Fairfield cCounty Boomers & Beyond December 2015 ebook

Boomers Fairfield County

d n o y e &B

The Greens at Cannondale – Treat Yourself to the Best! p5

Come see the “The absolute joy” of Masonicare at Ashlar Village p9

Travel RX- Helping navigate your travel needs! p10 Synergy HomeCare…The most trusted name in Home Care p16

December 2015

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December, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Creative and holistic approach sets The Greens at Greenwich apart Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Maria Scaros-Mercado, Executive Director of The Greens at Greenwich, often receives heartfelt messages from families who have a loved one who is a resident at the award-winning assisted living facility.

It’s a touching credit to The Greens at Greenwich’s unique approach to treating residents, who all have been diagnosed with some form of dementia. Residents in the charming 30-bed facility are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

“I’ve been in the shoes of these families,” said Scaros-Mercado, who has more than two decades of experience in the field. “I’m with them. I know what it’s like to have to take care of a loved one and feeling helpless. By taking care of their loved ones, we ease the pain for them. They come to our facility and see that they are thriving. They see that they are doing better than when they were at home and that means a lot to them.”

The respected staff at The Greens at Greenwich has extensive experience in handling the complexities of memory care, including challenging behaviors, communication difficulties, visual and spatial impairments, anxiety, depression, isolation and overall executive functioning. The Greens at Greenwich is a leader in the industry and is the only assisted living facility with a creative arts therapy program, which includes music, art, dance movement and drama therapy. Holistic treatments such as tai chi, reiki and massage therapy are also available to residents.

“There isn’t another facility like ours and we are very proud of that,” said Scaros-Mercado,

who noted that The Greens at Greenwich is also a teaching facility, and affiliated with several respected colleges and universities. “We want to be recognized as a best practice, we want to be a forerunner in the industry. The types of services

and care we offer have had a dramatic impact on the level of care in the field.”

The Greens at Greenwich celebrates each individual life and creates fulfilling experiences in the present for them and for their families. Personal histories

December, 2015

are taken into account and an individualized care plan is created to provide an optimal quality of life in a comfortable environment. The Greens at Greenwich’s smaller community and compassionate family care team adapts to the chang-

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ing needs of each resident, while providing support for their loved ones.

Scaros-Mercado and her dedicated staff are awed and humbled by the results of their creative and holistic approach each day.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Retirement Communities: Five Things You Should Ask PAGE 4

December, 2015

4. Will your grandchildren feel welcome?

While some retirement communities have swing sets and little playgrounds for visiting grandkids, others cap the number of days that minors can spend the night. The idea is that they don't want under-aged residents moving in on a permanent basis. This kind of policy may feel draconian to those who cherish every hour with their grandkids and want the little ones over as much as possible.

It also might preclude your adult kids from returning to the nest if they can't find jobs. It's best to check the community's policy about visitors who are younger than the minimum age requirement and make sure you are in agreement before you commit to living there.

5. Is the bottom line the bottom line?

Retirement is all about living on a fixed income, right? You know what's coming in each month and it's important to know what's going out. Make sure you know what's included in your monthly homeowners association dues. While "use of the clubhouse" may be included, morning yoga classes may be extra.

On the cover‌ 1. Are you looking for bingo or competitive tennis on Thursdays?

Some retirement communities have lowered the age-admission bar to 50. But therein lies the rub: Just because they let 50-year-olds in, doesn't mean everyone who lives there is 50. Do you really want to be the only 50 year old in a community where most people are in their 80s?

A retirement community can be a little evasive when you ask about the age of residents, in part because it's constantly changing. The average age of residents tends to rise as the community matures, so while the average age of new buyers might be on the young side, you want to be sure you know the average age of all the residents who live there. It's an important distinction. One surefire way to evaluate who your neighbors will be is to check out who the recreational programs cater to. Is it heavy with clubs for marathoners, tennis players and Pilates classes? Or is loaded with offerings like knitting, Mahjong and bridge?

