Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond November 2015 ebook

Boomers d n o y e &B November 2015

FairďŹ eld County

Excellence in Dementia Care at

The Greens at Greenwich p3

QualiEssence - Your Personal Information Navigator p11

B & M Capital

Free consultation for seniors p13

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November, 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

November, 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.

“Waveny Walkers” raise $4,000 for Alzheimer’s research PAGE 4

November, 2015

Waveny LifeCare Network staff, volunteers and family members helped fight Alzheimer’s disease by raising $4,000 in sponsorships for this year’s annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk on Sunday, October 4th.

Held annually at more than 600 sites nationwide, the Association’s Walk is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Waveny’s team has participated in the three-mile walk since its inception 19 years ago. Funds raised through donations and sponsorships support the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, and stay in the community to fund essential care and support services for people with Alzheimer’s.

Waveny’s team is especially passionate about this mission given the dedicated, therapeutic care Waveny provides to patients, residents and participants with Alzheimer’s dis-

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

ease at Waveny Care Center, The Village – Waveny’s assisted living residence for people with memory loss, and in Waveny’s Adult Day Program.

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, a Geriatric Care Management team that provides 24-hour coverage, 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 information call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Boomers Healthcare eyond news Fairfield County

Healthcare news November 2015

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Healthcare News introduces Travel RX, a monthly column to help your travel plans!

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Waveny LifeCare Network’s 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, the “Waveny Walkers,” raised $4,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association that will be used to fund essential care and support services for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Travel tips during Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

November, 2015

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Traveling during the holidays can be stressful and dangerous for everyone for many reasons.

Bad weather, reckless drivers trying to get to their family gatherings as quickly as possible, drunk drivers, delayed flights, and the list goes on. Senior citizens may have a more difficult time than other drivers due to the effects of age on their driving skills and energy levels.

Here are some tips for senior citizen travelers during this extra stressful time:

Plan ahead: If you are driving, it makes sense to plan your route and the times you will be traveling ahead of time. Pick the most efficient route for you. Plan your route so that you are traveling through the highest traffic areas in the late morning, afternoon, or late evening to avoid the morning and evening rushes.

Plan ahead when flying to save money: Purchase your tickets ahead of time for lower prices and travel on lighter traveling days. You can sign up for many online services that will let you know ahead of time about travel deals during the holidays.

The day before Thanksgiving and the following Sunday are the busiest travel days, so avoid traveling by air on those days.

Flying on Black Friday will avoid the crowds because most people will be shopping.

Take advantage of mobile apps: iPhone users can take advantage of useful applications.

Smart phones can track airport information. Keep track of gate changes, flight delays, take-off times, eating and bathroom locations. Some airlines have apps for check-in, tracking flight status, and even seat confirmation.

Whether driving or flying, smart phones have great GPS apps that will get you where you’re going without having to look at a map.

Be sure to fill up: Driving in bad weather is taxing enough without worrying about running out of gas. Be sure to fill your tank when it hits the halfway point so that you don’t risk running out.

Always have a backup: If you don’t have a smart phone or prefer not to use one, take your map and use highlighters. Highlighting your route will make

it easy to see where you are going. Add and highlight exit numbers and rest stops as well.

The easier it is to see, the less stressful your tip will be.

Advertiser’s Index

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November, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Our View

B&M Capital.............................................................................................13

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

Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.......................................9 The Greens at Cannondale..............................................................................5

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

QualiEssence..................................................................................11

TravelRX.......................................................................................................12 SYNERGY HomeCare.............................................................................16 The Wartburg...........................................................................................14

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

Boomers d

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

Fairfield County

& Beyon

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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. 11 - 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.

Thanksgiving is not just a placeholder between Halloween and Christmas: It is a time to express gratitude for everything that you have.

Take a look around. You have so much to be thankful for. You have a great life, a wonderful family and close friends.

It might seem hard to believe, Thanksgiving Day is almost here.

Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday, but giving thanks is universal. Be grateful for everything you have.

Thanksgiving traces its origins to ancient harvest festivals. It became an official U.S. holiday in 1863 under President Abraham Lincoln. In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt signed a law fixing Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November.

