March 2011 PrimeTime

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A Guide to Aging In Place

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Commitment + Compassion + Skill = Unparalleled Care

Thanks to the dedicated staff at West Shore Health Center for achieving a Deficiency Free Survey from the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Outstanding!

Each year, skilled nursing centers are surveyed for compliance on more than 800 federal and state regulations

that ensure the safety and quality of health services. Achieving a zero deficiency survey is something to celebrate! The exemplary care that our residents receive is thanks to the commitment and skill of our dedicated staff. We’re very proud of them and their commitment to excellence.

109 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02889 • 401-739-9440 • hcltdri.com Rated 5 Stars Centers Medicare Medicaid Services.

• American Health Association Quality Award Bronze Star Winner Rated 5 Stars byby thethe Centers forfor Medicare andand Medicare Services • American Health CareCare Association Quality Award Bronze Star Winner

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A Health Concepts, Ltd. Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility

M

y parents were both very connected to their childhood homes. When it came time for them to buy a house of their own, they purchased my mother’s childhood home, in part so my nana could downsize, and also to keep the house in our family. My mom grew up there, and I grew up there, and I can’t imagine not having it as a getaway when I need a home cooked comfort meal.

If you ask my mom, she’d say that home really is where the heart is, and her heart has always been in that white Cape in Warwick.

Not everyone is so lucky. My father’s parents lived in the home he grew up in, long after all of the children had moved away. But after the death of my grandfather, my grandma found the house too daunting to care for. She was getting older and frailer, and we worried that home was not the safest place.

Fortunately, the house stayed in the family when my cousin bought it, but for my grandma, leaving her long-time home - the home she had created with her husband - was painful.

Nine times out of 10, if you were to ask someone to choose between staying at home and moving into a nursing home, they’d probably choose the former.

It’s not always possible, but if you take a proactive stance, it’s much more probable.

The first thing you’ll learn in this issue of PrimeTime is that you shouldn’t wait until an emergency situation to get your home ready for the older you. Whenever you make a modification, you should be considering the principles of “universal design,” which stress accessibility for all people. Start making little changes now. When a doorknob needs changing, opt for a lever instead of the traditional knob. If you’re updating your light switches, go for the rocker lights and have them light up in the dark for nighttime visibility.

It’s these small steps that can save you from an accident that could tear you from your home.

There are other conveniences that you should March 2011 consider if you want to age in place. You - or 1944 Warwick Ave. the loved one you’re helping care for - need acWarwick, RI 02889 cess to healthy food, transportation and medical 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 care. Equally important are social relationships, so Distribution Special Delivery check out your local senior center or other community groups to find ways to stay active.

PUBLISHERS Aside from providing care for seniors, aging in Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, place should involve providing care for caregivers.

John Howell According to a survey by Caring.com, 74 percent of caregivers have either had to change their job EDITOR situation or are not working as a result of the time Meg Fraser and stress that come with taking care of an aging megf@rhodybeat.com loved one.

Of the 1,000 people who participated in the MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella 2010 survey, 69 percent indicated that their role donnaz@rhodybeat.com as caregiver was the number-one source of stress in their lives.

Creative Director In short, being a caregiver is not easy.

Linda Nadeau But if you’re a caregiver, and you want your lindan@rhodybeat.com loved one to stay at home, you need to remember that if you burn out, the aging in place option is photo editor off the table. In this issue, read about how respite Darcie DiSaia can relieve some of the burden of caregiving, or darcied@rhodybeat.com get connected with senior agencies that are ready WRITERS to help make life easier.

Susan Contreras, Don Fowler, Don D’Amato, On a lighter note, don’t forget to check out Joan Retsinas, Colby Cremins, Mike Fink, Meg our guide to the best Irish pubs in the state.

Chevalier, Cynthia Glinick, Joe Kernan, Kerry Park They’ll be the places to be come March 17. For every other night on the town, try some of the ADVERTISING restaurants suggested by Don Fowlers, or catch up REPRESENTATIVES on the Rhode Island seniors who are storming the Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com stage this theater season.

Cindy Mansolillo – cindym@rhodybeat.com So whether you’re going out or staying Carolann Soder, Lisa Mardenli, Janice Torilli, home, enjoy the fading days of winter. After the Suzanne Wendoloski, Gina Fugere weather we’ve had this year, we deserve an early spring!Whet your appetites, because it’s going to Classified ADVERTISING be a good one.

REPRESENTATIVES

Pr i m e Ti m e

Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com Cindy Mansolillo – cindym@rhodybeat.com PRODUCTION STAFF Matt Bower, Joseph Daniels, Brian Geary, Lisa Yuettner A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications.

PrimeTime Magazine is published monthly and is available at over 400 locations throughout Rhode Island. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters unless exceptional circumstances can be shown.

Meg Fraser editor

nextmonth

April is everyone’s favorite issue of PrimeTime. It’s on a topic no one can resist - FOOD!

inthisissue 5 aging in place

Reduce hazards at home and give your loved ones peace of mind

6 safe & sound A checklist for making your home universally accessible

8 Putting food

14 Help

Connect with programs and services that satisfy your appetite

Respite care offers solace to caregivers

on the table

at home

22 Helping Rhode Islanders age in place

The National Aging in Place Council weighs in

28 On the move Stay active in your community with the help of transportation services

FOOD & DRINK Tip a glass o the Irish............................................................... 10 Mix It Up......................................................................................... 30 LIFESTYLES Options for living a longer and happier life................ 12 What do you Fink?..................................................................... 16 Gay & Gray..................................................................................... 21 That’s Entertainment................................................................ 27 SENIOR ISSUES Care continuum slow to take hold.................................. 13 Director’s column...................................................................... 23 PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE Your Taxes....................................................................................... 26 PEOPLE & PLACES Glimpse of RI’s past................................................................... 29 Doer’s Profile................................................................................. 31

b y Greg DiGasper, President/Founder, D well At Ease Consultants, LLC

aging in place

Live at Ease A

ging-in-place. It’s a term you hear in the media, on the street and just about everywhere. It’s the latest trend for the Silver Tsunami, better known as the Baby Boomers.

AARP says that more than 85 percent of adults 65 and over wish to live in their homes indefinitely. Who wouldn’t want to stay in their own home? The mortgage is most likely paid off, you enjoy your independence, and you don’t want to leave the community where your friends and family live. On top of that, the entry-level cost of assisted living is approximately $36,000 a year. You could take that same $36,000 and build an addition with a first floor master bedroom/bathroom suite that would make your home highly accessible, therefore making it much easier to age-in-place.

We are all living longer, healthier and more active lives. Yet over time, our physical abilities and senses change with limited vision, slower reflexes and reduced mobility. We develop physical limitations we didn’t have when we were younger and these limitations make us vulnerable to accidents even in our immediate and familiar environment.

It is important to reduce hazards in and around your home to create a safer, more convenient living space. In doing so, you will ensure that your home is safe and more comfortable for you, your family and friends. This will help you to live confidently and keep your independence as long as possible. According to one national study, only 5 percent of all falls in the home happen performing a dangerous activity, such as climbing a ladder and only 4 percent in the bathroom. The majority of falls in the home actually occur on level surfaces because of trip hazards.

These hazards may be a curled up carpet edge, a high threshold, poor lighting or weak handrail. Can you identify all the hazards in your home?

Older adults who have not fallen are four times more likely to fall due to a trip hazard. This is a major public health issue and is quickly becoming a governmental priority. Recently, guidelines were established to include home hazard assessment and home modifications as a fall prevention initiative for people over the age of 65.

Home hazard assessments prevent falls. Although, half of adults who are proactive in planning for their future, health and well-being, cannot pin-point specific changes that will make their home safer. It’s difficult to be objective while viewing something as familiar as your home.

Assess the safety of your home. In your effort to be proactive, remove the clutter, increase the wattage in your lights, and put non-skid pads under your throw rugs. What else is there? Well, there are hundreds of things to look for. Some trip hazards are easy to identify; insufficient lighting, a loose handrail and uneven or off-level floors or other surfaces are a few of the most obvious. You may also search the Internet for basic home safety checklists and how to prevent fall injuries; however, you may consider a certified or trained specialist who will be able to find those hazards that are not so easy to identify. ■ Photo by Darcie DiSaia

March 2011

PrimeTime | 5

b y meg fraser

Safe and Sound ➦ 2

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Photos by Darcie DiSaia

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March 2011

aging in place

Use a lazy susan to access hard to reach items within a cabinet

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Adjustable, drop down shelves within cabinets

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Opt for more drawers than cabinets – Pull out baskets allow for easy access.

n e h c t i K ➞ 2

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Detachable faucets

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Recessed toe kick under the counters

Roll out trash bins

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o a first time homebuyer, the height of a door’s threshold might not seem like an important detail. To an aging homeowner, it’s an obstacle.

Walk through the average house, and every room will hide those kinds of hazards.

More and more, architects and contractors are using the principles of universal design to ensure accessibility across the board, both in commercial and residential buildings. Until universal design really is universal, though, families must evaluate their living spaces and ensure that precautions are taken to prevent unnecessary falls or in-home injuries.

Unfortunately, many people don’t make their home accessible until an emergency situation is at hand.

“We’re all aging.

None of us are getting out of here alive.

Anytime you’re going to do a home modification, you should take universal design into account,” said Steven St. Onge, the founder and president of Rhode Island Kitchen and Bath. “What we’re trying to do is educate the population to think ahead and plan ahead.”

St. Onge is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, and his showroom at RI Kitchen and Bath highlights how universal design can be functional and beautiful.

“It doesn’t have to look institutional,” he said.

The list of home hazards is long, but here are some red flags to be on the look out for when making your home accessible, courtesy of the National Aging in Place Council –

Lowered sink and/or counters

Raised dishwasher to avoid excessive bending

more on page 9 March 2011

PrimeTime | 7

aging in place

b y meg fraser

Putting Food on the Table

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, only 27 percent of adults over the age of 60 are getting the recommended amount of fruit in their diets. Thirty-two percent are meeting vegetable requirements, and only 18 percent are getting enough grain.

