Spectrum Enriched Senior Living : Autumn 2009 by Alive Publishing Group

Enriched Senior Living autumn 2009

The latest fitness craze

Conductorcise

ALSO : H

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is here!

doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orders:

Have a Hearty

Laugh

Centenarians Share Their

Secrets 1

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A Publication of Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC

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Welcome to Spectrum O n b e h a l f o f a l l o f u s at Spectrum Retirement Communities, we hope you enjoy this complimentary issue of our Enriched Senior Living magazine. It is our intent to share what we’ve learned about longevity and wellness so our residents, and seniors in general, can enjoy a longer, healthier and happier life. In future quarterly issues, we’ll continue

to present what’s current and newsworthy in the vast and ever-changing world of senior living and wellness. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. John Sevo and Jeff Kraus Managing Directors Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC

Special Letters of Thanks John Sevo managing director

Jeff Kraus managing director

Robert Landau

editor vice president of fun rlandau @ spectrumretirement.com

Caren Ermel senior vice president of operations

Phil Luebbers Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration

Brendan Harrington editor

Lindsay Hayes creative DIRECTOR

Maureen Regan vice president – group publisher mregan @wiesnermedia.com

WIESNERMEDIA, LLC 5970 Greenwood Plaza Blvd building one, suite 360 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 (303) 662-5200 PHONE (303) 397-7619 FAX WWW.WIESNERMEDIA.COM WWW.CUSTOMPUBLISHINGCO.COM

The people and surroundings are so bright and full of life; I knew this was the place for me the minute I walked in, and I’ve never regretted the choice I made to move here. Lee Murray Pineridge of Plumbrook Sterling Heights, Michigan Ocean Ridge is an excellent place to live. It is the residence of a large and interesting family. You can sit anywhere and swap life experiences with others. Don’t sit too long, because the Director of Fun has other plans! All of the many activities, coupled with an excellent staff of medical attendants, make you feel safe and at home. I am glad to live here. Jack Henry Ocean Ridge Coos Bay, Oregon

Just a note to thank all of you for being so kind and wonderful to my parents and family. The trying times and events of the past couple months would have been so much worse without all of you. You have been a blessing to my parents’ lives and we can’t thank you enough for that. May God bless all of you. With heartfelt appreciation, The John and Edie Helleson Family Overland Park, Kansas I will never move from here. My courtyard apartment is just so wonderful and beautiful. I am completely happy here. Ann Fiorello Pineridge of Plumbrook Sterling Heights, Michigan

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CONTENTS

12 Orchestrate Your Fitness The latest and greatest exercise trend is here! Conductorcise is a dynamic aerobic workout routine set to classical music. Spectrum communities across the country are introducing residents to this fantastically fun fitness program.

Inside Spectrum

Spectrum Wellness

Looking Ahead The Spectrum family continues to grow with new communities in Arizona and Colorado

A good laugh with good friends is good for your health

Spectrum Lifestyle

Spectrum Advisor

Lillian Dittrich’s perseverance is an inspiration to us all

09 10

a jivin’ cuppa java

A Spectrum centenarian

a family decision When should your loved ones move

Introducing our tasty new

into a retirement community?

blend of coffee

And what is the right approach?

a helping hug A small gesture of friendship goes a long way

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100 years young shares his youthful secrets

back on her feet

fun as medicine

when to move Seven signs that it’s time to consider a change

INSIDE

LINCOLN MEADOWS: PARKER, COLORADO

Looking Ahead A sneak peek at Spectrum's new developments Spectrum Retirement Communities, a Denver-based senior housing owner and developer, was founded in 2003. They specialize in developing and managing retirement, assisted living and memory care communities from coast to coast. The company started with only 70 employees and three communities that they acquired in the northwest. Since that time, Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC has grown from six communities, in 2004, to 21 communities in 2009,

By Lynn Wallace, Spectrum Marketing

representing 1,500 units with more than 900 employees. And the company continues to flourish. Spectrum recently opened two new communities located in Lakewood and Parker, Colorado, even as groundbreaking begins on yet another new community in Peoria, Arizona. As you can already see, even in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC continues to grow and create new opportunities for people across the country.

