2024 RJ Golden Years

While its often viewed as a sweet emblem of love, it bears a much more significant role in reality. One of the most important, if not the most important, organ in the body is our heart. For example, those over the age of 65 can be more at risk for heart disease or a heart attack.

HEART CHANGES WITH AGE

According to the National Institute on Aging, age impacts the functionality of the heart in several ways:

• Your heart can’t beat as fast during physical activity

• Heart disease can be caused by a build up of fatty deposits in the arteries

• A stiffness or hardening of the arteries, called arteriosclerosis, can lead to high blood pressure

• Age can also cause arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat

SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE

The NIA reports several signs that mean you should check in with your physician, including:

• Pain or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or back

morethan anemoji:

HEART HEALTH IS IMPERATIVE FOR AN OVERALL LIFE WELL LIVED

By Susan Shultz

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Lightheadedness

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Nausea

HOW TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE

The Center for Disease Control suggests lifestyle and behavioral changes can lessen your risk of heart disease.

Eating healthy – Eating foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats and cholesterol can help keep your heart healthy. The CDC suggests eating many fresh fruits and vegetables and trying to avoid processed foods. The CDC also recommends avoiding excessive salt and sugar.

Keep a healthy weight – Along with eating healthy, the CDC recommends keeping a healthy weight Those who are overweight or obese put more strain on their heart and blood vessels.

Exercise – To achieve and contribute to the above, you should get regular exercise If you have medical issues,

talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. The Surgeon General suggests two and half hours of brisk physical activity, like walking or bicycling if healthy enough. Seniors who exercise daily also have an increased life span and improved mental health, studies have shown.

Minimize unhealthy habits – The CDC recommends minimizing alcohol use and urges all not to smoke. Smoking greatly increases your risk of heart disease.

Take control of your health

– The CDC suggests keeping on top of whatever long-term illnesses you may have, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and more This is critical to keeping your heart healthy.

AWARENESS

While CDC recognizes February as American Heart Month, and has an education page on its website, every month is a good chance to learn.

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/ for more information

Statementsmadearenotmeanttooffermedicaladvice nordiagnoseanycondition.

iStockPhoto

By Susan Shultz

As we and our loved ones age, discussions come up to adapt our day-to-day lives to changing needs and wants. This could include where we live Changes to where we or our loved ones choose to live can be based on a variety of factors:

• Children grow older and leave an empty nest, so a costly larger home may no longer be necessary.

• With retirement possibly on the horizon, the cost of maintaining a larger home and property may no longer be financially desirable or feasible.

• Physical impairments may also make living in a larger home with a larger property difficult, be it lawn maintenance, snow removal, or scaling stairways.

• The desire to move closer to children and grandchildren.

• Health issues may make living alone riskier.

OPTIONS

There are several options for those choosing to relocate at a later age. For those who are in good health and seeking a lower maintenance lifestyle, Connecticut has

some of the best-rated senior living communities.

An additional benefit of these communities is they are often equipped with memory centers and assisted living on site, as well as rehab services. This means that should your independent living status change, there is no need to completely relocate

These places are also good options for those who need more assistance on a daily basis. Services can include meal delivery, daily health checks, laundry and turn down service, help with bathing, and more. Another positive with senior living communities is the camaraderie with others, many social and educational programs, on-site exercise and sometimes pools, and more.

They are often equipped with skilled chefs who create healthy and varied food items. Some also offer on-site shops, transport to local destinations, community gardens, tennis, putting ranges, and more Another option for those looking to downsize and move closer to family is to move in with that family, but perhaps both parties wish to

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maintain theirprivacy andpersonal space. Asolutiontothatdilemma is a“granny pod,”oranaccessory dwelling unit (ADU).

CT LAW

As of Jan. 1, 2022,Connecticut legislatorspassedHouse Bill 6107, an actconcerningthe Zoning Enabling Act, accessoryapartments, training forcertain land useofficials, municipalaffordable housingplans,and acommission on Connecticut’sdevelopment and future.

