Healthier Living St. Ann’s Community
MANAGING YOUR FINANCES IN RETIREMENT 9 TIPS FOR HEART-HEALTHY EATING STAYING INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY
“We expect your stay with us in one of our transitional care centers has helped you get back on track to living healthier. Physical wellness, staying active, being involved and connected with others are all important aspects of living your best life at any age. Our St. Ann’s expert team put together “Healthier Living” for people like you—those striving to get the most out of life. You are now a member of the St. Ann’s Community and our Preferred Member Program should you need transitional care again. It is our great privilege to get you back to good health.”
-Michael E. McRae, President & CEO
TABLE OF CONTENTS Staying Involved in Your Community
pgs. 1-2
When Should I Consider A Geriatric Specialist? pgs. 3-4 9 Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating
pgs. 5-6
HeartMatters
pg. 6
What Type of Retirement Community is Right For You? pgs. 7-8 Managing Your Finances in Retirement pgs. 9-10 Life at Our St. Ann’s Communities
pgs. 11-12
STAYING INVOLVED IN
YOUR COMMUNITY Prepare to be asked one of the most important health questions of your life: Are you bored? Research shows that boredom is a huge problem among seniors and retirees. Boredom can lead to depression—which causes multiple health problems—and is typically associated with being inactive or isolated from social activity. Inactivity and isolation can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, bone and joint disease, Alzheimer’s, and an overall increased risk of death.
1
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living
So what’s the best way to combat boredom? Get involved in your community. When you have a social network and are participating in activities you enjoy, you not only feel healthier, you feel better—with a higher sense of self-worth and satisfaction. Try these easy ways to stay involved. If not for the health benefits, then for one simple reason: boredom has no place in the best years of your life.
Keep in contact.
It isn’t enough just to know people—or even to meet new people—it’s keeping in touch with them which gives us the full benefit of their companionship. Before retirement, people have the benefit of day-to-day interactions with coworkers and families. But after retirement, we lose some of those casual day-to-day interactions. We have to make more of an effort. But the good news is we have more free time to make that effort. Now that you’re retired, it’s the perfect time to call friends and family members and catch up on their lives. Get together for coffee or lunch. Go on walks.
Try something new.
Some seniors just don’t feel the same after they’ve retired. Like they aren’t using the gifts and talents that they’ve spent a lifetime developing. Sound familiar? Why not consider getting a part-time job? Plenty of opportunities exist to share your experience—or even try something new. Maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to try. Your retirement is the perfect time to explore those opportunities. If you want something with less pressure, you may want to try getting involved with a non-profit instead. Plenty of organizations are looking for extra help and could benefit from your lifelong experience.
Consider volunteering.
Volunteering keeps you active, introduces you to new people, and offers an opportunity to build friendships. It also engages your mind, and can even teach you new skills. Here are a few places you can volunteer: • A local senior-living community • Your church or place of worship • Local food cupboards or food kitchens • Animal shelters • Area schools; consider becoming a mentor
Explore your interests.
Retirement is a great time to explore your interests or start a new hobby. Do you like to read? Dance? Cook? Maybe you have a skill to share with the world. Whatever your passion, now is the perfect time to pursue it. But even more importantly—to pursue it with other people. Join or start a club. Or audit a class at a local college. Exploring your interests with people who share the same interests is a great way to expand both your knowledge and your social network.
Author: Eileen Ryan-Maruke, VP Marketing & Community Relations at St. Ann’s Community has been involved in senior care for 22 years. For more info contact Eileen at: eryan-maruke@stannscommunity.com
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living 2
r e d i s n o C I d l u o h S n e h W ? st i l a i c e p S c i r t a i r e AG
3 St. Ann’s: Healthier Living 1 St. Ann’s: Healthier Living
If you’re a senior, staying healthy and active should be a priority, even if you have no significant health concerns. Seeing a geriatrician can help you manage age-related health issues and achieve those goals.
What is a geriatrician?
A geriatrician is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating (as well as preventing) disabilities and disease in older people. Geriatricians have special qualifications that are different from other primary care doctors. Board-certified in family medicine or internal medicine, they have also obtained the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine.
When should I see a geriatrician?
There is no hard and fast rule, because everyone goes through the aging process differently. However, anyone over the age of 65 should consider seeing a geriatrician, whether you are in good health or have changing or challenging health issues. A geriatrician can also be helpful for people struggling with care-related issues.
