Boomers d n o y e &B September 2016
FairďŹ eld County
Waveny Home Healthcare
A full Healthcare System that makes house calls! p2
StarOne Home Care and Medical StaďŹƒng When a helping hand is all you need p9
Masonicare at Ashlar Village
Hosting free Lunch and Learn session! p20
Griffin Hospital hosts free talk on Medicare Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, will host a free presentation on Medicare and related health care decisions on Thurs., Sept. 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. Joe Deegan, a counselor for Connecticut’s programs for Health insurance, Outreach, Information and Eligibility Screening (CHOICES), will host “Medicare CHOICES,” a presentation to help older adults and those eligible for Medicare and their caregivers make informed health insurance decisions and to help prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud and abuse. There will be information on Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Managed Care, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance and other related state & federal programs.
This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community. To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399. The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.
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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
September is Healthy Aging Month Healthy Aging® Month is an annual observance month designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older. The mission of Healthy Aging® Month is to encourage local level Healthy Aging® events that promote taking personal responsibility for one’s health… be it physically, socially, mentally or financially. Think it’s too late to “reinvent” yourself? Think again. It’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion, or hobby. Here are some tips… • Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Some people may say this is denial, but we say it’s positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself. (Tip: Don’t keep looking in the mirror, just FEEL IT!)
• Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive. (Tip: Stop watching the police reports on the local news.)
• Ditch the downer friends. Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only depress you and stop you from moving forward. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too. (Tip: Smile often. It’s contagious and wards off naysayers.) • Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Come on. You can probably do it. Analyze your gait. Do you walk slowly because you have just become lazy or, perhaps, have a fear of falling? (Tip: Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first, and wear comfortable shoes.)
• Stand up straight! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Check out how much better your neck looks! Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better. (Tip: Your waistline will look trimmer if you follow this advice.)
• How’s your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. (Tip: Go to the dentist regularly and look into teeth whitening. Nothing says old more than yellowing teeth!)
• Lonely? Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, take a class, invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee. (Tip: Volunteer at the local public school to stay in touch with younger people and to keep current on trends, take a computer class or a tutorial session at your cell phone store to keep up with technology, choose a new person every week for your dining out.) • Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a conversation starter. (Tip: If you don’t have time for a dog, go to your local animal shelter and volunteer. You will be thrilled by the puppy love!) • Get a physical. Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. Go to the appointments and then, hopefully, you can stop worrying about ailments for a while.
• Find your inner artist. Who says taking music lessons is for young school children? You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to be tapped. Have you always wanted to play the piano, violin, or tuba? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? What about working in wood? (Tip: Sign up now for fall art or music source:healthyaging.net classes and discover your inner artist!)
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
September, 2016
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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Advertiser’s Index
ColumbiaDoctors.....................................................................................19
Jacuzzi Hydrotherapy Shower................................................................13
Jitterbug Flip Cell Phone.........................................................................15
Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation..................................7 The Greens at Greenwich........................................................................3
Masonicare Ashlar Village...............................................................20
Perfect Sleep Chair.................................................................................17
StarOne Home Care & Medical Staffing.................................................9 Waveny Lifecare Network.......................................................................2 VNA of Hudson Valley.........................................................................5
Boomers nd
Westchester County
& Beyo
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 Dale McKnight
Corporate Information
Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 3 No. 9 - 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.
Our View The change of seasons brings a new variety of activities, smells, sights and flavors. Boomers & Beyond believes that as you age one of the most important things you can do for your health is remain active, and a new season brings an opportunity to try new things. Yes, believe it or not, fall is right around the corner in beautiful Fairfield County. Seniors can transition right into fall with numerous activities. Well, you came to the right place. Need some ideas? Go for a walk in the woods to look at the beautiful fall foliage. Enjoy the football season or catch another sporting event. Build and outdoor fire with the fallen leaves. Go apple picking. We hope that our Boomers & Beyond family had a great summer and you enjoy a wonderful fall. It continues to be our pleasure to serve as an advocate for seniors in Fairfield County. Enjoy the rest of the summer and here’s to a Happy Fall! Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.
Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager
Next Month Long Term Care Awareness Month Is your organization doing enough to increase awareness of your senior services Elder Care Law Top Lawyers guide you through Estate Planning, financial management, Medicaid, LTC Physical Therapy Month Promoting safe & appropriate medicine use
Spotlight on Prescriptions Month
Dental Care Top Dentists use latest technology to keep you smiling
So, you have hearing loss. Now what? Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
First, rest assured: you’re not alone. In fact, nearly 38 million Americans have hearing loss. For many people, hearing aids are the best option for correcting hearing loss and resuming a high quality of life. Today’s hearing aids are tiny technological marvels, and many options are available to suit every preference, budget, hearing loss and lifestyle. Modern hearing aid technology advances quickly with new innovations from major manufacturers each year. Most manufacturers group their products into categories based on features and capabilities, similar to how an automobile maker might categorize its vehicles. Nearly all modern hearing aids are digital and require professional fitting and programming by a hearing care practitioner. These hearing aids offer far greater flexibility than previous hearing aid generations because the programmer can set them to amplify precisely the frequencies needed for each individual. As the level of technology increases from basic to advanced, hearing aid features become more automatic and more dynamic to adjust quickly to any listening situation. Some hearing aids today even have user-centered features like voice prompts for low battery and program changes.
September, 2016
Many of the hearing aids produced today use wireless technology. This allows two hearing aids to operate together as one complete system, instead of acting as two independent devices. This action mimics the way two properly functioning ears work with the brain to process sound. Additionally, wireless technology gives hearing aid wearers a greater ability to customize their experience and program their devices. Wireless hearing aids are often capable of connecting with external devices as well, such as MP3 players, TVs, computers and mobile phones equipped with Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth enables hearing aid wearers to connect personal electronic devices and stream signals directly to their hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids do more than just help you hear better. They are sophisticated consumer electronics devices that boast amazing technology. Some hearing aids can even connect to technology that can help automate things around your home like your home’s security system, lighting, television and even your coffee maker! Your hearing care provider will find the right solution for you. source:www.healthyhearing.com
5-STAR Government Rated Four Consecutive Years
★★★★★ Skilled Nursing Care on Beautiful Long Island Sound • Short Term Rehabilitation • Subacute Care • Long Term Care • Alzheimer/Dementia Care • Respite Services
We invite you to join us for lunch and take a tour of our facility
490 Pelham Road • New Rochelle, NY, 10805 www.gicnr.com • email: info@gicnr.com
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(914) 636-2800
Adult Day participant shares distinguished nautical history at Waveny PAGE 8
September, 2016
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Waveny LifeCare Network’s Adult Day Program participants enjoyed a special nautical-themed program led by the Program’s very own participant, Bill Gray. A lover of all things nautical, Gray was a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, and holds degrees from Yale University and the University of Michigan. He shared his personal experiences and memories, and described in detail the ships and oil tankers he helped to design and build. Among them was the Manhattan – the largest oil tanker in the world at the time it was built. He also discussed his participation in the esteemed America’s Cup, where his sailing team placed both 2nd and 3rd. For more information on Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which offers flexible days and free local door-todoor transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org.
Griffin Hospital to host AARP Driver Safety Program provided
Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest refresher course for drivers. While the course is geared toward drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to everyone. The training is designed to help you learn current rules of the road, how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment, and make some adjustments to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. The course also covers such topics as how to maintain proper following distance at all times; the safest way to change lanes and make turns at intersections; the effects of medications on driving; how to minimize the effect of dangerous blind spots; the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cellphone use; proper use of safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes and ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities. Participants will gain a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how they can avoid potential collisions and injuries to themselves and others.
As an added bonus, participants can check with their auto insurance company about discounts for completing the course.
The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Make checks payable to “AARP.” To register, call Esther at 203-732-1523.
How to help your loved one adjust to having elderly care providers Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
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When it’s time to bring in help, you might find yourself surprised if your elderly loved one isn’t as on board as you would have liked. There are lots of reasons your loved one might not like the idea, but you can help her to change her mind.
Broach the Topic Gently If you already know that your elderly loved one is resistant to the idea of having home care providers around, it’s a good idea to broach the topic as gently as you can. You want to offer your loved one a choice, but ultimately if you need help, this is a solid option. Try offering your loved one the choice of days that the elderly care provider comes by, for example. This is especially effective if you can be flexible about timing.
Call the Home Care Provider by a Different Title For some loved ones, simply hearing the phrase “elderly care provider” is frustrating and implies that they can no longer care for themselves. Whether this is the case or not is a moot point, of course, but you do still need to consider your loved one’s feelings on the matter. Try calling the care provider your assistant or use another term that your loved one prefers.
