Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond April 2016 ebook

Boomers d n o y & Be Fairfield County

April 2016

The Greens at Greenwich recognized for excellence in Dementia care! p3

Whitney Center the place to go to keep your independence and make new friends! p7

Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing Affordable Home Care Services p9

Could hearing loss lead to memory loss?…Dr. Parker thinks so, see what he has to say inside! p13

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April, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Rehabilitation Tips

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

April, 2016

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There are certain things seniors can do on their own to help their bodies recover from any injuries they may have suffered.

These practices include: Relaxation Techniques Relaxing the mind and the body is important because it allows the body to heal faster. Therefore, try incorporating some relaxation techniques such as meditating, breathing exercises, or simply calming your mind to facilitate your body’s natural healing processes.

Stress Reduction Techniques While relaxation promotes healing, stress inhibits it. If you want to recover quickly, then practice ways to reduce the stress in your life. This can include avoiding certain situations or people, practicing low-impact yoga, meditating, and other techniques designed and proven to help reduce stress.

Affirmations The mind is a powerful tool that can either help your healing or work against it. The good thing is you have the power to decide which direction your mind will take you. Try speaking affirmations to yourself and you might be surprised at how powerful the subconscious mind can be when it comes to speeding up your recovery.

Exercising Nothing speeds up recovery faster than exercising. Exercising, even a little bit, helps increase your strength, your mental clarity, and your immune system.

Diet Eating foods that are high in Vitamin B5 like fish, eggs, liver, and mushrooms have been shown to boost the healing process. courtesy of www.thedaviscommunity.org

Also helpful for healing is Vitamin C, which can be found in oranges, tomatoes, lemons and other citrus fruits.

Avoiding Alcohol and Nicotine Alcohol and nicotine have been proven to dramatically slow down the

healing process. Products that contain these ingredients interrupt wound healing and generally affect the body in several different ways, all of which are negative. If you want to recover from your injury quickly, then avoiding these substances is important.

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April, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Waveny LifeCare Network’s “Paddle for a Purpose” tournament flight winners at the Country Club of New Canaan: Will Oberrender and Brittney Faber with runners up Patrick O'Callaghan and Margaret Souther.

“Paddle for a Purpose:” Waveny LifeCare Network’s 8th Annual Mixed-Paddle event heightens awareness of eldercare options

Following the success of the past seven years’ events, Waveny LifeCare Network recently held its 8th Annual Mixed-Paddle Tournament fundraiser. All monies raised support the enhancement of special programs for those served by Waveny’s non-profit network of eldercare residences, programs and services.

“This year more than ever we were able to deliver upon our goal of growing and providing one of the area’s best mixed paddle events with great competition for a worthy cause” said Sharon Stevenson, Waveny Board Member and Event Chair. “We are so pleased to attract the best local recreational players in addition to top ranked APTA professionals to ‘Paddle for a Purpose.’”

“Paddle for a Purpose’s continued momentum and success is due in large part to the efforts of our wonderful sponsors, our volunteers, and the participation of the local clubs, paddle pros and recreational players who all help to make sure our event is exciting for everyone involved,” said Joanne Boyer, Waveny’s Director of De-

velopment. “Year after year, our event increasingly generates enthusiasm and support for Waveny, and heightens awareness of our mission to meet our community’s eldercare needs.”

The tournament was held concurrently at four event sites: Country Club of New Canaan, New Canaan Field Club, The Lake Club and Waveny Park. Event finals were held at the Country Club of New Canaan and featured an after-party celebration inside the club’s paddle hut.

Winners from the four individual sites were Eric Fey and Marina Ruiz with runners up Nick Bergman and Roxy Enica; Will Oberrender and Brittney Faber with runners up Patrick O'Callaghan and Margaret Souther; Ryan and Paige Shockley with runners up Ben and Shawn Swett; and Peter and Julie Barrett with runners up Jon Rockman and Alice Parker.

Event sponsors included Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists (ONS), Morrison Community Living, Karl Chevrolet, Lampert, Toohey, and Rucci, LLC,

provided

Stewart’s Spirits and Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. Corporate sponsor, Corridor, generously matched the entire registration fee for each team that signed up at an enhanced match level.

