Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond April 2017 ebook

Boomers d n o y & Be April 2017

Fairfield County

The Inn welcomes ‘Staying Put’ member art exhibit p10

Showcase

Founder and CEO of New England Young Heart, Elaine Marcucio is hosting a SPRING FLING SHOWCASE.

Looking for businesses to showcase their goods and services.

NEYAH wants to provide the best in the business. They will be limiting spots and will not have overlap of any type of business – so lock in your spot today.

They are looking for businesses like (but not limited to) massage therapist, landscaper, electrician, handyman, insurance agent (life, health, home/auto), lawyer, realtor, wireless phone rep, homemade items, painters, etc.

Here’s the info: Woodbridge Senior Center 4 Meetinghouse Lane Woodbridge, CT 06525.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 9:30-12:00

Contact Elaine Marcucio 203- 887-5047 or neyoungatheart@gmail.com

Is home for people diagnosed with some form of dementia or memory impairment. Our philosophy of care centers on the whole person; body, mind, and spirit. We understand that each individual is unique and is deserving of dignity and respect. We celebrate their stories and experiences everyday.

1155 King Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 • 203-531-5500 • www.thegreensatgreenwich.com

Occupational therapy for seniors has many benefits

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April, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Occupational therapy is a treatment that involves helping people live more independent and productive lives by incorporating meaningful activities to promote participation in everyday life. It is focused on improving life skills which can lead to better quality of life.

Over one-third of occupational therapists work with seniors after they have been affected by illness, memory loss or injury. They are often elder-care advocates, working to help seniors maintain their independence. One of their most important roles is promoting self-reliance among their patients. This means helping them overcome their physical challenges or limitations, enabling them to return to a normal life at home where they may continue activities of daily living (ADLs), including cooking, feeding themselves, dressing and grooming. Occupational therapy for seniors takes a somewhat unique stance by focusing on what the person can do.

Occupational therapy is also key during the early stages of memory loss. Therapists are trained to assess a patient’s cognitive ability and use behavioral modification to help address change in their personalities. Occupational therapists can also help adapt a patient’s home for safety, allowing them to maximize their remaining skills to help them maintain their independence. They also educate the family caregivers and connect them with support groups or respite care such as that provided by American Senior Communities for the emotional assistance they may need. In later stages of memory loss, the therapist can focus on simplifying activities or providing sensory stimulation like soothing music to help improve quality of life.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Seniors

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.

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.

Source:www.ascseniorcare.com/occupational-therapy-for-seniors/

How to choose the retirement community that’s right for you Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

April, 2017

PAGE 5

As you get wiser in your years, the time may come when any old regular community just doesn’t make the cut. Whether you need some living assistance, want to be around people closer to your age or just want to be some place quieter, it may be time to look into a retirement community.

But what is the difference between a retirement community and a regular community?

“A retirement community offers a plan for the future,” says Jessica Page, director of sales and marketing at Inverness Village in Tulsa, Okla.

“There are services and amenities that help maintain well-being longer. It is purposefully designed with a focus on whole-person wellness that nourishes six components critical to good health: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, vocational and spiritual.”

To make sure those components are met, most retirement communities offer extras like lectures, cultural events, workshops, household maintenance assistance and exercise classes. Some may even offer expert care and support for those who need it. This kind of peace of mind isn’t always available in a regular community.

Starting to sound appealing? Here’s an in-depth look on how to find the retirement community that’s right for you:

Suiting Your Needs and Age Range When considering retirement communities, it’s important to consider the needs you have in mind and your age, as the majority will have age limits on who can buy a home in the community.

“Needs vary substantially depending on health, physical abilities and age-related needs,” says Art Koff, the 80-year-old founder of RetiredBrains.com, a website that provides content and advice for people who are planning retirement. “The age range can be from the 50s to 90s, as there are younger retirees who need a great deal of assistance and retirees in the 90s who require little.”

Whether you’re just looking for a place where you don’t have to mow your lawn anymore, or a place you can meet others in the same stage of life as you, there are options for everyone.

