirement. According to a recent survey by the personal finance education site MoneyTips.com, roughly one-third of Baby Boomers have no retirement plan. The reason some may have no plan is they have misconceptions about how much money they will need in retirement. Successful retirees understand the steps to take and how to live on a budget. Have a plan Many people simply fail to plan for retirement. Even men and women who invest in an employer-sponsored retirement program, such as a 401(k), should not make that the only retirement planning they do. Speak with a financial advisor who can help you develop a plan that ensures you don’t outlive your assets. Set reasonable goals Retirement nest eggs do not need to be enormous. Many retirees have a net worth of less than $1 million, and many people live comfortably on less than $100,000 annually. When planning for retirement, don’t be dissuaded because you won’t be buying a vineyard or villa in Europe. Set reasonable goals for your retirement and make sure you meet those goals. Recognize there is no magic wealth-building plan Saving comes down to formulating a plan specific to your goals, resources, abilities, and skills. Make saving a priority and take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement programs if they are offered. Don’t underestimate spending You will need money in retirement, and it’s best that you don’t underestimate just how much you’re going to need. No one wants to be stuck at home during retirement, when people typically want to enjoy themselves and the freedom that comes with retirement. Speak to a financial planner to develop a reasonable estimate of your living expenses when you plan to retire. Pay down or avoid debt while you can Retiring with debt is a big risk. Try to eliminate all of
your debts before you retire and, once you have, focus your energy on growing your investments and/or saving money for retirement. Start early on retirement saving It’s never too early to begin saving for retirement. Although few twenty-somethings are thinking about retirement, the earlier you begin to invest the more time you have to grow your money. Enroll in a retirement plan now so you have a larger nest egg when you reach retirement age.
Be prepared to care for an elderly relative in your home (MS) — Decisions about providing care several strategies to make that transition go as for an aging loved one are seldom easy. smoothly as possible. Various options exist in terms of elder care, • Talk to the senior about your options. including assisted living facilities and nursing Making decisions together will be best for homes. Seniors who are self-sufficient may everyone involved. It can be challenging to be able to stay in a retirement community or discuss mortality and whether or not elderly active living building. In other instances, the parents or relatives can properly care for best course of action is to have an themselves. Broach the subject well elderly relative move in with family Taking care in advance of making any plans so members. you will have some understanding of a senior According to Dr. Nancy of how the senior feels about the requires a Snyderman, who recently took on situation and what would make the role of caregiver to her own profound him or her most comfortable. Your senior parents, 44 million American commitment parents may already have a plan in adults are caring for an older and can place. friend or family member. MetLife completely • Establish a caregiving budget. estimates that nearly 10 million disrupt a Caring for the elderly is expensive. adult children over age 50 now care MetLife says working Americans for an aging parent. Care is defined person’s life, lose an estimated $3 trillion in as helping with feeding, bathing, both at home lifetime wages, with average dressing, and other personal care and at work. losses of $324,044 for women and needs, going beyond driving a $283,716 for men, taking time to parent to appointments or helping them with provide care. Before a senior can be welcomed financial matters. into your home, you must first determine Taking care of a senior requires a profound which financial changes must be made to commitment and can completely disrupt accommodate this person. Will a parent be a person’s life, both at home and at work. contributing to a portion of the expenses or Men and women faced with caring for an paying rent? Is it feasible for you to reduce aging parent at home may want to employ hours at work to care for this individual? Once
you have the numbers in black and white, you can better assess your situation. • Make physical modifications. Your home may not be equipped and safe for an elderly resident. You may need to add a private space
for your parent or relative, and install nightlights, secured railings, grab bars, ramps, a shower chair, and anti-slip surfaces. You may need to build an extension on the home or (See Care, Page 10)
PAGE 10 — Senior Lifestyles • Addison Independent, Monday, November 10, 2014
West (Continued from Page 7) rie and collaboration between associates, residents and families to provide the best possible care, to foster the development of best practices, to support one another, and all the while have fun doing it. Q: What special qualities or characteristics will you bring to the Residence? A: Passion and purpose — in short, doing what I love. Some people search forever. Family is my deepest passion, and I am committed to making good things happen for our Residence at Otter Creek family. There are so many opportunities to support and contribute to those lives and our work. Q: What is one unique aspect of the Residence that helps it stand out? A: As I mentioned, our energetic mix of residents is certainly a huge component. What also makes The Residence at Otter Creek stand out in comparison to other communities is their involvement in the many and varied
activities across the community. There are so many trips on our calendar from touring the local winery that offers regular tastings, exploring the farmers’ market, participating in lectures and presentations at the Ilsley Library, and enjoying the Opera Company and Town Hall Theater. And there is a lot within the community — from exercise classes and water aerobics to bridge and book clubs, our residents are always active.
finding the balance between making people’s life easier, while challenging them to be physically, emotionally and socially engaged. This is the way that we stay youthful!
ter can help them with? A: Getting past the stereotypes of aging! When Americans think about old age, we tend to predict a slowdown, picturing ourselves in rocking chairs or perhaps in front of the television — which frequently depicts aging as bad. The way we view the aging process can influence what we think we can or should be doing. My favorite quote from “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch: “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” We can help a senior see life beyond that brick wall.
Q: What in your background has prepared you for this job? A: I was raised by my grandmother, a strong, vibrant, ageless woman who measured her life by experiences not years.