Since then, we have been giving thanks on Thanksgiving. The staff at Boomers & Beyond would like to take this opportunity to wish our readers a Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for, including the support of our readers.

For that, we are certainly grateful. Happy Thanksgiving!

Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

Next Month in Boomers & Beyond…

Medical breakthroughs Diabetes, Breast cancer, New Vaccines, Surgical techniques

Retirement Communities Finding the best for your loved ones Financial Planning Managing your retirement

Home Care for the Holidays How Home care can make your holiday stay safe and special

Five tips for shopping on Black Friday Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Black Friday can be overwhelming for anyone - especially seniors.

Early hours, aggressive crowds and long lines can get tiring quickly.

However, the unbeatable sales keep people coming back every year.

Consider these tips to avoid chaos on Black Friday.

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November, 2015

Gather a group Everyone wants a piece of Black Friday deals. That means that parking lots will be packed. Keep things easier by carpooling with a few friends from the retirement community. That way, you'll save gas and have a few friends that can offer their opinion on gift ideas. Be sure to stick together so that no one gets lost in the crowds.

Plan ahead Big red signs can be over stimulating. When people go shopping, they may go a little sale-crazy and lose focus of the task at hand. That's why planning in advance can help you avoid getting off track and leaving with unnecessary items. Look up store sales in advance and have an idea of what you want to get for loved ones.

Keep receipts Sometimes, people do get a little carried away in their shopping. Tell all your friends in senior communities to keep their receipts during Black Friday.

Even though you got a great deal, you may discover when you get home that the gift you bought is unnecessary.

Wear comfortable clothing Since you might end up in a few considerably long lines, it's best to dress comfortably. Wear supportive sneakers and comfortable clothes. Also, dress warm!

November can be a little chilly in the morning.

Consider online Cyber Monday is also an option for big discounts and deals. People can get just as good of deals online and skip the crowds and lines. If you consider yourself computer-savvy, this may be a better option for you.

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

700291

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Coldwell Banker’s generous impact on Regional Hospice and Home Care Families PAGE 8

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Left to right: Paul Sirois, chief operating officer of Regional Hospice and Home Care; Cathleen Smith, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Connecticut and Westchester; Cynthia Emiry Roy, president & CEO of Regional Hospice; Deborah Versackas, communications specialist, NRT, LLC, the parent company of Coldwell Banker; and Terri Eberle Katz, director of development at Regional Hospice.

families during a most challenging time in their lives and works hard to comfort and preserve the dignity of its patients. We greatly appreciate the services that the Regional Hospice offers, and I am especially grateful to the affiliated sales associates and employees whose generosity has made this contribution possible,” said Cathleen Smith, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Connecticut & Westchester County, N.Y. Common areas throughout the Center were designed for patients and families to feel completely at home outside of their private suite. Overlooking the gardens are a large country kitchen and living room with a fireplace and tropical fish tank, the center’s non-denominational chapel and a glass-enclosed library.

Directly across from the Coldwell Banker suite is an Edmund Lee quote on the wall that inspires and affirms personal meaning for patients, families and the donors who made the building possible: “Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.”

“Dreamers, doers, believers and thinkers such as our friends at Coldwell Banker made the new Center a reality. Their generosity honors the unique greatness and courage we see every day and in every family who faces the challenges of a terminal illness,” said Cynthia Emiry Roy, Regional Hospice President & CEO. “Coldwell Banker has already brought comfort to more than 250 patients who have spent meaningful, serene last days together with their families in the Center. Coldwell Banker is the only real estate company with a dedicated room in the new building. We are very grateful for their support!”

For more information, visit www.RegionalHospiceCT.org.

Waveny residents visit Bruce Museum

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It took a community of friends to build Regional Hospice and Home Care’s Center for Comfort Care & Healing. On September 10th, it was an honor to welcome regional leadership from one of them—Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage – to see firsthand the extraordinary impact they have on the lives of our families.

During the early stages of the building campaign for Regional Hospice’s Center, Building Hope Close to Home, the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares Foundation stepped up to support families who needed a residential option for end-of-life care. The foundation donated funding to build and furnish a private patient suite in the west wing of the Center that also offers amenities for family members to comfortably stay with their loved one during care.

