Boomers d n o y e &B FairďŹ eld County
January 2016
Excellence in Dementia Care at The Greens at Greenwich p3
ColumbiaDoctors when you need the best in Cardiology, Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology p11
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January, 2016
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Wein retires from Hebrew HealthCare after 20 years of service Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Ruthan Wein, Director of Volunteer Resources at Hebrew HealthCare, announced plans to retire at the end of 2015 after 20 years of service to the organization. Wein, originally from Westchester, NY, came to Greater Hartford in 1979 and soon became involved with the Auxiliary of Hebrew HealthCare, working to revitalize their Strawberry Festival. In addition to this role, Wein volunteered with Hebrew HealthCare’s Adult Day Center. She became President of the Auxiliary in 1985, the same time that Hebrew HealthCare was breaking ground for its West Hartford campus. This position allowed her to sit on the Board of Trustees of Hebrew HealthCare and contribute more to the organization as it prepared to enter a new phase in its development. Not until 1996, after working with the elderly population at Federation Homes in Bloomfield, did Wein formally join the Hebrew HealthCare team as the Director of Volunteer Resources. She was tasked with expanding the scope of programs for the organization, programs that would bring children into the facility. In 1998 Wein developed a program with Solomon Schechter Day School second graders; she partnered each student with a resident for year-long weekly events. The goal of the program was to teach young children about old age, and ultimately improve the way we view aging, and the way we experience our own aging. Eighteen years later the program continues, but it is not the only youth program she developed. The summer youth program – which started in 2000 – attracts children of all ages and also those with special needs; and each August they host an annual book sale whose proceeds go towards services or needed equipment for the residents of Hebrew HealthCare. Wein remarked, “Teaching kids
January, 2016
about aging is so important, not just for their interactions with people in nursing homes, but for their own parents’ and grandparents’ aging. When they come here, they learn how to be resourceful and find meaningful activities with our residents.” The Christmas Day Mitzvah program began in 2000. It is another of Wein’s innovations and one of which she is especially proud. Developed to allow more non-licensed staff to be home with their
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families, the program has 100 to 125 volunteers present in all departments and areas of the facility throughout Christmas Day. “My dream was to build a program that was about more than delivering flowers and mail; and today, volunteers are visible throughout the entire building, not just for programs but participating in care plans to hold hands and reminisce and share a laugh,” Wein stated.
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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
The Inn “Gets Literal” at 4th Living Tableaux production PAGE 4
January, 2016
The Inn, Waveny LifeCare Network’s independent senior living residence, recently delighted the local community with their incredible “Living Tableaux,” a unique, interactive and much-anticipated theatrical Inn tradition since 2009. This year’s production marked the Inn’s 4th Living Tableaux performance, and featured 17 resident models reenacting famous literary protagonists. As traditional black drape curtains were pulled aside to reveal the living novels, the audience was challenged to identify each literary character, their book of origin, and a related song played by volunteer pianist Justine McCurdy accompanying each reveal. Best known as tableaux vivants or living pictures, the Living Tableaux art form originated centuries ago in Europe, but is perhaps best known today through the “Pageant of the Masters,” a celebrated annual event at Laguna Beach’s Festival of Arts, 50 miles south of Hollywood, California. Past years’ Tableaux productions at The Inn have featured famous paintings, stars of the silver screen, and American icons. “When we first started this tradition at The Inn, it was something I’d wanted to do for over a decade,” said Barbara Jeffries, assistant director of Resident Activities. “Finally I thought, ‘what are we waiting for?’ and put up a notice on our activities bulletin board to recruit players. I had no idea what to expect among the residents, but to my delight nearly a dozen people showed up at our first meeting.” And the rest, as they say, was history, with the Tableaux project gaining a steady momentum of interest, anticipation and participation each year.
According to Jeffries, one of the most challenging – yet exciting – contributing factors to the yearly production’s success is the intense collaboration involved. “It’s a fairly ambitious project to even consider doing, but between the costumes, practice and attention to detail, I think each tableaux looked very authentic,” said Jeffries. “The smiles on the faces of everyone in the audience made every moment of our efforts and planning worth it, and our residents – many of whom are in their 80s and 90s – derived so much pleasure from the entire process from start to finish. It’s fun, it’s creative, it’s inspired, and above all, it’s something very different that we’re thrilled to share with the community.” Located at 73 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, The Inn offers independent senior living through Waveny LifeCare Network and welcome seniors from all areas. Celebrating 40 years of serving the community, Waveny provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs and changing preferences of older adults. Waveny is a non-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. It also includes Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home, the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, Geriatric Care Management, an Adult Day Program available on weekdays with flexible hours, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services, and short-term lodging respite programs for caregiver relief. For information call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.