Q: Why work with seniors? A: The wonderful thing about working with seniors is they are who they are. At a senior center they can become who they either wanted to or were meant to be — they are more themselves, more settled and content in who they are and what they enjoy. Seniors appreciate and savor time. Sharing these experiences, participating in their pursuit of new interests, exploring personal inclinations and sharing in the joys of life to the utmost is what keeps all of us young. Surround yourself with people and environments that will support that, and you will get the very most out of this special time in your life.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about working with older people? A: That’s an excellent question. I think it is
Q: You see and work with seniors every day. What challenges do seniors face in this phase of their lives that a senior living cen-
Q: What are the unexpected delights that people find in their senior years? A: In the words of Walt Disney, “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.”
maintain a social schedule and invite friends over. Try to help your loved one keep his or her doctors and, if possible, take them to shop where they have shopped in the past. These opportunities will make the transition to a new home easier. • Discuss finances. It’s essential to understand your loved one’s financial situation. Make lists
of his or her assets and any insurance policies in his or her name. Understand which health procedures are covered and discuss ways to finance any procedures or medications that are not covered by your loved one’s policy. Ask if your loved one wants you to manage his or her finances or when he or she may feel this is necessary. Professional help, such as an
attorney, financial planner or a geriatric care manager, can make it easier to understand the legalities and subtleties of these arrangements. • Make time for yourself. Caring for the elderly can seem like a full-time job, and it’s easy to forget yourself in the process. Make time for yourself so your own health is not sacrificed while you tend to your loved one.
Q: In one word, how would you describe life for residents at the Residence? A: ACTIVE!
Care (Continued from Page 9) completely renovate what you have to make the space safe. • Aim for stability. Moving and changing routines can be especially stressful for seniors who are used to their own schedules and habits. Transfer furniture and mementos from their home into yours. Encourage seniors to
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Senior Lifestyles • Addison Independent, Monday, November 10, 2014 — PAGE 11
Grandparents (Continued from Page 2) help teach grandchildren empathy. Grandchildren may learn to be grateful for the things they have and the people around them, rather than taking what they have for granted. Family history: Grandparents can tell grandchildren about family members, including youngsters’ own parents, and shed light on the generations that came before them. Looking through photos or watching old movies can provide the avenue by which to start conversations about family history and give children opportunities to ask questions. Interests: Children may be excited about
learning new skills or hobbies taught to them by their grandparents. Anything from gardening to woodworking can be shared. Respect: Children who grow up respecting their grandparents may have an increased tendency to respect authority figures outside their homes, which may help kids grow up to be more courteous and kind. Grandchildren also offer benefits to their grandparents. Companionship, new experiences and conversation can help keep grandparents’ minds sharp and bodies active well into their golden years.
Q: You see and work with seniors every day. What challenges do seniors face in this phase of their lives that a senior living center can help them with? A: Assisting the residents in remaining active and providing access to the community activities to the level each resident wishes to
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Schill (Continued from Page 2) Q: Why work with seniors? A: Seniors deserve to live the remainder of their lives in the best possible way. Maintaining dignity and enhancing their lives through activities and events that stimulate and motivate is rewarding. As I write this, one of our residents is speaking to a group of 30 residents on foreign policy. Already today we have had Bone Builders, meditation, needle arts, chess and a trip to the grocery store. I can’t imagine a better group of individuals to spend my days with. I learn something new every single day.
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be involved. Enabling the residents to do all that they wish each day of their lives is what really matters to each of us. Providing them with elegant dining and excellent food and selection is also essential. Q: What are the unexpected delights that people find in their senior years? A: Residents are often pleased with the sharing that occurs in the community with individuals of various cultures and ages and they develop lifelong friendships. Seniors find the time to contribute as volunteers and to be involved both inside and outside of the community. Residents express their enjoyment of taking on new interests such as painting or having time to enjoy prior interests that they haven’t had the time to enjoy. Many of our residents also enjoy living vicariously through the younger staff and become just like grandparents or parents to the employees.
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Families support each other… We support families… At Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, we offer state-of-the art programming, as well as a warm, caring and safe environment to meet the needs of individuals with memory loss. Working with families and your physician, our team of nurses, social workers, activities programmers, therapists and others are specially trained to care for our residents in a loving and safe environment–while minimizing barriers and maximizing dignity for every individual in our care. • At Helen Porter, we focus on possibilities...not limitations... on the person...not the disease...and we have the experience and environment to meet her very special needs–and yours.
• Traditional Long-Term Care • Respite • Short-Term Rehabilitation • Memory Care For More Information visit helenporter.org or call 385-3662
Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
My father died 3 years ago. My 83 year old mother spends her days alone watching TV. I worry about her being lonely. You are right to be concerned. Sitting alone watching TV day after day is probably not good for your mother’s body or mind. Lack of social stimulation and interesting experiences can dull the mind and contribute to memory decline. Sitting for long periods weakens the muscles. Balance and mobility can worsen. What’s more, your mother needs fun and pleasant experiences to avoid depression and loneliness. With your father’s recent death, her life changed in a big way. It’s never too late to restructure life, and Elderly Services can help. Our social workers can help your mother and you explore her feelings and interests. We can help her find the motivation to try something new.
Have a question you’d like answered? Call, mail or email today.
Elderly Services
Supporting Elders and Families since 1981 388-3983 • www.elderlyservices.org • mail@elderlyservices.org 112 Exchange St., P.O. Box 581 Middlebury, VT 05753
Nancy Conant
www.ShardVilla.org
802-352-4369
Administrator@ShardVilla.org