2. Is it a place where you'll find friends "With The Same Major"?

People come to a retirement community expecting to find a built-in circle of friends with similar interests. It's flawed thinking. Just because two people are the same age doesn't mean they like the same things.

The solution is to find people "with the same major" -- people interested in the same things as you are. This thinking has fueled what is known as affinity retirement communities -- places developed around a specific interest.

3. Will you grow old or stay young here?

Studies have shown that active people are happier and healthier. With this in mind, you will want to pick a retirement community that keeps you engaged. One thing to consider is a community in or near a college. Colleges and universities frequently let seniors audit classes for free. College campuses also have many free and low-cost cultural offerings -- concerts, art shows, visiting authors. Retirement communities tend to be built out in deserts or on the outskirts of town where land is cheaper. It may be worth paying a premium for locations closer to the things that will keep you happiest -and that includes being near old friends and family.

provided

"Spectacular Guests at The Inn!" The Inn, Waveny LifeCare Network's independent living community, welcomed members of the Rockettes for a special visit prior to "kicking off" their rehearsal season for this year's Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Pictured, Inn resident Ron Barlow celebrates his birthday in colorful company alongside longtime Rockettes, Kim and Sara.

Located at 73 Oenoke Ridge, The Inn provides carefree, independent senior living and welcomes older adults from all areas.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Tips for helping seniors manage Holiday stress December, 2015

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The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone. With travel, family and social engagements, house guests, shopping and a million other to-dos, the holidays can be overwhelming for many. But for seniors, the holidays can bring additional stress from multiple travel plans, an uprooted routine and even seasonal depression. Try these five helpful tips to help keep holiday stress to a minimum for your senior loved one.

Set realistic goals We know visiting family and friends is always on the to-do list during the holiday season, but traveling and meeting with people all day can be physically and mentally exhausting. Make sure to schedule ample rest time throughout and allow for plenty of transportation time in between visits so that there's no rushing around to see last-minute guests.

Keep set schedules If your senior parent or friend is used to waking up at a certain time, eating at a certain time and going to bed at a certain time, make sure to respect those schedules. Staying up later to accommodate family visits or having to eat later in the evening because of a difference in meal times can be difficult and stressful for a senior to acclimate to.

Keep expenses to a minimum Many seniors are on fixed incomes, so keeping costs low can help ease any financial stress associated with the holidays. Travel, gifts and food can all start to take their toll on the checkbook, so make sure to create a realistic budget and stick to it.

Plan appropriate activities A six-hour shopping trip may not be the best idea for a senior who has difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. If these types of activities are unavoidable, make sure that a walker or wheelchair is available to make activities easier and more comfortable.

Keep friends or family around Along with the happy aspects of holidays comes sadness for many seniors - especially those who've lost loved ones. Don’t isolate yourself or

your elderly companion. Churches and other civic organizations offer holiday parties and gatherings, or volunteering at a local organization to stay social during the holidays

Advertiser’s Index

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December, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Our View

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

Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation......................................12 The Greens at Cannondale..............................................................................5

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

Masonicare at Ashlar Village..........................................................................9

TravelRX.......................................................................................................10 StarOne Home Care & Medical Staffing.....................................................11

SYNERGY HomeCare.............................................................................16 The Wartburg...........................................................................................13

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

Boomers d

Whitney Center...........................................................................................7

Fairfield County

& Beyon

The holidays are almost here, which means family dinners, parties and gifts.

What a wonderful time for us to come together and enjoy this magical season.

Boomers & Beyond would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday season!

Yes, we know you just celebrated Thanksgiving. However, the Holiday season, festive and warm, provides us another opportunity to be grateful for all that we have. While we are at it, we would like to wish you a Happy New Year!

Have a happy and healthy 2016.

The Boomers & Beyond staff looks forward to providing readers with more insightful issues in 2016. You can depend on us every month to get diverse stories and information about healthcare that matters to you. Boomers and Beyond continues to grow in our two markets, Westchester County, N.Y., and Fairfield County, Ct., and we would like to thank you for your support.