Make the New Assistant’s Arrival about You Another tactic that can help in this situation is if you make the arrival of your new “assistant” about you. That means that you let your loved one know that you’re the one who needs help, no matter what the situation actually is. In essence, this isn’t a lie because the elderly care provider is there to offer help to both you and your loved one.
Make Sure Everyone Gets Along Every new situation means that the people involved need to get to know each other and get along fairly well. This takes a little bit of time, so it may take a few visits before your loved one has warmed up a bit. Keep your finger on the temperature of the situation and make changes if necessary.
Start out Slowly By starting out slowly with fewer, shorter visits at first, you can help your loved one to realize that her elderly care provider is there to help her. As the situation warms up, you can increase the time that you’re away and the frequency with which your loved one’s home care providers stop by. Hiring help can be a delicate proposition, but you can make the situation work for you and your loved one with some planning.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in New York, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899. Call today!
Transforming healthcare with in home care services that put clients and their families first.
Star One provides outstanding, person-focused quality home care services. Our highly skilled caregivers offer clients in-home support for well-being, personal care, home care, housekeeping, social connection, health treatments, rehabilitation, assisted daily living, nursing and allied health services and transport. These services are available for Short term or Live-in Care, including recovering from surgery or injury.
Life is an incredible journey and we are proud to offer support every step of the way
Whether you require a Hourly Support each week or full-time Live-In Care, contact us today for a free consultation and discover why Star One Home care is a superior alternative home care provider.
Connecticut 203-914-9668 Live-In Care available New York City 212-874-2826 Westchester 914-362-0899 New York 718-733-2222
www.staronehomecare.com info@staronehomecare.com
Hughes Health & Rehabilitation earns National Award for Excellence in Quality Care PAGE 10
September, 2016
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
One of only three long term/post-acute care providers nationwide to earn Top Distinction
Hughes Health & Rehabilitationhas earned a 2016 Gold – Excellence in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for superior performance in the long term and postacute care profession. The award is the most prestigious of three distinct awards possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes organizations nationally that serve as models of excellence in providing high-quality care. “I’m so proud of our entire team here at Hughes for this incredible achievement,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “This award is a symbol of the outstanding hard work and dedication to quality provided to each and every resident we care for. Achieving this award is a great honor for our entire organization.” Hughes Health & Rehabilitationwas one of threeproviders nationwide to receive the 2016
Gold – Excellence in Quality Award. Since the program’s inception in 1996, AHCA/NCAL has recognized only 31 organizations with awards at the Gold level. “It takes steadfast dedication and passion to successfully achieve this level of the program,” said Chair of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Christine Boldt. “Hughes Health & Rehabilitationis among the best in the nation for its quality of care. I applaud them for this achievement.” Based on the core values and criteria of the nationally recognized Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program challenges member providers to achieve performance excellence through three progressive levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Gold – Excellence in Quality Award is the most prestigious of the program. At this level, recipients have invested multiple years in mastering and applying the rigorous quality
improvement standards of the Baldrige Criteria to achieve superior results in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, customer and workforce focus, and operations and knowledge management. “It takes many years for some to get to this level because we set the bar really high,” said Boldt, “I’m very proud of this year’s recipients for successfully rising to the challenge. I applaud them for this significant achievement.” Hughes Health & Rehabilitation is a familyowned and operated health care center for more than 55 years, providing quality care for those with chronic illness, as well as those needing convalescence and rehabilitation. Excellent healthcare, coupled with a genuine caring attitude are the hallmarks of Hughes. For more information about Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, visit www.HughesHealth.com. The awards will be presented to honorees on October 18 during AHCA/NCAL’s 67th Annual Convention & Expo in Nashville, Tennessee.
Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. Photo credit: Hughes Health & Rehabilitation
Five tips to take the stress out of a hearing screening Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
September, 2016
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You’ve started to notice that your hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, and maybe your friends or family have told you as well. It may be time for a hearing screening–the best way to determine what may be causing your hearing loss. But, what if getting screened for a hearing loss makes you feel anxious? Here are 5 tips to take the stress out of your hearing screening:
Find the right hearing care professional. Professionals who provide hearing health care and sell hearing aids are generally called “hearing care professionals” or “hearing aid dispensers.” They may be either audiologists or hearing aid specialists. Get referrals from your health care provider.
