Optimum Life - Life in the Fast Lane

A B ROOKDALE 速 S ENIOR L IVING P UBLICATION

Vol. 2, Issue 1

Life in the Fast Lane page 7

SAVOR THE FLAVOR Of An Optimum Life

®

There’s a distinctive flavor to a life well lived.

And whether it’s the flavor of delicious meals freshly prepared daily by a professional chef, or a life that is rooted in wellness and health, vibrancy and comfort – an Optimum Life ® – it’s all a part of the great retirement lifestyle you’ll find here. It has a distinctive flavor to be savored and appreciated every day.

And it all comes to you with plenty to do and without worries or maintenance. All you have to do is enjoy it.

For more information, or to schedule your personal tour, call the Brookdale community nearest you.

www.brookdaleliving.com ® Reg. U.S. Pat. and TM Off.

FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to a new issue of Optimum Life® magazine!

This year holds the anticipation of great experiences, the challenge of great changes and the promise of exceptional opportunities to live a fulfilled and purposeful life. Now more than ever, the best way to optimize life is to focus on the positive aspects of challenges, changes and opportunities because each of these will encourage positive thinking and inspire you to take actions which promote wellness.

In this issue we present a strong focus on residents who have had dreams fulfilled in our Experiences of a Lifetime program. Our cover story relates the fulfillment of Eve Stovall’s dream when she took the ride of a lifetime in a yellow Corvette to the Texas State Capitol in Austin.

Alfred Bouey, the grandson of slaves, had his moment when we sent him to Washington, D.C. to witness firsthand the inauguration of President Barack Obama. With tears in his eyes, he witnessed the triumph of the American spirit in this landmark year.

Yet another resident, Frank Rosenstein, himself a former pilot, enjoyed a unique view of the emotional dimension as he soared upward in a wheelchair accessible hot air balloon.

Watch for our next edition, where we will highlight two additional experiences, a trip to D.C. to the WWII Memorial, and a trip to the Chicago Symphony to hear a world-renowned conductor and requiem.

A great complement to Experiences of a Lifetime is our traditional Celebrations program which invites residents to Dream.

Dare. Discover. From the Search for El Dorado, the mythical city of gold, to the Quest for Camelot and a Trek through the Arctics; Brookdale residents across the country will once again have opportunities to explore all the dimensions of wellness as they individually pursue their Optimum Life®.

That is our commitment to our residents, associates and stakeholders, to encourage all to live optimally. Our contribution is to enrich the lives of those we serve. We hope the stories in this issue will lift your spirits, raise your hopes and inspire you to enjoy a fulfilled and purposeful life.

P.S. If you have a unique story to tell, or if you would like to see an article on a particular topic, please send your ideas to me at sterry@brookdaleliving.com

CONTENTS 1

OBAMA INAUGURATION

3

FINDING JOY IN THE BLUES

5

UP, UP AND AWAY

7

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

9

PURRFECT, PURPOSEFUL PALS

11

RESIDENTS, ASSOCIATES SHINE

13

MEMORIES IN THE MAKING

15

RESIDENTS RISE

17

OLYMPICS HEAD WEST

20

PURPOSEFUL DIMENSION

21

TAKING STRIDES

22

C.H.O.I.C.E. DINING

23

GLAMOURGALS

24

SUDOKU

Optimum Life® is a publication of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. Optimum Life® is available free of charge to the residents, associates and friends of Brookdale Senior Living communities. Subjects in feature articles are actual residents or associates of Brookdale communities across the country, or Brookdale home offices in Chicago, Milwaukee and Nashville. Inquiries about content or suggestions for future articles should be directed to the Lifestyle or Life Enrichment associate at any Brookdale Senior Living community.

For Grandson of Slaves,

WITNESSING OBAMA INAUGURATION was an Optimum Life Moment ®

“I felt born again,” said Alfred Bouey, resident of was seeing President Obama taking the oath. “I felt Holley Court Terrace, a Brookdale Senior Living pure joy,” he said. “Tears were flowing all around independent and assisted living community in Oak me, and down my cheeks as well.”

Upon returning home, Bouey Park, Ill., when describing his joked, “I feel like a star.” He said experience of watching the he received a standing ovation Inauguration of President from the members of his church, Obama. and everyone at Holley Court The grandson of slaves, Bouey Terrace has come to visit him. In said, “I never dreamed this day addition, he has performed many would ever happen in American interviews with the media. history. I have witnessed not only Brookdale’s Optimum Life® my greatest wish, but also the dream of my parents.” concept is geared toward Bouey won this opportunity cultivating whole-person through Brookdale’s Experiences wellness through fulfillment in of a Lifetime program. Residents six key dimensions: physical, at selected Brookdale Senior emotional, purposeful, social, “I never dreamt Living communities nationwide spiritual, and intellectual. The I would be having one were given the opportunity to company’s Experiences of a share and submit their wishes as Lifetime program provides a of the most exciting part of a program called helping hand in making some of Experiences of a Lifetime. They the dreams of its residents come experiences of my life filled out a survey form true. at 84 years old.” explaining an experience they Bouey said all the dimensions would like to have fulfilled, and of Optimum Life® impacted his how that related to one or more dimensions of the trip. Physically, he “felt he could run” like he did company’s Optimum Life® concept. when he was a boy. “During the trip, I caught myself For Bouey, the most memorable part of the trip getting up from my wheelchair and taking a step, 1 / OPTIMUM LIFE - VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

then suddenly remembering that I shouldn’t be walking like that,” said Bouey.