We are humbled to be a part of your lives and wish you the best holiday season!

Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

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

PUBLISHER Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@healthcarenewspaper.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 Brendan Coyne John Jordan

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 2 No. 12 - 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.

Next Month Deciding The Best Care For Your in Boomers & Beyond…

Aging Parent Navigating your way to the best care for your aging parent!

Home Care, Long Term Care, and Assisted Living The best options in your region Estate Planning, Elder Law, Legal Services and Medicaid Planning for the future Rehabilitation Taking the first step to recovery Glaucoma Awareness Month More than 2.7 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from glaucoma

Silent epidemic puts 29 million Americans at risk for diabetic foot ulcers Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

During American Diabetes Month®, Hallmark Health System wants to remind people with diabetes that they are at a higher risk for non-healing foot wounds – and therefore amputations – than most Americans and that a wound healing center can provide guidance for prevention and treatment.

For most Americans, a blister or cut on the foot is a small inconvenience that a Band-Aid™ and time will heal.

But that’s not the case for the 29.1 million Americans who have diabetes.

Some of the complications of diabetes make feet vulnerable to non-healing foot ulcers that can result in infections and even amputations. Sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have limited or no feeling in their feet— their early warning systems have been altered or completely shut down by nerve damage. If you notice any skin changes or red patches on your feet and you have diabetes, the Center for

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December, 2015

Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Hallmark Health, located at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital urges you to see your doctor or call the center immediately for an evaluation. The center is here to educate, prevent and provide treatment when necessary.

“It’s much easier to treat a minor foot problem before it becomes serious,” said Alfonso Serrano, MD, a board-certified general and vascular surgeon with decades of experience who serves as medical director for the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Hallmark Health. “Many patients we see have a diabetic foot ulcer. This type of non-healing wound is the leading cause of hospitalization and amputation for people with diabetes.” A person with diabetes has impaired immunity and often reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. Both can hamper healing, cause infections and

cause damage to underlying structures and bones. In some cases, the damage can lead to a toe, foot or leg amputation.

The World Health Organization estimates that 85 percent of all diabetic amputations are preventable. The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Hallmark Health will provide the best treatment to help your wound heal. However, in order to prevent a foot ulcer from starting, it is vital that patients with diabetes check their feet daily and get regular foot care from their doctor.

According to the American Diabetes Association, one adult is diagnosed in the United States every 19 seconds.

That’s 1.7 million more people each year at risk for non-healing wounds and other complications. What’s more, one in four people who have diabetes today are undiagnosed and don’t know they’re at risk.

Make an educated senior living decision.

We believe access to extraordinary cultural events is just as important as access to hospitable service and excellent healthcare.

We invite you to learn how you can continue enjoying the finer things in life – art, music and theater – while living an affordable, maintenance-free lifestyle.

Call us today for a FREE retirement information kit, or to learn about upcoming events at Whitney Center.

203.404.6333 200 Leed Leeder Hill Drive | Hamden, CT 06517 | WhitneyCenter.com

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December, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Local Community Foundations collaborate to award generous grant to Waveny for Adult Day Program financial assistance

Collaboration between Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, the New Canaan Community Foundation, the Barbara Benton Davis Fund, and the Rangeley Capital Community Fund recently resulted in a $25,000 grant to Waveny LifeCare Network to support financial assistance for participants of Waveny’s Adult Day Program. Available weekdays with free door-to-door transportation throughout most of Fairfield County, Waveny’s Adult Day Program is dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults who are still living at home, but who may require personal assistance, medical monitoring or more social interaction throughout the day. Benefitting just as much as Adult Day participants are their family caregivers, who can regain the personal time they need to work, run a family household or simply relax.

Key facilitators of the grant process were Louise B. Goodridge and Judy Bentley, long-time Waveny Development Committee members. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts and generosity of our local foundations, Waveny is able to continue to consistently deliver the highest quality of care to the people it serves from all areas,” said Goodridge.

