PrimeTime - March 2016 by Beacon Media

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March 2016

aging in place Renovations and Modifications make it possible

At Your Door Service

Health Care, Laundry, a Bottle of Wine & more

Dealing with Dementia Behind Bars â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 17

Win Gift Certificate to Iron Works Tavern

Wine of the Month Sponsored By ATWOOD

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Our choice for March’s Wine of the Month is

Concha Y Toro Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

12.98

Winemaking Notes:

Deep red in color with a bouquet brimming with intense aromas of plums, morello cherries, chocolate and cassis. Wellstructured on the palate, with ϐ of red fruit and sweet tannins.

Critical Acclaim:

Rated 91 pts. Wine Spectator “Complex and elegant, offering juicy red fruit and spice ϐ ǡ some interesting pemmican notes. Sinewy midpalate, with graphite and white pepper accents. Anise and black olive hints enrich the ϐ Ǥ through 2017.” | PrimeTime 2

March 2016

inthisissue

Pr i m e Ti m e March 2016 1944 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 Distribution Special Delivery PUBLISHERS Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, John Howell MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella donnaz@rhodybeat.com Editor/ Creative Director Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com WRITERS Michael Cerio, Darci Smith, Don Fowler, Elaine M. Decker, Larry Grimaldi, Camilla Farrell, Doreen Putnam, Mike Fink, Meg Chevalier, Kerry Park, Michelle Lee Parenteau, ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com Lisa Mardenli, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski, Alex Viscusi Classified ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com

aging in place 4 At Home 17 Behind Bars

Services delivered to your door

6 Fall Prevention

Tips to prevent falls and stay safe in your home

Aging & Renovations

Grandmother’s House

Making sure it’s safe

$25.00

Gift Certificate to

Iron Works Tavern

LIFESTYLES

Larry Grimaldi........................................10 What Do You Fink...............................16 Entertainment......................................19

food & drink

Aging In Place

Professional Perspective

Your Taxes................................................18

o nt h ec ove r

us on

Kitchen design by Michelle Lee Designs Photo by Kimberli Photography

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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.

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Alzheimer’s Association..................17 Caring for Cardiac Patients...........22 Retirement Sparks..............................21

The Perfect Blend...............................12

Planning ahead leads to a better lifestyle

A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications.

Easter Egg

Moves to prevent and treat injury

Senior issues

Michelle Lee Designs shares her tips on kitchen renovation

PRODUCTION STAFF Matt Bower, Brian Geary, Lisa Yuettner

Find the

14 Comfortably

Aging in Prison

18 Stretch It Out

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in warwick March 2016

PrimeTime |

b y michael ceri o

At Your Door Service From doctor visits and laundry at your door, to grocery and drink delivery services, seniors have more options to AGE IN PLACE than ever before Let’s be honest. More often than not, there’s really no place like home. It’s where we are most comfortable; where we’ve built some of life’s most cherished memories. They are small slices of Rhode Island we can each call our own. It’s for these understandable reasons that, as we age, home begins to take on an even greater meaning. They represent independence. They represent a welcoming place where loved ones gather. But they can also represent challenges when you’re unable to easily get around or do many of the things you once could.

I know I’ve spoken to this in this space before, but with a topic as important as aging in place, I’d like to share again. I was blessed to have all four of my grandparents for twenty years. Each left an indelible mark on me becoming the person I am today. Sadly, I have just one left; my mother’s father. He’ll be 90 by the time you’re reading this, yet he’s able to drive to places he likes or needs to go, handle minor chores around the house, cook and shop. But most importantly, he remains in the house he’s called home for more than 55 years. I’m not the only one in my family who realizes he’s unlikely to ever give up his home. His independence. But with each passing month and year, seniors tend to find it a little more difficult to tackle the everyday tasks and have-tos that life brings. They could be doctor appointments and getting prescriptions refilled. Or laundry and cleaning. And there’s groceries and maybe even wanting to have a bottle of beer or wine in the house. It’s why when someone mentioned to me the growth locally around in-home and on-the-go services, I thought they’d be the perfect fit to introduce to our PrimeTime readers and families who may be unfamiliar.

| PrimeTime

Direct Primary Care Lauren Hedde, DO, lost her father a little more than a year ago. Towards the end of his life, it became increasingly difficult for him to leave the house to receive the care he needed. “I saw, firsthand, the huge need my father had and as a family, we couldn’t find anyone to fill this need,” she said. “We ended up having a close friend who would make house visits for us as a favor.” Lauren and her husband are both doctors, and in August 2014, Lauren began her practice right after completing her residency training at Brown. She named it, Direct Doctors, Inc. But it wasn’t your typical practice. Instead, Lauren decided to bring things back to how they were in the old days, when most all doctors made house calls. She was going to take the care she’s able to provide right into patients’ homes. In July 2015, her partner, Mark Turshen, MD, joined the practice. “What I do reminds many of my patients of what things were like when they were younger; when doctors really got to know their patients and families,” she said. “I think often of how happy I am that my father got to see me start this before he passed and how proud he was to see me follow my dreams.” With a growing base of clients, Lauren says that about 1 in 4 of her patients right now are older than 65, and a number of those seniors are also homebound. “Already in just 18 months, I’ve been able to participate in the lives of these patients on a very meaningful level and I absolutely love it,” she said. “In a typical primary care practice, there’s just no time to also do home visits and really get to know a patient and their family on a deeper level. It’s not that other doctors wouldn’t want to do this, it just doesn’t fit in with a typical primary care practice—the average office visit is 7 to 10 minutes.” What Lauren offers is very straightforward. Patients pay a monthly subscription fee, sort of like a membership, and that’s all. There are no fees for visits. And in exchange for that monthly fee, Hedde is available however and whenever a patient needs her. She’s often able to get to a patient later in the same day, or by the following day. Some of Lauren’s patients see her once a month and others once every three months. Some may be just once a year, but it is the comfort in knowing that she’s available when needed that provides invaluable peace of mind. And for patients who are more mobile, including families with children and adults, Hedde also has an office where she conducts appointments. Lauren’s fees are based on a patient’s location from her. For example, those who live near her practice in North Kingstown pay $150 per month, while those who live more north, like Lincoln, pay in the $300 range. But, she takes pride in making arrangements on a case-by-case basis. One of the most important things people want to know from Hedde is in regard to cost and insurance, especially patients on Medicare or that have supplemental insurance. A lot of Lauren’s patients have Medicare and continue to use it for blood work and specialists; those bigger medical needs. It works just as it always has. What she provides is all primary care, well visits, and sick visits. But instead of the typical model where an office bills insurance, and then insurance bills the patient, all of that is cut out. “Some people ask if they are double-paying, but for many, they either break even or save money because there are no co-pays, March 2016

aging in place

urgent care costs, transportation expenses or a need for multiple appointments since I can talk with a patient about all of their needs in a single visit, which reduces the number of overall visits a year,” she said. “People will still need lung and heart doctor specialists, but I can often alleviate the frequency of their visits by monitoring their vitals and sharing that information with their doctor so they see them once a year instead of every few months.” “If someone averages, say, 30 visits a year, which is not uncommon for an older adult with health challenges, they incur a lot of co-pays and expenses associated with each visit. But with me, patients not only get a certain level of comfort and convenience, they get more value than they may realize.” Lauren also works with visiting nurses who contact her practice if they have concerns for a patient, which can often alleviate ambulance rides and Emergency Room visits among homebound patients. And, she works with hospice to be part of the transition for patients who need that level of care. “I love being able to see patients at home because the view of them in their own environment allows you a more detailed picture than you can get in an office visit,” she said. “I love that part of what I do; I really get to know my patients and am always there for them—my patients react positively that I’m able to do this; it’s the doctors who think I’m crazy.” If you’d like to learn more about Lauren and Direct Doctors, Inc., you can visit their website at www. DirectDoctors.org or call (401) 400-2699.