“Residents seek retirement communities for a variety of personal and social reasons,” says Joan Woodworth, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Front Porch, one of the largest retirement community providers in California. “However, most residents are tired of keeping up their homes and want freedom from household chores and are interested in more social interaction — and the peace of mind of knowing they will have care when they need it.”

Live Your Lifestyle Next, it’s important to consider the type of lifestyle you want to have in your retirement community.

Are you looking for an active lifestyle and a place you can socialize, or a quiet home where you can just relax alone or spend time with your spouse?

Whatever your lifestyle may be, it’s important to ask questions before deciding on your community. A community’s sales representative will be happy to discuss their available benefits and levels of care so you can decide which place is best for you now and later on down the road.

Amazing Amenities When you’re touring prospective retirement communities, don’t forget to take a peek at the amenities.

If you’re going to be living there, it’s good to know which place gives you the most bang for your buck.

Common amenities retirement communities can offer: • • • • • • • • • • •

Fitness and aquatic centers Wellness clinics Salons and spas Dining venues Social centers and activity programs Housekeeping and linen services Scheduled transportation Exterior maintenance and landscaping Emergency protocols Spiritual services Assisted living services

And don’t forget to check and see which utilities are included in the monthly bill!

Where to Look With so much to look into and to take into consideration, starting your search may seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be!

Many great websites can help you find your next home, including FrontPorch.net, RetiredBrains.com and NewHomeSource.com.

“The key is to choose a community and setting where you are comfortable,” says Woodworth, noting that most retirement communities can be found in metro and surrounding areas.

But how can you tell if the community is actually worth your hard-earned time and money?

Koff suggests preparing a checklist of musthaves and questions for each community you consider under the following categories where applicable: • • • • • •

First impression Living area and accommodations Moving in, contracts and finances Health and personal care services Social and recreational availabilities Dining facilities and options

Taking all of this into account, you shouldn’t have any problems choosing the perfect retirement community. Go ahead, live that life of retirement you’ve been dreaming of. You deserve it!

Source:www.newhomesource.com

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April, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Advertiser’s Index

ColumbiaDoctors.....................................................................................20

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

MDHearingAid......................................................................................15

MobileHelp.............................................................................................13

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.................................................11 PillPack...................................................................................................7

VNA of Hudson Valley........................................................................19

Boomers

Waveny Lifecare Network.......................................................................2

Fairfield County

& Beyond

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

Joseph P. Belsito Joe@belsito.com

••• GEnERaL ManaGER

Nancy Sorbella

Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MaRKETInG DIRECTOR

Our View Each month, Boomers & Beyond is committed to bringing you useful information about topics, organizations and people in the forefront of serving our fast-growing senior population.

Many people have shared that one of the biggest decisions they’ve ever had to make is whether to move into a retirement community – or how to find a comfortable, safe living environment for an aging loved one. The April issue explores options to help make this important choice easier and give the entire family peace of mind.

Folks of all ages sometimes have to deal with injuries and disabilities; and this month, Boomers & Beyond offers a look at some of the extensive services offered by rehabilitation facilities in the region.

April is also Cancer Control month – a time to focus on what individuals can do to reduce their cancer risk. We’ll take a look at some potentially lifesaving programs, as well as steps that everyone can take to help stay healthy.

Wishing everyone good health throughout the month!

And please send us your questions, as well as comments and suggestions for topics that you’d like to see in the upcoming pages of Boomers & Beyond.

We can be reached at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Gregory W. Buff Greg@belsito.com

••• MaRKETInG EXECUTIVE

Anthony Mairo

Anthony@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• ManaGInG EDITOR

Cathryn Burak

Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• SEnIOR SaLES COnSULTanT

Maureen Rafferty Linell MRLinell@charter.net

••• CIRCULaTIOn

Michelle Belsito

Next Month National Senior Health Month Celebrating Older Americans Month

Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

Audiologists Better Hearing and Speech Month

Dale McKnight

Arthritis Awareness Month Leading cause of disability in America

•••

SEnIOR CORRESPOnDEnTS

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 4 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.

Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

April, 2017

PAGE 7

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Reduce your cancer risk PAGE 8

April, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

By: Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA President & CEO

The American Cancer Society reports that nearly half of cancer deaths could be prevented by healthy eating habits, exercising and not smoking. Doctors offer some advice to work toward cancer prevention. Get regular recommended cancer screenings for many types of cancer, especially if there is a family history. Ask your doctor when to begin screenings and how often to be screened. Follow a healthy diet. Determine your optimum weight and work to get to it. Excess weight increases the risk of cancer in the breast, colon, rectum, uterus, esophagus, pancreas and kidney. Watch portion sizes and limit high calorie foods, processed meats and red meat. Aim for 1.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day and limit alcohol consumption to two glasses a day for men and one glass for women. Stay active by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. Regular exercise reduces the risk of many chronic conditions as well as cancer. Do not use tobacco. Smoking has been linked to numerous types of cancer including lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder and more. Quit smoking no matter your age or how long you’ve been doing it. And finally, be careful of your time in the sun. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer according to the American Cancer Society. Cover yourself up, wear a hat and sunglasses, use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more, avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm and don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps.

Founded in 1914, RVNA is an accredited non-profit Medicarecertified home healthcare agency that also supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life. RVNA provides compassionate care to all individuals, whether young or old, through a continuum of care that encompasses health care at home and in the community. RVNA also provides home health aides and companionship through a non-medical subsidiary called HomeCare by RVNA and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy in its Rehab

by RVNA facility at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield.

April is National Cancer Control Month

This year, an estimated half million Americans will lose their lives to cancer, and three times that many will be diagnosed with this devastating illness. Cancer patients are parents and grandparents, children and cherished friends; the disease touches almost all of us and casts a shadow over families and communities across our Nation. Yet, today, we stand at a critical moment in cancer research that promises significant advances for patients and an accelerated pace of lifesaving discoveries. During National Cancer Control Month this April, we remember those we have lost, support Americans fighting this disease, and recommit to progress toward effective cancer control.

Prevention and screening are our best defenses against cancer. All Americans can reduce their risk by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting sun exposure, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, living tobacco-free, and getting

regularly scheduled cancer screenings.

Regular screening with a healthcare professional can play a key role in preventing cancer and detecting the disease early, when it is often most treatable.

The following cancer screenings are recommended: • Breast Cancer (mammography and clinical breast exam) • Cervical and Vaginal Cancer (pap test and pelvic exam) • Prostate cancer (PSA blood test and Digital Rectal Exam) • Colorectal Cancer o Fecal Occult Blood Test o Flexible Sigmoidoscopy o Colonoscopy

Caregiving information, resources and support offered at Griffin Healthy U Series Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Griffin Hospital’s Healthy U program and The Valley Senior Services Council will host a series of four talks on caregiving this spring.

The series will focus on caregivers for seniors, especially those of “the sandwich generation,” who are caring for a senior loved one while still managing work and care of their children, however the series will share information and resources that are beneficial to anyone caring for another person.

A light dinner sponsored by Valley Senior Services Council (VSSC) and their Valley United Way Special Needs Grant and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will be provided at 4:30 p.m. before each talk.

There will be free raffles and VSSC members representing various area homecare and senior living services will be available to share resources and to speak individually with attendees. Participants are invited to bring their loved one whom they provide care.

On Thurs., April 20 at 5:30 p.m. Dawnmarie Hunter, of Visiting Nurse Association of South Central CT, and Kim Vertrees, Community Liaison with Connecticut In-Home Assistance homecare, will present “Keeping Your Loved One Independent and Safe,” explaining the difference between medical and non-medical home care what are the differences; when and why you need it; how to search for it; and how to pay for it. A Griffin Hospital physical therapist will also discuss fall safety and demonstrate exercises for balance and core strengthening. Tara Kelly, of Griffin Hospital Lifeline, will present information on home safety and preventing avoidable fall injuries.