Accordingtoanannouncement from HouseDemocrats at thetime, this bill wasconsidereda“needed step in increasing affordablehousing so that people such as students, retirees,empty-nesters,and town workerscan affordtoliveinour district.”

Thelaw made it permissiblefor housingsuchasgarageapartments, in-law suites,or“granny pods”to be constructedand leased to family

or othertenants in residentialand single-familyareas,providedthey areappropriate to thescale and architecture of thetown.

Thebillincludedthe option for municipalities to “opt out” of the zoning requirementifthey filed before Jan. 1, 2023.

In ordertoopt out, themunicipality hadtoholda public hearing andadequatelyserve public notice, andthe optout hadtobeapproved by two-thirds of themunicipality’s governingbody.

Accordingtoareportfromthe CT Mirror,115 townsopted out while54 didnot.However,approximately67percent of townsalready have policies regardingADUsthat satisfythe statelaw.Sometowns that optedout decidedtoaddress theconcept within theirown zoning framework. Read more at ctmirror. org.

ONETOWN’SEXAMPLE

In Darien,apublichearing is up-

coming forthe town’s ownproposed ADUregulations.The proposed regulationsnotethatthe town’s definition of an accessorydwelling unit differsfromthe state’sdue to theopt out. Read more at Darienct gov.

Darien definesanADU as “a separate apartmentorfamilyliving spacethat(A) is locatedonthe same lotasaprincipal dwelling unit;and (B)has an indoor cooking facility(ies)—including butnot limitedto: stove, oven,range,cook top, microwaveoven, hotplate, burner,grill,etc.).”

Forthose living on oneacreor more,the homeownercan applyfor azoningpermitand building permit withoutareviewbythe Planning & Zoning Commission.Ifthe property is less than an acre,a site plan must be submittedand reviewed by P&Z priortothose permitsbeing sought.

Other requirements includethat thedetachedbuildingshouldbeless

than 1,000squarefeet, should not have aresidentthere forlessthan 90 days (i.e.atransient), adequate parkingmustbepresent,the owner must reside in theprincipal home, andmore.

WHERETOSTART

Some builders andproviders of “grannypods,”suchasBrady-Bilt, requirethe abovepermitprocesses to be completedand asiteplan readybeforetheytakeonthe job.

Wheretobegin really dependson howmuchinput youoryourloved onewants to have in the finalstyle Many tiny home designerswill allowyou to customizeyour fitto your needs. Others canliterally ship youthe completedhometoinstall in thelocationyou desire

Tiny homescan rangefromtens of thousandstohundredsofthousandsofdollars dependingonyour choices. Some companiesare also adding sustainableand energy-efficientqualities to thesehomes.If

mobility isn’tanissue,manyuse loftstosave floorspace

Oneofthe many companiesthat hasbegun to deliver“granny pods” is Boxabl,which wasfounded by aGreenwich native to help with theneedfor affordablehousing Etsy also offersmanyprefabricated homes, as does Home Depot. You canalsopurchaseadesignplanand take it to your localbuilder

TheGoodTrade,anindependent lifestylemedia brand, hadits team do research on thehighest quality tiny home builders andproviders

Thebenefits of an ADUcan be many.Theycan be used as astudio, aquiet placefor kids to studyand do homework,helpyouryoung adultjuststartingout in their career,and more.But thebenefits of having your lovedonesclose,for both parties, maybethe best one. Formoreinformation on ADUs, visitdesegregatect.org/adu

the sandwichgeneration

MANY ADULTS FIND THEMSELVES TAPPED OUT CARING FOR BOTH PARENTS AND KIDS

MBy Susan Shultz

egan says goodbye to her young children, 5 and 3, who are inconsolable that mommy is leaving overnight.

Amy says goodbye to her teenage son, making sure he has enough to eat in the fridge, and thinks of her oldest away at college.