Cathleen Smith and Deborah Versackas from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and its parent company, NRT, LLC, toured the Center, which includes children and adult bereavement programs at its Healing Hearts Center for Grief and Loss. Each of the twelve private suites at the Center has its own dining area, private balcony and a leather couch that opens to a queen-size bed. The west hallway of the Center also accommodates overnight visitors with a family laundry room, special family bathroom and a private glass-enclosed living room.

Since the Center cares for many young patients as well as supports siblings, children and grandchildren, there is also a glass-enclosed teen living room for quiet study; it is also equipped with a Karaoke machine and an Xbox for a needed diversion during the illness of a loved one.

“We are so pleased to support the Regional Hospice and Home Care’s Center for Comfort Care and Healing. The center provides critical support to patients and

November, 2015

Waveny residents enjoyed a colorful outing to Bruce Museum to see the feature exhibition of beautiful impressionist landscapes by American painter, Charles Harold Davis. Care Center resident, Dorothea, said, "I didn't know about Charles Davis, but I think he was very gifted in his particular field. His work is light and airy, pretty and contemporary. I was also very impressed by the frames; they were very well-chosen."

Resident Hazel added, "It was very peaceful at the gallery, the paintings were all so pretty." Known for his cloud paintings, Davis lived and painted in France prior to moving to Mystic, Connecticut where he started the Mystic Art Association, now called the Mystic Arts Center and still in existence today.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation selected to receive the Java Music Club Program, An initiative that lessens depression and loneliness in the elderly

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation has been selected to receive the Java Music Club Program, a mutual support activity group program specifically designed to reduce the rates of depression and loneliness in the elderly. Hughes Health was one of five longterm care facilities in the state to be selected by the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program of the State Department on Aging to implement the program.

“We are elated to be selected as a recipient of the Java Music Club Program,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “Music is a beloved art form for all ages and, especially, has a well-documented impact on the elderly. It’s a phenomena that cannot be overstated. It’s an opportunity we are grateful to implement.”

The Java Music Club Program, founded in Canada, is the first standardized mutual support program that addresses the critical rates of depression and loneliness across the senior living spectrum. The program

November, 2015

includes themes, photography, music, readings and a talking stick.

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation staff will be trained by the creators of the Java Music Club, who will travel from Canada to Connecticut in early 2016. Step-by-step instructions will include a training DVD and eight CD’s of custom recorded music in lower singable keys. The program is designed to be used in a regular recreation program calendar and scheduled weekly, twice a week or daily.

According to the creators of the Java Music Club, the program is unique because the focus is on having group participants help one another. It is based on the altruistic concept that people are happiest when they are helping one another. It is different from typical recreation programs in that it is not about what the staff can do for the group participants, but what the participants can do for one another.

For more information about Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, visit www.HughesHealth.com.

5-STAR Government Rated Four Consecutive Years

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We invite you to join us for lunch and take a tour of our facility

490 Pelham Road • New Rochelle, NY, 10805 www.gicnr.com • email: info@gicnr.com

(914) 636-2800

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Wilton Meadows certified as Music & Memory facility PAGE 10

November, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

By Lois Alcosser

Wilton Meadows Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Wilton, CT has always known that music is an essential factor in creating a positive environment for residents. However thanks to recent research and the Music & Memory Program, it has been proven that music can do so much more. Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, and neurological impairments are terrible conditions that can rob one of memory and identity. Music has been proven to help recover memories, stimulate recognition and enhance quality of life. “We are very proud to be a newly certified Music & Memory Facility. This is a phenomenal program that allows us to deliver personalized music to those in our care. Music is a lifeline to those with dementia. Where words often fail, music can thrive” says Danielle Ancona, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and Certified Dementia Practitioner at Wilton Meadows.

Founded in 2006, Music & Memory is a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm using digital music technology. Each resident is provided with an ipod loaded with a personspecific playlist of favorite songs and preferred genres of music. Family members are enlisted to help provide such specific music interests.

Volunteers assist with the compilation of playlists and subsequent loading onto the devices. “The personalized playlists are key.