Before leaving for the trip, Bouey visited his doctors. “Every doctor he went to after learning about his trip told him he was doing better then previous visits. His blood pressure was better, along with his his eyesight, and even his hearing,” said Denise Woods, Bouey’s niece who accompanied him on the trip. “He looks and acts 20 years younger now.”

Intellectually, Bouey quickly learned he had the courage to speak to many people – strangers included – even with a TV camera on him.

Socially, Bouey couldn’t believe all the people he met, from both near and far. “I met people from all

over the world,” said Bouey. “It seemed as if there were no strangers here. Everyone came together in love for a common cause.”

This trip impacted Bouey the most spiritually and purposefully. The trip enhanced his faith, and gave him motivation to speak to others about his experience and the endless possibilities life has in store.

Bouey said this trip has given him a new lease on life and opened countless opportunities. “I thought when you get old you get sent out to pasture like a horse,” said Bouey. “I never dreamt I would be having one of the most exciting experiences of my life at 84 years old.”

Pictured with Alfred Bouey (front) from left to right are Martina Bouey (daughter), Denise Woods (niece), and Sandra Davenport (niece).

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 2

Finding Joy In The

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Berkshire of Castleton in Indiana has enjoyed a recent string of success with several activities tied to tapping into residents’ emotions and intellect while composing poetry.

Amy Robinson-Guerrero, former Director of Lifestyle Programs, began these programs, and they continue, and are continually enhanced to increase appeal and complement the current Celebrations theme.

For Celebrations 2008 the musical theme late in the year was The Blues. So, Robinson-Guerrero came up with a song lyrics contest based on ‘the blues.’ For the activity, residents were asked to dig deep into their hearts and memories to come up with a time they felt ‘the blues’ in their lives perhaps when they had their hearts broken for the first time.

Then, each resident read or sang his/her lyrics, and participants and onlookers alike had very emotional responses, including tears and spontaneous applause.

The participants took this challenging activity and turned it into a bonding experience among their peers. They gracefully shared their stories, and how they overcame their troubles.

A resident panel voted for the best song. The winner was Virginia Arnold. Originally from Vincennes, Ind., Arnold enjoys sewing, music, basketball and reading. Coincidentally, Arnold worked for Columbia Records until she retired. A resident since late 2007, her sister-in-law lives at the community as well. Arnold says she loves her friends at Berkshire, and that she is very happy there.

With this activity, all the dimensions of Optimum Life® were touched. At the end, the room was full of laughter, and a feeling of accomplishment and purpose.

inner: rnold, w A ia in g ed by Vir Submitt

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BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 4

Resident Has

Uplifting Experience Frank Rosenstein, a resident of Westbury Care Center in Lisle, Ill., soared to new heights while taking a ride of a lifetime on “Serena’s Song,” the nation’s first wheelchair accessible hot air balloon.

“If you could have seen the look on his face when I told him about the balloon ride...well, it was something I will never forget,” said Rosemarie Thomas, Director of Lifestyles at Westbury Care Center.

During the early morning hours Rosenstein ascended into the sky at the Eyes to the Skies Festival in Lisle Community Park.

To his surprise, his daughter met everyone at the

5 / OPTIMUM LIFE - VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

balloon site launch, and she joined him on his flight.

“Sharing this experience with my family only added to this very special day,” said Rosenstein.

Rosenstein flew a private jet for Swift Foods before retiring, and often took the family for flights on weekends.

“I truly love flying,” said Rosenstein.

“We had such a wonderful time. Frank’s obvious enjoyment was heartwarming,” said Thomas. “We were honored and thankful to be able to help one of our residents achieve their dreams and live an Optimum Life.”

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 6

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Life in the Fast Lane Resident Zooms Through an “Experience of a Lifetime”

The day may have dawned overcast, but the sun was shining in Eve Stovall’s heart and face. Stovall, a resident of Heritage of Gaines Ranch in Austin, took a ride of a lifetime as the “leader of the pack” in a yellow Corvette convertible. Driven by a member of the Longhorn Corvette Club, Stovall cruised from Heritage of Gaines Ranch down MoPac Expressway to the Texas State Capitol in Austin and back again – fulfilling her wish for an “experience of a lifetime.”

“Never in my dreams did I ever think I could win a ‘wish’ contest,” said Stovall.

Brookdale collected residents’ dreams and will provide a helping hand in making some come true.

Stovall’s experience was the first experience the company fulfilled.

Her wish was: “I wish, today, just to ride down MoPac in a yellow Corvette convertible.”

On the day of her experience, Stovall rode in the official pace car of the 1986 Indy 500, a yellow Corvette.

“Move over, Britney Spears,” Stovall exclaimed as she got into the car.

She returned from her ride and attended a reception in her honor at the community.

Upon her return, Stovall said, “I've done a 180 at 80 [her age] riding in a yellow Corvette.”

During the reception Stovall was also presented with a Mayoral Proclamation that declared that day, “Eve Stovall’s Experience of a Lifetime.” In addition, The Longhorn Corvette Club declared Stovall an honorary member of the Corvette Club.

“This day is the happiest day of my life, fulfilling my wish to have one more ride in my dream car, a yellow Corvette,” said Stovall. “The love of a yellow Corvette knows no age.”

In her winning essay, Stovall tells how she has been a dreamer all her life. She played a game of watching cars, and pretended to own a certain dream car.

One of her favorite cars was a ‘lil red Chevy Corvette, which her husband called a ‘menopause fling.’ “It helped with the hot flashes and depression symptoms,” said Stovall. “I drove it for 15 years.”

Now, Stovall says, “I would recycle menopause to own a Corvette again.”