In other words, nutrition is something seniors need to be concerned with.

Malnutrition isn’t only the result of too few fruits and veggies, but can come about when older Americans are faced with health problems, limited income or even lack of social interaction. That means that access to nutritious food is crucial.

Particularly when there are other health issues involved, including depression, getting to the store isn’t the easy chore it might once have been.

There are alternatives, though.

Many in-home companion companies, such as A Peace of Mind Home Care or Senior Helpers, offer errand and transportation services. For a fee, the company provides either transportation to the store, or can do the shopping themselves.

If meal preparation is an issue, there are home delivery services as well. Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island has delivered millions of hot meals to seniors across the state, with nearly 2,000 meals delivered every day.

The requirements for Meals on Wheels are that the person must be unable to cook because of a physical or psychological reason (being a bad cook doesn’t count!), they must live alone or have no help preparing meals during the day, must be 60 or older or be on a DEA or DHS Waiver program, and must be homebound or unable to get out on their own. The suggested donation for Meals on Wheels is $3, though that is not set in stone.

A similar fee is suggested at meal sites within the community. At most senior centers, members can receive transportation to the facility and enjoy a well-balanced meal on top of some social time with friends. Senior centers are an important connection to the community as people get older, and sometimes fall into the habit of staying at home.

If paying for food is an issue, Rhode Islanders should also check their eligibility for the SNAP Food Stamp program, which helps low-income families purchase food. For Rhode Islanders over the age of 60, they must take in no more than $973 a month, or $1,313 for a couple.

For more information on how to receive Food Stamps, call the hotline at 1-866-306-0270. To speak to someone about receiving food from Meals on Wheels, call 3516700 or e-mail dbrissette@rimeals.org. ■

Need help fast?

Seniors in need of emergency food services should call the Rhode Island Community Food Bank at 942-6325, or the St. Francis Chapel and city Ministry Food Center at 455-3740.

Other emergency food resources include the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless (421-6458) and Crossroads (521-2255).

8 | PrimeTime

March 2011

aging in place

➦ Handheld shower head

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Articulating mirror

Adjustable height shower on slide bar

with on/off switch

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➦ Touchless faucet Shower seat

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Open sink with drainage in the rear corner to allow wheelchairs to slide under

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Remove the bathtub and opt for a flexible threshold shower that a wheelchair could roll over

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Bath ➦

Grab bars

Elevated toilet or toilet seat

LIGHTING

• Lighted switches to see in the dark • Rocker light switches • Light top and bottom of staircases • Keep night lights in the bedroom, hall & bath

OTHER

➦ Remove the bathtub and opt for a step-in shower

March 2011

• No step entries • No step, even thresholds • Levers as opposed to traditional doorknobs • Raised flowerbeds • Install handrails on both sides of stairs and steps • Remove throw rugs or secure them to the floor with no-slide tape

PrimeTime | 9

Tip a

“Here’s to a long life and a merry one.

A quick death and an easy one.

A pretty girl and an honest one.

A cold pint and another one!”

glass to the Irish More than 36 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.

But on March 17, millions more jump on the bandwagon.

“Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” is a common theme for the holiday, which has been celebrated in its home country of Ireland for more than 1,000 years. It’s a day to recognize the contributions of St. Patrick, but more often than not, it’s used an excuse to celebrate all things Irish - including spirits.

This March, check out some of Rhode Island’s best Irish pubs. Depending on how many pints of Guinness you indulge in, you might just think you’ve ended up in Dublin!

Buskers Authentic Irish Pub 178 Thames Street, Newport 846-5856 www.buskerspub.com

McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon 52 Pine Street, Providence 861-1782 www.mcfaddensprovidence.com

10 | PrimeTime

March 2011

O’Briens Pub

501 Thames Street, Newport 849-6623 www.theobrienspub.com

Blake’s Tavern

122 Washington Street, Providence 274-1230 www.blakestavern.com

Fat Belly’s

Warwick: 884-2112 East Greenwich: 884-3434 Wakefield: 284-4540 www.fatbellyspub.com

O’Rourke’s

23 Peck Lane & Narragansett Pkwy, Cranston 228-7444

Ward’s Publick House 3845 Post Road, Warwick 884-7008 www.wardspublickhouse.com

RiRa Irish Pub

50 Exchange Terrace, Providence 272-3459 www.rira.com/rira/providence

McKinley’s Pub

1 Division Street, East Greenwich 886-1111

Murphy’s Deli & Bar 100 Fountain Street, Providence 621-8467 www.murphysdeliandbar.com

McShawn’s Pub

1336 Cranston Street, Cranston 942-9747

Flanagan’s Shannon View 1901 Post Road, Warwick 737-3355

Doherty’s East Ave 342 East Avenue, Pawtucket 725-1800 www.dohertyseastave.com

Fitzpatrick’s Pub 1145 Park Avenue, Cranston 943-8368

The Celtic Pub at Mews Tavern 456 Main Street, Wakefield 783-9370 www.mewstavern.com

March 2011

PrimeTime | 11

lifestyles

b y patricia cook

Options for living a longer and happier life Spring is the perfect season for refreshing resolutions to live well. It is the break from winter inertia, literally and figuratively.

The needed inspiration for this change in lifestyle is readily available in Dan Buettner’s two books, “Blue Zones” and “Thrive.”

They offer practical suggestions for improving the quality of life.

Buettner is an explorer, an endurance athlete and a researcher who’s traveled the world. His writing style is energetic, easy to read and filled with real people’s stories.

In “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest,” Buettner visits four areas of the world where a core of centenarians live. He speaks with these centenarians in Sardinia; Okinawa; Loma Linda, California and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. He shares their daily lives, listens and learns.

Astonishingly, genetic factors are not the major influence of longevity.

“Lifestyle, not genes is the chief determinant of how long we live,” he writes. “The characteristics of the environment, the lifestyle, and the food are far more important for a healthy life.”

What’s so amazing is the universality of the core elements that have produced healthy, happy centenarians in different parts of the world – the Blue Zones. It took seven years for Buettner and his team to confirm ages and compile data to verify the “best practices” of centenarians. Included are his nine strategies that can actually, if followed, give the reader a decade more of healthy living.

Purpose was an essential trait to all the centenarians in this study, or plan de vida to the Nicoyans and ikigai to the Okinawans. All agreed that being of service to family, friends and community/church for each individual was their fountain of youth.

What are the odds of living to 100 and living well? Kamada Nakozato is a 102-year-old Okinawan who aptly summarizes the quality of her life, “Beauty is within. You can best care for yourself by taking care of others; eat your vegetables, have a positive outlook, be kind to people, and smile.”

12 | PrimeTime

“Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way” is written in parallel format to The Blue Zones and in the same easy, narrative style, that supersedes the technical data.

Happiness is different for everyone and not an easy emotion to quantify. Buettner equates thriving countries with happy countries.

“Those whose citizens think positively about their lives and report more happiness, enjoyment, interest and respect. These countries also report significantly lower rates of health problems, sick days, stress, sadness and anger.”

Dan Buettner compiles common factors involving peoples’ environment that contribute to their happiness.

“We’ll see how culture, geography and government policies combine to stack the deck in favor of happiness.”

Denmark, Singapore, Monterrey (Mexico), San Luis Obispo (California) are the designated happy places studied and researched.

Each place has specific “lessons,” but there are many shared by all four. Working with his organization, Buettner gets face to face with many notable and ordinary citizens to gather information.

Singapore, with its strict disciplinarian government, seems like the last place to find the majority of its citizens happy and thriving.

But this works for them. Their citizens’ main concern, safety, is addressed.

“Under certain circumstances, security can be more important to human happiness than even freedom,” Buettner explains.

Another possible deviant is Mexico, a poor economic country with limited health care and education. But the people of Monterrey have found purpose and hope in humor, family and friends, God, and plenty of sunshine – the “happiness” vitamin.

Most people want to live as long as they can and with quality of life. Quantity and quality, what a bargain! Buettner’s point is that it is possible, and here’s how others do it! ■

March 2011

senior issues

b y kerry park

Care continuum slow to take hold In 1999, when Karl Lyon first opened Forest Farm Assisted Living in Middletown, it was one of three assisted living facilities in the state to accept Medicaid patients.

Prior to that time, assisted living was not generally considered “health care,” and therefore was not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or any other health insurance plan.

Nursing homes were, and still are, predominantly funded by the Medicaid program (approximately 70 percent of nursing home patients have their care paid for by Medicaid), but assisted living was only available to those who were willing and able to pay privately for the monthly fees. In the late nineties, for the first time, a new Medicaid waiver program allowed coverage of assisted living services, and Lyon, who already owned and operated a nursing home, a home care company and an adult day care, seized the opportunity to provide multiple care settings for Medicaid recipients on one campus.

Today, Forest Farm is one of a handful of senior communities in Rhode Island that offer a nearly full spectrum of care in one location. Such communities are commonplace in many states but the concept of aging in place has been slower to catch on here.

Today, Rhode Island senior communities which offer multiple care models are increasing, but slowly.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, 91 facilities have licensed skilled nursing beds in Rhode Island (nursing home care) and 61 offer assisted living accommodations. Just over a dozen offer both on the same campus. Fewer still offer everything from independent living for seniors to assisted living to skilled nursing care - the true continuing care retirement community (CCRC) found in abundance in states like Pennsylvania and Florida. Rather, long term care services for Rhode Island seniors remain predominantly fragmented, forcing the majority of seniors to move from one place to another as their care needs change.

For seniors who want to remain in one place as they age, therefore, choices are few, particularly for those whose savings have been depleted. Approximately half of the communities that offer assisted living and skilled nursing care in the same location will only accept occupants who can pay for their stay with their own funds, according to The Point, a Rhode Island resource center for seniors. Many seniors must rely on Medicaid,

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the taxpayer-funded health program for impoverished individuals, to cover their long term care needs, and these facilities are thus unavailable to them.