Some residents love classical music, others the big bands. One resident who was a Sunday school teacher responds to religious music.

Knowing our residents and their histories is critical in implementing this program effectively,” says Danielle Ancona.

Listening to favorite music often triggers feelings and memories of the past. Holiday music, songs played at weddings, favorite tunes can break through the isolation of dementia and bring back memories. A resident will respond to their wedding song, though they may not remember their spouses name or when they married. Residents become more cheerful and less agitated. Residents who previously were remote, disengaged and completely unresponsive can remarkably become animated, tap, sway, and sing to favorite rhythms. Staff at Wilton Meadows has been trained to understand the whole procedure.

Additionally, a music therapist on staff provides one-to-one music visits. For further information, please contact Danielle Ancona at daniellea@wiltonmeadows.com. Donations of gently used ipods are always welcome.

Wilton Meadows resident and Danielle Ancona.

Danbury Hospital opens Goldstone Caregiver Center

Inspired by its commitment to holistic care, Danbury Hospital has opened the Goldstone Caregiver Center - the only Center of its kind in Connecticut - to support individuals caring for seriously ill loved ones.

“The Goldstone Caregiver Center is another example of how Danbury Hospital takes a progressive approach to family-centered care," said Damanjeet Chaubey, MD, section Chief of Hospital Medicine and the Medical Director of Danbury Hospital's Palliative Care Program. "The Center provides an ideal healing environment where families can decompress, receive emotional support from the health care team, and come to terms with the medical reality of what is happening to their loved ones,” she added.

The Goldstone Caregiver Center is made possible by a $1 million gift from Liz and Steven Goldstone of Ridgefield, Conn. A nutritionist and former critical care nurse, Liz and her husband are longtime Danbury Hospital donors dedicated to initiatives that promote patient-centered care.

Located in the main lobby of Danbury Hospital's new Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Pavilion, the Goldstone Caregiver Center offers visitors a quiet space for respite and privacy. Caregivers can take a break from the bedside to reflect and rest at the Center, yet still be close to their loved ones. They also can meet with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, spiritual leader, or other members of the health care team to find welcome guidance and relief.

Amenities of the Center include a kitchenette stocked with healthy snacks and beverages and a computer workstation for easy access to emails and online resources.

Center visitors can also receive information about community and caregiver resources.

The Center's calm ambiance contrasts sharply with the bells and alarms on patient care floors, where speaking privately and calmly about emotionally charged topics like palliative care and end-of-life issues can be challenging, noted Dr. Chaubey.

Volunteer “Caregiver Coaches” also play an important role in assisting family members who visit the Center. These compassionate volunteers are trained to support family members both on patient units and in the Center.

“Caregiving is a rewarding but very challenging experience. Caregivers very often don't take care of themselves,” said Center Director Lynn Crager, RN, MSN, a chaplain who also serves as Director of Danbury Hospital's Department of Spiritual Care. “Caregivers give up their lives to care for someone else, whether it's a spouse, child, sibling, elderly parent or another person who is important in their life. It can be very isolating to be a caregiver.”

The Center supports caregivers beyond the Hospital experience by connecting them with community resources to help ease the transition back home. “Knowing about available resources can boost confidence in the caregiving role, which allows caregivers to be better prepared to handle

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various situations that may arise when they're on their own,” said Crager. “We don't stop caring for caregivers after they leave the Hospital - they can call anytime if they need additional assistance.”

In addition to assisting family members, the Goldstone Caregiver Center also supports Danbury Hospital caregivers - doctors, nurses and other health care providers - who experience the daily stress associated with caring for patients, explained Moreen Donahue, DNP, RN, Western Connecticut Health Network Senior Vice President, System Chief Nursing Officer and the Beatrice Hofstadter White Endowed Chair for Nursing Education and Research.

“Having the Center dedicated to caregivers allows us to fulfill our mission of improving the health of every person we serve by delivering efficient, innovative and compassionate care,” Donahue said.

"We need to think not just about patients, but also about all of those who take care of them - family,

Tips to a healthier Thanksgiving for seniors Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

November, 2015

PAGE 11

Mind your heart: Calories and fat still count during the holidays.