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INSIDE

Spectrum Retirement Communities offer spacious retirement apartment homes at an affordable month-to-month rent with no expensive entrance fee or buy-in. Spectrum also offers an all-inclusive service program with â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Your Serviceâ&#x20AC;? hospitality. This includes casual-elegant dining with choice and flex-

greenhouse, and so much more. At many of their communities, Spectrum contracts with a local preferred in-home care provider who will office inside the community so that residents can continue to age in place, with access to assistance as needed at an affordable price. Both the Lincoln Meadows community in

The continuum of care that Spectrum offers makes it easy for residents to remain in their community as their needs change. ibility, multiple dining venues, limousine service and bus transportation, innovative and engaging activities, housekeeping, and garage parking. Their one-of-a-kind resort-style amenities include private physical therapy in a state-of-the-art fitness center, a theater, sky lounge with outdoor deck, beauty salon,

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Parker, Colorado and Palos Verdes community under development in Peoria, Arizona will offer retirement apartment homes, oversized assisted living apartments and a home-like memory care wing. These new communities will also offer an affordable month-to-month rent with no expensive entrance fee or buy-in,

Did you know? with an all-inclusive service program and resort-style amenities similar to sister community Lakeview Senior Living in Lakewood, Colorado. The continuum of care that Spectrum offers makes it easy for residents to remain in their community as their needs change. The assisted living and secured memory care units are equipped with private entryways, casual-elegant dining and private dining rooms, as well as community areas that are specifically designed to meet residents’ needs and provide the dignity, care and independence they desire. To learn more about Lincoln Meadows, Lakeview and Palos Verdes, please call 888-516-2188 or visit us online at www. spectrumretirementcommunities.com.

S pectrum’s communities in Kansas and Missouri have some of the highest concentrations of male residents around. Spectrum’s Park Meadows Senior Living in Overland Park, Kansas, has 50 male residents. That’s about 50 percent of their entire resident complement! T he readers of The World newspaper voted Ocean Crest Retirement & Assisted Living Residence, “The Best Assisted Living on the South Coast” of Oregon. S pectrum’s six communities in Michigan and Ohio offer some of the most diverse living options for seniors, from spacious loft-style apartment homes to innovative garden patio apartments.

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Lifestyle LIFESTYLE

Back on Her Feet The Spectrum family helps a new resident to walk again By Caren Ermel, Senior Vice President of Operations

Lillian Dittrich is a testament to dedication, hard work and determination to live life to the fullest. Lillian arrived at the Gardens at Westlake, a Spectrum Retirement Community in Westlake, Ohio, in a wheelchair. Moving from New Jersey, Lillian came to be near her sister after having a health crisis. Lillian was not with any rehabilitation services and had been confined to a wheelchair for more than a year. With the help of the Spectrum team and rehabilitation services, along with Lillian’s determination to succeed, it was time to “get Lillian moving!” The therapy team, caregivers and activities staff immediately jumped into action as they knew Lillian was ready for a “round two” comeback. Week after week, day after day, the staff worked with Lillian to increase her strength, with the goal of helping Lillian Dittrich her to walk again and keeping her active in the community. It was slow at first—a few hundred feet of walking down a hallway with assistance from staff and some attendance at exercise activities. The team, giving Lillian encouragement, would not let her give up, even on those days when she did not feel up to it.

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Gradually, she increased her strength, walked farther distances (still with help from staff ) and attended more activities. Now, she attends every activity and is walking on her own! It is truly amazing that only months ago, Lillian was wheelchair-bound and dependent on staff for almost everything. Today, she is walking on her own without any assistance. When asked what most helped her to walk again, Lillian’s immediate reply was: “Determination. I didn’t want to be stuck in the wheelchair for the remainder of my life. So, I set my goal to walk again, and I am now able to do that.” She also stated that going to all the exercise activities made a big difference as well. Lillian proclaims, “What helped me the most was being surrounded by the friendly, supportive staff who cheered me on...they are fantastic!” Only 30 percent of all senior communities nationwide offer on-site therapy services that can assist in helping seniors regain or maintain their mobility. Caren Ermel, Senior Vice President of Operations, states, “Spectrum has a focus on preventive and rehabilitation programs making them unique in many of their markets. When selecting a senior community, look for programming that encourages active living!”