In 2009, the Carcieri administration introduced the Global Medicaid Waiver to Rhode Island, a pilot program aimed at enhancing opportunities for care in the least restrictive setting for Medicaid eligible seniors. Theoretically, at least, this should expand the availability to assisted living services to Medicaid recipients. While the goal of increasing accessibility to these services is laudable, it appears there has been little done to enable providers to offer additional care models on their current site so that seniors don’t have to relocate as their needs change.

According to Lyon, part of the problem is that the components of the long term care system don’t work together.

“They’re like parts of a train that aren’t connected,” he said.

He explained that Rhode Island has rules and regulations in place that make it challenging to operate a campus like Forest Farm. For instance, Medicaid routinely underfunds the cost of care. Achieving the perfect mix of Medicaid, Medicare and private pay is the only way to continue operations in a long term care setting. The Medicaid waiver rules that apply to facilities like Forest Farm Assisted Living, however, put a cap on the number of residents who pay with private funds that the facility is able to take in.

“Those kind of rules work against growing the opportunities for aging in place. You have to be really good at balancing it all to make it work,” Lyon said.

Still, after 12 years offering the full gamut of senior services, Lyon says the payoff is worth it. Last week, a 97-year-old resident of Forest Farm Assisted Living, moved from the apartment he shared with his wife to Forest Farm Health Care Center, the 50-bed skilled nursing center just next door.

“Keeping people together and staying in one place is important as people age. We need to provide incentives for providers to offer more services, but unfortunately in Rhode Island, one part of the continuum is forced to battle another to get by, when they should be working together,” Lyon said. ■

Senior living.

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March 2011

PrimeTime | 13

b y meg fraser

Help at Home As our population grows older, the family dynamics in America are changing. On top of full time jobs and raising young children, the sandwich generation is faced with caring for their aging parents.

There are more than 65 million people in the United States who provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member, according to the National Family Caregivers Association.

With those millions providing more than 20 hours per week of care, on average, it’s easy for caregivers to get burnt out.

“For caregivers who are caring for elderly parents or loved ones, sometimes when you’re caring for someone 24/7 it can become very stressful,” said Laurie Tapozada, the director of community relations at the Parent Support Network (PSN), the agency responsible in part for administering the Lifespan Respite Care Program. “Caregiver burn out is probably the number one reason that a loved one goes from living at home to moving to an institution. Respite has always been the number one need of caregivers.”

The Lifespan Respite Care Program is a major initiative to bring respite care to Rhode Island. The hope is that respite care will not only relieve stress for caregivers,

but ultimately keep aging Americans out of nursing homes, and in the communities where they want to be.

At the most basic level, respite is defined as taking a break. Caregivers stepped But in Rhode Island, access to respite is limited. There are often eligibility requirements, and the hours of respite available to caregivers can fall short of their needs.

“Those hours might be woefully short of what could make a difference,” Tapozada said.

To fill that gap, PSN, the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs, The Point, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence and the RI Lifespan Respite Coalition joined together to develop a new type of respite. It’s a method being used elsewhere, which Tapozada believes will find success in Rhode Island.

As part of the TimeBanks concept, the Lifespan Respite Care Program accepts volunteers as respite caregivers. Those volunteers go through a training and can do anything from offering company to bringing the senior to run errands. The demands on respite volunteers depend both on the needs of the client and the comfort level of the volunteer. The Lifespan program screens volunteers to ensure they’re in appropriate placements.

“When a volunteer comes in through the training, one of things we do is we explore what population most interests them to work with,” Tapozada said.

For every hour the volunteer spends with an individual in need of care, they earn one “time dollar.” Those dollars can be spent on services offered by the client or his or her family. For example, if “Jim” is in need of care for his mother, he can earn hours of respite care in exchange for his services as a handyman. The services could be anything that the volunteer is in need of, including painting, plumbing, cooking, landscaping, lessons in a skill or trade, or even rides.

“It is a volunteer thing and yet, people are earning other peoples’ time when they’re volunteering,” Tapozada explained.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 • • WarWick Mall • •

400 Bald Hill Road, WaRWick, Ri 02886 Registration Begins at 9:00 A.M. (no registration fee) Walk starts at 10:00 A.M. – First lap with the Mayors

Walking is FREE! Donations Accepted

Join us for a stroll of the newly renovated Warwick Mall. Newly elected officials will join us for an “opening lap” around the mall.

14 | PrimeTime

March 2011

aging in place The TimeBank empowers clients - whether they be seniors or individuals with developmental disabilities - to contribute to their families. They can pay for care, in their own way.

“It makes them feel like they still have strength. In the time bank we fully believe that every person has something to give,” Tapozada said. “Favors are gone; they’re a thing of the past.”

It’s all about reciprocity.

There are currently 300 volunteers in the Lifespan Respite Care network. The program will be funded through September of 2012, though, and Tapozada believes more funding could be on the way.

“It does grow every single, solitary week. I foresee that we’re actually going to be growing exponentially,” she said, adding that in the training, 10 to 15 people join at one time.

Much of the growth is thanks to support at the federal level. Congressman Jim Langevin has been fighting for improved respite care services for a decade. He was instrumental in getting the Lifespan Respite Care Act signed into law in 2006, and securing funding for it through the Omnibus Appropriations Act. In 2009, Langevin secured an additional $200,000 for the Lifespan Respite Care Program.

“My support for respite care comes from firsthand knowledge of the tremendous difference a dedicated caregiver can make in the life of a person with a disability or chronic condition. Family caregivers, the majority of whom are women, are our nation’s silent heroes,” Langevin said. “They live in every one of our communities, ensuring family stability and helping to avoid more costly out-of-home placements. While caring for a loved one can be personally rewarding, it can also result in substantial emotional, physical, and financial strain.”

The financial benefits are felt by families who avoid the high costs of full time health care or nursing homes, but also by the state.

“At a time when state budgets are strapped and people are struggling to get by, it is more important than ever to ensure access to respite services so families will remain strong and independent,” Langevin said.

“In the long haul you’re going to be saving a whole lot of money,” Tapozada added.

For more information on respite care, or to volunteer your time, call 467-6855 and ask for Ellen Kreutler, the lifespan project coordinator. ■

Where to find it: • Concord Companion Services 30 Rolfe Square, Cranston www.concordhomecare.com • 401-725-8000 • Caregiver Homes of Rhode Island 235 Promenade St., Suite 417, Providence www.caregiverhomes.com/ri • 866-797-6222 • JennaLine PO Box 40428, Providence www.JennaLine.com • 401-331-2849 •

Senior Companion Program (Run by the Department of Elderly Affairs, through Serve Rhode Island) 655 Broad Street, Providence www.serverhodeisland.org • 401-462-0518

• BrightStar 50 South County Commons Way, Wakefield www.brightstarcare.com • 401-284-2555 • A Peace of Mind Home Care, Inc. 50A Maple Street, Warwick www.apeaceofmindhomecareinc.com • 401-432-7977 • A Place for Mom www.aplaceformom.com/rhode-island-senior-care 1-877-MOM-DAD9 • Home Instead Senior Care 7291 Post Road, North Kingstown www.homeinstead.com/rhodeisland • 401-667-2923

services provided:

Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Home Health Aides Visit and Hourly Services Pediatrics through Seniors Offices in Providence and Aquidneck Island

401-273-1112 March 2011

401-849-3077 PrimeTime | 15

LIFESTYLES

wHAT DO YOU FINK?

by MIKE FINK

The March of Time T

he March winds doth blow, and we shall have snow.

And what will poor robin do then?

My mother always recited this verse to me come the last month of winter. Our house looks pretty in the snow. The white stuff defines the individual bricks on the tall chimney, bringing out the subtle tapestry hues of purple, orange and scarlet. The cardinal birds look startling and gorgeous on the shrubs weighed down with a heavy load of whipped cream.

The rooftops of the garage and tool shed make a blank page upon which tomorrow can write a fresh message of the season.

Spring is on the way, and I await the blooming of those “snowdrop” bulbs I put in before the blizzards hit us. There is, after all, a kind of poetry when those dreaded storms left their wake around my property, front, sides and back. Still, it’s a pain in the neck – and back and arms – to dig out, and while you try, your footsteps make a mess of things.

It’s better just to build your fire on your hearth, and stare out the window. Pull aside the draperies, and admire the bank and the drift, and the transformation of shapes. That is, until you begin to feel confined, imprisoned, bored and buried both! And then, from across the street, comes Simon.

Simon Richardson was an English teacher at Hope High School, and a devoted creative spirit. He made a movie version of “MacBeth” with his senior students some winters ago.

He cast my little dog in a cameo role in that endeavor. Simon’s mom lives directly across my street. Anne keeps bees and gives out jars of honey as equinox gifts to the neighbors. Her bees will soon again cross the way to take nectar from our wildflowers, so I guess she feels the honey belongs to the community. In any case, that house with the hive, the oldest, I think, on our block, seems to radiate with good will toward one and all. Simon’s sons will help out with garden chores, willingly and cheerfully doing their zen work of raking or taking care of minor crises. They inherit their generosity of spirit from their dad.

I had an accident on Hope Street a while back, and Simon, by a kind of magic, happened by and came to my aid. In the aftermath of the winter storm that heaped a huge mountain of frozen slush on my car, Simon quietly appeared and cleared the sidewalk, the driveway and the windows and hood of my tiny coupe, a Suzuki X90.

“Come on in and have a coffee or cocoa,” I said to Simon, but he turned me down.

“Next time, thanks,” he replied.

This isn’t the first time Simon has rescued me. He does it as a matter of routine and simple courtesy. His mother has one complaint about him and his habits, though.

“He has too many books! I warned him, he’d better get rid of some of them,” she told me, with a motherly smile.

I “help” Simon while he’s doing me a good service by chatting about books.

“My favorite recent books were ‘Eating Animals’ by Jonathan Foer Safran and ‘Secret Historian’ by Justin Spring. ‘Animals’ because it’s a gentle manifesto and ‘Historian’ because it’s a wild and outrageous biography.”