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 8

PURRFECT, PURPOSEFUL PALS “This is a project the residents and I truly love,” began LeAnna West, Life Enrichment Coordinator for Clare Bridge® at Silver Lake, an Alzheimer’s/dementia care community in Everett, Wash.

“Being a Clare Bridge community, I am always seeking out new ways to enrich the lives of our residents,” said West. “I had read and became interested in articles about how animals provide emotional therapy and social interaction for seniors.”

Therefore, West began to coordinate a new project for the community - fostering kittens. West got more information from a local business, Purrfect Pals. Founded on the belief that every cat matters,

9 / OPTIMUM LIFE - VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

Purrfect Pals provides a no-kill sanctuary, foster and hospice care for homeless cats.

Purrfect Pals was in need of foster homes to house kittens and litters. West believed this would be a wonderful opportunity for residents, and agreed to foster the kittens in the community until they became the age to where they could be adopted, usually about 12-14 weeks.

“I felt strongly that the kittens would provide a sense of familiarity since many of our residents raised kittens with their own children,” said West. “Also, I knew the kittens would provide emotional comfort.”

The concept of pet therapy has been explored frequently. Pets provide many benefits which add to or enhance quality of life.

“Pets are known to decrease blood pressure, provide companionship, stimulate conversation, and even encourage exercise in sedentary individuals,” said Lesley Adkison, APRN, BC and author of the article Pet Therapy is Good Medicine on South Belknap II. “For our residents with dementia, the value of pets goes even further - they allow an instant connection with the present and may trigger memories from the past.” “[Pet visits] offer what the Alzheimer's Association calls a “failure-free activity.” The term refers to an activity that can be adapted to suit the needs of those with memory loss. It's an activity that encourages decisionmaking and participation in the environment,” said Adkison. “In the case of pet therapy, patients may choose to simply look at an animal, stroke its fur, or engage in a conversation about pets they've had in the past.”

Taking care of the kittens is an activity in which all residents can participate, regardless of their ability and cognitive level.

“The response from the residents has been overwhelming,” said West. “I've found taking care of all of our animals has proven to be a meaningful, purposeful life skill for our residents. Just this one simple program can be classified in almost all of the dimensions of Optimum Life®.”

For example, West has residents who do not thrive in large group settings. Waldo, the community’s house cat, and the other kittens are good conversation starters.

Residents will sit around petting him, and will open up and start talking about the pets they used to have - a meaningful activity that encompasses both the social and emotional dimension.

Besides the kittens, the community has other animals the residents help take care of and enjoy. The community has a 14-year-old Russian Tortoise named Tilly, two parakeets (Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum), 15 or so freshwater fish, and Waldo.

“Though I feel like a zookeeper some days, the smiles on the faces of the residents makes it all worthwhile,” said West.

From left to right: Joyce Smith, Evelyn Fisher and Lavern Pendleton of Clare Bridge at Silver Lake.

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 10

Residents, Associates shine through adversity in senior and retirement living, Brookdale Senior From the beginning of July through the end of Living’s purchasing power and access to manpower October tropical depressions sweep across the and resources meant a distinctive advantage for Atlantic, strengthen into tropical storms, then into residents during “Ike.” hurricanes that take aim at U.S. coastal states. In • Determinations were made as to which the spring, as cold and warm air meet, tornadoes communities needed to be evacuated before the dot the country from Texas to the Dakotas and storm – and where those residents would be taken. eastward to Pennsylvania.

The evacuations proceeded in textbook fashion; For those living in senior communities these those who chose not to go with their families were intense storms are always a concern. But, it is sheltered at other Brookdale communities. precisely during such times that the underlying and • Food, water, supplies and logistical needs were sometimes overlooked values of living in a received at all communities Brookdale Senior Living “Our sincere appreciation for the in the storm’s path. community become clear.

• Generators were pre“Brookdale Senior Living professional manner in which you positioned and ready to be is committed to delivering handled ‘Ike.’ You gave us peace set up as soon as the need to its residents the of mind and confidence in a very for emergency power arose. opportunity to live an anxious situation. Well done!”

• Caregivers and associates Optimum Life,” said Eddie -Flo and Maurice Berkmanfrom other Brookdale Fenoglio, Division Vice Residents of The Hampton at Post Oak Houston, TX communities and from the President for Texas. “By company’s home offices effectively managing the volunteered to remain with the residents as resources and assets before and after Hurricane Ike, evacuations proceeded. the company essentially provided an environment • A communications program with a toll-free for its residents to do just that, despite the weather.”

Hurricane Hotline phone number was available, Before Hurricane Ike began lashing the Texas along with a link on the company Web site. Both coastline, Brookdale’s hurricane management team were updated frequently, enabling families to obtain went into full, active mode. As the industry leader information or pass important messages to their loved ones 24/7.

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As the storm intensified and swept across Houston, there were tense moments as power was lost, and water had to be boiled before it could be used. Staff worked overtime to care for the residents, and damage from the storm sometimes required immediate repair.

But the comprehensive communications, influx of logistical support, and continuing care provided a sense of calm and security to all residents.

By Tuesday evening, just 48 hours after Hurricane Ike had visited its worst upon the city, all Brookdale communities had begun the process of cleaning up.

The residents at one community even had a posthurricane party on Tuesday evening to bid “good riddance” to the particularly destructive storm.

“Older adults are at an advantage in that they have lived through past stressful events and can draw on

the experience of having survived those to cope with the current situation,” noted Kevin O’Neil, M.D., Brookdale’s Medical Director, Optimum Life.® “At Brookdale, the Optimum Life culture provides tools and resources that anyone can use to navigate through challenges.”