Overeating can lead to everything from heartburn to a heart attack. Limit gravies, butter and other high-fat choices with plenty of vegetables and lean white meat. If you experience chest pain, don't delay seeing a doctor.

Drink in moderation: Besides a nasty hangover and obvious safety hazards, over-imbibing can have many negative effects - some social and some physical - including depression, an inammation of the pancreas, hepatitis and an irregular heartbeat. Limit your intake to no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. And never drink and drive.

Plan ahead: Be sure to have an up-to-date list of medications you are taking. If you do face a health emergency during the holidays, it's important for your doctor to know your current medical conditions and have a list of your medications.

Keep your health in focus: If you feel under the weather - physically or mentally - during the holidays, don't wait to visit your doctor. Colds, u and depression are much more common during this season.

Personalized services platform supports dignity and independence

QualiEssence’s core mission is to This helps the person have the peace of mind that he or she has given help its clients and their families the gift of organization or direction to assist his or her loved ones avoid by making people feel cared for, certain challenges when he or she cannot help them with the answers. respected and connected. The QualiEssence team believes that personalized and caring interactions can help support people who wish to preserve and control their independent lifestyles when possible.

Together with clients, QualiEssence is seeking to improve lives for clients and their families.

QualiEssence offers 1) QualiPath - Your Family's Info Navigator, providing a blueprint of key information for families when needed, 2) QualiCalls Personal Check in Calls, to brighten independent seniors' days and check on their well being, and 3) QualiStory video tributes to honor them and preserve their stories.

The QualiPath service, in particular, helps a person complete a road map of key contacts and key information to direct his or her familiy members when they need it in the future, without releasing the information or its control before they need it. The person determines to whom the information will be released and upon which future triggering occurrences.

QualiEssence is based in New York. Additional information about QualiEssence is available at www.qualiessence.com or call 1-844782-5448. Follow QualiEssence on Facebook.

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November, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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

As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved to explore new places. As an adult, it could be as simple as trying a new restaurant or as complex as my upcoming solo trip to Hong Kong and Beijing. However, my love for adventure had much more humble beginnings. Back when I was small, I found myself exploring the woods behind the cabin that my family was vacationing in or wandering one block farther than my mother allowed. And even though on some level it can be a bit frightening (I’m a little nervous about the solo China trip since I’m not able to speak or read Chinese at all!), it doesn’t stop me from wanting to see new places and discover new things.

It turns out that this may be beyond my control. Scientists have discovered genome DRD4-7R, otherwise known as the “Wanderlust Gene.” According to researcher David Dobbs, some of the traits are a stronger urge to explore new places, ideas, foods and relationships, as well as a tendency to embrace adventure, movement and change. Aside from my lack of adventure when it comes to trying new cuisine (I don’t care that researchers from the Oxford of University say that bugs are healthier than steak or chicken, I still won’t eat them), I’d say this describes me pretty well.

In addition to the genetics involved, my upbringing definitely played a part. Travel was always a priority to my family. Every year, we always took a family vacation somewhere. I remember the excitement of piling into the car with my three sisters and taking off for parts unknown.

Some years we would drive for hours and end up in the Smoky Mountains, some years it was just a quick trip to a local cabin, but each year it was a destination that was very different from the suburban neighborhood in which we lived. The belief of embracing places and people that were different and unfamiliar became instilled in me at a young age.

Between nature and nurture, I didn’t have a chance. I’ve either got a trip planned, I’m on a trip or I’m researching where my next trip will be. Before I became a travel consultant (agent), I traveled extensively for work and if I had a week at home, I would start to get antsy.

Although I stumbled into becoming a travel consultant, it turned out to be a much better fit for me than my previous corporate job ever was. I am able to live vicariously through my clients and can share in their anticipation of their upcoming travel and their excitement of telling their travel adventures after their trip.

Although far from being a health care professional, I like to think that I help contribute to my clients’ health in my own way. Not only can a well-planned vacation give a person time away from stress, but there have been many studies that show that travel also reduces depression, death from heart disease and increases cognitive health. The best part? These benefits are seen after only a day or two of travel. I’m definitely not suggesting that this take the place of any course of treatment that a medical doctor has prescribed but I do think it’s a great supplement.