Susan says goodbye to her two high schoolers, ensuring they have rides home from after-school activities and that there’s a baked ziti ready to bake for dinner

All of them are heading to New York City to see their mom, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and recovering from hip surgery. The facility she’s in isn’t top notch, so the women have made it a priority to visit and check on her as much as possible.

These three live the definition of the “Sandwich Generation” – adults, mostly women, who find themselves caring for both their parents and children of various ages at the same time, while rarely finding time to take care of themselves.

WHAT IS THE ‘SANDWICH GENERATION?

According to the American Psychological Association, the age span of the Sandwich Generation can run from ages 35 to 54, while some others begin it at age 40 The APA suggests that mothers often put others’ needs before their

own, andurgethose feelingthe stress of this agetotakecareof themselves as well.

In March, TheWashington Post reported that theSandwich Generation is only gettingmore burdened,citingboththe longer lifespansofadultsand thechallenges of today’seconomy.Often,the middlegenerationistakingcareofboth theirparents andtheir youngadult children even longer

TheAmericanAssociation of RetiredPersons also notesthatthose findingthemselvesinthis“sandwich”can be varied as to whothey arecaringfor.Somemay even have an agingparentand grandparent, or ayoung adultchild with special needs. Readmorehere:washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/03/22/ caregivers-sandwich-generation.

THESTATS

TheNationalLibrary of Medicine offered some statistics on theSandwich Generation in November 2022

“According

Of adultchild caregivers of parents, nearly25percent (or2 5million) also caredfor aminor child. More Sandwich Generation caregivers (23.5percent)reported financialdifficultiesthannon-sandwich caregivers (12.2percent), and 44.1 percentofsandwichcaregivers reported having more emotional stress than 32.2 percentofnon-sandwich caregivers.

Thestatreport’sconclusionsaid that thosesandwichedbetween dependents provided similarlyintense caregivingthanthose withoutthe same living scenario.Itwas also concludedthatSandwichGeneration caregivers reported more caregiv-

ing-related financialand emotional stress andcaregivingoverload. Read moreathttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/36427297/.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

TheAARPofferssomerecommendations to alleviatethe physical andemotional burdensofdouble-sided caregiving: Avoidtheslowcreepofresponsibilities: It happensbeforeone realizes it.You help outanailingparentand then little by little youtakemoreon. Andoften,the more youare theone to call themoreitisassumed you will take care of it.

Providecarebyneedandnot‘fairness:’ Moms in particular feel this

challenge, beingcompelled to spend equaltimeand energy with their parent or grandparentaswiththeir spouse or children.There areonlyso many hoursinthe day.

Learntodelegate: Setappropriate expectations andlearn to askfor help from otherfamilymembers or communityresources.There are many communityresources designatedfor seniors, especially if the caregiverdoesn’t live nearby Readmoreataarp.com/caregiving.

OTHERQUICK TIPS:

Keepupwithwellnessappointments: Do notpostponemedical, dental,orother kindsofregular wellness checks and/or vaccinations to care forothers. There’sareason flight attendants tell youtoput on your oxygen mask first–you can’t help anyone if youare sick.

Takeapersonalday: Whether you’re afull-time employee or just afull-time caregiver, mentally and

physically,takeaday to yourself once in awhile.Reada book,sleep, getapedicure, go to themovies, or just take awalk. Shut your brainoff.

Talkitout: Whetherit’syour spouse,afriend, atherapist,orarelative, talk aboutyourstresses. Even if there’snoimmediate solution,it helpstoatleast getitoff your chest.

Askforhelponbothsides: Askfor help with ridesfor thekids, askyour neighbor to pick up some itemsfrom thegrocery store, or askyourspouse to fill thecar with gasbeforeyou have to make atrip. Enlist atrusted neighbor as your ally foryouraging parent to checkonthemoccasionally.Don’t be afraid to askfor help.

Cutyourselfsomeslack: No oneis perfect, andnoone is asuperhero Tell yourself youare doingthe best youcan,and that’s allyou cando.

Formoretipsandbattlingthe burdensoftheSandwichGeneration visitMentalHealthFirstAid.org.