I thought both topics might intrigue Simon. But halfway through my speech, I realized I had already recommended those bestsellers last time we had a big winter snowfall. I better watch out and not let Simon think I’m taking him for granted. I may need new material.

I did help Simon out once, though. He gave me a Hollywood bio of Dolores del Rio, the lovely Mexican movie star of long ago. That must have pleased his mother. At least I got rid of one of his volumes.

That’s how I repaid and rescued him.

I’m writing this sketch to show my admiration and respect for a true neighbor, one who keeps a kindly eye out not to borrow a tool like Herb Woodley with Dagwood, but to help out somebody else and expect nothing in return, hardly even a thankyou. Simon was a great gift to his students; imaginative, inspiring, and interested in their welfare. Here’s a toast to a friend on the other side of the street we share.

I’m afraid I have another thank-you note to add as a postscript here. It’s a friend from long ago and far away. I met Louis on a train chugging its way along the track from Paris to Amsterdam, where I was scheduled to board a boat bound for home. Louis took me to a miniature version of the Netherlands, a toy design called “Madurodam.” Louis lived on a houseboat upon one of the canals, a most hospitable ark where he gave me dinner, loaned me a bicycle, and wished me bon voyage over the sea. Well, this happened in 1954!

And ever since, Louis has sent me one letter each year, without fail. I have kept every single one. He designs them himself. This year’s features the Statue of Liberty holding an olive branch instead of a lamp. A friend does not have to be a neighbor.

And a p.p.s.: Not even a person you have actually met! My third sketch for March is a brief life of a celebrity. Zsa Zsa Gabor, of all people. I met her on the silver screen, as an incarnation of Jane Avril in the Moulin Rouge. Oh, wasn’t she lovely and lush and fancy, singing and posing for Toulouse Lautrec in the John Huston movie of 1952. And then, wasn’t she charming as the carnival wife of Jean Pierre Aumont in “Lili?” And wasn’t she outrageous and marvelous as The Queen of Outer Space in 1959?

I seem to have a special bond with Zsa Zsa. Did you know her parents were saved from deportation to the death camps from their native Budapest by a courageous Portuguese consul? We all have secret souls. Zsa Zsa has got bad press in her long and rather tragic illness.

People bad-mouth beauties when they are no longer at the top of their form. Her pre-war European frivolity and artificial glamour concealed wit and irony and an innate champagne of the spirit. I consider her somehow a personal friend and favorite to whom I owe a debt of loyalty and even a sort of gratitude just for her being Zsa Zsa. Besides, my mother, who loved March and the late snowdrifts that made her think of Montreal and of the Rumanian village before that sojourn in her life, admired Zsa Zsa. She thought the stars on screen, like the stars of the seasons themselves, were old friends.

What will poor robin do? Hide in the barn to keep warm, and hide his head under his wing, poor thing, and dream of friends, of love, of better days ahead, of the passing of time and the unfolding of life’s chapters. ■

calendar of events Interfaith Conference on Climate Change

The fourth annual Rhode Island Interfaith Conference on Climate Change, to be held on Thursday, March 24, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at La Salle Academy in Providence, offers up working examples of schools and businesses, and churches and farms that are engaged in transforming themselves into ecologically sustainable organizations. From tours of a solar greenhouse and outdoor prayer labyrinth to policy discussions with leading experts on local climate science impacts and energy regulations, the event will provide an opportunity for Rhode Islanders to learn the current science, discuss policy options and become mindful of how everyday personal choices make a difference. For more information, contact Liz Marsis at info@riipl.org or 261-3426.

16 | PrimeTime

March 2011

Concord Companion Services…

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“Being in a good frame of mind helps keep one in the picture of health.”

– John Byrnes

18 | PrimeTime

March 2011

calendar of events

Smart Medicine…

Ronnie and the Satellites

Caring People

Musical group Ronnie and the Satellites are busy planning their spring line-up, which stars on March 5 at the New England Doowop Society’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival #22” show at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee, Mass.

Also performing that day are John Kuse and the Excellents and Memories of You. Then, on March 19 from 7 to 11 p.m., Ronnie and the Satellites are hosting another Doo Wop Sock Hop at the LeFoyer in Pawtucket. For more information on the group, visit www.

JHF-website.com or e-mail joe@ jhf-website.com.

You have built your life to achieve your dreams and desires. You have made important decisions about where you call home, how you spend your time and what activities bring you joy.

That is why the PACE Organization of Rhode Island offers an innovative healthcare plan for adults age 55 and older who have chronic medical and long-term care needs and wish to live in the community.

Shake off the winter blues

Escape from the cold into the lush, tropical environment at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence for the URI Winter Wellness series. The workshops run through March 27, and admission varies depending on the day. Register by calling 7859450 ext. 25. Workshop space is limited so register now.

Luck of the Irish

Celebrate all things Irish during Newport’s month-long event, featuring Celtic storytelling, Irish step-dancing, lectures, afternoon teas, an Irish coffee contest, Jameson Irish whiskey tastings and the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at City Hall on March 12.

Newport Irish Heritage Month lasts the entire month. For more information, visit www.gonewport.com or call 800-976-5122.

Murder and mystery

The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre will host “A Night at the Fights” from March 3 to 13, with performances Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. The performances feature professional fight masters Normand and Jim Beauregard, who illustrate the magic of creating murder and mayhem on stage. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased online at www. gammtheatre.org or by calling 723-4266.

Whatever support service or medical care is necessary to help you or your loved one live safely at home, PACE can coordinate a plan of care just for you.

And, the best part is you and your family are members of our team right from the start. y Personalized primary care in the PACE Center by physicians and nurses trained to care for older people y Access by appointment to medical specialists such as dentists,

“the right care, at the right time, and in the right place”

optometrists, audiologists, podiatrists and psychiatrists y Prescription drugs and medical equipment

celebrating

our 5th year!

y 24/7 emergency services y In-home services y Transportation to and from the PACE Center and to medical appointments y Physical, speech and occupational therapies y Massage therapy y Therapeutic activities y Meals and snacks

To learn more about us, please call toll-free

1-877-781-PACE (7223) or visit us at

www.pace-ri.org

Because PACE provides and is responsible for all of your care, you may be held financially responsible for any care you receive outside the program that is not approved by the interdisciplinary team. PACE is supported by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

At age 70, this is as dangerous as a gun.

Dwell At Ease Consultants will help make your home safe. We identify hazards and provide cost-effective solutions to ensure your home’s safety.

For more information contact: Greg DiGasper,

CAPS

dwell at ease

at 401 487-4434

or greg@dwellatease.com

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March 2011

GAY & GRAY

LIFESTYLES

by CYNTHIA GLINICK

Fostering the alternative family

I

t wasn’t all that long ago that the thought of two women or two men raising a child was repugnant and horrifying to many in the Ocean State. Despite the general antipathy toward us, we began starting families.

Alternative insemination and international adoption were the primary avenues open to us, and when people started noticing a burgeoning of children being raised in alternative families, the resultant research showed that the children of these “new” families were well adjusted. The opinions against alternative families became voices for same-sex couples becoming foster parents. Rhode Island can actually boast being very open to gay families, despite some lingering pockets of benign resistance, and what’s more, gay couples are actually sought out as prospective parents.

One such place is Casey Family Services. Established in 1992, the Rhode Island division is a fully licensed and accredited non-profit child welfare agency providing a broad range of programs to meet the changing needs of vulnerable children and families. Working directly

March 2011

with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Casey Family Services works to find suitable foster homes for school-aged children between 5 and 13 years old. You don’t have to be married, rich or a homeowner; all kinds of people are foster and adoptive parents.

Casey Family Services values diversity in all areas, including gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation, and will provide all the necessary training involved in becoming a licensed foster parent.

According to the Casey Family Services literature, there are a couple of ways you can parent a child in foster care. You may help a child return to his or her birth family or relatives, or you might help a child move to an adoptive family that could well be your own.

Children and youth need more than a home, though. They need a family and a connection that will bolster them and nurture them throughout life. This type of permanence is what Casey Family Services is striving for.

There are nearly a half-million children in foster care in the United States and only about 150,000 families to care

for them. In Rhode Island, at any given time, there are approximately 2,000 children in the DCYF foster care system needing permanent homes. Are you at least 25 years old? Do you have a reliable source of income? Are you in good health? Do you have sufficient living space? Do you have some experience with children or strong parenting skills?

If so, Casey Family Services is looking for YOU. A step-by-step specialized pre-service training is provided to ensure that you have the information and skills needed to become a nurturing and effective parent.

Once you have completed this phase, a social worker will visit your home to talk to you and others living in your household. The home study is a requirement

by DCYF and is a significant part of the licensing process. Once the home study is completed and all of the requirements for licensure have been met, you may become a licensed foster parent by the state of Rhode Island. Casey Family Services will be there with you every step of the way. They want to help you make the

best decision about parenting a child in foster care and beyond, and also provide in-service training (permanency training, behavioral modification, etc.), which focuses on the shift from foster care to adoption.

Currently, there is a great need for foster families in Cranston, East Providence, Kingston, Providence and Warwick, and so if you are considering or have ever considered becoming a foster parent, now’s the time to act.

Is there a family in your future? Find out by attending the Open House on Thursday, March 10 or Thursday, April 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Providence office at 1268 Eddy Street. Call 1-888799-KIDS for more information or go to their website at www.caseyfamilyservices. org. ■

PrimeTime | 21

b y susan a . leone - pomfret ,

co

-found

aging in place

r i c h ap t e r n a i pc

Helping Rhode Islanders age in place To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most “difficult chapters in the great art of living ”

o t o

- Henri Frederic Amiel, philosopher, poet and critic

I began with this quote for many reasons. However, my focus is on how to master the difficulties of growing old. In today’s society, we have the availability of many more resources for our older population and their loved ones than most are aware of. The problem is that there is no one-stop-shopping to find these resources - until now.

The RI Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) it is just that. We are the only forum of its kind for professionals from a wide range of senior oriented industries. Our experience and expertise assists seniors and their loved ones in supporting and encouraging aging in place.