March 2016

A Laundry Service Like No Other We’ve all heard the saying, when one door closes, another opens. Well that’s exactly how Mike Pelletier came to establish On the Go Laundry. After opening a local Laundromat and enjoying some success, business began to stall. Many of Mike’s customers in his area were aging and just didn’t drive. So he closed his doors and pondered his next move. That move ended up being the start of a pick-up and delivery laundry service in 2011. But as he got going, Mike realized a common theme—the majority of his customers were seniors and/or disabled. So, he went allin with On the Go Laundry. Today, he has a full team working for him and serves customers throughout the state. “Let’s be fair, laundry is a necessity, like haircuts and buying food,” said Mike. “But what’s nice, is that I get to run a business that provides a service to people to make things easier for them—I have some customers who have been with me since day one.” Much of Mike’s business comes from word of mouth. At least 50 percent of his customers are seniors, but he also has some college students and folks with mobility issues. He enjoys providing a convenience for all customers, but points out that for a senior who doesn’t drive or can’t handle the stairs to the washer and dryer where they live, it’s much more than that. Mike also understands, and embraces, that people are particular about their clothes. It’s why his service is fully-customizable to each person’s requests. Through www.OnTheGoLaundry.com, Mike provides order forms to customers. They get to pick the type of detergent, water temperate, if they want to us dryer sheets or fabric softener—right down to whether they want shirts or pants hung, or everything folded. Once an order is received, Mike calls each customer to confirm the order and make arrangements for pick-up and delivery once done. And if a customer doesn’t have access to a computer, he’ll take an entire order over the phone. “Most of my pick-ups and deliveries are on Tuesdays and Thursdays; everything is completed within a 48hour turnaround,” he said. “We’re entirely eco-friendly and can accommodate all of a customer’s needs.” AT HOME – PAGE 20

PrimeTime |

b y darci smith

More than 20 million medical visits are made each year due to in-home injuries -

here's how to play it safer

Fall Prevention in the Home Dr. Geoffrey Westrich, , an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, recommends going room to room to ensure your home is as fall-proof as possible.

General tips:

• Ensure that the home is free of hazards like slippery floors, unsecured rugs and poorly lit areas. • Install handrails, grab bars and other safety devices. • Wear properly fitting shoes with non-skid soles. • Engage in regular, moderate amounts of physical activity to maintain strength, coordination, agility and balance. • Get an eye examination and physical each year, and wear glasses if needed. • Check the side effects of all your prescription and over-the-counter medications and take proper precautions. Medications can cause drowsiness and interfere with balance. • Eat a nutritionally balanced diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. • Avoid excessive alcohol intake.

Stairs and steps

• Install light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs. • Provide enough light to see each step and the top and bottom landings. • Keep flashlights nearby in case of a power outage. • Install handrails on both sides of the stairway and be sure to use them. • Do not leave objects on the stairs. • Consider installing motion detector lights to light your stairway. • Put non-slip treads on each bare-wood step. • Do not use patterned, dark or deep-pile carpeting. Solid colors show the edges of steps more clearly. • Do not place loose area rugs at the bottom or top of stairs. • Repair loose stairway carpeting or boards immediately.

bathroom

• Place a slip-resistant rug adjacent to the bathtub for safe exit and entry. • Mount a liquid soap dispenser on the bathtub/shower wall. • Place nonskid adhesive textured strips on the bathtub/shower floor. • Replace glass shower enclosures with non-shattering material.

BEDroom

• Clear clutter from the floor. • Place a lamp and flashlight near your bed. • Install night lights along the route between the bedroom and the bathroom. • Sleep on a bed that is easy to get into and out of. • Keep a telephone near your bed.

LIVING AREAS

• Arrange furniture to create clear pathways between rooms. • Remove low coffee tables, magazine racks, foot rests and plants from pathways in rooms. • Install easy-access light switches at entrances to rooms so you won't have to walk into a dark room to turn on the light. Glow-in-the-dark switches may be helpful. • Secure loose area rugs with double-faced tape or slip-resistant backing. Recheck these rugs periodically. • Keep electric, appliance and telephone cords out of your pathways, don't put cords under a rug. • Place carpeting over concrete, ceramic and marble floors to lessen the of injury if you fall. • Repair loose wooden floorboards immediately.

KITCHEN

| PrimeTime

• Remove throw rugs. • Immediately clean up any liquid, grease or food spilled on the floor. • Store food, dishes and cooking equipment at easy-to-reach waist-high level. • Don't stand on chairs or boxes to reach upper cabinets. Use only a step stool with an attached handrail so you are supported. • Repair loose flooring. • Use non-skid floor wax. March 2016

aging in place

After the Fall I

knew I was in trouble as soon as my right foot began to slip off the smooth, painted step. The stairway to the basement of my historic condominium building is twisty and tricky to maneuver even when not carrying a week’s worth of dark laundry. Adding slippers to the mix was simply not a good idea. In an instant, I was in the air - and then bouncing down the remaining eight steps on my back. I landed at the bottom covered in jeans and sweatshirts, and with the wind completely knocked out of me. I paced the basement, trying to catch my breath while gripping my left ribs, which had taken the brunt of the fall. My back was tightening quickly and already tender. I knew I was in trouble. The emergency room doctor confirmed my suspicions three days later - on Thanksgiving morning bruised ribs. After a shot of something powerful for the pain (which had an added side effect of improving the family holiday dinner), he promised that the muscles spasms would end in a couple of days, but it would be at least a month before the soreness from those bruised ribs subsided. I couldn’t help but wish that I’d made two trips down to the laundry room that day and traded my worn slippers for a pair of soled shoes. After all, I knew better. “Most of the time, younger people that have had trauma, falls at home, falls on the outside of the house, they almost always say, ‘Oh, it was so stupid. I shouldn’t have done that. I knew better,’” says Dr. Geoffrey Westrich, an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery, a specialty hospital for orthopedics and rheumatology in New York City. “Accidents are accidents, and I think that, obviously, a lot of these things can be prevented.” The Home Safety Council estimates an average of 21 million medical visits were made each year due to home injuries between 1996 and 2000. Falls, like mine, accounted for 41.2 percent of all non-fatal unintentional home injuries, with struck by/ against, cut/pierce, overexertion and poisoning rounding out the top five, and making up 80 percent of these injuries.

March 2016

Between 1992 and 1999, there were nearly 20,000 unintentional home injury deaths per year, according to “The State of Home Safety in America: Facts about Unintentional Injuries in the Home,” published in 2004 by the non-profit Home Safety Council. Its research points to falls and poisoning as the leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths during those years. Older adults - men and women - lead all groups in the highest rate of unintentional home deaths, although across all ages, men experience substantially more than women. Nighttime falls are especially common, notes Westrich. “A lot of people tend to get up in the middle of the night, and when they do it’s usually dark,” he says. “They don’t turn on all the lights because somebody else is usually sleeping. A lot of times that creates a dangerous situation because ... they fall and trip over things.” Plus those who wear glasses or contacts typically don’t slip them on in the middle of the night, making midnight excursions to the bathroom even more treacherous, adds Dr. Westrich. He advises that people always make sure to clear a clutter-free path out of their room and have night lights in the hallway and bathroom. But Dr. Westrich also has seen falls off step ladders, step stools and even on recently waxed floors take down a perfectly healthy adult in the light of day. Robyn Drake, of suburban Houston, had purposely chosen a lightweight, collapsable aluminum ladder so she could do more home projects herself. Even though she had already successfully completed a plethora of do-it-herself jobs, like painting, the day she propped the extra long ladder against the wall of her two-story entryway to place knickknacks on shelves would be her last solo endeavor. “The last thing to put up there was a tiny little silk plant,” Drake says. “I got a little way up the ladder, and I didn’t step right in the center of the rung, and it just basically flipped and caught my feet up, so as I was headed toward the tile. All I could see was my feet, and I landed on my back, on the tile. That was after I put my left arm down to brace myself, which wasn’t a good idea.”