“The Barbara Benton Davis Fund at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is pleased to support Waveny’s Adult Day Program,” said Karen Brown, Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Learning at the Foundation. “Waveny’s Day Program helps so many seniors age in place in the community they love.”

“This grant from the New Canaan Community Foundation exemplifies collaboration and working with others to achieve a shared goal,” said Cynthia Gorey, Executive Director of the New Canaan Community Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with funders and wonderful organizations like Waveny to ensure there is high quality care available for the elderly in our community.”

The mission of the Rangeley Capital Community Fund is to support education and health initiatives, particularly in the New Canaan area. “Waveny’s Adult Day Program plays such a critical role in our community,” said Rich Townsend of Rangeley Capital.

“All of us at the Rangeley Capital Community Fund are so pleased to be able to support the program once again this year.”

To learn more about Waveny’s Adult Day Program, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

provided

Collaboration between Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and the New Canaan Community Foundation resulted in a bountiful $25,000 grant to Waveny LifeCare Network to provide financial assistance for Waveny’s Adult Day Program participants in need. From left to right: Joanne Boyer, Director of Development for Waveny LifeCare Network; Rich and Cathy Townsend of Rangeley Capital Community Fund; Cynthia Gorey, Executive Director of the New Canaan Community Foundation, Judy Bentley, Waveny Development Committee member and past Board Chair; Karen Brown, Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Learning for Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, and Bill Piper, CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network.

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The area’s only Health & Wellness publication to reach over 83,000 in Fairfield County Connecticut!

For more information contact:

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December 2015

Annual silent auction at Masonicare Health Center features beautiful, one-of-a-kind christmas trees Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

December, 2015

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Trees on Display from November 30 to December 18

The Twenty-Seventh Annual Festival of Trees will begin on November 30 at Masonicare Health Center, 22 Masonic Avenue in Wallingford. The very popular event features a silent auction of 60 unique, beautifully decorated tabletop trees. The lighted trees are designed and trimmed by teams of Masonicare employees, volunteers, and residents of Masonicare. The trees will be on continuous display in the lobby of Masonicare Health Center until Friday, December 18. Everyone is wel-

come to visit the Center any day between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. to view the trees and place a bid. Bids will be closed at 2:30 p.m. on December 18, when the highest bidders will be announced and winners can claim their holiday tree. Winners will be notified if they can't be present on that date. All proceeds from the auction will be used to support a host of activities for the residents of Masonicare Health Center.As always, this year's Festival of Trees features a wide range of unique and imagina-

tive decorations and a variety of themes that will appeal to every taste and delight adults and children of all ages. One of the trees may be just what you're looking for to complete your holiday decorating or the perfect gift for that very special person. Be sure to stop by and place your bid!

For additional information, contact the Volunteer Services Office, Masonicare Health Center, at 203-679-6253 or the Masonicare HelpLine at 888-679-9997.

Lunch & Learn: Avoiding Slips, Trips and Falls

Are you concerned about your risk of falling? Cheryl Olson, Masonicare at Home’s program manager of mobile health technologies, will present “Slips, Trips and Falls” – a discussion about what you can do to prevent falls in the home.

This free program will be held on Wednesday, December 9 at the Wallingford Senior Center, 238 Washington Street.

The presentation will begin at 11:30 a.m. with complimentary lunch to follow.

Kindly RSVP to the Wallingford Senior Center at 203-2657753 by December 3.

Masonicare is not for profit and provides educational programs for adults and caregivers as a public service to the community.

“The absollute jjoy y of it — come see for f yourself!” lf!”

When Lorraine and T Tom om began thinking ab about out a retirement community y,, they thought they y would have to give up a lot. But after makin ng the move to Masonicare at Ashlar Village in n 2008, they realized their lives were fuller than eveer.

They still see their family just as often and ttheir children are also thankful that Tom Tom and Lorraine are secure. W With ith different accomm modations to choose from, a picturesque 168-acrre campus and a host of wellness programs an nd social activities, Ashlar V Village illage was the rightt move for Lorraine and T Tom. om. As Lorraine lik kes to say y,, “Come see for yourself.”