Taking a team approach.
Geriatricians often work as part of a team of healthcare providers. A geriatric healthcare team takes a holistic approach, considering your past illnesses and your current health condition to come up with a personalized healthy-aging plan. This specialized plan can best address your individual concerns. Working with other specialists, your geriatrician can evaluate your overall health and take steps to ensure that you’re getting the best care possible.
Communication is key.
When you decide to select a geriatrician as your primary care doctor, set up a consultation so you and the doctor can get to know each other. Discuss your overall health, concerns for the future, any needed services, your support systems, medications, your general health, and well-being. Good communication is vital to taking care of your health at any age, but especially as you get older.
To prepare for your first appointment, make a list of any symptoms you have (such as trouble sleeping or eating or memory loss). You should also make a list of all the medications you take— including over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs, herbal remedies or supplements, eye drops, vitamins, and laxatives—and when you take them. Be ready to describe your daily routine—where you live, what you eat, how you sleep, and activities you enjoy. Be candid about your concerns and your situation. Your doctor needs to know about any significant changes in your life: a move, a divorce, death, finances. All of these stressful events can impact your well-being and health.
As you get older, your healthcare needs will change and could become more complicated. A geriatric specialist has the expertise you need to help you stay as healthy as possible so you can maintain a high quality of life. Author: Diane Kane, MD Chief Medical Officer at St. Ann’s Community has been involved in senior care for over 28 years. For more info contact Dr. Kane at: dkane@stannscommunity.com
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living 4
9 TIPS FOR HEART-HEALTHY EATING For someone with heart disease, diet is a big deal. Along with other healthy habits like regular exercise, the right diet can slow or even partially reverse the narrowing of the heart’s arteries and help prevent further complications. You can help a loved one who has heart disease by adopting a diet that limits LDL (‘’bad’’) cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, and helps with weight loss.
Focus on the Positive The best strategy: Focus on what the person with heart disease is allowed to eat, not just what’s off-limits. Research shows that adding heart-saving foods is just as important as cutting back on others.
Author: Katherine Streeter, Chief Clinical Dietician at St. Ann’s Community has been involved in senior care for seven years. For more info contact Katherine at: kstreeter@stannscommunity.com
Strategies for a Heart-Healthy Diet 1. Serve more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Just about everyone would benefit from eating more
plant-based foods. They’re rich in fiber and other nutrients, and they can taste great in a salad, as a side dish, or as an entree. But watch that you don’t use too much fat or cheese when you prepare them.
2. Choose fat calories wisely by:
• Limiting saturated fat (found in animal products). • Avoiding artificial trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils as much as possible. • Choosing oils that are high in monounsaturated fat (for example, olive and peanut oil) or polyunsaturated fat (such as soybean, corn, and sunflower oils) when using added fats for cooking or baking. 3. S erve a variety of protein-rich foods. Balance meals with lean meat, fish, and vegetable sources of protein such as soy. 4. Limit cholesterol. Cholesterol in foods, found in red meat and high-fat dairy products, can raise blood cholesterol levels, especially in high-risk people. 5. Serve the right kind of carbs. Include foods like brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and sweet potatoes to add fiber and help control blood sugar levels. Avoid sugary foods. 6. Eat regularly. This helps someone with heart disease control blood sugar, burn fat more efficiently, and regulate cholesterol levels. 7. Cut back on salt. Too much salt is bad for blood pressure. Instead, use herbs, spices, or condiments to flavor your foods. 8. Encourage hydration by drinking water. Staying hydrated makes you feel energetic and less hungry. Encourage your loved one to drink 32 to 64 ounces (about 1 to 2 liters) of water daily, unless their doctor has told them to limit fluids. 9. Keep serving sizes in check. Try using smaller plates and glasses. Check food labels for serving sizes to have a better understanding of how much you should eat. Some guidelines:
HeartMatters
Cardiac Rehab Program St. Ann’s designed the HeartMatters transitional care program for patients who have experienced heart failure, heart attacks, and cardiac surgery (e.g, open heart surgery or valve replacement) to provide the support and education patients need during their recovery. The HeartMatters team coordinates every aspect of a patient’s recovery—from physical therapy to healthy living education. So patients return home ready to continue their recovery and get back to normal quickly.