The NAIPC was developed to build awareness and create a forum for individuals from various sectors to work together to help meeting the needs of our growing aging population so they can continue living in the housing of their choice. NAIPC creates a national platform by generating awareness and supporting local chapters in communities throughout the nation.

Our RI Chapter mission is to implement the national mission in the communities where we are organized. The Chapter provides a forum where local members meet and develop relationships to bring synergistic services to the seniors in our area.

Some of the RI Chapter roles and responsibilities are: * Gaining understanding of issues facing seniors * Increasing awareness of solutions available to seniors in local community * Organizing senior-oriented events * Establishing local chapter as source for information and expertise * Creating positive impact to members’ businesses and encourage industry growth * Shaping the national public relations and advocacy campaign by providing information regarding regional trends in the aging in place industry * Enforce code of conduct, bylaws and accountability procedures What exactly is aging in place? It is the ability to live in one’s own home - wherever that might be - for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal design principles, tele-care and other assistive technologies.

Because our members have firsthand knowledge and in most cases, personal experience with seniors’ needs, we are the local choice to provide products and services to Rhode Island seniors.

Our RI Chapter membership consists of retirement financial planning, home care, home health care, mort- i gage financing options, real estate senior specialists, at- w torneys, design, build certified aging in place specialists, a health care professionals, senior oriented physicians, s pharmacy and local senior non-profit organizations.

And our Chapter membership continues to grow. t With the Ocean State ranking sixth in the nation t for residents 65 and older and fourth in the nation for s residents 75 and older, it is important that we provide t the tools and resources needed for seniors to continue to h stay in the home of their choice. AARP research shows S that nine out of 10 persons aged 60 and older preferred l to stay in their home, the challenge is ensuring a safe p and comfortable environment and the RI Chapter is the m local resource to help.

Together our goal and mission is to provide that t one-stop-shopping to help and encourage aging in place o in our state. t For more information log onto AgeInPlace.org or t call 658-1005. ■ t r t

now hiring RNs LPNs Certified Nursing Assistants Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists Offices in Providence and Aquidneck Island

401-273-1112 22 | PrimeTime

401-849-3077 March 2011

b y catherine taylor , d i re c to r , r i d e pa r t m e n t o f e l d e r l y affa i r s

senior

issues

Consider volunteering It?s pretty widely known that Rhode Island has one of the highest concentrations of older citizens in the nation ? we rank eighth in the country in the percentage of our population that is 65 years old or older.

But did you know that we are 49th in the nation in terms of the percentage of our folks 65 and older who volunteer? I would like to see us turn that statistic around, for a number of reasons ? some of which might surprise you.

It?s obvious that volunteers are an incredible asset to a community organization when they contribute their time, talent and enthusiasm. They help organizations stretch their resources, especially in tough economic times. With their energy and good will, volunteers enhance the awareness and visibility of their organization.

Seniors are particularly valuable volunteers, offering a lifetime of experience and expertise, a wise and patient perspective that comes only with age, and greater and more flexible availability.

But the benefits of volunteering to the volunteers themselves are equally remarkable. Volunteers have the opportunity to use their skills and experience in fields that interest them, and even to develop new skills. Volunteers develop a sense of purpose and satisfaction through their service and through the relationships and camaraderie they develop with organization staff, the people they help and fellow volunteers.

March 2011

And, whether they know it or not, as they are helping others, volunteers are also actively promoting their own physical and emotional well-being. Consider these findings from the Corporation for National and Community Service: ?There is a strong relationship between volunteering and health. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer. Comparisons of the health benefits of volunteering for different age groups have also shown that older volunteers are the most likely to receive greater benefits from volunteering, whether because they are more likely to face higher incidence of illness or because volunteering provides them with physical and social activity and a sense of purpose at a time when their social roles are changing.? So where should you start if you are interested in joining the volunteer ranks in Rhode Island? I recommend looking into Serve Rhode Island, an organization that works to connect people with meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities. Just last November, Serve Rhode Island launched the Senior Serve Corps, a Volunteer Generation grant program with the goal of recruiting 3,000 volunteers 55 and older and matching them with volunteer roles throughout the state.

SCC collaborates with non-profit agencies and acts as a referral source for RSVP, Foster Grandparents and the Senior Companion program, and has plans to recruit

a senior group of AmeriCorps, VISTA and disaster service volunteers. In addition, SSC has put in place a pilot program at Roger Williams Middle School for senior volunteers to mentor students or assist in other areas of need. For additional information, call 331-2298, or visit Serve Rhode Island online at www.serverhodeisland.org.

As director of the Department of Elderly Affairs, I would like to make a special call for volunteers 50 and older to consider participating in our Senior Companion Program. SCP volunteers serve frail, isolated older adults in their own homes, adult day centers and other community sites. They help solve problems and provide a bright spot in the day. They are not social workers and are not called upon to provide home care or transportation, but SCP volunteers do help their companions live richer, fuller lives. Rhode Island SCP is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Call 462-0539 to find out how you can get involved.

Increasing the number of senior volunteers is one of the many steps we can take to promote the independence and overall health of elderly Rhode Islanders. In my work at DEA, I am always on the lookout for win-win propositions, and volunteering clearly is. Volunteering helps us meet the critical human needs of our community, AND it?s good for the seniors who volunteer. I urge you to give it a try! â&#x2013;

PrimeTime | 23

SPECIALIZING IN MEMORY CARE The most caring and dedicated staff...just ask our residents t 5PVST EBJMZ t "EVMU EBZ QSPHSBN t "MM UIF DPNGPSUT PG IPNF t IPNF DPPLFE NFBMT EBJMZ t 4FDVSF MJWJOH FOWJSPONFOU t .BOZ SFDSFBUJPOBM BDUJWJUJFT

enjoy 20 pric1e0s in 2011!

401-441-6280

55 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, RI 02920 www.PacificaVictoriaCourt.com Lic #ALR01454

ght business spotlion Cathleen Naughton Associates Providing the best in full service home health care

Cathleen Naughton Associates, with three offices in Providence, Newport, and Wakefield, RI provides home health care to Rhode Islanders. Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, therapy services, Home Health Aides and other non-medical workers such as companions and drivers are available to serve you when home care is needed.

Cathleen Naughton Associates is a family owned and operated business that has been serving the Rhode Island community for over 30 years. Begun in 1979 by Cathleen Naughton, an RN with a background public health, Cathleen Naughton Associates has always focused on helping people improve the quality of their lives. Cathleenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, and Chief Executor Officer, Caroline Naughton Rumowicz has been with the agency since its inception, continuing the tradition of commitment to personalized service. At Cathleen Naughton Associates quality is never sacrificed and their clients are their priority.

Why choose Cathleen Naughton Associates over other home health care agencies?

Because they are a smaller agency they offer more personal service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when you call you talk to a real person â&#x20AC;&#x201C; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not just a number. Cathleen Naughton Associates hires only the most competent and conscientious professionals who participate in their training and skill development program. Private health care services are available in the hospital nursing home, or the privacy of your own home. Managed care is available in addition to 24-hour nursing care.

The caring, professional staff can also provide individuals and families with support services such as personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and grocery shopping. In addition, they offer driving, laundry, travel, and companion services. The goal at Cathleen Naughton Associates is to keep you or your loved one living independently and with dignity for as long as possible.

The staff at Cathleen Naughton Associates is interested in developing a partnership with their clients and help coordinate every aspect of care, by tapping into as many resources as possible to find the most affordable solution for you. In addition, reimbursement specialists are on board to help you through the tangled web of insurance questions - available to determine your insurance eligibility whether it be Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or private pay.

To learn more about how Cathleen Naughton Associates can help you or a loved one call 401-751-9660 (main office in Providence), 401-783-6116 (Wakefield), or 401849-1233 (Newport). You can also visit the website at www.cathleennaughtonassoc. com. Clients served by this agency know that they can count on Cathleen Naughton Associates in their time of need.

A long life may mean needing care and assistance for a long time.

Someday you may need some help or assistance. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at home, a nursing facility, or the hospital, if it has to do with care for seniors, we do it. And we do it with a commitment to your independence.

Phone: 751.9660 â&#x2014;&#x160; Web: cathleennaughtonassoc.com 24 | PrimeTime

March 2011

ght business spotlion Scandinavian Retirement Center An Assisted Living Community

The Scandinavian Retirement Center a non-profit Assisted Living Community, is located at 50 Warwick Avenue in Cranston. The name reflects the heritage of its founders, but today they are an inclusive community that welcomes people of all faiths and ethnic origins.

With just 35 apartments in the Assisted Living Community, residents and staff come to know each other well. Bonds of friendship and trust grow easily, and residents are able to balance the level of privacy, socialization, independence and support that fits their personal lifestyle and needs.

Each apartment is individually climate controlled and features a kitchenette with dining area, private bath with sit-in shower, and a walk-in closet. Our spacious one-bedroom apartments feature large living rooms and bedrooms. A grand dining room, library, atrium, and other cozy gathering places create an environment that is as comfortable as any home. There are also studio apartments with shared bathroom and kitchenettes.

Scandinavian Assisted Living Community also offers Respite Suites for those who may need a short stay while their primary care giver is unavailable. Respite Care allows your loved one to be surrounded by attentive staff and know that they are well fed, secure, and with people who care. The assisted living community is part of the larger Scandinavian Home family. The Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation facility and Assisted Living Community are attached and therefore allows residents to age in place.

The mission of the Scandinavian Home is to provide a continuum of excellent health care to individuals through their stages of life in a warm homelike environment where resident dignity and quality of life are emphasized.

In addition, residents of Scandinavian Retirement Center enjoy a rich cultural and social life. Activities include trips to theaters, restaurants, concerts, movies, and religious services (There is a chaplain on staff and St. Paul’s Catholic Church is right next door). To keep fit, exercise programs which include yoga, meditation, physical and massage therapy, and Wii games are available. If residents want to keep in touch with friends, surf the internet, or just play solitaire they can use the It’s Never 2 Late computer system.