TheMagnificent MarbridgeRetirement Community

~

Atradition of quality care andcontinuous ownership since 1971- Magnificently recreated for 2023 ~

Marbridgeispleased to announce thecompletionand openingofour magnificentcommunity.Wehavetaken our 41 yearsofexperience to anew level. Marbridgehas been aproud part of theCheshirecommunity since 1971 and nowwelookforward to bringing thebestcareand services to your lovedones.

Ourclient’sneedsare takencareofbylongstanding personnel whoare on thepremisestwenty-fourhours aday.

Ourclients enjoybeautiful accommodations surrounded by their ownfurnishings if they choose or Marbridge willfullyfurnish thespace.Wehavesourced bespoke furniture,locally manufactured, that sets an elegant and refinedtone.

Marbridge livingisall aboutlifestyle

MarbridgeLuxuryRetirementCenteroffersindependent livingfor seniors whowanttoenjoy awarmand secure homewiththe benefits of both privatelivingand communalservices andactivities.

At Marbridge, youwill find residents relaxingand entertainingfamilyand friends in ourtastefully decorated lounges.

Families areencouragedtoparticipate in theMarbridge community with unrestrictedvisitinghours,guestdining programsand specialevents. Ourresidents trulymake Marbridgetheir “home.”

Marbridgeoffers24-hoursupervisedcarewithmeals, activities andcaremanagementfor residents who requireit.

Some of thebasic services offered include

-Five-starChefPreparedCuisine

-Daily Housekeeping andLaundry Services

-Exerciseand TherapyPrograms

-SocialProgramsand Activities

-24-hourStaffing andsecurity

-On-siteMDhouse call services for both medical andbehavioralneeds

Staycation -our respitecareprogram!

Respitecarecan rangefroma fewdaystoaslongasyou want.Our staff here at Marbridgeisready to step in with thesamecompassionate care andconcernfor your loved one’sneeds so youcan getawayfor anyreason. Whetheryou need to go away fora plannedor unplannedtrip, alongweekend or extendedtime away,our respitecareservices allowyou to relaxand enjoy, knowingyourfamilymemberiswellcared forin your absence. Andifyourloved onewants to consider Marbridgetheir permanenthome- we canarrange that too

-24-hoursupervisedcareor independentaccommodations.

-AdvancedReservationsAvailable

SimpleApplication Process

Varietyofliving accommodationsare available

Oversizedstudios, onebedroomapartments, andsome sharedaccommodations if desired

-Mini-kitchenettesavailable

-Oversized accessible ensuite bathroomswithwalk-in/roll in showers

-Emergency call forassistancesystem

-Individualtemperature controls

-Nightly turndown serviceasdesired

-Daily housekeeping andlaundry

-Fully furnishedaccommodationsavailable

-Complimentary services also include -Wi-fi access

-Cox Cablewithexpandedchannel line-up -Directdialtelephone

Most importantly, ourqualified personnelare on the premises24hours aday,seven days aweektomeet your needs.

Life at Marbridge.

Thewarm, caring Marbridgestaff provides personalized, exemplaryservice to ourresidents. Residents also enjoy thesecurityofknowing that we valuetheir privacy andcareabout their well-being. Families have thecomfort of knowingtheir lovedones’ care andneedsare beingmet by qual fied personnel.

Best Assisted Living Community

Residents canstart their dayby enjoying afreshly-brewedcup of coffee in ourbeautiful dining room,experience restaurant–qualitydining, arousinggame of cardsled by ourspirited

activities team,orthe solitude andcomfort of relaxation in their ownpersonallivingspaces. Afull anddiversified activities andentertainmentprogram accommodates thevariedneedsand interestsof ourresidents. At Marbridgeclients always have somethingtodo.