• One ounce of cheese is the size of a pair of dice. • A serving of meat or tofu is the size of a deck of cards. • Two servings of rice or pasta are the size of a tennis ball. Eating right doesn’t have to mean changing your whole diet and eliminating anything really appetizing. If you can help your loved one follow some of the common sense advice listed here, you will go a long way toward helping them get healthier.
Gerald Gacioch, M.D.
Diane Kane, M.D.
t n e m e ir t e R f o e p y T t a h W ? u o Y r o F t h ig R is y Communit When considering a move to a retirement community, many people choose one based on their current needs—without taking into account what their needs may be in the future. Lucy Lester, Director of Sales at St. Ann’s Community, believes there’s a problem with such an approach. “You may be completely independent and healthy when you move into a community,” said Ms. Lester. “But your needs will change over time. That’s why the most important factor in choosing a senior-living community is whether or not it offers a continuum of care.” Offering a continuum of care simply means that a community fulfills both your current needs, and any needs you may have in the future. When looking for a senior living community, make sure you ask these questions so you can make an informed and careful decision about which one is right for you.
7
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living
Q: D o they offer independent-and assisted-living options? A: Many senior-living communities offer independent living or assisted living. Few offer both. You may find that you need more assistance as you get older. When you’ve chosen a community that offers a full continuum of care, you can relax knowing you don’t have to move just because your needs have changed.
Q: A re they accredited for senior care? A: The American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging accredits the best, most highly skilled senior-care facilities. The state and local branches of this organization do the same. Accreditation is a sign of quality.
Also, if you’re looking for a transitional care center, make sure they’ve been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF has a rigorous review process that includes on-site visits to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care.
Q: What are their medical capabilities? Q: Are the residents active and participating in social activities? A: Too many senior communities have to turn away residents because they need A: When you take a tour and walk through medical procedures or assistance. Does the community have emergency responders on staff? Do they have on-site nurses in assisted living? What happens in the event of a health emergency? It’s important to know the answers to these questions so you aren’t caught off-guard in an emergency. “It’s also important the Chief Medical Officer be on staff—not a contract worker—and be a specialist in gerontology,” Ms. Lester adds. “So many people arrive at St. Ann’s on medications they don’t need, or with problems that could have been solved by someone who understands that seniors have specialized medical needs.”
Q: Do they offer transportation options? A: Look for a community that offers
the community, are residents socializing in the common areas? Are they active? Do they have guests visiting? Look for a community with on-campus activities, a wellness center, scheduled entertainment, and active residents that are engaged with staff members and one another.
Q: Do they have budget-friendly options? A: If it’s a challenge to afford your living
arrangements, it can keep you from doing the things you enjoy. Compare costs and payment options to find the most affordable community for your budget. St. Ann’s Community, for example, has several rental options for its apartments and cottages at both Cherry Ridge and Chapel Oaks.
scheduled transportation—even if you own your own car.
Maintaining your independence is important. If the day comes when you’re unable to drive for some reason—or don’t want to drive anymore—scheduled transportation will help you keep moving. So you can always make it to the doctor, the bank, or the grocery store when you need to.
Q: Do they offer dining choices? A: “If a community restricts what you’re able
to eat, you should look elsewhere,” Lucy says. “One size doesn’t fit all.” Do you have different dining venues to choose from? Can you get meals to go or delivered to your door?
Adults who are living in an assisted-living community where all meals are provided should have a comfortable dining room and a variety of choices from an innovative menu. Find out if you’ll be restricted to only a few specific entrees every day, or if you must dine between specific hours. Your dining options should work around your lifestyle—not the other way around.
“Even if you live independently today, it’s no guarantee you’ll be able to do so tomorrow,” Ms. Lester concluded. “Choose a place where active, independent people are enhanced by a multitude of programs, and where you can have a choice of assisted living, memory care, rehabilitative services, and skilled nursing— all in one community. It’s true peace of mind for you and your family.”
Author: Lucy Lester, Director of Sales at St. Ann’s Community has been involved in Senior Sales & Housing for over 15 years. For more info contact Lucy at: llester@stannscommunity.com
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living 8
THE GOLDEN YEARS
MANAGING YOUR FINANCES IN RETIREMENT Will you have enough money to get the most out of your retirement? Many seniors don’t know the answer to that question. They’ve saved their money, and they think they know how to limit their spending. But with today’s longer life expectancies, it’s difficult to predict if you have enough money to enjoy your retirement on your own terms. Here are a few tips on how to make your money last—to ensure you have enough to enjoy a long and comfortable retirement.