After leaving Texas, Hurricane Ike wasn’t finished. Its destructive winds and rains caused power outages to 10 communities in the DaytonCincinnati area of Ohio, and, in a more severe incident, caused flooding of the Westbury Care Center in Lisle, Ill. There, skilled nursing and rehabilitation residents had to be evacuated on short notice to several other facilities capable of providing proper care. There, too, the staff worked diligently to move, visit with and care for their residents.

Continued on page 25

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 12

Memories in Memories in the Making is a program developed This event has been in the “making” for more than 10 years. At that time, Evelyn Brown, Sales and to help enhance the memory and skills of those Marketing Director for Parkplace in Denver, met diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other related with the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. dementias. Throughout the Denver area, many During the meeting, they discussed the Alzheimer’s groups met in local communities with a volunteer, trained by the Alzheimer’s Association’s program, Association and the Memories Memories in the Making.

Memories in the Making is in the Making staff, who led Parkplace offered to be a host a program developed to help them through an art program. site for the Memories in the enhance the memory and Parkplace became involved Making Tea held by the skills of those diagnosed by hosting a welcoming event Association in conjunction with Alzheimer’s. where the residents from with the annual Art Auction.

“That meeting was the beginning of a wonderful these different communities, their families and staff relationship that has allowed Memories in the could come and enjoy viewing the handmade art, Making to grow into one of Denver’s premier events, attending a social event and sharing memories.

“Back then, this event started out very small, and and one the Alzheimer’s Association’s favorite was only an afternoon tea,” said Brown. “However, events,” said Brown. during the years it has changed and become grander than I ever would have imagined.”

Now, more than 50 communities participate in creating Memories in the Making painting projects weekly throughout the year.

During January, Life Enrichment Coordinators and Activity Directors chose their favorite paintings by residents. All of the paintings chosen, approximately 2,600, have also submitted to the Association to be juried by volunteer artists. From those pieces, about 70 items are chosen to be in the auction held in June.

The week before the Art Auction is held, the selected framed and matted pieces of art are displayed on presentation boards in the Parkplace auditorium. This event is for the artists, their 13 / OPTIMUM LIFE - VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

the Making

On the day of the event, Parkplace even brings in a valet service to help the large number of residents and buses from communities. The valet staff assists every resident off the bus, helps keep them with their group, and parks all of the vehicles.

Each artist whose piece has been selected is given a boutonniere and artist ribbon signifying he/she is showing a piece of art at the Tea. Attendees join an outdoor brunch and head to the auditorium to view the beautiful art and paintings.

“To watch the resident who is amazed that he or she did the watercolor, as well as the family member who had no idea their loved one could even paint or Continued on page 25

families, communities and the media. Each piece of art painted by the residents has an accompanying biography and story next to it. Some of the pieces of art are also accompanied by a beautiful “pairing piece” designed by a professional artist.

A theme piece is selected and highlighted for every piece. This past year the theme was a bowl of cherries. The residents and staff at Parkplace always try to make the whole garden area and auditorium fit the theme. The staff also use the theme in their clothing choices.

“Most importantly, we make sure the decorations are bright and beautiful, and the garden looks festive and welcoming for our guests,” said Brown.

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 14

RESIDENTS RISE On a typical day a variety of visitors head to the Florida, RISE is a collaborative project of The Institute Bahia Oaks Lodge in Sarasota, Fla. During a recent day for Optimal Aging, Senior Friendship Centers, and Cornell University to examine effective retiree in October, four visitors of the feathered volunteer recruitment, engagement and variety dropped by for Bahia Oaks Lodge retention. residents Diane Gossett and Dave Shea. As a According to the Bureau of Labor result of the visit, these feathered friends Statistics, volunteers are a major source of plan on moving to Bahia Oaks Lodge labor in the United States. Many nonprofit next year. Thanks to Gossett and organizations wouldn’t be able to provide Shea’s efforts, they’ll feel right at home services without willing, unpaid workers living in the Bahia Oaks Lodge’s with a broad range of skills. Unfortunately, backyard, and all the residents will it can be a challenge to find and retain enjoy watching their little ones grow up enough volunteers. The Institute wanted to and leave the nest. learn what nonprofit organizations could do to Gossett and Shea are Retirees in Service help volunteers feel rewarded and valued to the Environment (RISE) volunteers. RISE enough to continue sharing one of is a project that ties into the research their most valuable resources – their topics highlighted during the Institute for Optimal Aging’s Concept Age Percent who volunteer* time.

Through a series of field Map project, featured in a 65-69 .................................................... 26.3% ® trips and seminars, RISE previous Optimum Life 70-74 .................................................... 25.0% provides volunteers training Magazine article. The 75-79 .................................................... 22.9% in environmental issues and Concept Map includes two 80 or older............................................

16.1% enables them to use their items that Brookdale Senior Living residents and associates listed as important for new and existing skills to benefit local nonprofit and government agencies, their environment and their optimal aging: community. The pilot project participants also share • Helping seniors use their talents and knowledge.

• How a sense of meaning and purpose through information about their volunteer experience with engagement in socially productive activities researchers from Cornell University. At the end of the pilot study, Cornell will be able to offer insights to help contributes to quality of life and longevity.

In addition, these two items address several key both volunteers and nonprofits to get more from their dimensions of wellness for Optimum Life®: purposeful, interactions.

Bahia Oaks Lodge hosted one of the RISE field trip intellectual, and social.

RISE is a volunteer internship program. Funded by seminars, “Bills and Feet - Where We Live and What The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice in We Eat.” Two experts made presentations about wildlife 15 / OPTIMUM LIFE -

VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

to the Dimensions of Wellness conservation, birds and habitat. Dr. David Sadkin, a featured speaker, and Dr. Casey Garrett, RISE Program Coordinator, admit that the four birds perched at the front of the room throughout Dr. Sadkin’s talk were the real stars for the day.