Drake shattered her wrist, ribs, two bones in her arm and two vertebrae in her back in the fall. She spent a week in the hospital and a month in home-recovery, and it was many more months before she was fully recovered. Luckily, Drake was in excellent physical condition at the time of the fall. “I’ve always been really athletic, I’ve always been in really good shape, which is probably why my injury wasn’t as serious and devastating for me long term,” she says. “I already had a strong back.” Healthy people rebound more quickly from most accidents, and even recover faster from surgeries, notes Westrich. “The stronger the muscles are, the more command people have

over their body, and they’re able to bounce back that much faster.” Four years later, Drake has a new, heavy-duty ladder that she can’t lift alone - and she doesn’t set foot on it unless someone else is home to hold the bottom. “I don’t climb up on the roof anymore and put up Christmas lights like I used to,” adds Drake, now 50. “You get a little safer, you just don’t think you’re indestructible anymore.” © CTW Features

PrimeTime |

eye on design

aging in place

b y michelle lee parentea u owner

michelle lee designs

Aging &

Renovation This kitchen is not only beautiful and functional, but handicapped accessible. When renovating your kitchen it’s always smart to plan for the future. Be sure you have enough space to get around. Install touch-less faucets, furniture that is comfortable to sit on, with padded cushions and support for your back. This kitchen also has a working island, with easy access for someone in a wheel chair. The lights are push-button controlled located close to the appliances. These little things make it easier for someone with a walker, wheel chair, or a cane.

Photos by Kim DiIuro – Kimberli Photography

Sanity’s Oasis

Visit Michelle at the RIBA Home Show, Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence – March 31– April 3. She is part of the The Designer’s Showcase Competition. Seven Rhode Island interior designers have been given an empty room to create a coastal inspired design. Vote for your favorite room.

| PrimeTime

March 2016

aging in place

To Grandmother’s House We Go Make Sure It’s Safe It is no secret that grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. From giving encouragement and life advice, to helping out as a caretaker, many turn to their grandparents for support. In fact, 72 percent of grandparents take care of their grandchildren on a regular basis, and 70 percent of them see their grandchildren at least once a week, according to the American Grandparents Association. With an abundance of grandparents overseeing their grandchildren on an ongoing basis, it is particularly important they are aware of the dangers that lie within their household that may be harmful to children. One of the most common dangers includes leaving out medication that is easy to access. In fact, in three out of four emergency room visits for medicine poisoning, the child got into medicine belonging to a parent or grandparent, according to Safe Kids World Wide, a global organization dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries in children. Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, a family physician in Lexington, Kentucky, and coauthor of The Mommy MD

Guide to the Toddler Years, encourages conversation, awareness and educationsurrounding children’s home safety. McAllister says that each year in the U.S., thousands of children are seen in emergency departments for accidental medication exposures, which can be fatal. The typical scenario involves a curious child finding and ingesting unsecured medication. “In almost 40 percent of cases, the medication belonged to a grandparent, and the medication was left in a purse or bag, a pillbox, or on a counter or nightstand,” says McAllister. “It only takes a moment for children to find and swallow medication that can put their lives in danger. Parents and grandparents can protect the lives of the children they love by ensuring that all prescription and over-the-counter medicines in their homes are stored safely and securely.” Families, and grandparents specifically, should consider the following steps to ensure their medications are not available to their grandchildren:

ications usually come in is bright and appealing to children. To them it may look like a toy that makes noise when shaken, or a fun game with pieces that can easily go straight into their mouth. • Be absolutely sure the bottle is closed and secure with the safety lock. With a regular schedule of taking meds, it may be tempting for seniors to leave bottle tops loose for easy access each time the medicine needs to be taken. • Lock up your medication in a desig• Keep medication up high and out of nated spot. Med-Master offers a variety sight of children. The orange bottle med- of durable, flexible medication storage solutions that feature locking options

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March 2016

including a 3-digit combination lock, or a wireless battery operated RFID lock, to maximize security. In addition to being a locking storage unit, once opened, options include a pill-sorting tray for organization, a magnifying glass with LED light for easy label reading, as well as a magnetic dry erase kit for important reminders and notes. For more information, visit www. mmfind.com/med-master. (BPT)

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PrimeTime |

b y L arry G rimaldi

lifestyles

Take Me Out to the Ballgame I’ve always viewed March 1 as a psychological turning point in the battle against winter. Baseball’s spring training season is in full swing. And when my thoughts turn to hits, runs, stolen bases, and no-hitters, anticipation runs high at the prospect of yet another road trip. The annual Nancy LaVoice Baseball and Cultural Tour (I’ll explain later) was born on a cold late September afternoon game at Wrigley Field in 1999 with the St. Louis Cardinals playing the Chicago Cubs. My brother-in-law Tommy and his wife Nancy, Kathy and me had decided to make the pilgrimage to the Mecca of major league ball yards earlier that spring. As any true baseball fan knows, Wrigley is a required visit for any diamond aficionado. Other stops would include the legendary Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, and the model for all “retro” stadiums, Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The plan was to take in a game at all major league stadiums. The rules were simple. We set up a four-person “starting rotation” and would visit the ballpark of that person’s choice. A couple of years later, my brother-in-law Peter and my son Benjamin were added to the bullpen as relievers with full selection rights. Everyone was assigned a role in planning the trips. Kathy and Nancy were in charge of hotels, tours, and cultural activities in each city. Originally, Tommy was in charge of ticket purchases. Tommy is legendary for his thriftiness, so I fired him a few years into the tour because we were tired of sitting in sta-

10 | PrimeTime

dium third decks! Unfortunately, Nancy passed away in 2010. In tribute to her decade long contributions, we decided to name the tour in honor of her memory. When Tommy re-married two years ago, Darlene joined the team. Baseball is a complicated, random yet precise, rhythmic, pastoral game played in parks tucked into the hearts of urban hubs. Each sequence of play begins with a silent, secretive, elaborate selection process involving the pitcher and the catcher trying to create the perfect pitch to fool the batter. This decision is affected by factors such as perceived weaknesses in the batter’s swing, the number of outs, who is on base, the inning, and the score. Simultaneously, the batter is trying to calculate the type and speed of the pitch and where he wants to hit the ball. Fielders move according to the type of pitch to be thrown, where the hitter tends to drive the ball, and where they have the best option of throwing him, or a runner, out at what base. Defensive and offensive strategies are orchestrated by a manager sitting on a bench. The plan of attack is relayed to a coach on the field who signals the manager’s strategies to the players in a messaging ritual that resembles the mating dance of a praying mantis. This sequence is repeated approximately 300 times a game in about 15 seconds! To date, the Nancy LaVoice Baseball and Cultural Tour has stopped in Arlington, Baltimore, Chicago (White Sox and

Cubs), Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles (Angels and Dodgers), Milwaukee, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. Cities remaining on our seasonal excursions include Atlanta, Boston, Miami, Minnesota, New York (Mets and Yankees), Oakland, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay. Darlene, who making this year’s choice, has not revealed the destination for our 2016 road trip. We make it a point to tour each of the cities we visit. My favorite stops are Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, Pike’s Peak in Colorado, the Public Market in Seattle, Motown Museum in Detroit, the Truman Museum and the Negro Baseball Hall of Fame in Kansas City, the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati, the Untouchables Mob Tour and Navy Pier in Chicago, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and witnessing a cattle drive through the streets of Fort Worth. We have sampled Highline chili in Cincinnati, ribs in Kansas City, crabs in Baltimore and San Francisco, salmon in Seattle, Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago, Primanti sandwiches in Pittsburgh, beer and bratwurst in Milwaukee, ribs and beer in St. Louis, steaks in Texas, and chops in Denver. My mouth still can taste in Ghirardelli chocolates in San Francisco.