Celebrating 40 years of serving the community, Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a not-for-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. It also includes Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home, the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, Geriatric Care Management, an Adult Day Program available on weekdays with flexible hours, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services, and respite programs at The Village and Care Center. For more information please call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging releases the Dementia Caregiver Resource Guide Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

To assist individuals and families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss, the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging has published the free Dementia Caregiver Resource Guide.

“This is a great resource for caregivers, created by experts in the field with years of experience of helping families and caregivers manage the dementia disease process,” said Wendy Martinson, RN, MSN, program director of the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging.

The resource guide was made possible through a $2.1 million grant awarded last year by the state Department of Social Services and funded by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Topics include an overview of dementia, understanding behaviors, good communication, safety issues, structuring a day with activities, handling legal and financial matters, and taking care of the caregiver. The guide also offers resources including related books and websites.

Patty O’Brian and Michelle Wyman, LSW, Alzheimer’s and dementia specialists with the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging, compiled the publication.

“Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging, requiring new learning and the willingness to accept help from others,” Wyman said. “This guide is intended to give caregivers a better understanding of the disease process as well as tips for new ways to communicate and care for their loved one.

Our goal is to empower caregivers to feel confident and successful with their caregiving role so that they can continue to have a positive relationship with their loved one.’

The guide is available at Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging locations or on the website cthealthyaging.org; click on “Dementia Caregiver Resource Guide.”

Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging is located at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradley and New Britain

General campuses, MidState Medical Center, and Meriden Senior Center LaPlanche Clinic. For more information, call 1-877-424-4641 or please visit cthealthyaging.org.

The Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging, a not for profit member of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services

April, 2016

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and a Hartford HealthCare Partner, is a resource and assessment center designed to enhance access to services and information related to attaining optimal quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. Please visit our website www.ctseniorcare.org.

provided

Advertiser’s Index

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April, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

ColumbiaDoctors...........................................................................................15

Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.....................................11

The Greens at Greenwich...............................................................................3

Masonicare at Ashlar Village..........................................................................5 Parker Ear, Nose and Throat of Fairfield County....................................13 StarOne Home Care & Medical Staffing.....................................................9

Waveny Lifecare Network..............................................................................2 Webster Bank.............................................................................................16 Whitney Center...........................................................................................7

Boomers d Fairfield County

& Beyon

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com

PUBLISHER Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER James Stankiewicz (Jim@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• MARKETING DIRECTOR Gregory W. Buff (Greg@belsito.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR Cathryn Burak (Cathy@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net) ••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE Anthony Mairo (Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• CIRCULATION Michelle Belsito (Michelle@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Dale McKnight

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 3 No. 4 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Our View Spring is almost here, finally, meaning it’s the perfect time for baby boomers and seniors to make sure they are staying active.

When exercise is a regular activity, then you’ll be more likely to continue. If you can stick with it for six months, you’re on your way to making it a habit.

So how to do this? You can make exercise a regular part of your life by: Make it a priority.

Make it easy. Make it safe. Make it social. Make it interesting and fun.

Make it an active decision.

So what are you waiting for? Get and out and go! Maintaining an active lifestyle is the best way to ensure you stay healthy.

Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

Next Month Celebrating a Healthy Mothers Day! Audiologists National Better Hearing Month Arthritis Awareness Month Leading cause of disability in America Improving Vision Latest vision technology Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Awareness Month Prevent cancer deaths in America

The benefits of Occupational Therapy for Seniors Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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Occupational therapy, while beneficial to those of all ages, is especially helpful to seniors who are regularly faced with physical, mental or psychological challenges. Therapists collaborate with both the senior and their caregivers to ensure a plan is set that works for everyone and allows all involved to reach their own individual goals.

1) Overcoming daily life challenges. Occupational therapy helps seniors compensate for some of the challenges they face each day, whether it be dressing, feeding themselves, home management or participation in social activities.

2) Preventing falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, and occupational therapists can help them to problem-solve the best way to stay active while avoiding falls.

3) Home environmental modifications. Occupational therapists can help seniors acquire devices like a bathtub bench or grab bars to make their lives easier.

Seniors can learn how they can optimize their homes to promote full participation in activities of daily life.

4) Better health and wellness. Occupational therapy can have a positive influence on mental health and life satisfaction. Therapists provide a unique educational approach to help seniors redesign their lives to experience greater quality of life, promote longevity and a healthier lifestyle all around.