Bring a buddy. Taking a family member, such as your spouse, or a close friend with you is helpful in more ways than one. It’s great to have someone you know with you for emotional and moral support, to help you remember information the provider may share, to help calm you down if you’re feeling anxious and for the familiar voice during your screening. Be prepared. Ask your hearing care professional what to expect at your hearing screening. It will help ease the anxiety you have about the experience.
Take the next step. If you have a hearing loss your hearing care professional can suggest hearing aids for you that are suitable for your kind of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your budget.
There’s no better time than now. Most adults haven’t had their hearing tested since grade school. Delaying may increase the feeling of stress about doing something, and it may also make it more difficult to treat your hearing loss if you in fact have one. If this sounds like you, make an appointment today. source:www.yourhearing.com
Waveny’s Adult Day Program “Happy Campers” PAGE 12
September, 2016
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
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Waveny LifeCare Network’s Adult Day Program participants recently set up camp at their favorite site – ‘Main Street’ at The Village. Participants enjoyed a camp-style singalong, discussed U.S. national parks, unwound with yoga by the campfire and even relaxed with some Lake Placid-inspired spa time. And, since no camping adventure would be complete without homemade s’mores, they made and enjoyed these ooey-gooey camp classics before heading home for the day. For more information on Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which offers flexible days and free local door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org.
Getting older and moments that matter Getting older can be enjoyable and relaxing. You may find yourself with more time to simply enjoy life. Whether it is a family celebration, a long awaited trip overseas or just dinner with friends, these are the moments that can truly matter to you. But getting older has its share of challenges, too. For instance, as you get older, even if you feel healthy, you are at greater risk for certain medical conditions. One condition you have a greater chance of developing as you get older is shingles, the common name for herpes zoster – a painful, red, blistering rash, that can last up to 30 days. Unfortunately, if you’ve ever had chickenpox – and 98 percent of U.S. adults have – you’re at risk for shingles, because the virus that causes chickenpox never leaves the body. As you age, your risk for shingles increases due to the normal age-related decline in the immune system that makes it easier for the shingles virus to break through the body’s defenses. “People with shingles have described the pain as stabbing, shooting, burning, throbbing and itchy,” says Dr. Adriana Perez, PhD, ANPBC, FAAN, assistant professor and Southwest
Borderlands scholar at Arizona State University and co-director at the Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence. “The first symptoms of shingles are often felt, but may not be seen, and may initially include itching, tingling or burning in a specific area on one side of the face or body. Soon after, a rash of blisters appear and sharp pain emerges on the same part of the skin where the initial symptoms were felt.” Shingles most commonly appears on a single side of the torso, but it can appear anywhere on the body – even the face. For most people, after the shingles rash heals, the pain and itch subside, and the blisters heal, but in some cases, even after the rash heals, there can be permanent scarring. The CDC estimates there are approximately 1 million cases of shingles each year and that one in three people will get shingles during their lifetime. In some cases, shingles can cause complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is long-term nerve pain that can last for months, even years after the blisters heal and the rash disappears.
“There’s no way to predict if or when someone will get shingles, or how severe the case could be, so speaking with a health care professional to understand your personal risk is important,” says Dr. Perez. When you’re not busy enjoying the moments that matter to you, you can learn more by talking with your doctor or pharmacist about shingles and by visiting ShinglesInfo.com.