Dr. Garrett said that the Screech Owl, Barred Owl, Kestrel (a falcon) and Great Horned Owl “were at the Lodge so they could be viewed up close, allowing the volunteers to learn about their behavior, habitat and feeding requirements.” Before Dr. Garrett started her presentation, everyone at Bahia Oaks Lodge was invited to interact with the birds and have their picture taken with one.

Each RISE volunteer is responsible for creating and coordinating an environmental project. Gossett and

Shea are focusing on their backyard - the land at Bahia Oaks Lodge. The RISE participants will learn about local native plants at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, including food and cover for wildlife. At Oscar Scherer State Park they’ll hear about managing wooded areas by providing the appropriate water, plants, food and cover for a variety of wildlife species.

Gossett and Shea will combine their new habitat awareness with the skills of the Sarasota Women's Garden Club to design a National Wildlife Federation Butterfly Garden. Gossett has already contacted the area Reserve Officers Training Core to help with the clearing and rearranging that will make Bahia Oaks Lodge the perfect neighborhood for bird, lizard, and toad families.

Continued on page 26

From left to right: David Shea (Bahia Oaks resident & RISE volunteer); Kevin O'Neil, M.D.; Ed Straight (Director, Wildlife, Inc.); a Great Horned Owl; David Sadkin, Ph.D. (Volunteer Director, Education Services, Wildlife, Inc.); Diane Gossett (Bahia Oaks resident & RISE volunteer).

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 16

The Olympics Head West; Optimum Life® Earns Medals While the Summer Olympics were in Beijing, China, residents from communities throughout Washington State were invited to compete in a day of Olympicinspired events.

“We were comfortable planning events for independent living and assisted living residents, but our biggest challenge was to implement events that would benefit our Clare Bridge residents,” said Roxie Crawford, Sales and Marketing Manager for Brookdale Senior Living.

Crawford sat down with LeAnna West, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Clare Bridge at Silver Lake in Everett, Wash., and, together, they came up with events that embodied the company’s mission statement of enriching the lives of all residents.

“We wanted to enrich the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity, but we also decided to adopt the Clare Bridge philosophy of providing daily moments of success for all of our residents,” said Crawford. “Therefore, we combined

Foundation House Team - Jo Keiser, Executive Director; Isabelle Burton; Alma Kamcheff; Mat Caldwell; Paul Raack; Beulah Meiser (front); Debbie Combs, Director of Resident Services (back); Al Gehrke; Virginia Bennett; Lyn Coring, Director of Lifestyle Programs.

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both goals and tailored all the events toward our senior specific audiences. By doing so, we also encompassed key dimensions of Optimum Life.”

All events were simple, repetitive tasks, and tailored for independent, assisted living and Alzheimer’s and dementia care residents.

Event descriptions: • Spoon and Egg Race: Teammates traveled with a boiled egg balanced on a spoon through a course.

When an egg fell, the team started all over again.

The first team that successfully completed the course won.

• Balloon Dart Challenge: Darts were tossed at a board full of balloons, which had small pieces of paper inside them. Popped balloons

revealed the paper with a score on it. The team with the most points won.

• WiiTM Hula Hoop: Participants used the WiiTM platform to simulate a live hula hoop. The team that scored the most points won.

• Ring Toss: Rings were tossed toward a center mark. Teams scored the most points by coming closest to the target area.

• Beanbag Toss: Beanbags were tossed toward a center mark. Teams scored

Clare Bridge at Silver Lake Team: Patricia Leedy, Peggy Doph, and Marian Martin.

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 18

the most points by coming closest to the target area.

The first annual Brookdale Games were held in late August at Wynwood of Bellevue. Several Washington communities participated, including Clare Bridge at Silver Lake, Wynwood of Bellevue, and Foundation House in Federal Way. The event spanned half a day, and started with team introductions and a luncheon provided by Clare Bridge at Silver Lake. Outside events were planned, but weather conditions forced contestants to move everything inside.

“The residents had a wonderful time, and each contestant took home a ribbon,” said Crawford. “We felt that every person deserved to be recognized for helping

us achieve success. Even those who chose not to participate in the events received ribbons for cheering on their teams.”

Teams created shirts and brought noisemakers for cheering.

Three trophies were awarded for: • Best Team Spirit: Wynwood of Bellevue • Best Team Uniform: Clare Bridge at Silver Lake • First Place Trophy for the team with the most points accumulated for all events: Foundation House The first place trophy is a traveling trophy that will be Continued on page 26

Wynwood of Bellevue Team; Back row, from left to right: Beth Turnbull, Margo O'Leary, and Anneke Roskam. Seated in front is Louise Sadler.

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PURPOSEFUL DIMENSION COMES ALIVE IN A

World-Class Center for Virology Research John Flanagan, a resident of Kenwood of Lake View in Chicago, and also an investment analyst with a 40-year career on LaSalle Street, recently exercised the purposeful dimension and gave a significant contribution to the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Flanagan has a long history of giving to Northwestern University. An alumnus of the Kellogg School of Management, Flanagan made a $2.5 million gift to fund the laboratory after learning from Robert Murphy, M.D., professor of infectious diseases, of the medical school’s initiative to build a high-level virology laboratory. Recalling his commitment, Flanagan remembered that Dr. Murphy called him from Rio de Janeiro personally to say “thank you.”