5) Working with caregivers. Occupational therapists can assess a family’s loved one to help the caregiver make better decisions about their loved one’s daily care needs. They alleviate some of the pressure a caregiver might feel when helping their loved one, which will allow them to separate themselves from core care-giving and maintain their own life. courtesy of www.ascseniorcare.com

Selecting a Retirement Community PAGE 8

April, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Retirement community is a catchall term applied to communities that cater solely to seniors.

However, this means that one retirement community may not be the same as another.

Here are a few types of retirement communities.

Senior Apartments

These types of retirement communities are apartment complexes which have shared common areas, whether it is a pool, TV room or courtyard. Some senior apartments have income restrictions, which is beneficial to seniors who are living on a fixed income.

There may also be an age restriction; in the case ofSHAG, their residents must be 61+ or 55+ and disabled. Maintenance and grounds keeping are handled by maintenance staff. These communities typically do not offer any services, such as scheduled transportation, or have on-site amenities such as a beauty salon.

Community life is often not structured; there may be activities arranged by the community managers, but otherwise residents are left to fill their own days and make friends. As residents age, they may bring in home health agencies to provide assistance with activities of daily living.

55+ Retirement Communities

When a community is described as 55+, it means the residents must be 55 or older, unless in situations when a spouse is younger. All 55+ communities are retirement communities, but not all retirement communities are 55+, as some communities only allow seniors who are 65+. The housing options available at 55+ communities vary, with some communities featuring free-standing homes, which may be purchased or rented, or apartments. Just as with senior apartments, there are common areas that may be used by the residents, and community activities may be arranged by the managers or residents.

Selecting a Retirement Community

Independent Living Communities

The term independent living is perhaps the most confusing when searching for a retirement community, because in the case of retirement communities independent living means residents are physically able to care for themselves but want a respite from responsibilities such as meal preparation, driving or housekeeping. These services are usually included in the monthly fee and residents are unable to opt out. No healthcare services or assistance with activities of daily living are provided, through residents may have the option of having a home health agency provide these services.

Continuing Care Communities

These are full-service retirement communities that offer a complete lifestyle package for their residents and frequently cite the perk of “aging in place” as a benefit of joining such a community. On continuing care communities’ expansive campuses, a variety of housing options are available, from free-standing cottages to apartments. They also provide a range of services including meal service, scheduled transportation and housekeeping and laundry.

Healthcare services include assistance with activities of daily living to memory care and skilled nursing services. A sense of community among residents is facilitated by an activity director who schedules daily activities. There are also many community amenities available to the residents, such as movie theaters, bistros, hobby rooms and on-site beauty salons.

When selecting a retirement community, the same considerations you used when deciding upon a home still apply: Is the community located near places you enjoy visiting, i.e. a favorite golf course, park or shopping center? If you expect friends and family to visit, is the community easy to access?

Beyond the location questions, you should also consider what type of social life you want to have during retirement. Do you want to belong to a community that encourages socializing among residents and facilitates this by offering happy hours or community gatherings? While you can’t guarantee that you will develop friendships with every neighbor, you shouldn’t overlook that a sense of camaraderie among residents will make living in your new home even more enjoyable.

Price is also an important consideration. Even though you might have sticker shock when having to pay monthly rent after not having a mortgage payment for years, the upside is you no longer have to pay for utilities, property taxes or household repairs. But can you afford the monthly rent for another three decades?

Rent increases will occur, and you don’t want to worry about financial insecurity during retirement.

You should also assess your future healthcare needs.

Does the community have a separate building where assisted living services are provided, and if not—such as is the case with senior apartments—can you bring in in-home care? This will likely be the last move you make, and you should make it count. courtesy of SeniorHomes.com

Senior Foot Care

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Good foot health is especially important for senior citizens. The longer your feet stay healthy, the longer you can maintain an active lifestyle. Simply follow these 5 guidelines put forth by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and the Institute for Preventative Foot Health (IPFH): Principle One: Proper Foot Hygiene. Simple daily routines can go a long way when it comes to promoting foot health among senior citizens. Feet should be washed daily, taking special care to wash between the toes. Just as important as daily washing is making sure that the feet are dried thoroughly. Damp feet in shoes can lead to infections such as fungal toenails and Athlete’s foot. Footwear should also be kept clean and dry.

