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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S | R E L AT I O N S H I P S | C O M M U N I T Y

This Feels Like Home Â® SUMMER | FALL 2016

Unbreakable

BONDS

From family to furry friends, caregiving connections last a lifetime.

A PUBLICATION OF SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES, LLC

Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC offers flexible, affordable, month-to-month rental apartment homes, enabling residents to enjoy the luxury they desire without a prohibitive financial commitment or buy-in fee. Lifestyle options include independent living, assisted living, transitional memory care, and memory care. Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC has multiple locations in 12 states across the country. To learn more or to find a community near you, call 888-516-2188 or visit us online at SpectrumRetirement.com

John Sevo MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jeff Kraus MANAGING DIRECTOR

Phillip Luebbers SENIOR VP & CFO

Joe Mikalajunas SENIOR VP & COO

Kathleen MacDonald

Get Back on Your Feet Faster with Lakeview Village Rehab • Short Stay Rehabilitation • Home Health

EDITOR & VP OF MARKETING

(800) 852-0857 HUNGRYEYEMEDIA.COM Brendan Harrington PRESIDENT

Lindsay Burke ART DIRECTOR

LakeviewVillage.org 913-744-2433

Consistently Exceeding Our Client’s Expectations 2

S P E C T R U M R E T I R E M E N T. CO M

Shannon Moore DESIGNER

Heather Shoning EDITOR

Susan Humphrey MARKETING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Welcome to

Spectrum CARING FOR ANOTHER HUMAN BEING is likely the most difficult — and most rewarding — job we can have in our lives. For many of us, it begins when we have children or even adopt a child. It’s joyous and heart-wrenching and sometimes more than you think your heart can withstand. Then your kids grow up, move away and take on this job for themselves. While you still have all the same feelings, you are no longer tasked with the day-in and day-out care for their basic well-being. Soon you find yourself back in the cycle again. This time it’s your parents who need your care and attention. It’s disheartening to see them decline and not be able to care for themselves. And, while no one wants to admit it, it can be frustrating to take care of their home, do their shopping and possibly even attend to their daily personal hygiene needs. No one understands this more than Spectrum. We also understand making the move to a retirement community can be a tough decision for both you and your parents (page 10). But we also know that older adults thrive here. You’ll be surprised at the positive effects of being surrounded by peers with easy access to wellness services, hobbies and activities. Having team members available 24 hours a day to look after your parents offers you peace of mind knowing they are safe and cared for. Caregiving takes other forms, too, such as caring for a pet (page 8). Spectrum residents are invited to bring their pets to live in the community with them because we know those types of caring connections are vital to happiness and fulfillment. Managing self-care is important to overall wellness for older adults. This is accomplished

MANAGING DIRECTORS JEFF KRAUS AND JOHN SEVO

in a variety of ways including meditation (page 20), getting a good night’s sleep (page 6) and exercising our brains (page 7) to improve cognitive skills. At Spectrum, we are a proud family caring for one another — residents and staff alike. Sometimes we even extend our caregiving beyond, as in the case of several communities rallying around a team member’s son to make his 12th birthday a memorable and happy surprise (page 23). Like we said, caregiving for another human being can be the most rewarding job we can have — and every single day we appreciate the opportunity we are given to care for you and your loved ones. Enjoy the issue, John Sevo and Jeff Kraus Managing Directors Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC We’d love to hear from you! Do you have an interesting story to share? An idea for a future issue of the magazine? What would you like to learn more about? Help us celebrate the people and personalities that make Spectrum such a wonderful community. Send your ideas to editor@spectrumretirement.com.

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FULL SPECTRUM

SPECTRUM KEEPS SENIORS ACTIVE

GET A GREAT NIGHT’S SLEEP

BRAIN POWER

Thoughtful and careful physical and occupational therapy can boost health and wellness.

Exercises and games to sharpen your mental skills.

THE POWER OF PURRFECT PETS

Improve physical and mental health by adopting a pet.

FEATURE

Caregiver the

EVOLUTION

14 16

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CELEBRATING OUR CENTENARIANS

Reflections on a century of life, a lifetime of memories.

DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS

LIFE PASSIONS

No matter when you discover it, live your passion.

Counting sheep really does help.

WELLNESS

LIFESTYLE

GREATEST GENERATION

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

A late start to an elite recruitment, veterans master their assignments.

ADVISOR

MEDITATING FOR A STRONGER MIND, BODY & SOUL

Quiet time with yourself offers unexpected health benefits.

HOW DO WE CULTIVATE HAPPINESS? Socialize, exercise and give thanks for a happy life.

INSIDE SPECTRUM

BIRTHDAY MISSION

THE PATH TO THE PRESENT

LOOKING AHEAD

Residents and staff make one boy’s 12th birthday memorable.

A Resident-Directed Program Engages Memory Care Residents.

Spectrum introduces its first independent living community in Powell, Ohio.

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Spectrum Keeps

SENIORS ACTIVE

THOUGHTFUL AND CAREFUL PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CAN BOOST HEALTH AND WELLNESS. By Emily O’Brien

Kim Phelps, physical therapist and owner of Therapy for Independence (T4I), shares how she provides on-site therapy for Spectrum residents to help them achieve increased independence and improved function.

Can you tell us how Spectrum helps to keep seniors active? Therapy for Independence is an outpatient company that offers physical and occupational therapy on-site at three Spectrum communities in Colorado: HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care, Lakeview Senior Living and Lincoln Meadows Senior Living. Physical and occupational therapists work one-on-one with residents on their specific needs to decrease pain; increase balance, strength and endurance; and improve their independence and safety with activities.

Tell us more about the services and activities offered. We provide physical and occupational therapy in patients’ apartments through our relationship with Bayada Home Health

Care, focusing on safety and independence in their homes so that the residents do not have to travel outside of the community to receive their therapy. We educate the residents on exercise programs they can continue with when they are done with the therapy, helping them to become comfortable with the equipment available to them at the community where they live.

How vigorous are the workouts? Will it be difficult to keep up?

Each resident is evaluated and treated independently and instructed in a treatment program that is designed specifically for that person. With the great variety of equipment

available at the Spectrum communities, the programs are made to be appropriate for each individual. The individual is an integral part of setting his or her own goals. The therapy provided is chosen by well-educated, certified and caring physical and occupational therapists.

What’s the best way to get started?

If someone is interested in getting assistance, they need to reach out to the therapy

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Get a GREAT

department in their community. The resident or a family member can call the community and ask for the physical therapy depart- “Silence ment. They is the can be assisted sleep that nourishes with getting wisdom.” the necessary – FRANCIS doctors’ orders, BACON insurance authorization or set up therapy privately if they want. All or most of their therapy may be paid for by insurance.

What kinds of benefits come from participating?

We see residents gain improved strength, balance and endurance with daily activities. We have residents who benefit from having decreased pain. Some residents get rid of dizziness, prevent falls and have more pleasant and active lifestyles. Therapy for Independence and Bayada Home Health Care are independent third party providers of home health care, physical therapy and occupational therapy available for direct engagement by Spectrum residents and are not affiliated with or owned by Spectrum. All Spectrum communities offer similar services by independent providers.

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Night’s Sleep! COUNTING SHEEP REALLY DOES HELP. By Jules Marie

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP IS THE IDEAL WAY TO recharge the mind, body and spirit. Brahms’ Lullaby may have lulled you to sleep as a child but today sleep-depriving troubles like anxiety, worry, insomnia or medical conditions, can make a good night’s sleep hard to come by.

Here are a few tips for catching the right amount of Zzzzzs: Keep a daily routine. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.

Drink fewer beverages in the evening. Waking up to use the bathroom and turning on lights interrupts the sleep cycle.

Enjoy a healthy-sized lunch and a light evening meal or snack. Avoid large meals and spicy foods late at night.

Turn off the television and any backlit devices (iPad, mobile devices) at least one hour before bed.