During the summer of 2008, the Division of Infectious Diseases hosted the dedication of the John R. Flanagan Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory. The largest high containment virology laboratory of its kind in Chicago, the space provides a new center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of

Dr. Thomas Stinchcomb, Miriam Humble and Margaret Neafsey, residents at Kenwood, and John Flanagan (standing).

Medicine for researchers to examine bacteria and viruses that threaten severe to fatal disease in humans with no existing treatment options, such as SARS, West Nile virus, and tuberculosis.

“Mr. Flanagan is an extraordinary philanthropist and person,” said Joanna Riester, Assistant Director of Donor Relations for Northwestern University.

“Although he is very modest about his charitable contributions, he has made a tremendous gift to advance virology research in Chicago.”

“If the lab finds cures or new treatments for various infectious diseases such as AIDS, I will feel immense pride for being a part of it,” said Flanagan.

The Flanagan BSL3 Laboratory is a critical partner to the Drucker Family Foundation Laboratory for Virology Research, a floor-wide space for four principal investigators and a total of approximately 80 research personnel. Describing the laboratory as unique and vital to the success of the research effort, Flanagan acknowledged the importance of immunology research in emerging global health. Continued on page 27

John Flanagan (second from left) at the ribbon cutting with Dr. Robert Murphy, Dr. Steven Wolinsky, and Dr. J. Larry Jameson, Dean of the Feinberg School of Medicine.

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 20

Taking Strides IN THE PHYSICAL DIMENSION Ty Sturdevant, President of the Residents’ Association Council of Freedom Plaza Sun City Center, a Brookdale Senior Living Continuing Care Retirement Community in Florida, has become an accomplished senior games athlete during the past 10 years.

In 1998 at the age of 70 during a family reunion in Wisconsin, Ty Sturdevant won a race against eight of his grandchildren, ages five to 14.

After returning to Florida, Sturdevant learned about the upcoming Senior Games of Tampa Bay, and decided to enter two track events.

“I reasoned that if I, at the age of 70, could beat my grandchildren, I should be able to compete with men of my age category,” said Sturdevant.

He tried it and won gold medals in the 50- and 100yard dashes. Afterward, a friend urged Sturdevant to compete in the various regional Senior Games to qualify for state championships.

“I followed his advice, and also changed my diet and started taking vitamins and mineral supplements,” said Sturdevant. “As a result, I dropped 20 pounds and started to run at every chance, and even took up inline skating to supplement my six days of golf and three days of tennis.”

The most dramatic result, however, was that Sturdevant started competing in regional track events.

In 2005, he qualified for the national Senior Games held in Pittsburgh, Penn., and competed against the nation’s best.

21 / OPTIMUM LIFE - VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

Two years later, in 2007, Sturdevant added swimming to his competition. He won a gold medal in freestyle at the Tampa Bay Senior Games which qualified him to enter any swimming event at the State Senior Games.

Sturdevant decided to try the butterfly stroke, and, in his first competition, won the state championship for his age bracket.

In 2008, at age 80, during the Polk County games, he won gold medals in the 200-meter dash and the butterfly stroke 50-yard swim, setting a new meet record.

So far, he has won more than 100 medals and, at the Tampa Bay Senior Games this year, Sturdevant added even more medals to his collection, including three more golds.

“Freedom Plaza feels blessed to have Ty as a resident,” said Stephanie O’Fallon, Executive Assistant at Freedom Plaza. “He is a winner, both on and off the track.”

Active all his life, Sturdevant admits he had not been as successful physically until his retirement years.

“Ty always has a smile on his face, and a good word to share. He is one of the most active individuals on the face of the Earth, let alone Freedom Plaza. Whether it is playing tennis, golf, swimming, or just skipping around the atrium, he is a bundle of energy and joy,” said Pete Budzinski, Executive Director of Freedom Plaza Sun City Center. “I hope that when I turn 50, I have as much energy as Ty has now.”

PHYSICAL

Brookdale C.H.O.I.C.E. Dining Experiences Brookdale dining associates share a passion for good food and a desire to provide exceptional service. This is evident in the dining services C.H.O.I.C.E. program.

“The C.H.O.I.C.E. program represents Brookdale’s tradition of preparing exceptional meals using only the finest and freshest ingredients while delivering the uncompromised levels of hospitality in our dining rooms every day,” said Joska J.W. Hajdu, Senior Vice President of Dining Services for Brookdale Senior Living.

The following principles guide Dining Services in delivering an exceptional dining experience to residents and guests.

Creativity, innovation and flavor are emphasized in regional and seasonal menus. In addition, new recipes are added weekly.

Hospitality that is genuine and anticipates a residents’ every need.

Optimum Life® Cuisine menu items are offered as heart healthy, nutritious entrées that comply with American Heart Association guidelines.

Individual menu requests are accommodated, and new items and resident favorites are encouraged.

Recipes are added to menus promptly.

Culinary programs include using fresh quality ingredients, baking in-house and creative plate garnishing, and are designed to deliver the highest quality meals.

Educating associates at The Culinary Arts Institute at Brookdale is part of Brookdale’s commitment to training and continued education, which enhances the unique products and services provided to residents.

“Brookdale continues its commitment to deliver exceptional food and service to its residents, every meal, every day,” said Hajdu. “Through exceptional food, menu choices, and service, our residents are sure to enjoy an optimum dining experience each and every day.”

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 22

I N T E R G E N E R AT I O N A L S P A D AY S : An

Ahhhptimum Life Experience

Foot baths filled with warm water, rose petals, peppermint tea leaves, cloves, and lavender. A foot soak while receiving a hand massage.