Still ahead are Atlanta, Oakland and the Bay area, echoes of history in Boston and Philadelphia, beaches in Florida, the Mall of America in Minneapolis, and the baseball ghosts that inhabit Yankee Stadium. There are clam rolls in Boston, cheese steaks in Philadelphia, cheese cakes in New York, and pecan pies in Atlanta to be devoured. I don’t know what new itinerary we will develop we when we compete the Nancy LaVoice Baseball and Cultural Tour. Whatever adventure we embark on, it will be a celebration of history, culture, sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. Thanks, Nancy. Larry Grimaldi is a retired freelance writer living in North Providence. Comments can be e-mailed to lgrimaldi@cox.net.

March 2016

business Spotlight

Make the call with

Rhode Island Relay Rhode Island Relay is a no-cost,* 24-hour service that allows individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking to communicate freely with friends, family and businesses over the telephone. Everyday thousands of individuals benefit from the services offered through Rhode Island Relay. Several relay service options are available to accommodate the needs of various users. Primarily, calls are conducted through the use an assistive communications device such as a TTY, deaf-blind communicator, Captioned Telephone or other specialized equipment. When you connect with Rhode Island Relay Service, a Communication Assistant (CA) will facilitate your call â&#x20AC;&#x201C; promptly, professionally and accurately. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re connecting with family, friends or businesses, all relay calls are confidential and there are no records kept of relay conversations. In addition to other types of relay service, Rhode Island Relay provides Captioned Telephone (CapTelÂŽ) service, which is especially helpful for people who wear hearing aids or have difficulty hearing over the phone. CapTel allows users to listen while reading word-for-word captions of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being said to them on the display screen of the CapCourtenay Petracca, Outreach Coordinator Tel phone. CapTel service is also available on the go from Rhode Island Relayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service provider, Hamilton Relay. * Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac: See every word a caller says right on your computer screen. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no special equipment to purchase or software to download. All thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s required is a computer, high-speed Internet and any phone. * Hamilton CapTel App for Smartphones: Place and receive captioned calls on a single device with our unique and innovative app for your smartphone.. * Hamilton CapTel App for Tablets: Seamlessly integrate your tablet into every call. Now you can listen to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being said using any phone while reading wordfor-word captions on your tablet. The Rhode Island Relay Outreach Coordinator is available to share information about Rhode Island Relay, Captioned Telephone service and the Rhode Island Adaptive Telephone Equipment Load Program (ATEL), which provides specialized telephone equipment at free/reduced rates to qualifying individuals. To learn more about the no-cost services offered through Rhode Island Relay, contact customer care: 1-866-703-5485 (Voice/TTY) Website: www.RIRelay.org Email: RIRelay@HamiltonRelay.com *Relay and Captioned Telephone services are provided at no cost. Equipment and standard long distance charges may apply. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

March 2016

Difficulty hearing over the phone? Experience clarity and confidence on every call with Captioned Telephone (CapTelÂŽ) - the no-cost* service that allows users to listen while reading word-forword captions of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s said to them over the phone.

provided by Hamilton Relay

To learn more: Call: 888.269.7477 â&#x20AC;˘ Visit: RIRelay.org *The captioning service is provided at no cost. Equipment and standard long distance charges may apply.

Highest Quality, Easiest Access .OW !CCEPTING "LUE #ROSS "LUE 3HIELD -%$)#!2% !$6!.4!'% "LUE#(I0 s #OMPLETE RANGE OF THE MOST ADVANCED LABORATORY TESTS s LOCATIONS n .O APPOINTMENT NECESSARY For information on our Patient Service Center Lab locations: Call 401-793-4242 or 1-800-980-4244 or visit www.Lifespanlabs.org *RIH Ventures d.b.a Lifespan Laboratories

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PrimeTime | 11

Blended Chili & Macaroni Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 8

(Family Features) Finding the right daily nutritional balance is no easy feat. Managing sugar, carbohydrate, fat and red meat intake takes serious effort and planning, but transforming your favorite recipes into more nutritious family meals may be easier than you realize. Adopting the blenditarian lifestyle is a simple solution to healthier eating. It involves, simply, blending mushrooms into meat to make every day dishes more healthful and delicious. Adding chopped mushrooms to ground beef at a ratio of at least 25 percent mushrooms can enhance the taste of dishes, deliver an extra serving of vegetables and beneficial nutrients, and trim total calories and fat intake. Any mushroom variety will work. Creminis and portabellas lend rich, earthy flavors to any meal, while white button mushrooms offer a more delicate taste. For the more adventurous eaters, maitake and shiitake varieties bring a bold woodsy taste and meaty texture to the plate. The key to blending is developing the perfect mushroom consistency. For example, if using ground meat for tacos or burgers, chop mushrooms to mimic the familiar crumbled texture, using a knife and cutting board, food processor or vegetable chopper. For stews, halve or quarter mushrooms, or slice them to match strips of meat in fajitas or stir-fry. Practice your blending technique with these recipes and find more deliciously blended dishes to share with your family at MushroomInfo.com.

Elderly Housing Must be 62 years of age or older. Rents are based on 30% of adjusted household income. FEATURES InclUdEd in your rent: Heat, Hot Water, Appliances, Elevators, Emergency Pull Cords, Laundry Facilities, Parking, Intercom, 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance Service, Cable Ready Apartments, Community Room equipped with Computer, Out Door Patio and Furniture, Flower Gardens, On-Site Management FEATURES noT included in your rent: Electric Lights, Monthly Cable and Phone

12 | PrimeTime

AdElAntE Apts. Providence, RI AllEgriA Court Johnston, RI lACAsA Apts. S. Kingstown, RI

• ApArtments AvAilAble •

plAzA EspErAnzA Apts. West Warwick, RI sAugAtuCkEt springs Hopkinton, RI

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WildbErry Apts. West Warwick, RI rodMAn CoMMons South Kingstown, RI • ApArtments AvAilAble •

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES CORPORATION 861A Broad Street Providence, RI

401-941-2900 www.wdchoc.org

1/2 pound mushrooms 1 pound lean ground beef 1 package chili seasoning 1 can beef broth 1 can (15.5 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste 1 cup medium salsa 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked shredded cheese sour cream cilantro Pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped. In large saucepan, brown meat and mushrooms with chili seasoning. In another saucepan, mix broth, kidney beans, tomato paste, salsa and macaroni. Bring mixture to boil and cover. Simmer on low 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. When noodles are al dente, stir in browned meat and mushrooms. Serve topped with cheese, sour cream and cilantro.

March Madness at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market A Month of Specials, Events, Family Fun and Prizes!

March can be a challenging month for local farmers. It signals the start of a long thaw after winter and the beginning of planning for next season’s harvest. Shopping at farmers markets is a great way to support local farms year-round. But March is a time of year when local farmers need your business and support most of all. To celebrate these local heroes, Farm Fresh Rhode Island is hosting a month of special events at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market, called March Madness. Shop at the market every Saturday in March to enjoy fun events like cooking demos and pie eating contest, take advantage of seasonal sales, and participate in a one-ofa-kind scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes valued at over $300! Participating in March Madness is a great way to support local agriculture, empower small businesses and build vibrant community with local food at the center of every table. March Madness Events • Every Saturday in March – Scavenger Hunt through the Market! • March 5 – Cooking Demo by Harvest Kitchen • March 12 – Pie Eating Contest by Humble Pie • March 19 – Beer and Food Pairing by Hope & Main and Bucket Brewery • March 26 – Cooking Demo by the African Alliance of Rhode Island The Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 9a–1p, until May 14. Located in two spacious hallways of the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI, it is easily accessed via the R-Line bus and parking is provided. farmfreshri. org/winter Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of Rhode Island farmers and eaters. With this mission in mind, we seek to preserve Rhode Island farmland, build healthier communities, support and strengthen community-based businesses, increase access to fresh food and improve the impact of food production and distribution

March 2016

food

drink

Classic Blended Burger Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10-15 minutes Servings: 4 1/2 3 1 1 4

pound cremini or white button mushrooms tablespoons olive oil, divided pound ground beef teaspoon salt buns

Finely dice mushrooms or gently pulse in food processor. In skillet, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium-high heat and add mushrooms, sauteing 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes. Transfer cooled mushrooms to medium bowl. Add ground beef and salt, mixing until combined. Make 4 patties. Add remaining olive oil to pan and cook burger patties on medium-high heat until desired doneness. Plate and add desired toppings to bun. Topping recommendations: feta cheese, romesco sauce, sweet peppers and sauteed red onions.