“The Caregiver’s Toolbox” on Thurs., May 18 will feature a presentation by Maria Tomasetti, of The Alzheimer’s Association, on care methods for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including communication strategies and helpful activities. Griffin Hospital Community Outreach will present a “toolbox” of resources for caregivers to help a loved one manage their disease and gain control of their health.

April, 2017

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The series wraps up on Thurs., June 8 at 5:30 p.m. with a variety of presentations on caregiving from area resources, including Wesley Village UMH, Sunset Shores, Griffin Hospital Lifeline, Alzheimer’s Association, TEAM, Valley Transit District and Agency on Aging. The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A. Space is limited, so registration is required.

Call 203-732-1511 or register online at the Griffin Hospital events calendar at griffinhealth.org.

Nuts and bolts of job searching in the digital age The Connecticut Masters’ Games and AARP CT Job Seeker are providing a FREE seminar for individuals age 50 and older who are looking for a job or seeking to change careers.

Saturday, May 20, 2017 10:00 - 11:30am New Britain High School, Lecture Hall 110 Mill Street, New Britain, CT 06051

The Job Seeker seminar will be presented by Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut State Director and Jean Bauer, Speaker, Author and Career Coach.

This is an hour and a half interactive seminar dedicated to providing the nuts and bolts of job searching in the digital age. Come prepared to meet new people and network with other attendees.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

The Inn welcomes ‘Staying Put’ member art exhibit PAGE 10

April, 2017

On Friday, March 3, The Inn hosted a reception welcoming the artwork of Staying Put members to its walls. More than 40 members and friends came to honor the artists and see the exhibit, which includes over 30 works in pastels, oils, watercolors, paper and sculpture. Staying Put is a member-based, volunteer-supported organization dedicated to helping seniors in the New Canaan community live safely in their homes and remain actively engaged in the community as they age. Located at 73 Oenoke Ridge in the heart of New Canaan, The Inn provides carefree, independent senior living and welcomes older adults from all areas. For more information, or to visit for lunch and a tour, call 203.594.5450 or visit waveny.org.

Exhibit Curator, Marjorie Aronson, stands in front of two of her signature paper collages with Barbara Jeffries, Assistant Director of Resident Services of the Inn.

Inn resident, Don Harbour, with Staying Put Board Member, Peggy Jay and Nicola Holzberger

Barbara Jeffries, The Inn's Assistant Director of Resident Services with Inn resident Betty DeAraujo

Mimi McMenniman explains her sculpture to Betty Petschek

Jill Stevens, Nancy Helle and Jeanne Gnuse

photos provided

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

April, 2017

PAGE 11

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April, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Hearing loss in seniors

Senior with hearing problemHearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting seniors. It can also be a frustrating and isolating experience.

Communication is key, especially between seniors and caregivers. Understanding the symptoms, causes and treatments of hearing loss can help caregivers maintain effective communication and provide valuable care.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Hearing loss in seniors tends to occur gradually. As a result, many seniors may be unaware that a problem is developing.

Caregivers should watch for common signs of hearing loss, including:

• Asking people to repeat themselves or speak louder

• Turning up the volume on the radio or TV • Difficulty following conversations if there is background noise or 2 people speaking at once

• Inability to hear someone speaking from another room or has their back turned • Difficulty hearing on the telephone

What causes hearing loss?

There are different types of hearing loss that affect seniors. Sensorineural

hearing loss is a permanent condition caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Conductive hearing loss occurs when something stops sound waves from reaching the inner ear, such as a build-up of ear wax. This can normally be fixed through surgery or other medical procedures. Many different factors can cause hearing loss, including genetics, medications, head injury and ear infections. It is difficult to prevent hearing loss, especially as a senior. However, avoiding loud noises and the overuse of headphones can help, as can the proper treatment of ear infections.

How is hearing loss diagnosed and treated?