Nibbling on decadent truffles and drinking bubbly champagne while getting a foot massage. A day at the Canyon Ranch Day Spa? No, these spa-goers never had to leave their community – the spa experience was inspired by GlamourGals.

A nonprofit organization, GlamourGals brings together two generations by training teenage volunteers to perform makeovers and spa days at senior living residences. Its mission is to dedicate itself to fostering intergenerational relationships that create compassionate teen leaders. “Smiles that Span Generations,” is its tagline.

“As one of the nation’s leading providers of senior living communities, our mission is to ‘enrich the lives of these we serve’,” said Sara Terry, Vice President of Optimum Life® for Brookdale. “By teaming up with GlamourGals and bringing their unique, intergenerational programs to our communities, we are both achieving this mission.”

“GlamourGals volunteers are a shining example of Optimum Life. They embody the key dimensions of living an Optimum Life,” said Terry. “Their involvement and dedication demonstrates a purposeful vision, social skills are sharpened at each event, and their spirit is uplifted by the seniors they interact with.”

Continued on page 27 23 / OPTIMUM LIFE - VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

Above photo. Pictured in the center is Rachel Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of GlamourGals.

Sudoku While living an Optimum Life®, keeping your mind sharp is just as important as exercising your body. The intellectual dimension can be enhanced through many fun options, such as playing word games, solving puzzles, and learning a new language.

For many, numbers are intriguing. Sudoku, a mind puzzle featuring digits, was developed by a 74 year old retired architect, Howard Garns, in 1979.

Known as a Japanese mind game, the game became popular in the United States recently and is featured in several major newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Boston Globe.

Test your ability with the puzzle below, rated “medium” in level of difficulty. The object of the game is to insert the numbers 1 through 9 in the boxes below so each row, column and box use each number only once.

1

5 9

6 7

5 8

7

6

3 9

4

6

7

1

2 1

3 2

9

1 8

2 4

8

5

7 2

Sudoku solution on page 27

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 24

Congratulations!

Sincere thanks to all Brookdale® associates, residents and families company-wide for raising $486,407 to fight Alzheimer’s disease during the 2008 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. It was our biggest ever fund-raising effort, well exceeding our goal of $400,000! You make a difference every day.

Our People Make the DifferenceSM ® Reg. U.S. Pat. and TM Off. Our People Make the Difference is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA.

Continued from page 12

Residents, Associates Shine As a nursing community, Westbury Care Center’s residents are in a state of health that is more fragile than those in independent or assisted living, and moving them in the midst of a storm required total focus and dedication on the part of the associates there.

“The full scope of the Westbury associates’ commitment was evidenced by the many hours they spent visiting and caring for the residents who were relocated to several different medical facilities for two weeks until the Westbury Care Center could be reoccupied,” said Jennifer Gamache, Regional Vice President of Brookdale Senior Living. “More than 25 / OPTIMUM LIFE - VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

dedication to the job, it was a true testimony to the dedication of our people.”

Three times before Hurricane Ike struck in 2008 Brookdale was challenged by Mother Nature. Each time, the company and its associates responded in the same professional, efficient and caring manner: • In February a tornado struck the company’s Jackson Oaks community in Jackson, Tenn., inflicting severe damage upon the building. But, no residents were injured, thanks to the quick actions of the community’s associates.

• In August, a very slow moving Tropical Storm Fay flooded many areas of Florida and states along the East Coast and caused damage to Brookdale communities.

• Later in August, Hurricane Gustav forced the evacuation of a Brookdale community in Mandeville, La. Again, two other Brookdale communities accommodated the displaced residents – including 20 residents receiving specialized care for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – until the storm had passed.

“While Optimum Life is an initiative that is individually driven, the residents’ ability to pursue that goal is very much dependent upon the company providing an environment conducive to that,” said O’Neil. “The company’s resources and its associates’ dedication to caring for the residents enable and encourage the pursuit of an Optimum Life – in any kind of weather or other challenges. That’s what makes living in Brookdale communities special.” ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office.

Continued from page 14

Making Memories that they could possibly relate to memories in their past history is very touching,” said Peg Garvin, Lifestyles Director for Parkplace. “One of the artists was staring at her painting and her son was shedding tears because he could no longer communicate with her, but she was able to draw a beautiful piece of art,

which to him was her last communication. It was very emotional and heartfelt.”

“A story that sticks with me is when a family member flew in from Connecticut for the event. When she saw her mother’s painting of an owl, she said, ‘When I look at the eyes of the owl I am seeing into my mother’s soul.’ An anonymous donor bought the piece, and presented it back to the resident’s family,” said Joanne Fisher, Memories in the Making State Event Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Stories like this happen all the time, thanks to the magic of Memories in the Making.”

Several Brookdale communities participate in the Memories in the Making program, and it has become a friendly competition between all resident artists to have their art chosen. The Tea has grown to become a popular, much-anticipated event for residents and visitors alike.

This past year, the event raised $240,000 in Denver and $444,000 across the state.

“From the moment the Alzheimer’s residents and their loved ones get off the community buses to the time they leave, everyone present celebrates from their heart,” said Garvin. “It is a true Optimum Life event.”

respects their individuality.”

“Everyone should have a chance to do this,” said Gossett. “Dr. Garrett has made this a great program; she’s fantastic and RISE is terrific.”

Gossett’s excitement is contagious, and she jokes that people in the dining room might be getting tired of hearing about RISE adventures. But, how many people get to stare a blowfish in the face as a marine biologist holds it?

However other residents may feel about Gossett’s tales, following completion of the Wildlife Habitat, Bahia Oaks Lodge residents have assured Gossett and Shea that they’ll help with cleaning and filling the feeders and bird baths and with daily monitoring of wildlife. Residents already made a contribution by collecting paper towels and dish detergent that Dr. Sadkin’s Education and Rehabilitation Center will use to help rehabilitate injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife.