Westbay Café…More than a Meal Making a luncheon reservation at our eight Westbay Cafes is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Special

march Meals

Wednesday, March 9 Bring A Friend Luncheon Fruit Salad, ¼ Rack BBq Ribs with Potato Salad, Roasted Zucchini, Dessert PuB OPTiOn: Roast Beef Grinder with chips Thursday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Potato and Leek Soup, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Carrots, Potatoes, irish Soda Bread, Dessert SPA OPTiOn: Chicken Caesar Salad

Friday, March 18 St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon Minestrone Soup, Shrimp Scampi, Rice Pilaf, Green Bean Almondine, Zeppole PuB OPTiOn: Chicken Salad Sandwich w/Chips

Our caterer provides the following three options (two each day) for your meal • Hearty Traditional Meal – Appetizer, Main Entrée with sides (potato, vegetables) • Pub Option – Delicious Sandwich • Spa Option – Lighter, healthy option for those on the go All luncheons include an appetizer, bread, dessert and coffee or tea

For more information, please call patty martucci, Assistant Director of Senior nutrition program

401-732-4666 ext. 142

Senior CenterS Charlestown 401-364-9955 East Greenwich 401-886-8638 Jamestown 401-423-2658 The Center–S. Kingstown 401-789-0268 West Warwick 401-822-4450 Westerly 401-596-2404 Senior ApArtmentS (you do not have to be a resident) Park View-Westerly 401-596-4918 Shalom Apartments 401-737-0180

We invite seniors age 60 and older and individuals with disabilities to join us at these Cafes for a nutritious lunch. The suggested donation is $3/person. Reservations are necessary and should be made by Thursday for the following week.

March 2016

PrimeTime | 13

“

We plan our careers . . . we plan our vacations, but we don’t plan to age. And yet the evidence is there that those who do accept they are going to get older and make plans in advance have a considerably better later life. – Marty Bell, Executive Director of the National Aging in Place Council

14 | PrimeTime

March 2016

aging in place

Comfortably

Aging in Place

Having lived in the same ranch house for 55 years, John Heck’s grandparents wanted to make any and all necessary accommodations to allow them to peacefully age in place. Using his expertise as a home remodeler, Heck completed a variety of aging-in-place related projects in their house, including adding grab bars to the bathroom and other small comforts. “I feel very lucky knowing my grandparents live in a one story and have my assistance making home adjustments to ensure that they can independently age in place,” said Heck, owner of VIP Remodeling & Construction Services, LLC. “Many folks who ignore the fact that they are aging and need to make adjustments wind up injuring themselves and being uprooted from a more affordable, comfortable lifestyle and proximity to loved ones.”

March 2016

With the number of U.S. residents 65 or older growing from 35 million in 2000 to nearly 73 million in 2030 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, baby boomers entering or approaching retirement need to be aware of how they can best prepare to age comfortably. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2015 Aging-in-Place Report, more than half of homeowners who hire a professional for an aging-related home improvement are under 65 years old, with 10 percent younger than 50. “Too many of us wait until we reach a health or financial crisis to plan for getting older,” said Marty Bell, Executive Director of the National Aging in Place Council. “We plan our careers, we plan to send our children to college, we plan our vacations, but we don’t plan to age. And yet the evidence is there that those who do accept they are going to get older and make plans in advance have a considerably better later life.” Heck notes that even making small adjustments in a home over time, such as adding stair lifts and handicapped accessible and curbless showers, can make all the difference in aging safety. The top aging-in-place related projects completed by homeowners according to HomeAdvisor’s Aging-in-Place report include:

• Adding a personal alert system: Personal alert systems provide necessary security in case of an emergency accident or fall. Installing a personal alarm system costs an average of $652, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. • Adding grab bars: Many accidents and falls take place in the bathroom. Homeowners may choose to add grab bars to help them safely enter and exit a bathtub or shower. • Building a disability ramp: Adding a wheelchair ramp, at an average cost of $1,547, offers accessibility to wheelchair or walker users. Various factors go into the cost and safety of a ramp, including slope, weight specifications, landing and materials. • Installing a stair lift: A staircase lift can eliminate the risk of injury on one of the most dangerous parts of a home. Folks with mobility issues can access the upstairs level safely with this highly reliable added function. To find a home professional to complete aging-in-place projects, visit HomeAdvisor.com. (Family Features)

PrimeTime | 15

LIFESTYLES

wHAT DO YOU FINK? by MIKE FINK

A Lady

Saving a Life from a potential catastrophe EVERY 10 MINUTES

but I’m never alone. I have Life Alert.®

I went out with her once in the last century. She lived among those streets with numbers, from 1 through 12. Once, they were called North Providence, maybe even Pawtucket, before then. By now, they’re known as a section of the East Side, the north-west portion. The houses were mostly modest dwellings, quite diverse, built to replace farm properties and their fields and barns. So, she was a neighbor of the district. Well, Edith and I, as she and I agree, laughed and kissed and then parted ways. She rose high up in the world of words, of literature. She earned many honors and with artist grants dwelt in exotic lands among the continents. She returned some seasons ago, to our town, to re-visit the Arcade for the purpose of writing a nostalgic article for a renowned magazine about its particular Providence charm. She invited me to join a small group at a luncheon party and said, across the table, “You don’t remember our date, do you?” I answered, with a degree of hopeful gallantry, “I was a fool” and kissed her hand for an apology, as the memory slowly returned to my brow and my cheeks---the frown of thought and the blush of emotion. She has had some recent health problems, and, recovering from surgery, once again asked me to join her wellwishers. No, not here in Rhode Island, but not far off – in high-brow philosophical Massachusetts. I made my way to her home way above Boston, with wide windows overlooking the stately vista. She was elegantly dressed, seated in a black wheelchair like a queen upon a throne. With her slim figure and her

fine, high cheekbones, she was quite exquisite. Witty, eloquent, courteous, she reigned and she radiated. I had brought a book of her short stories, and asked for her autograph. With some hesitation, she dove into the task, but it was an effort..she was recuperating from an operation, and I had been forewarned not to stay too long and thus tire her. But she graciously urged us to delay our departure. This was a literary pilgrimage, but also a romantic interlude. Her husband, a cellist and a doctor, saw us to the door. How did I get to and from this merry, melancholy, and marvelous matinee event in my life? Well, another Providence lady, who had come from the very same district in Providence, had met me at the South Station Peter Pan bus terminal and chauffeured me to her friend’s residence. I caught the 5:00 last greyhound into the sunset and the twilight and thought my deep thoughts along the highways. There is a happiness, somehow, that can connect to a sadness, sometimes. Along with my sympathy for her struggle to recover and retrieve her artistic career, along with my sentimental gratitude for her kindly memory of me, (maybe I wasn’t a loser as a youngster!) there was also a poetic feeling. Time ticks along but the past glows as it grows, a golden pathway to the stars. Once again, I decline to name my lady--my ladies--and trust that my story has a symbolic and general meaning rather than a report.