Ouramenities include:

-Luxuriouslounges throughout thecenter, gas fireplaces

-Magnificent dining salon

-Exerciseand activities center

-Beautyspa with hair andnailservices

-Movie theater

-Private family dining

-Outdoorwalking paths

-Gated gardens

-Emergency generator systemtofully powerthe complex

-Fullysprinklered throughout theentirestructure

-Callfor assistance stationsinall accommodations

-Full security system

Marbridge

Contactusnow at (203) 272-2902

andlets us show youall we canprovide

Oldworld elegance–new worldcharm!

www.Marbridgeweb.com

Fcanefu:SENIOR SELF-DEFENSE TECHNIQUE IS GROWING IN POPULARITY

By Susan Shultz

or those relying on canes for mobility, it is likely they already feel vulnerable without the added safety risk But some martial arts and self-defense experts as well as cane makers have flipped the view of a cane upside down, from a liability into a light saber.

Well, maybe not a light saber, unless you are a Jedi, but the use of a cane and especially those outfitted with special features can be invaluable when it comes to self-defense

The American Cane System credits Grandmaster Mark Shuey for the creation of “Cane Fu,” along with Cane Do and Cane Chi. There are several levels that can be achieved, but the basic moves include striking an attacker in the knee, shin, or elbow, and then poking them in the stomach.

The website says further levels involve increasing core body strength and moves to thwart an attacker wielding a weapon The American Cane System also reports that seniors say they feel safer and more confident after learning these techniques Readmore athttps://theamericancanesystem.com/what-is-cane-fu/.

WHERE TO LEARN

In Connecticut, the American Martial Arts Institute of New Hartford has been featured in various news programs for its American Eagle Cane Style program. The

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company says this program teaches a traditional martial art style for people of all ages, which uses a walking cane as a tool for personal safety and self-development.

This style offers eight colored belt levels and a degree of black belts, and reports that the use of a cane for personal development has historically been practiced throughout the world.

There are even virtual programs to practice at home. The American Cane System offers both live and recorded classes in a variety of cane-based self-defense, as well as yoga and meditative options. They suggest consulting with a physician before starting the program.

Formoreinformation,visit theamericancanesystem.com.

Cane Self Defense University, founded by Joe Robaina, also offers a virtual program. The site credits Robaina as a pioneer of the cane arts and culture. The university

has offered classes for nearly three decades, and has an international following.

Among other offerings, the university offers the “C.O.B.R.A. Cane Self Defense 10-Week Academy. ” This program was modeled after the global C.O.B.R.A. self-defense law enforcement program, according to the website. They also offer specific training for defense against strikes and kicks, holds and grabs, and more.

Formoreinformation,visit https://caneselfdefenseuniversity. com

SELF-DEFENSE CANES

In addition to many other cane options, including custom and monogrammed, CaneMasters.com offers a “tactical protector walking and self-defense cane.”

These canes include a tactical street horn, grips, and shark teeth on the bottom, and are beneficial not just for seniors, but also active

hikers who may feel safer with extra protection

Etsy also offers a tactical defense cane complete with an air horn.

MARTIAL ARTS

Even without the cane, the Institute on Aging recommends the martial arts as a beneficial way for those of us over 50 to stay in shape. Key benefits for those who are aging is that martial arts exercises not only the body but the mind

The IOA recommends the following forms of martial arts for seniors:

TaiChi– A gentler activity that cultivates mindful awareness.

Jiu-Jitsu– Offers a high-intensity aerobic workout and improves hip mobility

High-impact martial arts are not recommended for older adults, as they pose a higher risk of injury at any age.

For more about the IOA’s guide

to martial arts for seniors, visit Martial Arts: An Unexpectedly Great Activity for Seniors - Institute on Aging (ioaging.org).