To learn more, call 800-382-2244 or visit www.AshlarV Village.org Conveniently located offff Route 15 in central Connecticut.

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December, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

For all your travel needs contact: Rene Prasad Grand Explorations, LLC rene@grandexplorations.com 866-869-1760 www.grandexplorations.com

Travel

December and the holiday season is a favorite time of year for many people. Yet it can also cause stress as you try to find the perfect gift to get for your loved ones. For any of you that have travelers on your list, here are some suggestions that I think any traveler will love. Wishing you all a very happy holiday season!

Travel Notebook by Story Supply Co - $9.95 Even though we live in a digital age, I still love taking notes on paper.

A nice notebook is an essential for me so I can take some notes about my travel observations. It also comes in handy for jotting down what exactly my dinner was so that when I am looking back through my pictures, I remember exactly which kind of pasta and what exact sauce I had that third night in Rome. Story Supply Co carries great pocket notebooks, and as a bonus, when you buy a pack, they donate a supply kit to a child. http://www.storysupplyco.com/collections/notebooks/products/ pocket-staple-notebook Bullet Pencil by Metal Shop - from $37.50 You’ll also need something to write all of your observations in your notebook with. Metal Shop is a local merchant that creates these cool bullet pencils. A pencil is great so you can erase any mistakes, and this one not only is a great writing instrument but it’s almost a better conversation starter. http://metalshopct.com/collections/bullet-pencils

Portable Battery Charger - $21.90 Of course, even though I still love writing with a pencil and paper, I love my iPhone and all of it’s handy apps. What I don’t always love is relying on the battery to last - there is nothing more disappointing than needing your phone to snap a picture of your travels only to find out that the battery is about to die. Instead of trying to find a handy electric outlet to plug in at, having a portable battery charger will let you recharge while you continue with your day. This model by Innogie is almost the same size as an iPhone so it won’t take up much room in your travel bag (or pocket!) http://www.amazon.com/Innogie-6600mah-External-Battery-Smartphones/dp/B00WU4NQT6/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1 448130632&sr=1-3&keywords=portable+charger

Travel Humidifier - $27.99 I find that, especially in the winter months, hotel rooms can have extremely dry air, which is incredibly uncomfortable. For those travelers who also suffer from this, Satechi makes a mini travel humidifier.

It attaches to a bottle of water and is powered by usb for instant mist. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J3AX6PO/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ pa_2?pf_rd_p=1944687462&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf rd_i=B00CUQBD12&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1HB76 B7QJSMWC583A4DG

Universal USB Power Charger - $22.99 Most people have more than one electronic device that they travel with, and almost all can be powered by usb. It can sometimes be a challenge to find enough outlets in a hotel room, especially if you are traveling internationally. This charger by Moon Monkey has 6 usb ports so that you can charge your cell phones, tablet and portable battery charger at the same time and even have a port left over to run your travel humidifier.

The other thing I love about this model is that it has interchangable plugs so that this one device will work in just about any country in the world. http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Monkey-Motorola-More--goodTravelling/dp/B00HVURUO6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid =1448130524&sr=1-1&keywords=moon+monkey+usb+charger Noise Canceling Headphones - $299.95 Air travel is something that a lot of people dread but is a necessary part of a lot of travel plans. There are precautions that you can take to make it better, one of which is picking a seat location that you will be most comfortable in. Despite that, you don’t have any control of the people who sit around you and the noise that they may cause.

However, you can be prepared for this by having a nice pair of noise-canceling headphones. I personally like this pair by Bose the best to block out the noises around me. https://www.bose.com/products/headphones/ over_ear_headphones/quietcomfort-25-acoustic-noisecancelling-headphones-apple-devices.html#v=qc25_black Pashmina Wrap You can’t go wrong with a classic pashmina wrap.