Gossett and Shea are eager for the project to begin, and can’t wait to start welcoming guests – either of the feathered, scaled, furry or two-legged variety. *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Continued from page 19 Continued from page 16

Residents RISE Gossett and Shea’s project team will assist with creating the wildlife-friendly landscaping, bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths, benches, etc. for all the Bahia Oaks Lodge residents to enjoy. The community associates worked energetically to prepare for the RISE seminar, and they will continue to facilitate the grounds and logistical aspects of this wildlife-friendly endeavor.

“Imagine touring Sarasota Bay on the Mote Marine boat and learning about the aqua culture that is a mere half a mile from Bahia Oaks Lodge,” said Debbe Hibler, a Bahia Oaks Lodge associate. “RISE truly gives participants the opportunity for happiness and growth, in an environment that embraces their interests and

Olympics Head West passed from community to community, year after year.

In addition, Foundation House voted on its Most Valuable Player. Alma Kamcheff, resident of Foundation House, won the honors.

“I am so glad I came,” said Kamcheff. “I had a fantastic time, and feel very proud and accomplished to have participated and won an award.”

When the residents of Foundation House came home with their first place trophy, they walked through the door singing ‘We Will Rock You,’ and ‘We Are the Champions.’

“Residents were so excited by their winnings, and they couldn’t wait to tell everyone about the events,” said Lyn Coring, Director of Lifestyles for Foundation BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 26

House. “All the residents are so proud, and their winnings are displayed prominently in the community.”

“Some residents are so proud and excited, they are still wearing their ribbons days after the event,” said Coring. “In fact, our residents are already practicing for next year and recruiting their friends to join them.”

“The Brookdale Games were a fun way for all of us to get together as one big Brookdale family and show support for the region,” said Crawford.

Continued from page 20

Purposeful Dimension Flanagan also recently made another sizable donation to the Rush University Medical School, Epilepsy Research Foundation, in Chicago.

“It is an honor to know Mr. Flanagan,” said Joyce Boin, Executive Director of Kenwood at Lake View. “His contributions to both Feinberg and Rush are true examples of leading an Optimum Life, and will make a lasting difference in the lives of many people in the future.”

Continued from page 23

GlamourGals GlamourGals makeovers have started in Brookdale Senior Living communities. For example, the volunteers have been out to Ocean House in Santa Monica, Calif. a few times.

“The heart of the GlamourGals program lies in the conversation and meaningful embrace that is exchanged during a makeover,” said Rachel Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of GlamourGals. “At our most recent visit to Ocean House we pampered the ladies there, trading jokes and smiles as we refreshed their faces with cleansing facials, massaged their hands with moisturizer and spent time sharing with them how beautiful they are. There is something so colorful and magical about a GlamourGals makeover.”

During a makeover experience, GlamourGals 27 / OPTIMUM LIFE - VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

volunteers meet and chat with older women and provide them with complimentary facials and makeovers, followed by a mini photo shoot. The room fills with color, conversation, and camaraderie.

“The first time we set up the makeovers, we expected about four residents to attend,” said Carole Crook, Lifestyles Program Director at Ocean House. “We had an overwhelming turnout of more than five times our expected attendance!”

“The ladies who attended loved it. There was even one gentleman present,” said Crook. “I kept hearing, ‘This is so relaxing,’ and ‘I've never had this done before.’”

Ocean House’s first makeover session developed into a “Spa Day” activity described at the beginning of this story.

Crook and a volunteer set up all the spa stations.

“Talk about a hit. Everyone really loved being pampered,” said Crook. “As women, we all - regardless of age - tend to take care of everyone else and neglect ourselves. This was an opportunity for these beautiful ladies to relax, socialize, interact with the younger generation, and truly be pampered.”

“It is really wonderful to have the lovely young women of GlamourGals here to talk one-on-one with the residents and offer such a great service,” said Crook. “I believe the residents enjoy the socialization and conversation as much as the actual makeover.”

Solution for Sudoku on page 24

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ACROS S 1. To fo rd a rive r from o 2. The in n 3. The p dustry leader in e side to the oth art of th er Senior L e 4. Live _ iv _____ to body that contr ing 5. The s ols ever the full ta ything y 6. We w te of being the est ou think ork to m best som , say and ake a __ ething c do. an possib _______ DOWN __. ly be 7. To pr e 8. Posse pare by practice ssive pe rs 9. The fi nal year onal pronoun of high school

A 4. Life 5.

Optimu nswers: 1. Cro m 6.

Li ving 7. Tr ss 2. Brookdale 3. ain 8. Yo ur 9. Sen Brain ior

It’s the one part of your body that controls all others - the command center that makes everything work. It holds your intellect, your memory, your senses - and your ability to reason. It’s your brain; and as with any other part of you body, it must be exercised and conditioned to keep working properly.

Join Dr. Kevin O’Neil, a renowned gerontologist, and other experts on brain fitness for an important symposium on how to keep your brain healthy. You will learn to live a holistic lifestyle that emphasizes brain health for an Optimum Life®.

ATTEND A CROSS TRAIN YOUR BRAIN SYMPOSIUM, COMING TO YOUR AREA: Dallas/Fort Worth, TX - Wednesday, April 22, 2009 Jacksonville, FL - Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Los Angeles, CA - Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Chicago, IL - Tuesday, June 23, 2009 Kansas City, KS - Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Raleigh, NC - Date To Be Determined

www.brookdaleliving.com