If a senior is suffering from hearing loss, they should visit their family doctor as soon as possible to determine the exact cause. The sooner hearing loss is diagnosed, the better the treatment options. A senior may need to visit a hearing specialist, such as an otolaryngologist or audiologist, for an official diagnosis and treatment plan. Common treatments include medication, surgery and hearing aids. Complete hearing loss is rare; often, treatments allow a senior to maintain a moderate ability to hear.

How should you care for a senior with hearing loss?

If a senior is suffering from hearing loss, caregivers should make sure to communicate with them in a way that is effective and considerate. Avoid speaking to a senior from another room or with your back turned. Instead, make eye contact with a senior while speaking slowly and clearly. This allows a senior to read your lips and facial expressions, which can help fill in the blanks. Additionally, do not attempt to speak over loud music or a television show. If multiple people are present, encourage everyone to take turns speaking rather than interrupting one another. Check regularly to make sure hearing aids are in working order and do not require fresh batteries.

Source:www.retireathome.com

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

April, 2017

PAGE 13

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PAGE 14

April, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Waveny’s Wild Wild West

Waveny LifeCare Network’s Adult Day Program participants, residents and short-term rehab patients took a trip back in time to the Wild, Wild West, where they spent the day enjoying live country music, line dancing, lasso wrangling and horseshoe tossing as cowboys and cowgirls. For more information on Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which is available weekdays with free local transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, please call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org.

photos provided

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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April, 2017

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PAGE 16

April, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

What your walk reveals about your health Gait speed – how fast you walk – is a good predictor of overall health. Many geriatricians consider it a “fifth vital sign,” as important as body temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

A sudden slowdown may signal that a senior’s health is in decline. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are considering having doctors measure gait speed at every check-up. Yet the gold standard of timing gait speed over a short distance using a stopwatch is inconvenient, and prone to variability due to human error.

Now, researchers at UConn Health and the UConn School of Engineering have developed a better way. Investigators from the UConn Center on Aging found that Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tags are an easy, almost foolproof way to measure gait speed. This past summer, they had a medical student fit 50 patients between the ages of 65 and 95 with an armband carrying an RFID tag, and then asked them to walk down the hall at their normal speed. Tag readers at either end of the hall detected the tag as the patient passed and automatically calculated how fast the person was walking.

SummerWood residents express thanks

The patients didn’t mind the non-invasive process at all. The medical assistants said it was easy and wouldn’t add more than a few seconds to their task list. And if the tag readers are strategically placed, it could be even faster. For example, a medical assistant could hand the RFID tag to the patient in the waiting room and walk them to the exam room, passing the tag readers along the way.

“We want to be able to track someone’s usual gait speed over time,” says Lisa Barry, a chronic disease epidemiologist at UConn Health. “If someone comes back six months later and their usual gait speed has slowed considerably, this

may signify an opportunity to intervene clinically to prevent further decline.”

Barry says the gait speed measurements could also be used as an indicator of how well a patient is responding to rehabilitation and treatment following surgery or a serious illness.

She and Dr. George Kuchel, director of the UConn Center on Aging, are currently looking at developing a commercial prototype so that doctors elsewhere can start using the technique to benefit their own patients.

For more information, visit UConn Today: http://today. uconn.edu/2017/03/uconn-pilotsnew-measure-fast-walk/

Residents and staff of Hoffman SummerWood Community recently continued their annual tradition of delivering a “thank you” lunch to the West Hartford Police Department, the local Fire Department and AMR Ambulance service. As a gesture of appreciation, several residents and staff delivered the lunches and had an opportunity to personally thank the dedicated police officers, fire fighters and medics.

“It’s nice to let these individuals know how much we value the work they do…they are always here for us when we need them,” remarked Joan Carney, SummerWood’s Executive Director. The postal carrier, UPS and pharmacy delivery people also received a thank you lunch as they made their deliveries.

Hoffman SummerWood Community is a national award-winning senior living community loprovided cated on Simsbury Road in West Hartford. For Pictured from left to right: Lindyann Vines, SummerWood employee; Lt. Keith more information, please call 860-523-3808 or visit Albert; C.B., Fire Dept. Driver; Mimi Rabinowitz, resident; Brian Merrin, Firefighter; their website at www.hoffmansummerwood.org.