In general, a regular form of exercise for older adults is encouraged, so whether you incorporate the use of a cane or not, trying martial arts is helpful for the mind and body, and unhelpful to a would-be attacker

THELAW FIRM OF MAHON, QUINN &MAHON IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE…

•ElderLaw Issues

• TheProbating of Estates

• ThePreparation Of Wills, Powers Of AttorneyAnd Living Wills/Medical Direc

end-of-life doulas

OFFER SUPPORT AND COMPASSION WHEN NEEDED MOST

By Susan Shultz

The term “doula” is most commonly associated with someone emotionally and spiritually supporting a woman on the verge of becoming a mother While in labor, a doula can provide encouragement and advocacy for someone at a joyful, terrifying, and life-changing crossroad. Some are even trained in meditative or spiritually healing arts The experience can be physically and mentally exhausting and exhilarating – a celebration of new life born into this world. But in the past few years, another type of

doula has risen to fill a need – because if the start of life calls for a need for support, it only makes sense that the end of life would benefit, as well

END-OF-LIFE DOULAS

While end-of-life doulas can be medical professionals, medical knowledge is not part of the job. According to Boston University’s School of Public Health, more than 90 percent of doulas are women. Most don’t do the work as a full-time job, and there are also many options to volunteer.

TOTALCAREPLANNING forseniors combines legal representation,asset protection and care coordination andadvocacyintoa single solutionthatanswers allofthe tough questionsabout your lovedone’s long term care, NOW andinthe future

It is theultimateprotectionfor eldersand their families. It is acustomizedplan

your lovedone’s care during along-termcareillness or incapacity.Itdescribes how your lovedone’s medical, housing, legal andcareneedswill be metuntil the endoflifewithout placingunnecessary burdensonrelatives.

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National Geographic recently reported the demand for end-of-life doulas greatly increased after the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many to face the stark reality of their own mortality. The publication reported that the National Endof-Life Doula Alliance had 260 members in the U.S in 2019, but membership has since quadrupled to nearly 1,600 as of the beginning of this year.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

End-of-life doulas can be a supplement to hospice care, which patients enter when life expectancy is estimated as six months or less But they can also engage as early as when a terminal diagnosis is received These doulas can also provide support to the families both before and after losing their loved one.

The International End-ofLife Doula Association reports the following as part of a doula’s services: speaking frankly about dying, exploring the dying person’s legacy, talking about end-of-life care planning, guiding the family in the best ways to physically interact, assisting and relieving caregivers, and explaining the signs and symptoms of the dying process to loved ones, among others.

Doulas can also provide spiritual and emotional support, and assist families through the initial stages of grief.

‘IT’S AN HONOR’

Connecticut resident Sue Broudy was comforting a man with a debilitating illness along with his wife and son. While she said she knew the man was ready to let go, he was struggling to do so.

Broudy said both the man’s wife and son had told him they would be okay, and that it was okay for him to move on.

“That is important for the process, ” she said.

When Broudy saw photos on the wall of the man’s service in Vietnam, she recalled an image of her late father in his military uniform –saluting It was then she realized, as a veteran, the man needed to be “officially” dismissed from service to

“let go.”

Broudy advised the wife to let her husband know he was relieved of duty, which she did. Later that evening, the man passed away Broudy herself lost her father in 2011; he died alone in a senior living center “very quickly,” she said.

“I sort of felt from that moment on there was an opportunity here,” she added.

In 2015, Broudy began training with Henry Fersko-Weiss, a social worker and Buddhist who founded the International End-of-Life Doula Association. Weiss founded the association to create a uniform training as a result of the thousands of previous clients he’d guided through their passing.

“He wanted to set a certain bar of expectation and have people behave a certain way, ” she said Broudy noted that serving others in this capacity is “definitely a calling.”

Broudy’s training couldn’t have come at a better time, as her mother, at that point in her 90s, was failing in health and was moved into a cottage on Broudy and her husband’s property.

“I had a lot more tools up my sleeve. She was transferred to a hospice facility the day before Thanksgiving, and she died on Thanksgiving It changed my life again. Being her caregiver really made me launch into this work,” she said.

Broudy noted that she and her former partner, who has since moved on, had worked in dozens of hospitals, hospices, private homes, and even prison facilities. At prisons, she trains inmates to be present and support those with life sentences who will die behind bars

Broudy also trains future doulas and provides them her extensive experience. She said her work in prisons has reinforced the importance of everyday life, and to reserve predisposed judgement.