Wear it as an accessory to dress up your traveling outfit and then once on the plane, you can use it as a blanket to sleep with. This one from Nordstrom comes in a variety of colors to suit just about anyone. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-woolcashmere-wrap/4020371?origin=keywordsearchpersonalizedsort&contextualcategoryid= 0&fashionColor=Purple+Vintner&resultback=0

December’s tip: Are you traveling with gifts this

holiday season? Although you are allowed to travel with wrapped presents, if the TSA needs to check the gift for any reason, they will unwrap it to do so. It's much better if you are able to travel with unwrapped gifts and do the wrapping when you get to your destination.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

December, 2015

PAGE 11

Patricia Coffie, RN, MFA

Patricia Coffie, RN, MFA is Director of Client Services & Director of Phoenix Nurse Aide Training Center.

Before assuming the post in 2012, Patricia was the Director or Nursing & Service Delivery at WRC for 3 years where she was the strategic lead for nursing and services to members.

Patricia started her nursing career 19 years ago at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and research institution in New York City, and since then has gained experience in Adult Intensive Care Units, Pediatric Care (PICU) Operating Room (OR) ,mental health and community health settings. She later moved into director of nursing roles, where she obtained extensive experience in leading and developing the nursing profession. She also pioneered good partnership working with other health care organizations, as well as social services, and the wider community.

8 signs your aging parent can’t live alone

1. Mom or Dad has always been a great housekeeper, but the house just doesn’t look like it used to: Ask your parent if help is needed with the clutter, but do it in a nonchalant way that could prompt a conversation indicating assistance is needed here. Keep a keen eye to discern if the clutter and filth is getting worse with each visit - it’s often a key sign.

Westchester 914-362-0899 New York 718-733-2222 Connecticut 203-914-9668

2. The checking account balance is wrong and bills are going unpaid: If the mail, with bills included, is piling up, there is a good chance that the bills are not getting paid.

You may also discover that your parent’s checking account ledger balance is wrong or in arrears.

These are also signs that your parent is having memory issues or difficulty with simple math cognition.

3. Your parent is losing a lot of weight: If the cupboard is bare and your parent’s frame is shrinking, living alone might become problematic. You may want to bring groceries or hire a service that offers prepared meal delivery.

Otherwise, you may have to think about putting them somewhere that helps them eat regular, healthy meals.

4. They have forgotten the basics of hygiene: If you notice that your parent is wearing the same clothing day in and day out or that their hair or skin appears dirty on a fairly regular basis, they may have lost the motivation, ability and/or forethought to look after them self.

5. There are signs of forgetfulness in the home: All too often there are stories of older people who accidentally burned their houses down because they left a pot on the stove for hours and fell asleep or have flooded the home when they forgot to turn off the tap. Or, perhaps more subtly, the milk is in the pantry and the bread is in the refrigerator.

6. Your parent regularly misses appointments and other important items: Forgetfulness, absentmindedness and memory issues may also show up when it comes to keeping certain appointments, recognizing key dates, or, even more importantly, maintaining medication dosages on schedule.

7. Behaving Srangely: Between aging, mental degradation and the side effects from medication, your parent has lost their personalities and behavior has taken an odd turn for the worse. If you see signs of paranoia, fear, strange phone calls and conversations and nervousness, it’s a sign that living assistance is in order.

8. They exhibit signs of depression: A loss of interest in caring for one’s self as well as a lack of participation in socialization and in once-loved hobbies can mean that your parent needs treatment or should reside in an environment where they can be around other people.

If you or someone you love are in need of In-Home Care anywhere in New York and Westchester and Connecticut— whether it be for a short time following a hospital stay or full-time, Live-in Care, contact us today for a free in-home evaluation and discover why Star One Home Care is a superior alternative to care in homes. Star One Home Care is here for you and your loved one. We are ready to listen to what you need and to talk with you about the many in-home care services that we can provide.