Rotate footwear regularly, and purchase shoes with removable insoles – a feature that makes it easier to thoroughly dry shoes overnight.

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Principle Four: Foot Care for Diabetics. Senior citizens with diabetes must be particularly vigilant when it comes to the care of their feet. Daily foot inspections are crucial, and your doctor should also inspect your feet on a regular basis. Invest in a pair of orthopedic shoes. Avoid going barefoot or soaking your feet in hot water.

Principle Five: Proper Footwear. Supportive footwear is especially important when it comes to preserving good foot health. Look for shoes that protect and support your feet. Orthopedic walking shoes often provide a good combination of comfort and support.

Avoid shoes with narrow toes or little arch support. Make sure your shoes fit you properly and can accommodate the socks you usually wear. courtesy of 1foot2foot.com

Principle Two: Regular Foot Inspections. If left untreated, small cuts and sore spots on the feet can lead to more serious infections. Foot ulcers (open wounds on the feet) are common among senior citizens who fail to notice minor foot injuries early on. Reduced nervous sensation and circulation in the feet mean that the feet will need to be inspected visually. A family member or friend may need to help out if there are problems with eyesight or flexibility.

Principle Three: Proper Nail Care. Failure to trim nails properly can lead to ingrown toenails and various infections. Toenails should be cut straight across to prevent the corners of the nail from growing into the skin. File away any sharp edges. If a toenail does become ingrown or infected, see a doctor who can care for it properly.

This is especially true from senior citizens with diabetes or anyone who is particularly vulnerable to infections on their feet. Discolored or abnormally thick toenails may be a sign of a fungal infection. If the discoloration or tenderness persists, speak to your doctor.

Footcare Tips for Seniors

• See your podiatrist regularly. Prevention and maintenance are the best sources of healthy feet.

• Inspect your feet daily, especially if you are a diabetic. If you are unable to see your feet adequately, ask for assistance. Don't ignore the two things that enable you to participate in life's daily activities.

• Avoid walking barefoot. Wear soft leather shoes that offer support and that are made with rubber soles and heels.

• Ask your podiatrist if you are a candidate for orthotics. Orthotics will improve foot function, offer arch support, and act as a shock absorber.

• Keep feet clean, warm and dry. Apply lotion to dry feet and powder to moist feet.

• Trim toenails straight across, not down into the corners. Avoid cutting nails too short.

Nails should never be cut down to the flesh.

• Never use commercial corn pads or medicines. They often burn and irritate the skin.

• Avoid sitting with your knees crossed, as it reduces circulation. Wearing circular garters and elastic banded hose also reduces circulation.

• Seek surgical intervention when necessary. A chronic source of pain or irritation can be eliminated by a simple surgical procedure, restoring a patient's quality of life.

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Expanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Education with NCCDP Courses at Hebrew HealthCare PAGE 10

April, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) has a mission to promote, encourage, and enhance the knowledge, skills and practice of all persons who provide care and/or services to Dementia clients by means of requiring excellent standards of education, dementia specific training and incentives for professional development of those who are dedicated to the ever growing field of dementia care. Hebrew HealthCare offers the classes needed to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP).

Pamela Atwood, Director, Dementia Services at Hebrew HealthCare is an approved instructor of the NCCDP’s required course Alzheimer’s and Dementia Seminar, which will be offered in June 2016 at Hebrew HealthCare’s main campus in West Hartford.

The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Seminar is open for all to attend. If you are looking to pursue the certification, the seminar must be completed by an approved NCCDP Instructor. The CDP certification is open to professionals who work in health care.

These professionals can include but are not limited to Nurses, Social Workers, Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides, Activity Professionals, and more!

To learn more about this seminar contact Hebrew HealthCare’s Dementia Care Services Department by phone at 860.920.1810 or email at aweiland@hebrewhealthcare.org.

If you are not interested in certification but would like other educational opportunities, Hebrew HealthCare also offers dementia care education online. Hebrew HealthCare is partnered with Learning Resources Network, a non-profit organization that also partners with colleges and universities.

There is now an 8-week Dementia Care course starting April 4, 2016. This course is asynchronous which means work can be completed at anytime and at your own pace. More information can be found at www.yougotclass.org/catalog-complete.cfm/HHC or by calling Hebrew HealthCare’s Dementia Care Services Department at 860.920.1810.