The International Council on Active Aging Reports:

Only % of senior communities nationwide offer on-site physical and occupational therapy services

Only % of senior communities use program management or care management software

Only % have resident computers available

91% will say they have a wellness program

53% offer spa

services, such as massage or manicures

Source: 2009 ICAA Wellness Trends Buying Survey Results

A Jivin’ Cuppa Java! Spectrum introduces a tasty new blend of coffee By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

Do you savor the taste of a good, hot, fresh cup of coffee? You certainly aren’t alone. A large percentage of Spectrum residents start their day with a fresh cup of coffee, as do millions of people across the country. A large variety of coffees are also available throughout the day at most Spectrum communities. But if Spectrum residents thought they’d heard the last word in great tasting coffee… boy, have they got another thing coming! Douwe-Egberts coffee will now be served at all Spectrum communities. What’s so different about this coffee? Everything! We asked Spectrum’s Vice President of Dining Services, Dennis Van Wynsberghe, to explain: DENNIS: Douwe-Egberts Coffee has been around for more than

200 years. They’ve really got it down when it comes to coffee production and coffee taste. We taste-tested a lot of coffees and this was truly the best—eleven to one. We thought we’d let our residents and staff make the decision, so we set up taste tests at three of our communities and the results were unanimous.

Spectrum: Why change the coffee in the first place? DENNIS: Even though this new coffee is more expensive, it’s brewed

on demand. There’s nothing worse than stale coffee that’s been sitting there all day. This coffee will be available to any resident or guest any time they want it, freshly brewed on demand. That’s a huge difference in taste and quality.

Spectrum: A good cup of coffee really makes a difference. DENNIS: What I also like about Douwe-Egberts is that they are a

totally green company in the way they operate their plant in Suffolk, Virginia. We look forward to our residents and guests experiencing the difference that this coffee will make. s pe ct r u m / a ut umn 2 009

LIFESTYLE

A Helping HUG “ You turned my spirits up. For the longest time I felt alone and depressed. Then there was a knock on the door and a group of residents and staff blessed me with a beautiful gift and heartfelt wishes. I haven’t been able to stop smiling since!” By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

In a world that seems to move way too fast, it’s good to know that people still care about the important things. Eric Lindley, Spectrum’s Director of Fun at Pheasant Pointe in Molalla, Oregon, noticed while facilitating his weekly current events sessions, that his residents were becoming unsettled with what they saw happening in the world around them. Sometimes, news can seem so ominous that one doesn’t know what to do…you feel helpless, as if you’ve lost control. Knowing it

– A Spectrum Resident throes of dealing with a specific health issue… they get a “hug.” This “hug” can be a bouquet of flowers, a card, a handcrafted blanket, a shopping spree, some luscious chocolates, a homemade pie, or even a real hug. The HUGS Committee decides what type of “hug” to give depending on what the specific interests might be of the person in need. After only a month of facilitating this amazing program at Pheasant Pointe, Eric says that a record number of residents and

If someone is down, lift them up by showing them you care, and the person in need will never forget the gesture of love and kindness. is impossible to fix all of the world’s problems, Pheasant residents realized that, if they couldn’t do much about the mayhem outside their community’s door, at least they could make their community the best place ever. So here’s what they decided to do: They formed a committee of residents and staff that meet on a weekly basis. Each week, this committee decides who within the community needs a “hug.” If a staff member has just lost a loved one…they get a “hug” from committee members. If a resident is depressed or in the

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staff wanted to join the HUGS Committee. The uplifting spirit that this program has fostered at Pheasant Pointe is palpable. You can feel the positivity the moment you walk in the door. And it’s all based on a simple premise: If someone is down, lift them up by showing them you care, and the person in need will never forget the gesture of love and kindness. One particular resident was feeling down because of a recent health issue. He would rarely attend activities or meals, spending most of his time alone. The HUGS committee met

and decided that this resident was definitely in need of a hug. The resident loved to collect baseball caps as a hobby. He also loved eagles. So, the Director of Fun at that Spectrum community bought a baseball cap and an eagle appliqué as a gift. A member of the HUGS committee volunteered to sew the eagle appliqué onto the front of the hat. A day later, three members of the HUGS committee knocked on that resident’s door and presented him with his “hug.” They told him how much they loved and appreciated him and how they missed seeing him at activities and events. When the resident saw the hat that was then lovingly placed on his head, tears of joy and thanks flowed from his eyes. To this day, he walks with renewed pep in his step.