Ida Levy, Arleen Bogen, Leo Novarr, Barbara Luchs and Herb Jones, residents.

Puppies!

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

April, 2017

PAGE 17

How pets help reduce stress

Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA and Training and Behavioral Expert at Camp Bow Wow (North America’s largest and most trusted pet care franchise), has offered her insights and tips on the benefits of having a pup and how our furry family members can truly reduce the stress we experience every day.

How Pets Help Reduce Stress Some studies show that people begin to feel less anxious after spending less than an hour with an animal. There are endless benefits from lowering your stress level and while the things that we find stressful in our lives are often hard to eliminate, adding an animal to your life can help.

General Benefits: There’s a reason that they say dog is man’s best friend. Having a pet, not limited to dogs, is something that everyone should experience at some point in their life. Pets can be calming, mood lifting, empathetic, and so much more. They teach you how to be selfless and responsible as you are caring over another life (for those of you without children). Generally speaking, they make you happy.

Helps with Depression: In some cases, therapists suggest that patients suffering from depression that they adopt a pet. An animal will love you unconditionally and also be a great friend and listener.

People with depression often benefit from having a pet, as the animal can help them get out of the house.

Health Benefits: There are other health benefits associated with pet ownership. Many studies show that owning a pet has a positive impact on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, infection control, allergies, stress related problems, blood pressure, and psychological issues.

Engaged Mind: A key to a healthy mind, especially for those who are elderly, is staying engaged with others. A pet is often a conversation starter and bringing your dog to a dog park is a great way to meet people with similar interests.

Build Your Children’s Confidence: Having a dog in the home can build confidence and manage anxiety and stress in children.

Excuse to Play: Training and playing with your dog also provides mental stimulation, helps unleash creativity and alleviates stress. Having a dog will also encourage you to exercise as you’ll need to walk Fido regularly.

Routine: Having a daily schedule reduces stress for any individual. Having a dog that relies on you at specific times each day (feeding, walking, and sleeping) can help establish a routine.

Source:stacyknows.com

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April, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Paddle for aPurpose Waveny LifeCare Network’s 9th Annual Mixed-Paddle Event heightens awareness of local eldercare options

One flight of Waveny LifeCare Network’s “Paddle for a Purpose” tournament players at The Field Club of New Canaan.

Following the success of the past eight years’ events, Waveny LifeCare Network recently held its 9th 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.

“We are delighted and grateful to again attract our best local recreational players as well as top ranked APTA professionals for a meaningful evening of mixed-paddle for a charitable cause,” said Sharon Stevenson, Waveny Board Member and Event Chair.

“Year after year, our event generates increased support for Waveny, and heightens awareness of our mission to meet our community’s eldercare needs,” said Joanne Boyer, Waveny’s Director of Development. “Paddle for a Purpose’s continued momentum and success is due to the efforts of our wonderful sponsors, our volunteers, local clubs, and players who all help to make sure our event is sensational for everyone involved.”

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 J.P McConnell and Masha Slupska with runners up Justin Campbell and Florentina Hanisch; Christian and Gitte Toft-Nielson with runners up Andrew Lebovitz and Sharon Wessan; Peter and Roopali Hall with runners up Gary and Candace Weiner; and Deirdre and Ross Smith with runners up Ron Balzano and Suzy Lavieri.

Event sponsors included Hutchinson Tree Care Services, Morrison Community Living, Karl Chevrolet, Lampert, Toohey, and Rucci, LLC, 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.

Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a nonprofit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home and Geriatric Care Management. For information call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

photos provided

Waveny LifeCare Network’s 9th Annual “Paddle for a Purpose” tournament PRO-flight participants at the Lake Club in Wilton: (Left to right) Michaela Kvatochvilov, Xavier Proulx, Gigi Fernandez, and Ritush Venugopal

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April, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County