Hebrew HealthCare is a non-profit, non-sectarian healthcare provider featuring a comprehensive system of integrated and seamless in-patient; outpatient and community based geriatric services.

For over 100 years our commitment to providing comprehensive care to the elderly in the Greater Hartford area is unparalleled and is the foundation on which our reputation for excellence is based.

provided

Aces High at Waveny’s Adult Day Program!

Waveny LifeCare Network’s Adult Day Program participants enjoyed a high rolling day as ‘Main Street’ at The Village was transformed into a casino. The morning began with a game of Pokeno and a Rat Pack Review singalong, with ‘Double Down’ Domino Brownies already baking in the oven. Aces were high and deuces were wild as everyone tried their hand at Roulette, BlackJack, Wheel of Fortune and other games of chance, and everyone’s winnings were exchanged for prizes at the end of the day. For more information on Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which is available with flexible days with free local door-to-door transportation provided throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org.

First Anniversary of Center for Comfort Care & Healing Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

On February 17, 2015 an ambulance pulled up to the entrance of Regional Hospice and Home Care’s new Center for Comfort Care & Healing with a patient whose family had waited days in another facility for the Center to officially open on 30 Milestone Road in Danbury. That was exactly one year and 774 patients ago for Western Connecticut’s premier hospice home care agency. Since then, the Center has been selected as one of only 70 out of 5,500 hospices nationwide to participate in the five-year Medicare Care Choices Model Project and as the exclusive hospice provider for Yale’s Smilow Cancer Center.

The Center celebrated its first anniversary on February 17th honoring legislators, donors and volunteers whose commitment made the Center for Comfort Care & Healing possible. More than 145 guests reveled along with the evening’s speakers which included Connecticut Attor-

ney General George Jepsen, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, Regional Hospice and Home Care President & CEO Cynthia Emiry Roy and Volunteer Board Chairman John Royce.

Regional Hospice and Home Care’s team of experienced clinicians have been providing physical, emotional, spiritual and bereavement support to children, adults and their families through our palliative and hospice care program for the past 30 years. Regional Hospice and Home Care is a nonprofit, state-licensed and Medicare-certified home health care and hospice agency. Now, with the opening of our new private-room, specialty hospital for palliative and endof-life care — the Center for Comfort Care & Healing — Regional Hospice and Home Care can bring that same hope and compassionate care close to home and under one roof.

For more information, please visit www.RegionalHospiceCT.org.

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provided

Pictured left to right: Regional Hospice and Home Care President & CEO Cynthia Emiry Roy, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, and Joseph Walkovich, President of Walkovich Associates

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Occupational Therapy’s role in Senior Centers PAGE 12

April, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Senior centers are an important community resource for older adults. Recognized as a designated focal point by the Older Americans Act,1 senior centers help older adults to access programs and services that promote health and independence. Today, senior centers serve a multitude of purposes, including meal and nutrition sites, screening clinics, recreational and fitness centers, social service agency branch offices, mental health counseling clinics, older worker employment agencies, volunteer coordinating centers, and community meeting facilities. With each generation, senior centers continue to grow and evolve in order to help older adults age in place and age successfully.

participants to analyze their own occupations, which then enables them to adapt their approach to everyday living for optimal well-being.

Occupational therapy enables people of all ages live life to its fullest by helping them to promote health, make lifestyle or environmental changes, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. By looking at the whole picture—a client’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social make-up—occupational therapy assists people to achieve their goals, function at the highest possible level, maintain or rebuild their independence, and participate in the everyday activities of life.

Occupational Therapy in Senior Centers Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants bring an understanding of the importance of participation and occupation for overall well-being to senior centers. Occupational therapy practitioners can fill a unique role by enhancing client-centered programming in senior center communities.

Occupational therapy practitioners can: • Evaluate members’ needs and interests for specific health education programs, and then design programs around these needs.

• Help members compensate for challenges they experience in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing and feeding), instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., driving and home management), leisure participation, social participation, and productive activity (e.g., volunteering and employment). The occupational therapy intervention plan, developed in collaboration with the member, considers the member’s specific conditions (e.g., chronic pain, arthritis), and develops strategies to help maintain or improve his or her safety and well-being.