AS SEEN ON

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

For a FREE brochure call:

1-800-516-0367 16 | PrimeTime

March 2016

aging in place

b y D o reen C . P u tnam , C D P certified dementia practitioner

Prison Bars Don’t Block Dementia I had a unique experience not too long ago. An experience that I never could have imagined being part of a few years ago. An experience that opened my eyes to new learnings and appreciation for something that was way, way beyond my imagination. When we think of “aging in place” we think of ourselves and how we will handle this latter chapter of our lives. Or we might think of the current situation with our parents and their struggles as they make medical decisions in their “mature” years. We think of assisted living communities, home health care agencies and perhaps nursing homes. But here’s something that I bet you haven’t thought about at all. What is happening to the men and women who are incarcerated in our state and federal prisons? Their life is very different from ours, but they too are aging in place. I am a Certified Dementia Practitioner specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and the related dementias. I recently had the privilege of doing a training at Maine State

Prison in Warren, Maine, in conjunction with the Maine Hospice Council. This is Maine’s maximum security prison for men. The Maine Hospice Council has had a successful, active Hospice program in the prison for approximately 15 years. Selected prisoners have had extensive training as Hospice volunteers and provide 24/7 care for Hospice patients in the infirmary. Beyond that they also provide all of the personal care that a CNA would provide for a patient’s ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) including bathing, feeding, cleaning, dressing, etc. It’s a phenomenal program and they have received many awards for their work. I was there to talk about Alzheimer’s and dementia, as the Hospice patients and other prisoners were showing signs of dementia as they face their later years in the prison system. What I found was absolutely amazing. I had no idea why the participants were in prison. It didn’t matter and was none of my business. What I did find was a group of 36 men who were concerned about the care

that their peers needed and were receiving. These men wanted to help those in the Hospice program and those who were experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They were attentive to what I had to share, asked in-depth questions related to behaviors and communication techniques and had been creative in many ways as to how they had handled the challenging behaviors they were faced with on a daily basis. What I saw was the compassionate, sensitive side of these prisoners’ personalities. They were fulfilling a personal need to assist others who were showing confusion, forgetfulness and loss of ability to care for themselves. Dementia patients in this environment are very vulnerable and can be taken advantage of very easily. For those in the outside world facing Alzheimer’s or dementia there are numerous support systems and family to assist them. For those on the “inside,” those options don’t exist. They still have to follow the rules – even though they may not understand

the directions. They don’t have the ability to wander at night. They must eat when they are told, even though they might have forgotten that they ate 10 minute ago and want more food NOW. The prison personnel have a lot of responsibility and I can’t imagine them having the patience to answer the same question 10 times in 30 minutes. Because of these circumstances, the Alzheimer’s or dementia prisoner faces very different obstacles as they journey through this difficult disease process and age in place. There are a number of prisons throughout the US that are offering similar programs for their inmates, but many that do not. The Maine Hospice Council deserves many accolades for the wonderful work they are doing in assisting these prisoners to age in place with dignity. I was thankful to be a small part of their program. Doreen C. Putnam, CDP DCPutnam Consulting www.dcputnamconsulting.com

senior

b y C amilla F arrell

issues

de ve l o p m e n t d i re c to r , a l z h e i m er ’s association r hode island chapter

RI Chapter Wins ‘Achievement in Kentucky Derby Day will be ‘unforgettable’ Advancing Public Policy’ Award The annual “Unforgettable Evening & Auction” will be held

The Rhode Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association received three awards in the Advancing Public Policy category at the annual leadership conference hosted by the National Alzheimer’s Association in Phoenix, Arizona. Donna McGowan, Executive Director accepted the award from Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. Harry Johns will be a guest speaker at the Annual “Caregiver’s Journey” conference on March 31 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick. The conference is free for family caregivers. Register at alz.org/ri or call the office at 800-272-3900. (submitted photo)

March 2016

on Kentucky Derby Day, May 7, to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter at Quidnessett Country Club. All proceeds from the Auction will help to enhance care, support, and resources for families dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Experience the “Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby” theme with a fun evening featuring entertainment by Brass Attack, games of chance, live broadcast of the Derby races, prizes for Derby attire, dinner, a silent and live auction, and an opportunity to win a one-week stay in a private home on Cape Cod. Tickets are $85 and include appetizers, dinner, dessert, and entertainment. The evening will begin at 5:30 with a cocktail hour and then live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby at approximately 6:30 p.m. followed by the silent auction, dinner, and dancing. During the silent auction, bid on an array of auction packages from exclusive trips and destinations, spa treatments, Bed & Breakfast overnight in New England, Patriots tickets, golf outings at private clubs, theatre packages, children’s baskets, and everything in between. Throughout the evening, purchase raffle tickets for a one-week stay on Cape Cod to be announced at the end of the evening. Order your tickets early – space is limited. Email agarcia@alz. org or visit our website alz.org/ri or call our Chapter Office at 1800-272-3900 by April 22, 2016.

2016 Auction Committee member Carla Priebe of East Greenwich won last years hat contest. (sumbitted photo)

The Rhode Island Chapter, an affiliate of the National Alzheimer’s Association, is a private, non-profit organization started in 1989 by family caregivers and interested community healthcare professionals. The Chapter programs and services include a 24/7 Helpline, Support Groups, Training for Families, Early Memory Loss programs, Newsletters, Advocacy, Resource Library, Conferences, Lectures, and special fundraising events. Offices are located at 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906. Phone: 1-800-272-3900, Fax: 401-421-0115, Website: www.alz.org/ri

PrimeTime | 17

NEW & IMPROVED:

air M Intr systemost adv o du a i cing n the innced M ic du s t r r oS oot y – h e!

Safety Never Felt So Good.

your taxes

professional perspective

b y meg chevalier

Identity Theft

N THE U.S.A EI

MA D

Ongoing Concern for the IRS W IT

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Financing available with approved credit

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The Internal Revenue Service issued a filing season alert warning taxpayers to watch out for identity theft at tax time and highlighted the crime as the first scam in the agency’s “Dirty Dozen” series. Over the course of the past year, as part of the Security Summit initiative, the IRS partnered with states and the tax industry to enhance coordination and create a more secure system for taxpayers. Security Summit participants, including the IRS, will regularly share details of fraudulent schemes detected this season so industry and government have the same information and can adjust accordingly to provide increased protection. Many changes will be invisible to the taxpayer, but the more than 20 shared data elements are critical to making sure the IRS, states and industry can better verify the taxpayer and the legitimacy of the tax return. “Our collaborative efforts with the Security Summit have given the IRS additional tools to stop fraudulent returns at the door,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “The criminals continue to look for increasingly sophisticated ways to breach the tax system. While the IRS has improved prevention and detection efforts, we’re calling on taxpayers to protect their private information so thieves can’t steal personal data to file fraudulent returns.” The IRS also joined with industry and states on a public awareness campaign to provide taxpayers with easy tips to better protect themselves. The “Taxes. Security. Together.” campaign includes YouTube videos, Tax Tips and fact sheets to help taxpayers stay safe online.

The Dirty Dozen is compiled annually by the IRS and lists a variety of common scams taxpayers may encounter any time during the year. Many of these con games peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns or hire someone to do so. “We urge people to use caution when viewing e-mails, receiving telephone calls or getting advice on tax issues because scams can take on many sophisticated forms,” Koskinen said. “Keep your personal information secure by protecting your computers and only giving out your Social Security numbers when absolutely necessary.” Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. While the IRS has made significant strides over the past several years to address this issue, it remains a top concern for the IRS, which is why identity theft remains on the Dirty Dozen list again this year as the IRS works to protect taxpayers and help victims. The IRS understands that identity theft is a frustrating, complex process for victims. While identity thieves steal information from sources outside the tax system, the IRS is often the first to inform a victim that identity theft occurred. The IRS is working hard to resolve identity theft cases as quickly as possible. For more information, see the special identity theft section on IRS.gov.