“I have so many beautiful and bizarre stories from this work – it is not to be believed,” she said.

One urgent piece of advice Broudy

has is to make sure all of us prepare for the inevitable.

“We will all get there eventually, all of us. I got so many emergency calls that someone’s parent or grandparent was close to death. I ended up comforting the survivors. It is important to realize that this could happen,” Broudy said

And that isn’t for only the dying. By preparing oneself, the relatives can peacefully visualize the love they hold for the person moving on, which brings all peace.

Broudy also noted that it is helpful to be physically organized and plan ahead.

Broudy is not actively working as an end-of-life doula with her partner gone, but once again her life’s circumstances are dictating her path Her husband, who recently retired, has begun training as a doula and will be joining Broudy as her new partner once he completes his hours. She expects to begin working again in the late summer or early fall, but in the meantime, she can be reached for advice or to asks questions via

her website at suebroudy.com/end-oflife-doula.

HOW TO BECOME AN ENDOF-LIFE DOULA

According to the National Endof-Life Doula Alliance, there is no universally recognized authority from the local to federal level that offers accreditation for end-oflife doulas However, given the sensitivity of the job, being an effective doula means seeking some training for the careful work that lies ahead.

The alliance offers a variety of training programs that will assure future clients that their doulas have been vetted for knowledge and training.

NEDA has created an end-of-life doula scope of practice, code of ethics, and core competencies to help guide end-of-life doula trainers, end-of-life doulas, and families alike, according to the website. A proficiency badge from NEDA signifies that these core competencies have been met.

The International End-of-Life

Doula Association offers an intensive training session over a three-day period for approximately $700

Topics covered include models of care, deep active listening, ritual and ceremonies, vigil planning, and more. The mission of the nonprofit is to foster end-of-life doulas in hospices, hospitals, communities, and directly to people in transition through the service of private practice

The association provides other support programs and an introduction to those who might be considering this path The University of New England also offers an eightweek training program to earn an end-of-life doula certificate.

While considering being an end-of-life doula is not for everyone, Broudy has never once regretted her decision. For her, she invokes the true meaning of “doula” – to serve.

“Life is so precious. Regardless of what they or their family feel, this is a life that has been lived, decisions that have been made for that life, and made it meaningful. I am honoring their soul,” she said

Tseniors

By Susan Shultz

hough this most recent New England winter wasn’t overly severe, generally thoughts are lighter and more optimistic with the herald of spring.

Birds generally use this time for “nesting,” which quite literally means preparing a proper home for them to lay and hatch their eggs The nest is also a protective place for them to raise their young.

We humans are not immune to this spring practice, as moms-to-be often enter their own nesting phase, either with spring’s arrival or close to their due date They find the instinct to clean and declutter increasing

Butthe springtimeinstinctto renewand revive ourhomespacesis notlimited to thoseexpecting new arrivals.For most of us,decluttering andcleaninghas apositiveimpact both physically andmentally. For seniors, it canbeanevenmore importantpractice.

BENEFITS FORTHOSE OVER 50

Dependingonage,there arevariedbenefits to spring cleaning

Safety: Formoreactiveseniors, spring cleaning is agreat wayto mentally andphysicallytakeinventory of what we have versus what we need.It’sagoodtimetomake sure we have emergencysupplies like lightbulbs andbatteries.It is also agoodway to declutterspaces wherewemay notrealize wireshave degraded,orpapersand flammable material mightbea fire hazard.

Forolder seniors, it’s agoodtime forfamilymembers to chip in forthe cleanupascluttered hallways and walk ways couldleadtoafall. Also, if cleaning andlaundry begintopile up,itisevenhardertocatch up for someonewithmobilityissues.

Organization: Spring cleanupis agoodopportunity to go through importantpapersfor yourself or your property,and make sure they’re filedawayfor easy access if needed Documentslikewills,birth certificates, social security cards, mortgage records, home deeds, cartitles, bank accounts,medical records, andmore canget lost in clutter.