The all-resident cast included:
• Rhoda Fisher, Alice Page and Jane Corcoran as the “Three Witches” from Shakespeare’s MacBeth
• Betty De’Araujo as “Hester Prynne” from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter
• Rita Price as “Little Red Riding Hood” from Charles Perrault’s Little Red Riding Hood
• David Brown as “Proust” from Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way: In Search of Lost Time
• Charlotte Brown as “Charlotte” from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web
• Nancy Hugo as the “Mad Hatter” from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland
• Dorothy Summers as “Anne Morrow Lindberg” from Lindberg’s Gift From the Sea
• Helen Tomaselli as “Miss Havishan” from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations
• Stuart Aaron as “Jay Gatsby” from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
• Sven Englund as “Harry Potter” from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Ron Barlow as “Don Quixote” from Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote de la Mancha
• Ann Throop as “Anna Leonowens” from Margaret Landon’s Anna and the King
• Don Harbour as “Sherlock Holmes” from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
• Ginny Lamborn as “Lysistrata” from Aristophanes’ Lysistrata
• David Metz as “Rip Van Winkle” from Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle
photos provided
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Award goes to dedicated couple
Betsy and Steve Corman – longtime Greenwich Hospital volunteers and benefactors – were recently honored with the Auxiliary Volunteer Award for outstanding service. The couple amassed close to 9,000 hours for their mission to educate and support cancer patients and their loved ones. Corman accepted the award on behalf of himself and Betsy, who passed away in 2015. Betsy was the oncology volunteer coordinator who also spearheaded the Healing Shawls program, which has distributed more than 2,400 hand knit shawls and 2,200 hats to patients. Steve is a prostate cancer survivor who serves as a peer coordinator for the hospital’s Prostate Cancer Education Forum. The couple was instrumental in bringing the Schwartz Center Rounds to Greenwich Hospital and in 2012 gave a seed gift to establish the Palliative Care Program. Schwartz Center Rounds, found in more than 400 hospitals worldwide, offers healthcare professionals a monthly safe haven to discuss the social and emotional issues they face in caring for patients and families. “The couple’s refrain – ‘When we see a need we can fill, we just go ahead and do it’ – perfectly illustrates their dedication to the hospital,” said Sally Lochner, Auxiliary president. Corman resides in Stamford, Conn. Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS). Greenwich is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a major academic affiliate of
January, 2016
Yale School of Medicine. Since opening in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, di-
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agnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence.
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Advertiser’s Index
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January, 2016
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Our View
ColumbiaDoctors...........................................................................................11
Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation......................................10 The Greens at Cannondale..............................................................................5
The Greens at Greenwich...............................................................................3
TravelRX.......................................................................................................8
StarOne Home Care & Medical Staffing.....................................................7
SYNERGY HomeCare...........................................................................12 The Wartburg...........................................................................................9
Boomers d
Waveny Lifecare Network..............................................................................2
Fairfield County
& Beyon
845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com
PUBLISHER Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER James Stankiewicz (Jim@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• MARKETING DIRECTOR Gregory W. Buff (Greg@belsito.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR Cathryn Burak (Cathy@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net) ••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE Anthony Mairo (Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• CIRCULATION Michelle Belsito (Michelle@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Brendan Coyne John Jordan
Corporate Information
Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 3 No. 1 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.
The most festive time of the year is finally upon us: The Holidays! For some, this time of the year is all about gift-giving. Gifts come in many forms. The one the staff at Boomers & Beyond cherishes most every year is enjoying Holiday meals with our family and friends. After all, nothing brings a family together like a good meal. Keep in mind, this time of year can be difficult for elderly loved ones who might be living alone. They might find the holidays especially hard without the grandchildren running around the house with twinkling tree lights or a glowing menorah brightening the season. If you have an elderly loved one in your life, try to drop off holiday treats regularly, or share a home cooked meal together. You can even give the senior(s) in your life a gift and it doesn’t have to be expensive. These gifts can be as simple as a gift card to the grocery store, a new book, a magazine subscription, or a fruit basket. You could also give them a “coupon” book redeemable for helping them with chores around their house. The Holidays are a time for selfless giving and making sure you are grateful for what you have. Among other things, we are thankful to have all of you as readers. Our family would like to take this opportunity to wish yours a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year! Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.
Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager
Next Month “Go Red for Americans” in Boomers & Beyond… American Heart Month
Saving women’s and men’s lives and beating Heart Disease
Professional Cardiovascular Week (Feb 7-13) Heart Disease and Stroke kill more than 800,000 people a year! Retirement Communities Lifestyle communities for you Therapeutic Recreation Month Helping Individuals with Disabilities Family Benefits of Hospice and Palliative Care Healthcare Consumer Month The right care at the right time
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
January, 2016
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Patricia Coffie, RN, MFA
Patricia Coffie, RN, MFA is Director of Client Services & Director of Phoenix Nurse Aide Training Center. Before assuming the post in 2012, Patricia was the Director or Nursing & Service Delivery at WRC for 3 years where she was the strategic lead for nursing and services to members.
Patricia started her nursing career 19 years ago at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and research institution in New York City, and since then has gained experience in Adult Intensive Care Units, Pediatric Care (PICU) Operating Room (OR) ,mental health and community health settings. She later moved into director of nursing roles, where she obtained extensive experience in leading and developing the nursing profession. She also pioneered good partnership working with other health care organizations, as well as social services, and the wider community.
2015 Guardian of Excellence Awards for Patient Experience
Greenwich Hospital has received two 2015 Guardian of Excellence Awards for Inpatient and Outpatient services from Press Ganey Associates, the nation’s leader in patient experience measurement. The awards recognize top-performing health care organizations that consistently excel in patient experience. The Guardian of Excellence Award goes to facilities that achieved the 95th percentile or above of performance in the patient experience for an entire year. Last year, Greenwich Hospital won the award for Ambulatory Surgery. “Maintaining this level of excellence reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver outstanding care and service every day,” said Norman G. Roth, president of Greenwich Hospital. “All of our employees - from the
front-line staff to the medical teams to those who work behind the scenes - are focused on providing our patients and visitors with the best possible experience.” Christine Beechner, vice president of Patient Experience, noted that Greenwich Hospital has a long tradition of service excellence. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of employees, physicians and volunteers from all corners of our organization,” she said. “We’re proud to partner with Greenwich Hospital,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chief operating officer of Press Ganey. “By achieving and sustaining this level of excellence, Greenwich Hospital demonstrates its commitment to reducing patient suffering and advancing the overall quality of health care.
Westchester 914-362-0899 New York 718-733-2222 Connecticut 203-914-9668
If you or someone you love are in need of In-Home Care anywhere in New York and Westchester and Connecticut— whether it be for a short time following a hospital stay or full-time, Live-in Care, contact us today for a free in-home evaluation and discover why Star One Home Care is a superior alternative to care in homes. Star One Home Care is here for you and your loved one. We are ready to listen to what you need and to talk with you about the many in-home care services that we can provide. We aim to deliver improved quality of life and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
In-home care Include:
· Bedside Assistance during a hospital stay · Alzheimer’s and dementia care · End of Life Care and Hospice · Shopping and meal prep · Medication reminders · Homemaking and companionship · Personal care and support
Child Health Programs
· 1:1 Sitter Services · In-Hospital Companionship · Personalized care while at school /or on field trips · We provide child Care assistance with respite care · Assistance for children with Disabilities and Special Care Needs
www.staronehomecare.com info@staronehomecare.com
Travel January's tip:
When leaving for a trip, try not to pack your suitcase completely full. Remember that you will be bringing back souvenirs and will need some space to bring them home with you.