• Develop educational programs to provide center participants who have a variety of conditions (e.g., vision and hearing impairments, mobility limitations) with fall prevention, energy conservation, and other compensatory techniques. Information can be delivered to individuals or groups about community mobility, environmental modifications (e.g., bathtub bench, grab bars), and assistive devices (e.g., one-handed cutting board for meal preparation, built-up eating utensils) to increase ease, safety, and independence with daily tasks.

• Assist participants with life transitions. Occupational therapy programming designed to help address role transitions and changes in routines associated with retirement, widowhood, caregiver role, and relocation can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with these changes. Opportunities for participants to recognize the commonalities in their experiences and to gain problem-solving abilities to handle these transitions are just some of the ways that occupational therapy practitioners might support individuals at senior centers during these times.

• Create and implement health promotion programs to assist participants who wish to “redesign” their lives in order to experience greater healthrelated quality of life and well-being.2 Programs can address the benefits of healthpromoting behaviors, and potential barriers or fears that are preventing individuals from participating in valued life activities. Occupational therapy practitioners provide a unique educational approach that allows

• Serve as consultants to the senior center for facility environmental modifications to enhance client access, participation, and safety. Examples include recommendations on bathroom modifications, accessible furniture, lighting to reduce glare, and color schemes to enhance visual contrast.

Occupational therapy practitioners can also support facilities with the development of information and media intended for senior center participants to ensure that content and style are sensitive to agerelated sensory changes and supportive of cognitive processes associated with older adult learning.

Evidence Supports Occupational Therapy The University of Southern California Well Elderly Study2 demonstrated that occupational therapy improved health and slowed aging-related declines for older adults who live in the community more effectively than engagement in basic social activities. As a result, occupational therapy health-promotion programs might include the following: (a) exploration of community resources for volunteering in the community, (b) improvement of emotional well-being through engaging in new or previously done leisure and social activities, and (c) strategies to increase clients in their mobility, to eliminate fear of falling.

Occupational therapy practitioners can also create effective walking programs and programs to support advocacy efforts of older adults, and address topics ranging from energy conservation to successful time management.

As the population of older adults continues to grow and the desire for community-based services increases, occupational therapy can be a critical link to the success of multipurpose senior centers. Occupational therapy offers the solution to participation, engagement, and well-being for older adults in the community.

References 1. Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006. Pub. L. 109–365.

2. Clark, F., Azen, S. P., Zemke, R., Jackson, J., Carlson, M., Mandel, D. et al. (1997). Occupational therapy for independent-living older adults. A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 278, 1321–1326.

courtesy of American Occupational Therapy Association

14 Years of Swinging for Seniors: Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Waveny’s Annual Golf & Tennis Outing to be held on Monday, May 23

provided

Waveny LifeCare Network’s Development Committee announced Monday, May 23, 2016 as the date for Waveny’s 14th annual ‘Swinging for Seniors’ golf and tennis outing at the Country Club of New Canaan. Proceeds from this annual charity fundraising event fund Waveny’s financial assistance program, which provides support to patients, residents and day participants who cannot afford the full cost of their care at Waveny, as well as special program enhancements. From left to right: Event Co-chairs Judy Bentley, Sharon Stevenson and Mike Hobbs (not pictured: CoChairs Todd Lampert and Julianne Grace). Efforts are already underway by committee members to solicit sponsors, recruit players and collect raffle-prize donations. To play, participate or contribute to the cause, contact Joanne Boyer, Waveny’s Director of Development at 20.594.5416 or JBoyer@waveny.org.

April, 2016

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RVNA to host Annual Health & Wellness Fair PAGE 14

April, 2016

For the 42nd year, RVNA will host its Annual Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 9 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at East Ridge Middle School, 10 East Ridge Road in downtown Ridgefield. More than 100 exhibitors will be on hand to provide screenings from carotid artery to glucose testing and skin assessments.

They will also provide information on health related resources, safety awareness and emergency preparedness. The popular “Ask the Expert” booths will allow an opportunity for one-on-one conversations with doc-

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

tors in various specialties, as well as other health care professionals. Representatives from traditional, alternative and integrative medicine will be present. You can learn about yoga, acupuncture, caregiver support groups and therapy pets. The Ridgefield Fire Department will be offering hands only CPR training to all interested attendees.