The HUGS program at Pheasant Pointe has become so popular that the local library and senior center are getting involved in the committee meetings as the waves of kindness and goodwill now extend into the greater Molalla community at large. We are happy to announce that the HUGS program is prominently featured each month at a Spectrum community near you. Many thanks to Eric and the residents and staff of Pheasant Pointe for coming up with a winning program that makes a real difference in peoples’ lives. It just goes to show that the true spirit of human nature is to extend a loving hand in friendship, love and caring to those in need. When one gives in this way, one gets so much in return.

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Conductorcise keeps all of the fun in fitness By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

mozart takes CENTER stage 12

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It seems as if they’ve been waiting for an eternity but, at long last, the moment has finally come. A hush falls over the crowd. All eyes are directed to the right, as a boundlessly energetic and determined man with flowing silverwhite hair makes an unforgettably dramatic entrance. Suddenly, the crowd becomes totally silent as this energetic presence walks to the center of the space. Not a breath is heard as all eyes are fixed on the entity that has just entered the room, waiting to see what he’ll do next. »

The anticipation is at an all-time high as he picks a specially selected piece of classical music to play and leaps into a performance the crowd will not soon forget. His movements are so invigorating and inviting that the crowd just has to join in. The large space is now awash in what seems to be a million arms conducting the energetic overture to Bizet’s most famous opera, Carmen. They are all guided by this amazing man. Sweat flies and smiles abound as the crowd engages in the aerobic workout of a lifetime. Welcome to Conductorcise. If you’ve been wondering what Conductorcise is like, the session that you just experienced is what it’s all about. Launched in 2002 by Maestro David Dworkin, this special brand of aerobic exercise is making music lovers, health-care professionals, fitness fanatics, seniors, and the general public sit up and take notice in a big way. One physician stated that Dworkin’s exercise routine has “added years to people’s lives.” The Times-Picayune of New Orleans recently stated that Conductorcise is a unique and addictive blend of, “a symphony performance, music history lesson, and aerobic workout, all rolled into one.” The classes go as such: You get a conductor’s baton and Maestro Dworkin starts by explaining the piece of classical music you are going to conduct.

As the music plays, the Maestro leads you through a fun-filled, absolutely amazing workout that anyone and everyone can do. You wave your arms and sway your body, as though you were conducting an actual symphony, all the while getting terrific aerobic exercise. Spectrum Retirement Communities realizes the importance of a mental and physical fitness program that addresses the whole person and truly makes a difference in residents’ lives. To that end, Spectrum is pleased to introduce Conductorcise at each Spectrum community across the country. Maestro Dworkin, who has lead orchestras across America and abroad, will be traveling to each Spectrum community and certifying on-site instructors in this unique form of exercise. He will also be making a special appearance in each one of Spectrum’s markets to demonstrate this remarkable aerobic workout. You simply have to see it to believe it. Soon, all of Spectrum’s residents will be able to attend weekly Conductorcise sessions, as Spectrum’s local Directors of Fun take the lead. To attend a special appearance by the Maestro, or to try a Spectrum Conductorcise class near you, visit Spectrum’s Web site at www.spectrumretirement.com or call 888-516-2188.

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WELLNESS

Fun as Medicine Science shows that a good laugh is good for our health By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

What is your definition of fun? How about one that is quite profound but also very simple: A total, uplifting and therapeutic refreshment for body and soul! Laughter is a big part of fun. Think about these things for a moment: What is the funniest joke you’ve ever heard? What is the most amusing situation you or someone you know has ever been in? What is your favorite episode from a comedic TV show or movie? As you think about and relive these items, a smile will form on your face. If you think about these things until you feel as though you are there, you might even start laughing. Your spirit is instantly uplifted!

be eased by laughter and its residual effects. Who would have guessed that something so enjoyable has such far-reaching benefits? The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that laugher is, “A bodily exercise precious to health.” In fact, laughter has been shown to create significant positive changes that can increase one’s heart rate, respiratory rate and consumption of oxygen. Laughter has also been shown to increase the activity of immune cells in one’s body. When you look at two people, one intensely happy and the other terribly sad, who looks healthier? Some people would take that a step further and clinically state that the happier looking person is also the healthier of the two. Consider the possibility that your mind and

Fun can be found in large doses at any of our communities nationwide. More people are starting to realize just how healing and healthful fun and laughter really are. Humor, fun and laughter are now known as cures for stress, depression and, in some cases, disease. Our perception of pain can even