Small enough to be personal and responsive to every resident’s needs, yet part of the larger Scandinavian Home family, the Assisted Living Community is living at its best for men and women seeking support, security, and the comforts of home without worries. For more information or to schedule a visit, call the Director of Resident Services, Tai Sodipo, R.N. at 461-1444. In March, Scandinavian Home unveils their updated web site at www. scandinavianhome.com.

Dr. Malcolm Ekstrand & Mrs. Esther Sarafian enjoy the solarium.

Come see what sets us apart!

• Assisted Living since 1992 • Spacious one bedroom apartments • Priority admission to Scandinavian Home Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

Scandinavian Assisted Living Retirement Center 50 Warwick Avenue Cranston, RI 02905

Call for details or arrange for a tour March 2011

401-461-1444

Email: TSodipo@ScandinavianHome.com A non-profit organization A CareLink Member

478 Reservoir Ave. Cranston

941-6300

office hours: Mon-fri 8:30aM–4:30pM

Providing personalized home medical supplies for your health care needs.

Open tO the public

medicare and medicaid certified. we accept major health insurance

Looking to promote your products or services to a growing group of Baby Boomers and senior citizens?

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PrimeTime | 25

your taxes

professional perspective

b y meg che v alier

Healthy tax returns If you itemize your deductions on Form 1040 (Schedule A), you may be able to deduct expenses you paid last year for medical care (including dental) for yourself, your spouse and your dependents. A deduction is allowed only for expenses paid for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness. Medical care expenses include payments for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, or treatment affecting any structure or function of the body. The cost of drugs is deductible only for drugs that require a prescription, except for insulin.

Medical expenses include fees paid to doctors, dentists, surgeons, chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists and Christian Science practitioners. Also included are payments for hospital services, qualified long–term care services, nursing services and laboratory fees. Payments for acupuncture treatments or inpatient treatment at a center for alcohol or drug addiction are also deductible medical expenses.

You may include amounts you paid for participating in a smoking–cessation program and for drugs prescribed to alleviate nicotine withdrawal. However, you may not deduct amounts paid for nicotine gum and nicotine patches, which do not require a prescription.

You may deduct the cost of participating in a weight-loss program for a specific disease, including obesity, diagnosed by a physician. You may not deduct the cost of purchasing diet food items.

In addition, you may include expenses for admission and transportation to a medical conference relating to the chronic disease of yourself, your spouse, or your dependent (if the costs are primarily for, and essential to, the medical care). However, you may not deduct the costs for meals and lodging while attending the medical conference.

The cost of items such as false teeth, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery, hearing aids, crutches, wheelchairs and guide dogs for the blind or deaf are deductible medical expenses.

You may not deduct funeral or burial expenses, health club dues, over–the–counter medicines, toothpaste, toiletries, cosmetics, a trip or program for the general improvement of your health, or most cosmetic surgery.

You may deduct transportation costs primarily for and essential to medical care that qualify as medical expenses. The actual fare for a taxi, bus, train or ambulance can be deducted. If you use your car for medical transportation, you can deduct actual out–of–pocket expenses such as gas and oil, or you can deduct the standard mileage rate for medical expenses. With either method you may include tolls and parking fees.

You may include in medical expenses the incidental cost of meals and lodging charged by the hospital or similar institution if your main reason for being there is to receive medical care.

You can only include the medical expenses you paid during the year, regardless of when the services were provided. Your total medical expenses for the year must be reduced by any reimbursement. It makes no difference if you receive the reimbursement or if it is paid directly to the doctor or hospital.

For additional information, please refer to Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses or the IRS website at www.irs.gov. ■

Help is here No one wants to grow older, nor do they want to accept limits that may not have been present five years before.

But the fact of the matter is, as we get older, day-to-day activities get harder.

Accidents at home are among the leading causes of injury and death in this country, and the chances of a fall leading to the need for around-the-clock care increase in people ages 65 and older.

In order to maintain independence, having a strong support system is key. But when friends and families aren’t at hand, the Visiting Nurse Services of Greater Rhode Island (VNSGRI) have a solution.

Lifeline Home Monitoring keeps help at arm’s reach.

Lifeline Communication Devices are worn around the neck on a pendant, and 26 | PrimeTime

the help button immediately puts the client in contact with a trained representative, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

That representative, in speaking with the individual, can determine whether emergency personnel need to be called in, or if a personal responder will do the trick.

Personal responders are family members or close friends who the client is comfortable calling on for help.

VNSGRI teamed up with Philips Electronics more than 30 years ago to create the Lifeline technology, which can be purchased for $38 per month. Service can be canceled at any time, so families could opt to use the service only when their loved one is in a vulnerable condition.

For more information, visit www.vnsgri.org or call 800-696-7991. ■ March 2011

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

by DON FOWLER

Seniors rule the arts When 88-year-old actress Betty White was named the 2010 Entertainer of the Year, seniors cheered.

History has always favored the young, glamorous entertainers, especially women, offering few opportunities for “veteran” actors.

Times have changed!

Today, 84-year-old singer Tony Bennett and 90-year-old jazz pianist Dave Brubeck are as popular as ever…even with the younger crowd.

At 80, actor Clint Eastwood has become one of Hollywood’s leading directors. At age 60, Trinity veteran Richard Jenkins was nominated for an Academy Award for his starring role in “The Visitor” in 2009.

Actresses Helen Mirren, Angela Lansbury and Susan Sarandon continue to earn juicy roles in Hollywood and on Broadway.

Broadway and Hollywood have discovered that writers have written good, meaningful parts for actors in their senior years.

Senior actors in Rhode Island Rhode Island’s Tony Award-winning Repertory Theater has a reputation for discovering quality actors and providing them with good roles as they have matured in their craft.

Veteran actors like Timothy Crowe and Barbara Meek continue to inspire audiences. The Gamm Theatre in Pawtucket is blessed with senior actor Sam Babbitt. Lynne Collinson and Paula Faber have wowed audiences with their versatility at Warren’s Second Story Theatre, as has veteran Bob Colonna, who has been acting locally for over 50 years.

I recently had the honor of interviewing Collinson and Faber on TV’s Senior Journal, sponsored by the Department of Elderly Affairs. While actresses are reluctant to reveal their ages, both proudly admitted to being grandmothers.

When asked what role she would love to play, Collinson said that she would like to do a children’s play, “…so that my grandchildren could sit in the front row and watch Grandma.”

While Collinson has been acting in local theaters for over 20 years, Faber is rather new to the profession after some life changes had her looking for something new to do.

“I took classes and workshops at 2nd Story,” she said, and loved it. “Lynne became my role model.”

Behind The Scenes While not every senior wants to act, a love for the theater has provided opportunities for many to get involved behind the scenes.

The many community theaters located throughout Rhode Island are always looking for people to build sets, sew costumes, search for props, help at the box office and snack bar, and a number of other jobs that support the actors on stage. Many seniors also volunteer as ushers at PPAC, Trinity and local theaters, where they get a chance to see a play for free.

We remember the story about the elderly man who had been with the circus all his life, with the job of following the elephants around the ring with a shovel. When asked why he didn’t retire, he responded, “What! And leave show business?”

Whatever your talent, there are many opportunities in the theater. Just give them a call. ■

March 2011

lifestyles

Dine out in style – for less One of the true pleasures in life is dining out at a nice restaurant. While an evening at an upscale steakhouse, four-star restaurant in Newport or on Federal Hill may be a strain on the budget, there are many special opportunities in Rhode Island for first-class dining at bargain prices.

Twin Oaks, Cranston

The highest volume restaurant in Rhode Island, famous for its steaks and baked stuffed shrimp, also offers some real bargains at half the price. Their senior specials include a veal cutlet (real veal) for $7.95. On the regular menu is a huge ham steak dinner for only $8.95.

Governor Francis Inn, Warwick

My favorite is the meatloaf dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy and carrots and turnips, which reminds me of Sunday dinner when I was a boy, for $9.95. Plus you get soup or salad and fresh bread. On their “smaller portion” menu is a delicious eggplant parmesan for $6.95.

Angelo’s, Providence

Try their lasagna ($7.50) or veal and peppers ($9.25) at prices far below the surrounding establishments.

Anthony’s, Middletown

While tourists flock to the expensive restaurants on Thames Street, this fish market-restaurant offers some of the freshest and best seafood in Rhode Island at reasonable prices. It is where the locals eat, which is always the indication of a good restaurant.

While we prefer locally-owned restaurants over the chains, there are often good two-for-one specials at places like Chili’s, Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesdays and the Ninety-Nine. Chili’s has a Monday night two-for-one fajita special that can’t be beat.

If you are a big spender with an expense account, or dining out on that special occasion, you may not wish to look “at the right side of the menu.” In fact, there are some restaurants that don’t even list prices. We went to one, (La Sonoma in St. Martin), where only the host had the menu with prices.

The lesser priced meals come with the same accompaniments as that big steak, and are prepared by the same chef.

How to Save a Bundle

* Order the senior meal, or order the regular meal and take half of it home, giving you two meals for the price of one. * Cut your appetite by eating bread (at some restaurants now, you actually have to ask for it). * Order water instead of soda or liquor. Ask for a lemon slice. * Avoid desserts. * Avoid expensive appetizers, or get two appetizers instead of an entrée. * Check newspapers for coupons. Check prices to make sure there is substantial savings. * Check the Internet for special deals. Before we go to a restaurant, we check their menu online, deciding what we want before we get there. * Watch out for the “specials” the waitperson reels off. They are often quite expensive.

Fast Food

* Watch for specials, especially when they are introducing a new product. I tried the McDonald’s oatmeal and fruit for $1.99 that went up to $2.29 after the promotion. * Avoid drinks. Never pay for bottled water. * Check special “family meals.” KFC occasionally offers buckets of chicken with sides for low prices.