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A new large study led by the University of Exeter and co-authored by the UConn Center on Aging shows that the longer our parents lived, the longer we are likely to live ourselves, and the more likely we are to stay healthy in our sixties and seventies. Plus, you are more likely to have much lower rates of a range of heart conditions and some cancers. The study found that our chances of survival increased by 17 percent for each decade that at least one parent lives beyond the age of 70 and for the first time showed that knowing the age at which your parents died could help predict your risk not only of heart disease, but many aspects of heart and circulatory health. The research, funded by the Medical Research Council and involving almost 190,000 participants in the UK Biobank, is the largest study of its kind. The study, published August 15 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), was led by the University of Exeter and involved an international team of academics from the University of Cambridge (UK), UConn Center on Aging at UConn Health, the French National Institute of Health, and the Indian Institute of Public Health. Dr Janice Atkins, a research fellow in the Epidemiology and Public Health group at the University of Exeter Medical School and lead author on the paper, said: “To our knowledge, this is the largest study to show that the longer your parents live, the more likely you are to remain healthy in your sixties and seventies. Asking about parents’ longevity could help us predict our likelihood of ageing well and developing conditions such as
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
If your parents live long lives you could too with a healthier heart
heart disease, in order to In addition, those with longer lived identify patients at higher parents also had reduced risk of cancer; or lower risk in time to 7 percent reduced likelihood of cancer treat them appropriately.” in the follow-up per longer-lived parent. “This study provides Although factors such as smoking, additional fuel to really high alcohol consumption, low physibolster research efforts by cal activity and obesity were important, us and others in Gerothe lifespan of our parents was still prescience, a field that seeks dictive of disease onset after accountto understand relationships ing for these risks. between the biology of The study built on previous findings aging and age-related dispublished by the University of Exeter eases,” said Dr. George Study co-author Dr. George Medical School researchers earlier this Kuchel, study co-author Kuchel is director of the year in the journal Aging, which estaband director of the UConn UConn Center on Aging lished a genetic link between parents’ (Photo: UConn Health) Center on Aging. longevity and heart disease risk. That Kuchel added: “Aging is the most important paper studied 75,000 participants in the UK risk factor for common chronic conditions such Biobank, and found that offspring of longer-lived as heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer, which parents were more likely to have protective variare likely to share pathways with aging and there- ants of genes liked to coronary artery disease, sysfore interventions designed to slow biological tolic blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol aging processes may also delay the onset of dis- and triglyceride levels, type 1 diabetes, inflammaease and disability, thus expanding years of tory bowel disease and Alzheimer's disease. healthy and independent lives for our seniors.” Professor David Melzer, who leads the research The researchers used data on the health of program, said: “It’s been unclear why some older 186,000 middle-aged offspring, aged 55 to 73 years, people develop heart conditions in their sixties followed over a period of up to eight years. The while others only develop these conditions much team found that those with longer lived parents had later in life or even avoid them completely. Our lower incidence of multiple circulatory conditions research tells us that, while avoiding the wellincluding heart disease, heart failure, stroke, high known risk factors such as smoking is very imblood pressure, high cholesterol levels and atrial fib- portant, there are also other factors inherited from rillation. For example, the risk of death from heart parents. As we understand these parental factors disease was 20 percent lower for each decade that better, we should be able to help more people to at least one parent lived beyond the age of 70 years. age well.”
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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Hebrew HealthCare co-hosts Radio Show
Hebrew HealthCare has accepted a featured radio spot with Bill Pearse on WTIC AM 1080. “Living Well CT” airs weekly, on Sunday at 6:50 am. Once a month, Hebrew HealthCare’s Pamela Atwood will invite guests to explore important health related information on aging, wellness and resources for caregiving families in our State. The WTIC Public Affairs Department produces “Face Connecticut” and “Living Well Connecticut,” shows featuring timely topics that are of concern to Connecticut residents. Guests represent local companies and organizations offering everything from farmers’ markets to children’s wellness tips. Atwood will focus on providing advice and tips for healthy aging. “We are grateful to WTIC AM 1080 and specifically Bill Pearse for continuing to recognize the value and importance of information on healthy aging and addressing issues around aging.
Hebrew HealthCare is excited to explore hot topics facing “Baby-Boomers” and our entire state; from transportation, to brain health, to hospitalization,” says Atwood, Director of Dementia Care Services at Hebrew HealthCare. “Successful aging is the goal for those of us who are getting older, and who have families coping with aging. Adaptation is the key. We believe people can adapt more easily when they have a forum to talk about issues and highlight the resources in our communities,” Atwood added. Hebrew HealthCare is a non-profit, non-sectarian healthcare provider featuring a comprehensive system of integrated and seamless in-patient; out-patient and community based geriatric services. For over 100 years our commitment to providing comprehensive care to the elderly in the Greater Hartford area is unparalleled and is the foundation on which our reputation for excellence is based.
Bridgeport Hospital September classes, screenings, services and support groups
Blood pressure screenings – Bridgeport Hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings at the following locations and times. For information, call 888-357-2396.
• Stratford Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad St., Monday, Sept. 12, 9:30 - 11:30 am • Fairfield Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Monday, Sept. 19, 9:30 - 11:30 am • Shelton Senior Center, 81 Wheeler St., Monday, Sept. 26, noon - 2 pm
Senior driving course – AARP’s Smart Driver course will be offered Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 am - 1 pm, in the first-floor Administration Conference Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant St. The fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. To register, call 888-357-2396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/events. Stroke support group – Tuesday, Sept. 6, 6 - 7 pm, Ahlbin Rehabilitation Center, 4 Corporate Drive, Shelton. For information, call 203-925-4201.