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emotions have a direct link to your health and well being. Your beliefs act much in the same way. Humor can make a huge difference in the way you see your life, and how you deal with life’s ups and downs. A person who finds the joy and fun in each and every day is more likely to handle disappointment and despair far better than someone who has a negative outlook and refuses to find the fun in anything. Fun also allows you to stay in the present moment. Fun and humor keep you focused on the “here and now” of life. If we find joy in each and every present moment, it’s easier not to dwell on the past or the future. Spectrum Retirement Communities understands how important incorporating fun and a good, lasting dose of humor is when it comes to a resident’s health and overall well being. A

typical day at any Spectrum community offers fun in many different shapes and forms. Innovative game shows, magic trick instructional classes, murder mystery dinners, Hollywood Legends nights, Senior Idol contests, Big Band All-Star presentations and dances, cutting-edge Brain Fitness challenges, vintage car parades…you name it. Fun can be found in large doses at any of our communities nationwide. We’ve only just touched the tip of the iceberg concerning this fascinating subject, but suffice it to say that one should always be focused on what’s fun, humorous and joyful in life. Believe it or not, fun can be an effective form of daily exercise for your mind, spirit and body. If you had the choice to live each day with a good dose of fun and humor or a lack thereof, which would you choose? Most would choose the healthier— and happier—of the two. Fun and laughter have immeasurable benefits when it comes to our health and well being. Make your choice today, for a truly healthier tomorrow.

Did you know that... • The average pre-

schooler laughs and smiles 400 times a day? That number drops to only

15 times a day by the time we reach 35 years of age • Every time you have

a good long laugh,

you burn up 3 ½ calories

• Laughter releases

endorphins into your body which is about 10 times

as powerful as common painrelieving drugs • Having fun

can improve communication and

decrease stress

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WELLNESS

100 Years Young A Spectrum centenarian shares his secrets to health, happiness and longevity

By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

Believe it or n ot, c en tenari an s are one of the fastest growing age groups in the United States. People today are more health conscious, more aware of their environment, and more interested in taking care of their minds and bodies in a way that will truly help them in the long run. Spectrum Retirement Communities is proud to have a number of centenarians as residents at many of our communities. So, we decided to meet some of these amazing people to find out what makes them tick. What have these centenarians’ lives been like and how do they feel at this milestone in their journey? Read on...You just might be surprised at what you find out. We started with a wonderful gentleman named Mac MacMillan, who is currently living at Rigden Farm independent living community in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Mac was waiting for us at the concierge desk when we walked in. He looked much younger, with one of the most wonderful, bright and cheery smiles we’ve seen in a long time. His smile lit up the entire lobby...and we weren’t the only ones who noticed.

Spectrum: Mac, first of all, you look won-

derful! If this is what 100 years of age looks like, many of us have a lot to look forward to. What do you attribute this to? MAC: I guess it has a lot to do with the way I’ve lived. Also genes, I guess. My Mom lived to be 95 years of age. I don’t drink, just socially on occasion, but I really watch that. I’ve also never smoked. I’ve worked around smoke, and it’s taken its toll on me, but I’ve never smoked myself. Spectrum: How are you feeling? Are you happy? MAC: Am I happy at this point in my life? You bet I am! I’ve had a good life and I’m continuing to have a good life. One goal of mine for many years has been to be secure—financially secure.

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Did you know that during the Depression, I couldn’t even afford five cents for a Coke? Even during those hard times, I was positive and I believed that sooner or later things would change. I have security now and it means the world to me. Spectrum: Tell us a little of your life’s story as we’re sure many people would be very interested to hear. MAC: I’m from a small town called West, Texas. I grew up with five sisters and two brothers. They’re all gone now and there’s only me left. Way back when, I was making $10 a week in a hardware store in my home town. I wanted more though and soon found myself doing a bookkeeping job in Wharton, Texas for three years.

mac macmillan working in the garden at Rigden Farm.

Soon enough, I met a manager of an Employment Services office. He gave me a clerical test and I got notice to come to Houston to join the U.S. Employment Service. I worked for the government for years and served in the military for more. All of that helped give me the security I’m enjoying now. Spectrum: Ever been married? MAC: Oh yes, you bet! I know you

during the entire reading. Sure enough, two weeks later, a blonde woman did come into my life and I married her after we started dating. She was a Western Union Office Manager and Teletype Operator. We were married for 60 wonderful years.

“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.”