Eat what you want and freeze the rest. * Check out the “combo” offers. They may not save you that much, especially if you don’t want the medium or large drink that goes with them. * Many fast food places offer free refills, yet I see people buying large sodas. It’s just as easy to refill a small cup. * Check the 99 cent and dollar specials.

Dining out can also be an enjoyable social event, shared with friends and relatives. Consider it to be part of your food or entertainment budget and schedule it on a regular basis.

And don’t skimp on your tip for those hard-working waitpersons. ■

PrimeTime | 27

aging in place

by MEG FRASER

On the move Home is where the heart is, but only as long as it affords a person’s basic needs.

When someone’s health is compromised, home might not be the safest place anymore. That’s why staying in the community longer requires a proactive approach to aging. A big piece of both the safety and quality of life components comes in transportation.

For the former, seniors need transportation to the grocery store, to the pharmacy and to regular doctor’s visits.

For the latter, transportation brings that senior back into the community and connects them to the people and places that make life joyful.

When Jane Dyer was faced with caring for her aging grandmother, she discovered that aging in place was not as easy as she thought.

“I wanted dependability, I wanted reliability, I wanted a consistent caregiver, and I wanted it to be affordable. That’s what I wasn’t getting,” she said.

Six years ago, having navigated the road of caregiving on her own, Dyer founded A Peace of Mind Home Care, a non-medical companion and home care service.

On their list of services, Dyer says transportation is vital.

“A lot of people don’t measure companionship as an important thing, but some of our clients don’t see other people.

They’re isolated for days on end and they won’t even talk to another human being,” she said. “This gives them just a change of scenery. It keeps them independent.”

Services like Dyer’s can contain a social element. Employees can bring seniors

28 | PrimeTime

to meet their friends for lunch or even to the casino for the day, which Dyer says is the type of activity that differentiates life at home from life in a nursing home.

“You bring somebody in a nursing home and you can just see them, they fail so quickly. They feel this is the last hoorah. This is where they’re going to spend their last days of life,” Dyer said. “Their zest for life goes right down the tubes.”

Often times, adult children caregivers make the mistake of taking too much power away from their aging parent. They want to make sure everything is taken care of, but can forget that making decisions and having independence is what makes life exciting.

Rather than relying solely on their children or caregivers to get to and from appointments, many older Rhode Islanders are getting out the door on their own.

Communities across the state offer transportation to seniors, bringing them to centers where they can share a hot meal, meet friends, or learn a new skill or exercise.

On top of city-specific options, the state operates the RIde program, which provides transportation to residents over the age of 60 who meet certain criteria.

RIde is available on weekdays for doctors’ visits, medical treatment, adult day care and other important appointments.

For some seniors with disabilities or certain health problems, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) also has curb-to-curb transportation services. ■

Seniors take advantage of Transwick, the community-based transportation service in Warwick.

Photo by Darcie DiSaia

Where to get it:

How to access transportation services

RIPTA: 784-9500

RIde: 461-9760

Community-based services Barrington Bristol Burrillville Coventry Cranston Lincoln Narragansett North Kingstown North Providence

247-1926 253-8458 568-4440 822-9175 943-3341 723-3270 782-0675 268-1590 231-0749

North Smithfield Pawtucket Scituate Smithfield South Kingstown Warren Warwick Woonsocket

765-3535 725-8220 647-2662 949-4592 789-0268 245-8140 738-1276 766-3734

March 2011

A GLIMPSE OF RI’S PAST

h i s t o r y w i t h d o n d ’a m at o

PEOPLE AND PLACES

The Gordon trial continues Dorr’s failure affects the Gordon brothers’ trial The fear and prejudice that prevailed in so much of Rhode Island provided the background for the arrest, trial and conviction of the Gordon brothers for the murder of Amasa Sprague. In their zeal to prove the Gordons guilty, authorities seem to have made the facts fit the pre-determined conclusion and ignored other aspects of the case. One of the factors that contributed to the unrest of the 1840s and brought more fear and prejudice to the trial of the Gordons was the Dorr rebellion.

Dorr Rebellion For a brief time in Rhode Island, there was optimism among the poor and the Irish immigrants that Thomas W. Dorr would be successful in bringing more democracy into the state and extending the franchise. Failing to convince the incumbent legislatures of the desirability of this, Dorr called for a People’s Convention and Constitution, elected by a wider spectrum of citizens. While some very influential men endorsed some of the Dorr reforms, the established government did not recognize this convention. When the People’s Convention elected Dorr as governor, Governor King warned that any attempt to implement this would be considered treasonous.

The Irish, often referred to as “Queen Victoria’s Subjects,” were unable to vote, even after being naturalized, because of archaic property qualifications. When they supported Dorr, prejudice already blatant against these “Catholic foreigners” intensified.

Spurred on by inflammatory anti-Irish, anti-Catholic articles, the fear of chaos through rebellion, rioting, lawlessness and change brought about a great deal of suspicion of the Irish.

Dorr eventually attempted to usurp the government by force and Rhode Island was caught up in the rebellion. He was of course, unsuccessful and after a few minor skirmishes, Dorr fled to Massachusetts. Shortly after, he returned to Rhode Island, surrendered, was convicted of treason, and was sentenced to prison for life, but soon pardoned.

Students of the Sprague murder and the Gordon trial, such as Charles and Tess Hoffman, authors of “Brotherly Love,” a late 20th century, excellent summation of the incidents, feel the Gordon brothers were the victims of feelings which ran high against the Irish, against the use of intoxicating beverages and against the followers of Thomas Dorr. Nicholas Gordon, who had been in Rhode Island for eight years, was a follower of Dorr as were many of the Irish workers at the time. The Hoffmans make it clear that the prosecution in the Gordon trial were “Law and Order” advocates while the defense attorneys were “Dorrites.”

March 2011

The turmoil in Rhode Island caused by Thomas Wilson Dorr had an influence that worked against the defendants. Thomas Dorr as shown here is from the “An Album of RI History” by Patrick Conley.

Nicholas, John and William Gordon were arrested on the second of January in 1844. Contemporary reports indicate that they were placed in “dark cells - so cold in winter that it was possible to scrape frost from the walls...” After preliminary examination, John and William Gordon were held for trial for the murder of Amasa Sprague and Nicholas S. Gordon was charged with being an accessory before the fact.

The trial of John and William Gordon, two Irishmen charged with the murder of wealthy mill owner Amasa Sprague, lasted from April 8 until April 13, 1844. The all-male jury heard testimony from 102 witnesses. All evidence submitted was circumstantial and often witnesses for the prosecution and the defense contradicted each other.

The story of the Gordon Trial will be continued. ■

PrimeTime | 29

mix it up b y jenny harper

St. Patrick’s Day Fun

food

and

drink

It’s true – the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there?

Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

Everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, right? This year, join in the fun of celebrating all things Irish with these simple ideas:

“Lucky You” Mint Pie

• For the table, have the kids make some shamrock napkin rings and Irish flag placemats out of construction paper. Sprinkle some green confetti on the table and use a potted shamrock plant as a centerpiece.

• Have a traditional Irish dinner with Irish Stew and Soda Bread, a Shepherd’s Pie or, of course, Corned Beef and Cabbage.

• For dessert try this festive “Lucky You” Mint Pie. The creamy combination of mint and chocolate is so good that it’s bound to become the newest tradition around your St. Patrick’s Day table.

• Write out some traditional Irish blessings on slips of paper and tuck them into treat bags of mini shamrock cookies to send home with your guests. Here’s one that I like:

Prep Time: 15 minutes • Chilling Time: 2 hours 20 minutes Makes 8 servings

May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire.

1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels 1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk, divided 1 tablespoon butter 1 prepared 9-inch (6 ounces) chocolate crumb crust 1 pkg. (3.4 ounces) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix 1/3 cup water 1teaspoon peppermint extract 3 to 4 drops green food coloring (optional) 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided Additional Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels Fresh mint sprigs (optional) MICROWAVE 1 cup morsels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; stir until smooth. Stir in butter; pour into crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until cool to the touch.

MEANWHILE, BEAT remaining evaporated milk, pudding mix, water, peppermint extract and 3 drops food coloring in medium bowl until combined. Gently stir in 2 cups whipped topping and additional drop of food coloring, if desired. Spoon over chocolate layer.

REFRIGERATE for 2 hours or until set. Sprinkle with additional morsels. Spoon remaining whipped topping in center of pie. Garnish with fresh mint.

Nutrition Information per serving: 400 calories; 180 calories from fat; 21g total fat; 13g saturated fat; 1.5g trans fat; 20mg cholesterol; 280mg sodium; 50g carbohydrate; 2g fiber; 36g sugars; 5g protein; 0% DV vitamin A; 0% DV vitamin C; 10% DV calcium; 6% DV iron Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.

For more ways to cook up some Irish fun, visit www.VeryBestBaking.com.

30 | PrimeTime

March 2011 M

DOER’S PROFILE

Living to the fullest Barbara Lieberman

Aging moves to a different beat in all of us. “Senior moments” accumulate, vision blurs, and all of us look around our homes, wherever we live, wondering, will I have to leave?

Barbara Lieberman, the head nurse at Tockwotton Assisted Living, is not Wonderwoman. She has no arsenal of magic powers that can stop the aging process.

But she has something more important: common sense. Her suggestions apply not just to people in assisted living, but to everybody, young and old, wherever they live.

First, Barbara stresses that safety is important, but safety is not the sole, or even necessarily the paramount, concern.

“It is not just about grab bars and night-call buttons,” Barbara said.

Yes, those are important, as are all the admonitions about better lighting, the hazard of scatter rugs, easy-touse door levers, “call-for-help” buttons, and bedside flashlights. Those are the safety improvements that be easily made. In fact, with the popularity of universal design architectural precepts, more houses will, from the start, easily accommodate the aging of their occupants.

Barbara’s paramount advice, though, fits everybody, regardless of age.

“Keep the spice in your life,” she said.

If you enjoy an activity, whether bowling, cooking, singing or gardening, try to keep doing it. If friends, family, even physicians discourage you, warning of the risks,

March 2011

PEOPLE AND PLACES

by JOAN RE TSINAS

remind them [and yourself ] that “we have to take risks every day, every one of us.”