Day Kimball Healthcare Volunteer Services coordinator earns National Credential for Excellence in Volunteer Management
provided
Janet Johnson, Pastoral Care and Volunteer Services coordinator at Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH), has been awarded the Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services credential by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration. This national credential distinguishes an individual as being among the elite in the field of volunteer management in healthcare. Johnson has worked at DKH for 20 years, the last 12 as coordinator of pastoral care and volunteer services. In that role Johnson is responsible for managing all aspects of DKH’s Hospital, Hospice and Junior Volunteer programs as well as coordination of various other pastoral care services. DKH Chaplain Rev. Jonathan Scott, who has worked closely with Johnson for 15 years, said “I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to work with Janet. She is exceptionally competent, accomplishing multiple tasks each day with skill and grace. Janet is also an excellent listener and has a welcoming presence that permeates our office, creating a space of refreshment and renewal for volunteers, fellow employees and visitors.” Johnson, a native of Woodstock, CT who currently resides in Brooklyn, CT, echoed Rev. Scott’s sentiments, saying “It is very gratifying to have accomplished this goal. I am thankful each day for the people I get to work with” To earn the CAVS designation, an individual must satisfy eligibility requirements that incorporate a blend of work experience and education, agree to adhere to professional standards of conduct and pass the CAVS examination. Once earned, the certification is valid for three years. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at DKH, visit www.daykimball.org/volunteer.
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When a loved one has Alzheimer’s Disease
Could It Be Alzheimer's? It’s normal for people to become a bit forgetful as they age. So how can you tell a harmless "senior moment" from Alzheimer's disease? One in eight people 65 and older have this devastating form of dementia. In its first stages, Alzheimer’s may not be obvious to friends and family. But there are some early warning signs to watch for.
Memory and Speech In early Alzheimer’s, long-term memories usually remain intact while short-term memories become sketchy. Your loved one may forget conversations you had. She may repeat questions that were already answered. The disease also disrupts speech, so she might struggle to remember common words.
Behavior In addition to memory loss, Alzheimer’s can cause confusion and behavior changes. Your loved one may get lost in familiar places.
Mood swings and lapses in judgment are also common, as is poor hygiene. People who were once stylish may start wearing stained clothes and forget to wash their hair.
How Is It Diagnosed? There’s no simple test for Alzheimer’s, so the doctor will rely on you to describe the changes in your loved one. A mental status test, sometimes called a “mini-cog,” or other screening tests can measure his mental skills and short-term memory. Neurological exams and brain scans may be used to rule out other problems, like a stroke or tumor.
How Is It Treated? There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s and no way to slow the nerve damage it causes in the brain. But there are medications that appear to help maintain mental skills and slow the disease’s effects. If your loved one gets treatment early on, she may be able to stay independent and do her daily tasks for a longer period of time.
Home Health Care Many people want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. That’s not easy if they have trouble getting dressed or using the bathroom on their own. A home health aide can help with personal hygiene and other daily tasks. You can also check with your local Area Agency on Aging for information on services that deliver meals or provide transportation to the elderly.
Assisted-Living Facilities There may come a day when your loved one can no longer be cared for at home. If she doesn’t need 24-hour nursing care, an assisted-living facility may be good choice. They provide housing, meals, and activities, but are much less expensive than nursing homes. Look for one with an Alzheimer’s special care unit that can give 24-hour supervision and personal care to meet the needs of people with dementia.
source:www.webmd.com
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
September, 2016
PAGE 19
Financial Wellness Lunch & Learn PAGE 20
September, 2016
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Masonicare at Ashlar Village and Masonicare at Home are hosting a FREE Lunch and Learn session for adults over age 55 Thursday, Sept. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presented by Liberty Mutual, this Financial Wellness seminar will provide a greater insight into asset preservation that promotes different opportunities to maximize retirement income needs along with wealth distribution. Complimentary lunch will be provided. Kindly RSVP to 203-679-6425 by Sept. 26. The event will be held in the Pond Ridge Assisted Living building, North Entrance, 3rd floor Activity Room, 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford. Masonicare is not for profit and provides educational programs for adults and caregivers as a public service to the community.
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INDEPENDENT LIVING