Spectrum: Sixty years! Congratulations! How did you keep it fresh? MAC: We never had a spat for 60 years. We got along, it was our nature to be that way. If we had a disagreement about anything, we just talked about it and it would be OK.

won’t believe this, but back in the day I decided to go to a fortune -Frank Lloyd Wright teller. I really wasn’t expecting much to come out of it, but I was intrigued and wanted to know anything that she could tell me. She read playing cards and Spectrum: Any advice for married folks today? kept telling me that a blonde woman was soon MAC: Cooperate and get along with each going to come into my life. She kept saying this other. Don’t have many disagreements.

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WELLNESS

Centenarian Secrets What is it that helps centenarians live so long, and so strong? Science is only beginning to find the answers to that question. But we do know that many centenarians have a number of things in common, such as: •

A true love for life and all of its ups and downs

•

A religious/spiritual belief

•

S ocial contact with others

•

A simple and positive outlook on things, as opposed to an emotionally extravagant outlook

•

E motional fortitude, staying in the present moment and not worrying about tomorrow

•

A strong ability to deal with stressful situations

•

G ood genes

•

L ow blood pressure

•

S elf-sufficiency

•

R efraining from drinking and smoking

•

M any play musical instruments

•

T he ability to laugh, and find humor in many things

•

A dhering to a healthy antiinflammatory diet

•

C onstant daily activities that center around stimulating the brain and the senses

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Spectrum: What would your advice be for those who want to live a long and healthy life? MAC: Take care of yourself, take care of your health. Don’t neglect it. Watch what you think. Exercise, too. My wife and I walked two miles every day for over a year back in the 1960s. I lost over 40 pounds and I’ve never gained it back, not a pound. Spectrum: How do you like living at Rigden Farm? MAC: I love my apartment on the third floor. I love to cook, too. I used to cook and my wife would clean up. Now, I go to a number of activities here every day. There are so many I often don’t know what to pick first. I love to take the Spanish classes here. I had it in college and now it’s all coming back to me. It’s a pretty language. Spectrum: How is life different now than when you were growing up? MAC: Even though life is more complicated now, it’s better than it was back then. Even with all the computers and inventions, it’s much better now. I think people are more happy than they used to be. More things to do and more to be thankful now for, each and every day. This is a wonderful world, so much to enjoy and to be thankful for and appreciate… don’t you think?

And with that, the man with the happy spirit and beautiful smile, looking more like a spry 85-year-old, waved, smiled from his heart, and walked away to continue his day.

Look for more profiles of centenarian residents in upcoming issues of Spectrum.

advisor

A Family Decision When is the right time for your loved ones to move into a Senior Retirement Community? By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

All ac ross the coun try, senior retire men t communities offer a safe and healthy alternative to staying at home. It can be difficult, however, to know the right time to make a move into such a community. Family members looking to find their parents a new home often struggle with this decision. A recent national housing industry survey of adults 75 and older revealed that the primary reason for moving into a senior retirement community was seniors having difficulty getting around their homes in a safe manner. But, beyond that, how do you know when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to move? It goes without saying that everybody wants to keep their

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advisor

independent way of life intact for as long as possible. But if one starts to need specific assistance with such basics as driving, taking care of the lawn, cooking, staying hydrated, or maintaining the home, it might be time to

paramount, so you want the absolute best for them as the years pass. Often, the loved one realizes they can no longer continue the way they’ve been living. If it is pointed out lovingly and gently that all of you have arrived

Don’t be surprised if you have to broach this topic a number of times before the reality of what you are saying sinks in. consider alternatives. The very idea of having that conversation can be terrifying for everyone involved. But it might not be as bad as you think. First, get your loved one to understand that they need help with certain things which you can’t always provide. Their health and safety are

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at a place where a change needs to be made so the next phase of life can go smoothly, the loved one usually understands. The first question will be “What are the alternatives?” Be ready with a number of answers, always pointing out how each alternative will help your loved one in the next phase of life. Small steps such as these often turn out to be big strides and soon you’ll be successful in getting them the help they need and finding the perfect living arrangement. Can your loved one continue to stay at home? It is certainly a possibility, if they have the help they now require in the form of caregivers, housekeepers, etc. Just make sure it works for all involved and still allows you time and energy to tend to your own life. Also, check to see that the expense of keeping your loved one at home with all the help they need is cost effective. Driving is a major component of one’s independence. Nothing promotes the idea of freedom more than being able to hop in your car and go wherever it is you want and need to get to. If that liberty is taken away, the results might not be...pleasing, to say the least. But sometimes it has to be done. Driver Rehabilitation Specialists make a career of assessing whether current drivers should still be on the road. To be assessed is not

a required legal process, but it’s a handy tool for anyone that needs it. An assessor administers a driving test and an eye exam, the results of which will determine if you should really be on the road. To locate a qualified assessor in your area, you can contact your doctor for a referral or the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). The Department of Motor Vehicles or the local AAA can also administer a driving test. Just be aware that if the results of the test turn out to be negative, your loved one’s license could be revoked.