The importance of the Health Fair cannot be underestimated. Each year the Fair potentially saves a life when a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention

is detected during a screening. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about your health, and health and wellness resources in the community. RVNA encourages attendees to bring a non-perishable food item (low sodium, low sugar, low fat, whole grain, etc.) for our food pantry serving needy patients. Entry to the Health Fair, all screenings and information are free of charge, and East Ridge Middle School has ample parking. For more details on exhibitors and screenings, visit www.ridgefieldvna.org or call 203 438-5555.

Residents at The Inn celebrate Greek Night

Opa! Yasou!

Residents at The Inn, Waveny LifeCare Network’s residence for independent senior living, celebrated a spirited evening of Greek culture and cuisine. The evening was a culmination of the week’s exploration of ancient Greece, Greek history, culture and mythology. Residents learned a traditional Greek dance and dinner featured an assortment of authentic Greek delicacies including rack of lamb, Athenian chicken with oregano, an assortment of traditional sides and vegetables, with Baklava for dessert. Located at 73 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, The Inn provides carefree, independent senior living and welcomes older adults from all areas. For more information, call 203.594.5450 or visit waveny.org.

photos provided

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

April, 2016

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SPECIALIZING IN CARDIOLOGY, INTERNAL MEDICINE AND GASTROENTEROLOGY

HONORED ON

‘Best Doctors’ LISTS YEAR AFTER YEAR

ROBERT BELKIN, MD GABRIELLE BOLTON, MD MARK BORKIN, MD SUSAN CAMPANILE, MD LEO CARDILLO, MD MAXWELL CHAIT, MD ALBERT DELUCA, MD JEFFREY DONIS, MD JOYDEEP GHOSH, MD LAWRENCE GLASSBERG, MD EDUARDO GRANATO, MD CRAIG HJEMDAHL-MONSEN, MD KUMAR KALAPATAPU, MD

SRIRAMA KALAPATAPU, MD RICHARD KAY, MD ANDREW CARL KONTAK, MD ANDREW KUPERSMITH, MD STEVEN LANDAU, MD YAT WA (BETTY) LI, MD SANJAY NAIK, MD DIMPLE PATEL, MD RONALD PRESTON, MD ANTHONY PUCILLO, MD TODD C. PULERWITZ, MD MONICA REYNOLDS, MD JAE RO, MD

WARREN ROSENBLUM, MD ABDOLLAH SEDIGHI, MD INDERPAL SINGH, MD SUSAN SOEIRO, MD DAVID E. SOLARZ, MD CARMINE SORBERA, MD ELENA L. TSAI, MD STEVEN L. VALENSTEIN, MD MELVIN WEISS, MD RONALD WEISSMAN, MD PRESTON WINTERS, MD

Visit us at one of our locations: 19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 700 Hawthorne, NY 10532 (914)593-7800

15 North Broadway 2nd Floor White Plains, NY 10601 (914)428-6000

5 Coates Drive Suite 2 Goshen, NY 10924 (845)294-1234

30 Greenridge Avenue Suite 207 White Plains, NY 10605 (914)328-8555

180 East Hartsdale Avenue Suite 1E Hartsdale, NY 10530 (914)725-2010

3 Michael Frey Drive Eastchester, NY 10709 (914)337-3500

688 White Plains Road Suite 210 Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914)723-3322

334 Route 202 Bailey Court Somers, NY 10589 (914)277-4367

154 Pike Street Port Jervis, NY 12771 (845) 858-4444

105 Stevens Avenue Suite 101 Mount Vernon, NY 10550 (914)667-8777

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April, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Specialized financing for a successful practice.

S TAY I N G

COMPETITIVE

in today’s changing healthcare environment

can be a challenge. It may require investing in new technologies, expanding services, even merging with another practice.

For the specialized financing you need to help keep your practice successful, contact Bruce Davison at 203.328.8105 or bdavison@websterbank.com.

All credit products, pricing and overdraft protection are subject to the normal credit approval process. Some applications may require further consideration and/or supplemental information. Certain terms and conditions may apply. SBA guaranteed products may also be subject to additional terms, conditions and fees. All loans/lines of credit require a Webster business checking account which must be opened prior to loan closing and which must be used for auto-deduct of payment.

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