For all your travel needs contact: Rene Prasad Grand Explorations, LLC rene@grandexplorations.com 866-869-1760 www.grandexplorations.com
Destination Spotlight:Puerto Rico Did winter sneak up on you this year, as it did me? With the unseasonably warm weather that we’ve had this season, the last thing on my mind was planning a trip to somewhere even warmer. However, winter always catches up and I am the type of person who does not prefer cold and snow! What if you don’t have a passport and want to plan something fast? Is your only option to go to Florida? There are absolutely some great places there but as an alternative, I would suggest Puerto Rico. It’s only about 3 1/2 hours from New York City to San Juan and the temperature is in the low 80’s during the day and doesn’t get below 70 at night. With beach, culture, history, nightlife and nature, there is something for everyone. With such an easy flight, you can easily plan a weekend getaway or stay for a week or longer. Here are some suggestions on what to do and see while you are there. Old San Juan At only seven square blocks, Old San Juan might be small but it is full of sights. Although it is easily walkable, there is a free trolley that makes frequent stops throughout the city. There are the two old fortresses, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sights and very interesting to see how the people of San Juan defended the island throughout the years. The San Juan Cathedral is just one of many churches, all of which are hundreds of years old. There is plenty of shopping on Fortaleza street, including several stores carrying local Puerto Rican crafts. The Museum of the Americas and the San Juan Museum are two of the great museums there. You won’t be wanting for food or nightlife either. Cafe Puerto Rico has some of the best Mofongo and is an authentic Puerto Rican dining experience. After dinner try La Factoria, which was named to the 2015’s World’s 50 Best Bars list. Bioluminescent Bay Vieques is an island off of the eastern shore of Puerto Rico and home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bio-bay in the world. Full of plankton that absorb the sunlight during the day, at night they generate a blue neon looking light. This is best seen with a darker night sky so make sure to plan your visit after the full moon.
Mosquito
B
ay, Viequ Photo by es PuertoRic oBlogger. co m
Beaches and Water Sports Whether you want to lay on the beach or get into the water, there are lots of options in Puerto Rico. Since it’s an island, there are beautiful beaches all over, and many of them are Blue Flag certified. Among these are El Escambron in San Juan, Seven Seas in eastern Fajardo and Pelican Beach off of Ponce in the south. If you prefer something more active, there is windsurfing, sailing, fishing and kayaking available all over the island. Additionally, there is some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling anywhere. The water is warm and there is really good underwater visibility - up to 100 feet in some places!
Forests and Wildlife El Yunque Rainforest is about 30 minutes outside of San Juan and has miles of trails among natural pools of wanter and towering peaks with great views of the eastern shore. In contrast, there is Cabo Rojo Salt Flats. There are still salt mining operations going on today, but there is also a stark and barren landscape with trails that are excellent for bird watching. January is in the middle of the whale season so you can keep an eye out for humpback whales at the observation park of the Rincon Lighthouse.
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
January, 2016
Wartburg Home Care Your mom loves living in her home, but she can’t care for herself the way she used to…and you can’t always be there. Who can you trust? Wartburg’s compassionate, experienced Home Care professionals make life easier for seniors, people with disabilities and families who love them. • Serving Westchester and the New York Metro Area • Hourly, daily or live-in basis • Concierge Service available to help you return safely to your home
At Wartburg, we are committed to ensure those entrusted to our care, and their loved ones, live their best life.
For more information call our Home Care office at 914-278-9131 or visit www.wartburg.org
INDEPENDENT LIVING ❘ ASSISTED LIVING ❘ ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA CARE ❘ NURSING HOME ADULT DAY SERVICES ❘ HOME CARE ❘ INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION HOSPICE CARE ❘ CAREGIVER SUPPORT ❘ SPIRITUAL CARE
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5 anti-aging New Year’s resolutions PAGE 10
January, 2016
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
The New Year means new starts, and that typically involves making New Year's resolutions. While the old-faithful standbys still exist, adults over the age of 65 can greatly benefit from making healthy resolutions – especially those that help prevent illness and injury.
Here are five New Year's resolutions that will keep you feeling young and vibrant.
Participate in cognitive health activities Mental health is an important aspect of health that we tend to overlook as we extol the benefits of staying physically fit. Keep your mind engaged and stimulated through a language class, book club or by playing brain games and trivia on the computer.
Exercise or start a new physical activity Older adults are increasingly looking to classes such as yoga and tai chi to not only increase physical health, but to meet people and widen their social circles. Other activities like local walking clubs can be found at many senior organizations and community centers. Eat more fresh foods Processed foods are easy to throw together for a meal, but they come with a host of health issues and concerns, and frankly, they're not worth the hassle.
Make a promise to eat more fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables and you'll see a noticeable difference in the way you look and feel – and it takes very little work on your end.
Make your home safer According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Tips like moving cords out of walkways, having good lighting near beds and taping down edges of carpet and rugs can help tremendously to decrease the number and severity of falls.
Schedule regular checkups Unfortunately, with age comes an increased risk of illness and other complications such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis and other medical conditions. Making sure that you schedule a regular annual checkup can help in early detection and prevention.
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490 Pelham Road • New Rochelle, NY, 10805 www.gicnr.com • email: info@gicnr.com
(914) 636-2800
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
January, 2016
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January, 2016
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County