March 2016

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

lifestyles

by DON FOWLER

March Entertainment March can be a most unfriendly weather month, a perfect reason for escaping from “cabin fever” and venturing out to enjoy some wholesome entertainment. OCEAN STATE THEATRE in Warwick is presenting the Tony Award-winning musical, “1776” through March 15. History buffs will love the story of the birth of American independence, which boasts a striking score and a funny, insightful and compelling book. THE PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER is bringing back a brand new production of one of the greatest musicals ever written, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” through March 13. The beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp family includes unforgettable music like “Climb Every Mountain”, “Edelweiss”, and “Do-Re’Me”. GAMM THEATRE in Pawtucket will stage a “blasphemously funny whodunit”, “A Skull in Connemara” by Martin McDonagh, author of “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” through March 27. 2ND STORY THEATRE in Warren will present David Mamet’s “Speed the Plow”, a satire of the ethics of the film industry during the month of March.

THE RHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA under conductor Larry Rachcliff will perform Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto with pianist Alexander Toradze on Saturday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m., with a special Rush Hour concert on Friday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m., for those who wish an earlier evening out. TRINITY REP will present an American classic, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, March 3-April 3, directed by Brian McEleney. The story of Atticus Finch, the Alabama lawyer appointed to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman during the depression years is as relevant today as it was back then.

Route 44 • Greenville Common Greenville, RI (401) 949-0180 andersonwinfield.net

Cremation with Memorial Service

$2,215.00

This service includes: collation of vital statistic information through our secure website, one person transfer of remains to the funeral home, use of facilities for state mandated 24-hour waiting period, preparation of remains (not embalming), cremation container, transfer of remains to crematory, filing of death certificate with appropriate city or town, crematory fee and use of funeral home for memorial service with rental urn. Also Available: Immediate

Cremation – $1290.00

Cremation permit fee of $30 payable to RI General Treasurer not included

March 2016

PrimeTime | 19

Sarro Elected to Board LeadingAge RI, the professional organization representing not-for-profit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, senior housing providers, and adult day health centers, has announced that Elizabeth Sarro, F.A.C.H.C.A., has been named to the board of directors. Sarro is the president and administrator of Bethany Home. In that capacity, she oversees the 33-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation community. She is a licensed home administrator and a registered dietitian whose work has been published in the Health Care Facilities Quarterly Journal and the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The Warwick resident is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island (B.S. in Food & Nutritional Science and Dietetics), Johnson & Wales University (M.S. in Management Technology) and Providence College (nursing home administrator licensure certificate program). Sarro has worked in the field of elder care for 30 years.

BankNewport Awards Rehabilitation Grant to Kent Hospital BankNewport recently presented a grant in the amount of $16,000 to Kent Hospital to purchase new equipment for the hospital’s Acute Rehabilitation Unit. The BankNewport grant was awarded to purchase LiteGait® an innovative, partial weight- bearing harness to help patients with standing, weight-bearing and walking. This new equipment will continue to enhance the unit’s capabilities of care and increase patients level of function to perform tasks and return home. “We are honored to receive this grant from BankNewport. We appreciate their commitment and dedication to enhance our services and care for the patients of Kent Hospital,” said Michael Dacey, MD, MS, FACP, president and chief operating officer at Kent Hospital. “Kent’s Acute Rehab patients will benefit greatly from their generosity.”

Saint Elizabeth Community purchases Cathleen Naugthon Associates Saint Elizabeth Community has purchased Cathleen Naughton Associates, a provider of home care services with offices in Providence and Wakefield. Cathleen Naughton Assoc. provides skilled nursing and rehab care, private duty care, geriatric care management and concierge services in Rhode Island. The agency bills insurers including Medicare and private insurers and also has private pay clients. “When we were searching for a home care provider to join our organization,” says Steven J. Horowitz, President and CEO Saint Elizabeth Community, “we consistently heard that Cathleen Naughton Associates was known for delivering high quality services. Saint Elizabeth Community’s mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate care in an array of settings, and having Cathleen Naughton Associates join our organization is in keeping with our mission and expands the array of settings in which we provide care.” Cathleen Naughton Associates was founded in 1978 By Cathleen Naughton, a Registered Nurse with a strong public health background. Today it is managed by Caroline Naughton Rumowicz, Cathleen’s daughter who earned her undergraduate degree at Bryant University and her Master’s in Health Services Administration from Salve Regina University. Cathleen Naughton Associates will continue to do business under its name and continue to provide high quality home care services. Formerly a for profit organization, Cathleen Naughton has applied for and been approved to operate as a not-for-profit. Saint Elizabeth Community is a provider of a full array of care and services to seniors and adults with disabilities with 12 Rhode Island locations that include: Saint Elizabeth Home- East Greenwich Saint Elizabeth Manor- Bristol Saint Elizabeth Court- Providence Cornerstone Adult Services- Warwick, Coventry, Bristol and Little Compton Saint Elizabeth Place- Providence Saint Elizabeth Terrace- Warwick and now Cathleen Naughton Associates, Providence and Wakefield To learn more about Cathleen Naughton Associates visit: www.stelizabethcommuntiy.org or call 401-751-9660 or (401)-783-6116.

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From Right to Left: Sandra J. Pattie, BankNewport president and CEO; William Marcello, BankNewport vice president and Coventry branch manager; Michael Dacey, MD, MS, FACP, president and chief operating officer, Kent Hospital; Lorraine Fowler, Rehab Aide; Meghan Seyboth, PT; Aaron Guckian, BankNewport vice president and East Greenwich branch manager; Danielle Keough, PTA; Carl Oliveira, PTA

AT HOME - from Page 5 For what sounds like a potentially pricey service is anything but. Mike is up front with all customers and doesn’t charge much more than a traditional Laundromat once you take into account the complete service. He charges $1.10 per pound with a minimum of 20 pounds. The fee covers everything and a typical order begins at $22. Once an order is done, it’s packed carefully and readied for delivery. But even more than owning a business and providing a service that is his livelihood, it’s its residual impact that makes Mike feel the greatest sense of satisfaction. He shared a story about a woman from North Providence that is a long-time customer. She’s elderly and alone. He knows she looks forward to the 10 or 15 minutes he’ll stay to talk when picking up or dropping off her laundry. Sometimes, there’s a cup of coffee waiting for him. “What we do is more reasonably priced than people might think, but there’s also a human aspect that can make an impact,” he said. “Everyone who works for me is very pleasant and welcoming; we’re all about providing a service that can simplify an aspect of someone’s life and take something off their plate that they don’t have to worry about.” To learn more about Mike’s service, visit www.OnTheGoLaundry.com, or call Mike directly at (401) 749-6379.

More Great Services For a broader selection of on-the-go and delivery services, I also want to call attention to Munroe Dairy, which offers so much more than what they’re best known for; milk and dairy. There’s a full range of grocery products, fresh meats, produce, bakery items, frozen foods, and even household items. Prices are on par with what you’d find in stores, and there are no contracts or hidden fees. Visit them online at www.CowTruck.com or (401) 438-4450. In North Providence, White Cross Pharmacy has been a community staple since 1933. As times have changed, so has their service. They offer automatic prescription refills and delivery right to your door. Check them out at www. WhiteCrossPharmacy.com or call (401) 726-6200. And, as a little something extra, I bet many readers are unaware of this unique service through Bottles Fine Wine on Providence’s East Side: The delivery of anything from their huge selection of wine, beer, and spirits right to your front door. They primarily serve across the Providence and East Providence areas, including Oak Hill. There’s a modest $5 delivery charge and a minimum order of $20. Learn more at www.BottlesFineWine.com or call (401) 372-2030.