You should acknowledge and minimize the risk, but not necessarily let it bar you from doing what you enjoy.

As Barbara cautions, “We need enjoyment in life.”

Second, accept responsibility for doing something.

As people grow older, they often shed responsibilities.

They delegate cooking, cleaning and paying bills to somebody else, but seniors need purpose.

“A person needs meaning in his life,” Barbara said.

You may decide to check regularly on a friend. You may have a plant that you care for regularly. If you can’t take care of a cat or dog, try a fish or even a turtle.

Third, stay in contact with others. Before retiring, most people were embedded in communities, whether of family, work, religious groups or fraternal organizations. A retiree still needs to be embedded in a community. Adult day care centers and senior centers offer activities that welcome newcomers. Barbara urges people who cannot easily leave their homes to arrange for home visitors, and to stay in touch with family and friends through telephone and e-mail. Barbara notes, “Skype, the video Internet program, has made a big difference in people’s lives,” letting people see and talk across continents.

Finally, find a medical advocate.

“Everyone needs one,” she says.

All patients can benefit from a trusted advisor to go

along on physician visits, take notes and talk to hospital staff. Patients – not just older ones – often don’t remember what the doctor said, why the doctor ordered treatment x, not y, what were the side effects of a new prescription. One drug may be exacerbating fatigue; maybe another drug would work as well without that side effect. Maybe a surgical procedure would work better than medicine. Maybe physical therapy would help. Maybe the key diagnosis is incorrect.

Today’s patients must make decisions; Barbara notes that older patients may have more difficulty making decisions. An advocate can help the patient and physician develop a medical plan.

Barbara, a Newport native, did not set out to be a geriatric nurse.

This Rogers High School graduate married, had three children, and helped her husband with his computer business. But Barbara comes from five generations of midwives in Scotland, so her career was perhaps foreordained. When her two youngest children were in high school, she was finishing nursing school. After working first on the medical/surgical unit, then on the geriatric psychiatry unit at Roger Williams Hospital, she came to Tockwotton. For six years she has cast her wisdom over the people in her charge, helping them fill and enjoy their days. For her, and for the residents, Tockwotton is home.

“I love coming here every day,” she said. “It’s a family.” ■

PrimeTime | 31

A ‘STAR’ is born at South County As South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center delves into plans for their STAR rehab unit, Administrator Jennifer Fairbank says the staff is enthusiastic.

STAR stands for Specialized Therapy and Rehab, but is much more than rehabilitation. STAR is an intensive, personalized treatment program that is patient-centered and service-oriented. The goal of the STAR program is to promote independent living by improving patients’ mobility and lifestyle capabilities to their optimal level.

To achieve this, the staff at South County will work with a patient’s doctor to create a customized “Milestones Plan” just for them.

The center also assembles an interdisciplinary team for the patient, composed of physicians, rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, social workers

and other clinical specialists. Everyone on the team works together to ensure that the patient meets rehab goals, and the center charts a patient’s progress in a Milestones Handbook.

“I think everyone here is very excited, because having a beautiful new STAR unit will greatly enhance the rehab experience for our patients,” Fairbank said.

The new space includes semi-private patient rooms, a fully-equipped rehab gym, a STAR dining room and a spa room.

“Consumers have choices for care and we do experience competition in care options. Fortunately for South County, we have an excellent reputation for quality care amongst local physicians and with the addition of our new STAR unit, we will have an even stronger appeal in the community,” Fairbank added. ■

Correction

In the January issue of PrimeTime, comments from Alcoholics Anonymous were attributed to a source with a first name only. AA has a longstanding policy of anonymity, and those comments should not have been associated with any name. We sincerely regret the oversight. In addition, AA would like to reiterate that sponsorship is not a requirement for membership in the program. Members of AA may, or may not, choose to have a sponsor.

We’re looking for new members . . .

Korean War Veterans Korean Service Veterans Meetings held 2nd Wednesday of every Month Chepachet Senior Center Rte. 44 1210 Putnam Pike, Chepachet Call Frank 231-3736 or Gil 831-3301 For More Information KWVA – Chapter 3 32 | PrimeTime

LeadingAge RI reaffirms commitment to aging RIAFSA, the Rhode Island Association of Facilities & Services for the Aging, has changed its name to LeadingAge RI. The action is in line with the name change of its national parent organization, from American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging, to LeadingAge. “The new name grew out of an understanding at the national and local levels that creative leadership will be required to expand the world of possibilities for our rapidly growing population of aging citizens,” said James Nyberg, director of LeadingAge RI. “It enhances our distinctive voice in support of member organizations and the people they serve.

RIAFSA (now LeadingAge RI) was founded in 1989 and represents the continuum of long term care providers in Rhode Island, including not-for-profit nursing homes, assisted living residences, and senior housing providers, as well as adult day centers. Coupled with the new name is an enhanced mission of “Expanding the World of Possibilities for Aging.”

As such, LeadingAge RI will continue its focus on advancing excellence in the field by fostering innovation, collaboration, and ethical leadership; advocating for sound public policy; providing education, collaboration and professional development; valuing older people and their right to make choices; and promoting a continuum of services. ■

CLUES ACROSS 1. Russian ruler (alt. sp.)

5. Cola brand 10. Scottish tax 14. Long-eared rabbit 15. Sir _____ Newton 16. Thin piece of wood 17. Shock treatment 18. Hokey 19. Frost a cake 20. Not Jr. 21. Companion animal 22. Expresses surprise 23. Locked boxes 26. Devil worship 30. Soak fibers in liquid 32. Tax advantage savings acct.

33. Young women’s association 35. Green regions of desert 38. Picasso’s mistress 42. Netherlands river 43. 3rd note 44. Cathode (abbr.)

45. Intercontinental ballistic missile 46. Literary language of Pakistan 47. Former Senator Spector 49. British thermal unit 50. Tell on 52. Indicates near 54. Wrestling point maneuver 57. Cavalry sword 60. Atomic number 13 61. Ad ___, unplanned 63. 2001 Spielberg movie 64. Fiddler crabs 66. Tossed or Cobb 68. Million gallons per day (abbr.)

69. Precisely executed 71. A way to excuse 72. Small amount of residue 73. Counterweight 74. Not relaxed 75. Bog down

CLUES DOWN 1. Popular old board game 2. Wedge shaped vertebrae (pl.)

3. Fine or visual 4. Atomic #75 5. PC graphics file format 6. Employee stock ownership plan 7. Muscular weaknesses 8. Mr. Claus 9. Covered with ice 10. Atomic #56 11. ___ Lilly, drug company 12. Securities firm Goldman _____ 13. Diffused boiled water 24. Expunction 25. Point midway between S and E 27. Herbal tea 28. Accounts receivable 29. Windhoek is the capital 31. Fruit eaten as a vegetable 33. Freshwater fish of N. America 34. Not happy 36. The space above the ground 37. Supplement with difficulty 39. Play a role 40. ___ Dhabi, Arabian capital 41. Reichsmark 42. 12th Greek letter 48. Salve 51. In the year of Our Lord 53. Note appended to a letter 54. Verbally tease 55. Dillenioid dicot genus 56. Largest mammal 58. Showing keen interest 59. 1st Homeland Security Sec. Tom 62. Taxis 65. Swiss river 66. Posed for a portrait 67. Small game cubes 68. Scan done with magnets 70. Atomic #52 72. Decimeter

March 2011

March 2011

PrimeTime | 33

Funeral Directors

A Lifetime of Achievement Demands Protection

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34 | PrimeTime

Fax 732-3110

The most important decision of your life may be about your death.

It’s a subject few people enjoy talking about– especially when you’re young and healthy.

Your Will

A comparatively simple, legally binding document, that ensures your assets go directly to the people you choose, and the people you care about.

797 BALD HILL RD. WARWICK, RI

(401) 821-1330 Serving The People For Over 25 Years

Girl power

calendar of events

The annual Women’s Summit at Bryant University will take place on March 10 from 8:3 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Admission is $160, and the day will feature four guest speakers who will offer strategies for profession and personal success and 20 workshop sessions on everything from leadership and entrepreneurship to finance and communication. For details, visit http://wsummit. bryant.edu. Bryant University is located at 1150 Douglas Pike in Smithfield.

Literary walk

A 90-minute walking tour in Providence will celebrate the life and work of H.B. Lovecraft. The tour will leave the John Brown House Museum on March 19 at 11 a.m., and tickets are $10 per person. Visit www.rihs.org or call 331-8575 for more information.

Almost normal

From the director of “Rent,” comes “Next to Normal,” a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. The curtain will rise on the play at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Weybosset Street from March 22 to 27. For showtimes and tickets, call 421-2787 or go to www.ppacri.org.

Whet your appetites

Newport’s spring Restaurant Week will run from March 25 to April 3. A wide variety of restaurants will offer creative menus at special prices. For a full list of participating businesses, or more details, go to www.gonewportrestaurantweek.com.

The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law. The Court does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.

March 2011

Exhibitors Wanted

g n i v i Le x po

P r i me T i me M a g a z i ne

senior Wednesday, May 11, 2011 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m.

Time Together

Planning Ahead

WARWICK MALL

Generations

Market your product or service

to thousands of seniors and caregivers throughout the Rhode Island area

Combine the advertising of

PrimeTime Magazine with face-to-face marketing opportunities at the Expo

Extensive networking opportunities

with major senior organizations

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss This Opportunity!

There is minimal time and involvement to coordinate the event!

We take care of . . .

Retirement

Health Issues

Planning Promotion Follow-up Exhibitor space includes tables, chairs, pipe & drape, tablecloths & skirting, and electricity.

$39500* Per Booth

*includes 1/8 Page Ad in PrimeTime Magazine For registration information call Lisa Bronstein

American Health Resources, Inc. Hobbies

508-588-7700

or e-mail lisab@ahrevents.com

Staying Fit

March 2011

PrimeTime | 35