Create a retirement budget and test it before you actually retire. Many people underestimate how much money they actually need to live their lives. This can be a problem when you retire because there isn’t always the possibility of going back to work and replenishing the money you’ve spent. So before you retire, look at what you have saved, and decide what you can reasonably spend each month between your savings and the money you will get from Social Security. Figure out a budget and see if you’re able to live within it comfortably. If you’re struggling or end up going over the budget, you might want to rethink some of your expenses or consider a later retirement date.
9
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living
Retire later. Not only will you be able to add to your savings for a longer period of time—when you retire later, you also increase the monthly amount you’ll receive from Social Security. Most people retire at the full retirement age— 65 or 66—and begin to draw on Social Security immediately. But if you push that off for just a few years, at age 70 you can receive 35 percent more each month than you would if you had retired early.
Consider a reverse mortgage. There are plenty of misconceptions about reverse mortgages, but they consistently remain a good source of additional income for your retirement years. If you own your own home and would like to supplement your income, consider speaking with a reverse mortgage representative. You won’t be under any obligation, so if you’re curious, get the information you need.
Consider long-term care or longevity insurance. Once you reach age 80, the costs begin to add up. Between health costs and long-term care costs, your nest egg can disappear at an alarming rate. Longevity and long-term care insurance are options that can help you cover the costs of living longer. They aren’t for everyone, but if you’re worried about running out of money, they can give you peace of mind. With longevity insurance, you make a one-time large investment at the beginning of your retirement. Once you reach age 85, you will begin to receive a yearly income that can help you cover health costs, day-to-day expenses, and even vacations.
With long-term care insurance, you make payments just like you would with any other insurance policy. If you reach the point where you aren’t able to take care of regular daily tasks and need assistance, long-term care insurance will either cover the expenses or provide you with the finances to help you pay for them yourself.
Get a part-time job or pursue other ways of making more money. The best way to make your money last in retirement is simple: make more money. Look for a way to pursue your retirement goals and interests that will also provide you with a source of income. The best part about working longer is that—in addition to raising your income—the socializing it provides can enhance your day-to-day living. Author: Dennis P. Kant Sr. VP/CFO at St. Ann’s Community has been involved in healthcare for over 30 years. For more info contact Dennis at: dkant@stannscommunity.com
Here are the average costs for the most typical varieties of senior care in Western New York. In-Home Health Aide $26,000/year
Assisted Living $41,196/year
Independent Living Community $29,000/year
Nursing Home $120,876/year
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living 10
Chapel Oaks
LIFE AT OUR ST. ANN’S COMMUNITIES 11
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living
Cherry Ridge
Chapel Oaks Chapel Oaks is a rental retirement community for seniors in Irondequoit. Residents have easy access to shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions—but also benefit from the complete continuum of healthcare services offered by St. Ann’s Community. It’s a great option for seniors who want to stay active while enjoying exceptional privacy and security.
St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge Cherry Ridge is nestled in the heart of Webster offering both apartments and cottage homes. It’s perfect for people who want a mix of small town and secluded country living. Cherry Ridge residents also benefit from the full continuum of healthcare services offered right on campus including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
St. Ann’s: Healthier Living 12
Wegman Transitional Care Center, Irondequoit
St. Ann’s Care Center, Webster
Thank you for choosing St. Ann’s for your transitional care. We hope you and will consider us for any future transitional care and rehabilitation needs.
Consider pre-planning for future visits. Reserve a spot at St. Ann’s Transitional Care Centers by preplanning your stay in advance. If you have surgery coming up that requires transitional care, preplan your stay by calling the St. Ann’s Community Admissions Department today at (585) 697-6311.
St. Ann’s Transitional Care
PREFERRED
MEMBER CARD Admissions Department: (585) 697-6311
Ask about our Preferred Member Program and get discounts on services and access to special events.
St. Ann’s Transitional Care Centers: Irondequoit Campus Wegman Transitional Care Center St. Ann’s Community 1500 Portland Ave. Rochester, NY 14621 (585) 697-6311 StAnnsCommunity.com
Webster Campus St. Ann’s Care Center Cherry Ridge Campus 900 Cherry Ridge Boulevard Webster, NY 14580 (585) 697-6311 CherryRidgeCommunity.com