Middlefield Post
h t l & a e H s s e n l l e W
Feb. 15, 2012
Genuine, Caring Jon Floriano MD and Marie Bergomi, CNP and their staff offer genuine, caring family medicine – for infants, children, adults, and seniors at their practice in Harrington Square, Middlefield. Call them at 440-632-1118.
Independent Senior Living What did you find most difficult about your decision to move from your home? “Well, giving up some of my furniture was hard. I gave most of it to my kids and put some in storage. Selling my house was a big decision but I’m happier than ever. That house was just getting too much to care for. Looking forward to my new life here made it all easier. My kids aren’t worried about me anymore, either.” What do you do all day now that you don’t have all those responsibilities? “I still drive, I have a car, but I can walk just about anywhere I want to go here in town. We’re always invited to go over to Briarcliff Manor for activities. I belong to the walking club and I love the craft classes offered there. I especially enjoy when the Geauga Park District comes in to lecture. My friends at Briarcliff Manor always invite me to go in the van on outings with them. I’m still very active in my church. And my housemate and I love to play cards! We really have a lot of fun!” What does it cost? “My rent is $1,290 per month. That’s much more reasonable than paying for everything under the sun when I lived in my own home! My rent here includes all of my meals, utilities, local phone service, cable TV, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. Ella, my usual housekeeper, is really nice. I even have garage space for my car. I just call and the staff at Briar Hill are here to help me.” To learn more about the security, peace of mind and affordability offered with the Senior Living homes on the campus of Briar Hill Health Care Residence in Middlefield, call Vicki Wilson, Director of Admissions, at 440-632-5241. Monthly leases are available.
The Apron and Dr. Feelgood By Ellie Behman When I was released from the hospital after an appendectomy a few years back, I went directly into the capable hands of my caring husband Ron, who I referred to as Dr. Feelgood. He saw to my every need, feeding, walking and making sure I took my medication. He took his new role seriously. I watched him out of the corner of my eye from the living room as he found his way around the kitchen quickly, dicing, slicing and cooking. In my weakened state all I could do was lie back and feel grateful for all the TLC. I chuckled when I realized that he was comfortable wearing an apron. Actually he was in his glory, as he was able to clean cupboards, change things around and complete jobs “his way” without my complaining. I was just too weak to protest and he knew it. That apron was beginning to take on more meaning. Each day I grew stronger and each day I saw him moving my “stuff” into a box to be stored away. I felt a little less in control. I needed to get better and fast. Dr. Feelgood was enjoying his new role way too much. Then came the day when the visiting nurse announced that she would have to teach Ron how to dress my incision as they would no longer be coming to do it. That was a day that I will hold in my memory for a very long time. Ron was instructed that everything had to be sterile and he respected that to the fullest. After he washed his hands, he walked into the room (arms upward) with a smirk on his face. I knew then that he was more nervous than he let on. He marched in, looked over the medical supplies and proceeded according to his instructions. Everything was laid out as perfectly as it would be in an operating room. Dr. Feelgood then put on his rubber gloves and lost it, convulsing into laughter. It seemed that he couldn’t get his fingers in correctly and ended up with two in one finger. That did it. The nurse (who was always most professional) began to chuckle and I laughed until the tears came. Ron stood there, red faced, with one empty rubber finger hanging loosely. I don’t know how we got through that afternoon, but I do know that laughing made it more tolerable. Dr. Feelgood not only saw to my physical needs, he also made sure my emotional needs were met. I will add, however, that if I am ever in this position again I just might tape all the cupboard doors together, especially if I see him reach for the apron. Then I’ll be sure he won’t be able to take over my kitchen one more time. After all, as the saying goes, “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”
Make Right Move the
For a growing number of people in their later years, independent living in a shared home is an affordable luxury in comparison to the escalating costs associated with maintaining a private home. Shared senior living offers companionship, affordable housing, security, mutual support and much more. Sharing a home has been known to enhance the health and well being of the resident while allowing the individual to remain independent in a safe environment. The cottage-style homes at Briar Hill Health Care Residence in Middlefield are designed for individuals looking for a retirement residence in a friendly village community. Each home is furnished, has a fully equipped kitchen, laundry area, dining room and living room. Each resident has a private bedroom and bathroom to decorate as they wish. Individualized social activities and outings are available and there are many opportunities to develop new friendships. Shopping and banking, as well as the post office and library, are within walking distance. The following conversation took place during a recent interview with a resident at one of the Cottages at Briar Hill. How did you make the decision to move to independent senior living? Do you live in a house? “I live in a house with another very nice lady. All of my work is done for me: the housework, the cooking, the grocery shopping, maintenance…I don’t have anything to worry about. I found it much too difficult and expensive to keep up with my big house and yard and my children are so far away and so busy. I just couldn’t ask them for help.”
A ffordable Independent Living tShared senior living offers security, companionship, mutual support. tCottage-style furnished homes with private bedroom and bath. tCarefree, luxurious and fun! Private tours are available at your convenience. Admissions / Administrative Office 440-632-5241 www.briarhillhealthcare.com
Briar Hill Health Care Residence
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Full service amenities with one low monthly fee starting at $800 per person includes: • meal service • housekeeping • maintenance • utilities • basic phone • cable service • landscaping • trash & snow removal
Middlefield Village
“Family Owned and Managed since 1965”