I’m looking forward to sharing information and my thoughts about travel in the upcoming months. I welcome your feedback and if you have questions or topics that you’d like to have.

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November's tip:

Travel this Thanksgiving is predicted to be the highest since 2007. If you are like me, you'll be one of the 3.5 million travelers that will be getting on a plane this year. Do yourself a favor and allow plenty of time before your flight. Even if you are an experienced flyer, allow extra time. Not only are there a LOT more people, and a lot of unexperienced flyers, in the airport, but traffic getting into the airport will be heavier as well. I know that this is not a new tip because I see it every year but it bears repeating for a reason. If you miss your holiday flight, you are not likely to find another one in time for your turkey dinner!

Regional Hospice Nurse wins Award

Who qualifies for a Life Insurance Settlements or an Advanced Benefit Loan?

At B & M Capital Inc., we advise on the various financial benefits of selling or taking a loan against your life insurance policy either through a life settlement or an advanced benefit loan. When we speak to individuals or professionals at seminars and conferences, they are amazed to learn how old the life settlement industry, about 100 years, and how many financial institution own or invest in this type of business.

provided

Regional Hospice and Home Care’s Joanne Librie, RN, won the Pat McCue Memorial/New Orleans Chapter End-of-Life Care Nursing Career Development Award. The honor includes a $2,500 prize to support her participation in the 2015 National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Clinical Team Conference and Pediatric Intensive at the Gaylord Texan Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas (a suburb of Dallas/Fort Worth) during October 15 – 17, 2015.

Librie, a board certified hospice and palliative care nurse, has been a case manager with Regional Hospice since 2007. She is a key member of their pain management committee and has been instrumental in creating the Clinical Pathways resource for the agency’s nurses. Recently, Librie developed content on hospice care for a national referral service organization, and continues to train new nurses and nursing students from the local university in oncology, palliative care and hospice practices. “My hospice philosophy is based on the comfort and dignity of my patients and families.

Each patient and family is different and has different goals and needs,” said Librie.

In May of 2010, Librie received the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing –- Hospice Care.

“I will do whatever the patient needs to make their end of life meaningful and their death peaceful.”

The Pat McCue Memorial/New Orleans Chapter End-of-Life Care Nursing Career Development Award is an annual award supporting the continuing education of a registered nurse dedicated to caring for patients and supporting their families during end-of-life care.

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 end-of-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, visit www.RegionalHospiceCT.org.

Yet, the greatest misconception in educating potential clients and professionals is, who are the people that qualify for a life settlement or advanced benefit loan? The answer to all of them is anyone who has obtained the age of 65 or older. They must be of retirement age, not necessary retired. They can still be actively working; actually, some of these people are still active members in the work force.

The point that I am trying to get across is, today’s seniors are very different than what society shows us or what we perceive in our minds.

Seniors, who are looking for other financial sources to find income or raise fund do not have to be hospitalized, terminally ill or destitute.

There are many seniors who take advantage of our services that are in generally good health and financially sound.

Here are some reasons why seniors take advantage of our services:

1. They are outliving their retirement funds due to the advancement in medicine, change in life style,

and the cost of living in the Northeast. Most seniors that live in the tri state area, enjoy being close to the greatest City in the world and do not want to leave. They have made friends, families, memories, and built a life that is unique to the Northeast. I know this to be true because; this is what I was told by my own parents, who were not born in this region.

2. Seniors are still very shrewd investors. Once I explain to seniors

how much value their life insurance contract could be possibly worth.

They are quick to act. First we start with basic underwriting requirements and we submit the necessary paperwork. No cost to my client, a potential offer is then offered by a top-tier financial company. In a three to four week span, my clients are amazed on how easy and financially rewarding this type of transaction can be.

B & M Capital is a structured settlement company specializing in the purchasing of life insurance, annuities, structured settlements and offering Advanced Benefit Loans.

Free consultation!

Please contact us for more information:

203-296-4852

Isn’t it time to explore another financial option?

Visit us online at www.bnmcapital.com And LinkedIn

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November, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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November, 2015

PAGE 15

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November, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County