March 2016

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Late Life Body Types As Spring approaches, we all tend to become more body conscious. We can try to ignore our physiques, but TV and other media won’t let us. Shortly before David Letterman retired, Dame Helen Mirren, actress and senior sex symbol, was on The Late Show to promote a Broadway play she was in. This is the same Helen Mirren who appeared in a bikini in a popular magazine when she was 63. Six years later, she was still sexy. She’s now 70 and even more fabulous. I realize that those in the public eye can usually afford an entourage to help keep them in good physical shape. But knowing that Dame Helen is the same age as I am set me to looking around for body images more typical of my age group. I discovered that the most appropriate symbols now come from the vegetable patch. To illustrate these types, I looked for examples among people who should be familiar to most of us. Many men in their sixties and seventies put me in mind of the Pillsbury

Doughboy. Men can get away with going to seed; women can’t. This body type has a pasty, doughy look, especially the cheeks. You feel that if you pushed your index finger into their cheek, it would leave a permanent indentation. William Shatner has one of those faces. So does the closing-in-on-sixty Alec Baldwin. I know: Alec is a sex symbol. That just proves my earlier point. We also have Chevy Chase and Senator Mitch McConnell, neither of whom would be described as sexy. Chevy’s face looks better than McConnell’s, but he’s still doughy. The comments about his physical condition after the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special showed concern, not derision. “Chevy Chase Worries Fans After Massive Weight Gain” (LifeandStyleMag.com) and “Fans Fear For His Health” (HollywoodLife.com). If he’d been a woman, the Twittersphere would have lit up with snark. “She Let Herself Go.” In our seventies and eighties, some of

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us start resembling string beans. A few still retain our sex appeal, but again, it’s more likely to happen for the men. Take Clint Eastwood, for example. Scrawny as a beanpole these days, but as sexy as ever. If you think the reason he still attracts young hotties is his money, you’re only half right. No matter how thin he gets, he still has those eyes. Likewise Ian McKellen, star of the 2015 movie Mr. Holmes. Hmmm. Maybe it’s all about the eyes, ‘bout the eyes, ‘bout the eyes. Women have trouble pulling off the string bean look even when they’re young. (Remember Twiggy?) Once they’re past s i x t y , it’s called “character,” not sex appeal. Have you seen pictures of Lily Tomlin lately? Or Vanessa Redgrave? Most older women have to look to other vegetables for our body image. One that comes to mind is the butternut squash, where the inexorable downward drag of gravity causes everything to settle at the base. Well, almost everything. The sexy version comes with two acorn squashes at boob level. Two great examples are Kirstie Alley (especially when she’s fallen off the diet wagon) and Patricia Arquette. Arquette isn’t even fifty yet, but she’s already a butternut-acorn hybrid. If she’s lucky, she’ll still be one in ten years, because the alternative isn’t pretty. After sixty, we see more dimpled-melon bodies on women. This type has a smaller melon head and a large melon torso; both have lots of dimples. If you’re having trouble picturing this, Google images of Margo Martindale and Angela Merkel. Merkel just turned 61 last year, so she’s only now beginning to take on her melon identity. When the two melons start to merge into one, we get a Barbara Mikulski, the recently-retired Senator from Maryland. At 79, she was the longest-serving female member of Congress. A timeline of her photos shows what that job does to a woman’s body. Angela Lansbury, Gena Rowlands and Doris Roberts, all 85 or older, show us what a well-cared-for upper melon can do to divert attention from an ever-moredimpled torso. Sadly for us women, preventing those facial dimples from turning into deeply-wrinkled creases is a major challenge. A history of Roberts’ images shows us what can happen as we close in on 90. Most faces of women over 80 are so wrinkled that they cry out to have seeds planted in those furrows. The only good news in this is that they’re not deep enough to grow any vegetables. Then again (bite my tongue, because I love her), have you looked at any recent close-ups of Maggie Smith? Copyright 2016 Business Theatre Unlimited Elaine M. Decker’s books—Retirement Sparks Redux, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks and CANCER: A Coping Guide—are available at SPECTRUM-INDIA, on the East Side of Providence, on Amazon.com, including Kindle editions, and by special order through your local bookstore. One of her essays appears in the anthology: 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com.

– Joan Lunden

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Caring for More than half of the individuals affected by heart attacks or other sudden cardiac issues are over the age of 65. For these seniors, their cardiac care needs are quite often complicated by other co-existing conditions. Whereas once these individuals would have stayed in the hospital for continued rehabilitation and monitoring, today skilled nursing centers are increasingly being called upon to provide expert rehabilitation services that fill the gap between hospital and home care. According to the America Heart Association, “Cardiac rehabilitation is a professionally supervised program to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures such as stenting and angioplasty. Cardiac rehab programs usually provide education and counseling services to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack.” In the case of many over the age of 65, other issues are involved – COPD, hypertension, depression or dementia for example – so cardiac rehab programs need to be adjusted to promote total wellness for several co-morbidities, not just heart health. “About 18 months ago we were looking to develop programs for people who were underserved,” said Hugh Hall, Administrator of West View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West Warwick. “Staff from a local hospital

issues

Cardiac Patients

confirmed that there was a gap in postacute cardiac care for people with other complex care needs. We collaborated with the hospital and other care providers throughout the continuum and developed a cardiac rehab program last year. I don’t know of any other program like ours that cares for cardiac patients to this degree. We invested in staff, equipment and training. It’s definitely working. Education is key. We’re helping people get better and they’re not going back to the hospital.” West View’s onsite pharmacist, Stacey Ranucci, understands all too well the intricacies involved in helping “older” cardiac patients regain their health – and maintain it. “A lot can happen during recovery. Someone may leave the hospital following a heart attack for example, with a prescription which lowers their blood pressure. They go home and their medication may need adjustment but because they’re at home, that doesn’t happen right away. That can cause their blood pressure to drop. They get dizzy, fall, end up with a hip fracture, and have to go back to the hospital. There are lots of things that can go wrong,” she explained. West View’s patients experience a different result. The program fills a need for patients who otherwise would have no option but to receive rehab at home and bear the risks that can accompany those with complex care needs. The nursing center employs an interdisciplinary team of caregivers and educators that help get patients not only back on

their feet, but also provides them with the tools they need to stay on a healthy path. When patients are admitted to the West View cardiac rehab program, staff immediately identify not only their physical needs, but also their level of knowledge about the steps they need to take to regain and maintain their health. The entire team works together to ensure the best possible outcome for each new patient. Drs. Hedgepath and Rosen from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, part of West View’s cardiac rehab team, personally visit with patients weekly to monitor their condition and check their progress. Ranucci oversees patient rounds with the cardiologists and adjusts medications as needed. Physical, occupational and respiratory therapists develop individual therapy programs that address the unique and varied needs of each patient. The nursing center also invested in EKGs and other necessary equipment so that patients can be monitored easily and without disruption, essentially mirroring the offerings founds in a hospital setting. Perhaps most important, nursing staff teach patients well in advance of discharge how to ensure continued good health when they return home. Simple things like helping patients understand the importance of follow-up appointments and blood tests and working with them to develop a system to make sure they remain home in continued good health. They also learn to manage their

own medications and watch for signs such as weight gain or loss that could trigger a backward slide in their health. West View is not alone in offering a cardiac rehab component to its array of services. With patients being discharged from hospitals more quickly than ever, all of today’s skilled nursing centers are prepared to meet the needs of those needing a transitional step between hospital and home. What makes West View’s program work particularly well is the collaboration between partners. “We know that it’s the transition from one setting to the next that can cause problems. By working directly with our regional health care providers, we’re all on the same page about where a patient’s care can slip through the cracks and we address those areas together. ” said Hall.

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Spring Senior Living Expo! Thursday

April 14, 2016 Warwick Mall 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

For registration information call Lisa Bronstein

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March 2016