Having “The Talk” So how do you tell your parents or loved one that it’s time to move? First and foremost, you want to be as non-threatening as you can. Tone of voice makes a big difference here. Be as loving as you can because this is a tough conversation to have. Explain why you are concerned. Your concern should also be their concern. You’ve noticed that many aspects

of how they drive have changed, and you can even give specific examples. Understand that your loved one may react in a negative way—it’s only natural given the givens. Don’t be surprised if you have to broach this topic a number of times before the reality of what you are saying sinks in. If you’re unable to make much headway, another option is bringing your loved one to visit the doctor. Let the doctor know ahead of time why you need his help in this matter. Sometimes, if the news comes from a qualified expert outside of the family, the words mean much more and the message is taken to heart. If all else fails, know that doctors can file a report with the state that says that your loved ones are no longer fit to drive a car. Whatever you ultimately decide to do concerning this complex situation, know that, even if your loved one’s reaction is negative at first, they should eventually understand that this is the best thing for everyone concerned.

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The ideal situation is to find a place that is just like home but offers all the services and amenities needed to gracefully age in place. If something were to happen, there would be staff on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who could tend to the situation. It’s important to note that this very detail has saved many lives. Interestingly enough, most adults over the age of

The ideal situation is to find a place that is just like home but offers all the services and amenities needed to gracefully age in place. 50 find that their current home would not meet their needs as they age. If they do decide to make a change, the property they move to needs to be just as good as home, or better.

we can help Spectrum Retirement Communities provides a host of helpful information on this and many other topics when it comes to finding a loved one’s next home. From Spectrum’s professional advisors to our complimentary Spectrum Community DVD, to the informative Caregiver’s Library that each of Spectrum’s community’s offers as a public resource, we are here to help. Call the Spectrum community near you or visit www.spectrumretirment.com for more information.

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A Place Like Home Caring for your aging parents can be a challenging and emotional time. You have so many questions, but don’t know where to turn for the answers. That is why we wrote A Place Like Home, a comprehensive guide to finding the best retirement living option for your parents. This informative booklet is full of great ideas and important questions to ask as you search for the next, and best, move. Call 888-684-1160 today for your complimentary copy of this invaluable resource.

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when to

move

“When is the right time for my loved one to consider a retirement community?” It’s a diffic ult de c i sion to m ak e—and one of ten met with trepidation. At Spectrum, we understand the difficulties adult children face when planning their parents’ future. And we are here to help. Following, are some signs that might indicate it is time to consider a move:

An increase in accidental falls

Increased clutter, weakening physical condition and frequent loss of balance are just a few signs of an increased susceptibility to harmful falls. An empty refrigerator

Is the fridge empty when it used to be full? This could mean that your loved one is no longer getting the proper nutrition or even remembering to eat at the usual intervals. Frequent memory lapses

Increased incidents of memory loss could mean a lot more is going on than meets the eye. It could indicate a larger health issue or some sort of chemical imbalance.

Hygiene issues when there previously weren’t any

Days without bathing, piles of laundry because the same outfit has been worn for more than one day, and stains on what your loved one is wearing, are all signs that some form of assistance is needed. Change of interests and/or behavior

Some other signs to look for are a change in interests, in terms of what your loved one has always enjoyed doing in the past. Shifts in mood and emotion should also be noted. as well as changes in the way your loved one drives their car. Change in driving ability

Unopened mail

This ties into possible memory loss, but if there are piles of unpaid bills or other important pieces of mail unopened, it could be a sign that there is something deeper going on that needs attention.

How can you tell when it’s time for your parents to stop driving a car? If you truly feel that it’s unsafe for your loved ones to be driving because they or someone else might get injured, then the time has come to take action. s pe ctr u m / a ut umn 2 009

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