Mentalbenefits: Thereisa psychologicalimpactfromhaving one’shomeclean,decluttered,and organized. According to ClosetAmerica,amaker of custom closets, a clutteredhomeimpacts ourpsyche in avariety of ways:

•Itdistracts us.The weight of worrying aboutcleaningupoverstresses ourbrain

•Itmakes it hard to relax. Knowingthatweneedtocompletetasks impedesrelaxation.

•Guilt.Wefeelguiltyfor being

unable to getorganized

•Our brain’sfunctionisaffected. Research hasshown,whenclutter is present,the impact causes ourbrain to be unable to process.

Outdoorspaces: Spring cleaning doesn’talwaysjustapply to indoor spaces.There canbehealthand safety impactstoour outdoors being cluttered. In NewEngland,harsh winter windstendtorip down branches andcould damage to our outdoorfeatures. It is helpfultotake asurveyofthe yard to make sure your spaceisclean and safe.Thisis anotheropportunity forfamilyto step in HELP

In Connecticut, if your outdoors needssprucing, AgeWellCT reportsthatHabitat forHumanity offersaidefor seniorswho owntheir ownhomeand fall within acertain incomebracket.

Habitatfor Humanity’s Spring Clean-Up programhelps olderadults withyardwork, home maintenance, andother tasksduringthe spring season.Servicescan include: leaf raking,clearingout branches and debris, pruninghedges, cleaning out flower beds,and walkways.

This year,SpringClean Up Days will be held throughMay 2. To view qualificationsand apply, visithere.

Connecticut In-HomeCarenotes the importance of spring cleaning. Their in-homeassistancefor seniors can includelight housekeeping.

“Maintaining aclean spaceis extremely importantfor seniorswho wanttocontinuelivingathome,” thesitesays.

Formoreinformation,contact

ConnecticutIn-Home Assistance at (855)412-2273.

Also,individualtowns in CT mightoffer specificsenior-related assistance with springcleaningona case-by-case basis. In NewMilford, forexample,the town offersa “chore service” forseniors.The missionis to assist seniors“with lightchores work so that they areabletoremain

“Connecticut

the importance of spring cleaning.Their in-homeassistancefor seniorscan includelight housekeeping.”

living independentlyand with dignity at home.”

Examples of such chores include trimming hedges,rakingleaves, weedingthe garden,washing windows,springcleaning, decluttering, rearrangingfurniture,changinglight bulbs, or even tightening screws. TheWestern ConnecticutArea Agency on Agingalsooffersadatabase of area chorehotlineshere.

HOWTOGET STARTED

TheInstitute on Agingoffersa series of tips to getstarted with a springcleaningproject:

Planwell: Gather your support team before youdecidetoget started andwrite down your plan of attack.

Setgoals such as deep cleaning the bathroom,and then prioritize your goals.

Invitefriendsandfamily: Even forthose over50withnophysicalimpairments,awide-ranging spring-cleaningjob canbeoverwhelming.Invitefriends andfamily whomay offer to help.Inviteyour kids to help,and they may find a childhoodtreasuretotakehome. Just make sure,ifyou can, to provide food anddrink to thankyour helpers.

Delegate: Once youhaveassembled your team,tobeeffective,itis importanttodelegateduties— as much as it canbehardtorelinquish control.

Paperwork: As mentionedabove, loosepapersshouldbeexamined before beingtossed, andimportant papers should be organizedfor easy access

Improvehomesafety: Oneofthe goalsthatshouldbeofhighpriority foryourspringcleaningistomake theend result be asafer home.This couldmeanremovingthingsthat couldbetripped over,makingsure rugs aresecurelyonthe ground, tossingexpired medications, and more.Tofurther ensure that the home is safe,the InstituteonAging offersahomesafetychecklist at ioaging.org/activities-wellness. Spring cleaning,whether indoor or outdoor, is good forthe mind and body –and forusall.It’sareminder that thereare sunnierdaysonthe horizon–and what better to view them from than afreshly-scrubbed window?