We aim to deliver improved quality of life and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

In-home care Include:

· Bedside Assistance during a hospital stay · Alzheimer’s and dementia care · End of Life Care and Hospice · Shopping and meal prep · Medication reminders · Homemaking and companionship · Personal care and support

Child Health Programs

· 1:1 Sitter Services · In-Hospital Companionship · Personalized care while at school /or on field trips · We provide child Care assistance with respite care · Assistance for children with Disabilities and Special Care Needs

www.staronehomecare.com info@staronehomecare.com

How a Peanut Butter Test may detect Alzheimer’s

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December, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Peanut butter. Creamy or crunchy – and oh, so spreadable – but not exactly your first thought as a game changer in Alzheimer’s research.

But it may well be, according to researchers at the University of Florida who conducted the peanut butter smell test hoping to find a relationship between loss of smell and the detection of early-stage Alzheimer’s.

They were able to use the test to confirm an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

But they would like to be able to predict which patients are going to get Alzheimer’s disease.

So what exactly does a peanut butter smell test consist of?

· Each person begins with closed eyes and mouth and they even close up one of their nostrils. researcher opens a jar of peanut butter and stands a good distance from each person, · Acoming closer to the person until he or she can smell the peanut butter. · The researcher measures this distance · The process is repeated using the other nostril after a 90-second break. · During testing, the research group is not aware of which people in the study had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

What researchers found is peculiar. The sense of smell in the left nostril specifically was severely impaired in the tested group who already had early-stage Alzheimer’s. In order for people to smell the peanut butter through their left nostril, the container had to be an average of 10 centimeters closer to the nose than for the right nostril.

The research showing a difference in the ability to smell peanut butter with each nostril was published in the Journal of Neurological Sciences in 2013.

However, a follow-up study in 2014 conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania was not able to replicate the earlier findings. In testing 15 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, they found no difference in the ability to detect the peanut butter smell in the left and right nostrils.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

December, 2015

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Peace of Mind.

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December, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

One More Thing to Be Thankful for this Holiday Season.

While there never seems to be a good time to talk about end-of-life care, one thing is for certain – not talking about it at all can be far more devastating. If you or a family member is facing life-threatening illnesses or advanced age, the holidays are the perfect time to start this conversation.

90% of people say that talking to loved ones about end-of-life care is important, but only 27% have actually done so.* The vast majority of us miss this opportunity to discuss our wishes and preferences. What your family will want to avoid is the regret of not discussing end-of-life care while the time is right.

The holidays are an important time of family sharing and togetherness.

Don’t be left heartbroken that you didn’t take advantage of this time to talk to your loved ones.

Aim for peace of mind now rather than what could become tremendous stress, pain and guilt down the road.

Two of the Most Important Things You Can Do to Prepare: Talk and Listen Once the conversation gets started, you may be surprised how liberating the results can actually be.

Talking to loved ones about what you or they want for the final months, weeks or days keeps the control where it belongs – in your hands and not in the hands of the doctors, nurses or uninformed caregivers or family members, as well-meaning as

they may be. Start by asking about what is most important. This can range from type of treatment and pain management to medical interventions to where to die. Then listen. Often, the simple acknowledgement a willing ear can provide is enough to give a family much needed comfort at this time.

There are many helpful resources available to help frame the conversation and put details in writing to ensure they are honored when it becomes necessary. Visit theconversationproject.org and agingwithdignity.org.

A Trusted Local Resource is Also Here to Help Regional Hospice and Home Care has been providing CT with 30 years of expert in-home end-of-life care. Our team sees the benefits and wellbeing that come to those who have had this discussion. In the past year, we have opened the state’s first and only all private suite hospice center.

Our 36,000-square-foot Center for Comfort Care & Healing offers a unique and welcome option in end-of-life care for patients from all over.

If we can be of any assistance in supporting you or your loved ones during this time, please visit our Center for Comfort Care & Healing located off I-84, Exit 2A in Danbury, call (203) 702-7400 or find more information and a video tour at regionalhospicect.org.

Legal: *Source: The Conversation Project National Survey 2013.

Happy Holidays From the staff at Healthcare News

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

December, 2015

PAGE 15

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