Spend time enjoying outdoor activities as sunlight helps regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Relax before bedtime. Enjoy music, a good book, light meditation or relaxation exercises.

Make your bedroom comfortable. Be sure it’s dark, quiet, not too warm and not too cold. Have a comfortable mattress, pillow and the right bedding for the season.

Watching the bedroom clock is a surefire recipe for insomnia — count sheep instead! Yes, it’s true that counting sheep, or anything, slowly for a count of 100 acts hypnotically in the brain allowing it to relax. Take inventory of your daily activities and routines and you may discover a few ways to achieve a better night’s sleep every night.

Brain POWER

EXERCISES AND GAMES TO SHARPEN YOUR MENTAL SKILLS. By Heather R. Johnson

TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN FIT, GIVE IT A WORKOUT. As we age, blood flow in the brain slows, which leads to a decline in cognitive function. Try these exercises and activities to help sustain short-term memory, cognitive function and critical thinking.

these activities with friends for dual mental sharpness and a happiness boost.

FOR ALL-AROUND BRAIN HEALTH

FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING AND LANGUAGE SKILLS

Norman Abeles, Ph.D., Michigan State University professor emeritus of psychology, says physical activity is the most important tool for mental sharpness. Exercise boosts circulation, including blood flow to the brain. “The body and the brain work together,” says Abeles. “The more physically active you are, the more you stimulate nerve cells to keep the brain working effectively.”

AARP offers a number of online games that challenge memory, problem-solving and language skills. Braingle offers more than 20,000 online brain teasers, riddles and logic problems to improve your “mentalrobics.”

Brain fitness research company SharpBrains offers these cognitive challenges: To stimulate attention and working memory, try saying the days of the week backwards and then in alphabetical order. Calculate the sum of your date of birth. Name two objects for every letter in your first name. Whether an online game or a fierce chess battle, find a variety of activities you enjoy and engage in them on a daily basis.

FOR MEMORY Play a game of cards or chess. Solve crossword or jigsaw puzzles. Learn to dance or play a musical instrument. Share

FOR COGNITIVE ABILITY

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WE LLNESS

The Power of Purrfect Pets

IMPROVE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH BY ADOPTING A PET. By Heather R. Johnson

FROM PUPPIES AND kittens to hamsters and parakeets, people love their pets like family, especially seniors. And for good reason. Pets provide the companionship seniors crave, along with immeasurable unconditional love and joy. In addition to giving our well-being a boost, studies show that pet ownership offers a number of health benefits including lower blood pressure and reduced stress levels. “When we take care of a creature that depends on us, it brings out an altruistic part of us,” says Dr. Jennifer Freed, executive director of Attitude Harmony

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Achievement, an educational program based in Southern California. “As we age, we begin to feel irrelevant. Pets remind us that we are important and have a lot to give.” Most pets have an easygoing nature that helps ease seniors’ worries. “If you’re having a bad day, and there’s a puppy or cat waiting to see you, petting them will calm your nervous system,” says Freed. “We get the benefit of their positive nature.” Spectrum Retirement Communities’ Vice President of Fun, J.R. Comita, sees this all the time when he visits communities

with his Chihuahua, Binky. “A pet is more than a companion,” he says. “It creates a feeling of being needed, as well as camaraderie and socialization. Those are things we want our residents to have.” If you’re considering adopting a pet, make sure you choose the right animal for your activity level, lifestyle and budget. Most pet owners agree that the benefits of companionship outweigh any negatives associated with pet ownership. “I’ve heard of so many people reluctant to adopt a pet,” says Freed. “But once they do, they fall madly in love.”

THEOLA AND BUDDY CRESCENT PARK SENIOR LIVING EUGENE, OREGON

MARY KAY AND ANGEL THE HOMESTEAD AT HICKORY VIEW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY WASHINGTON, MISSOURI

GUS AND LUCY | PARKROSE ESTATES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY LIVERPOOL, NEW YORK

Spectrum Welcomes Pets Recognizing the many benefits of pet ownership, Spectrum Retirement Communities maintains a pet-friendly policy. We welcome small dogs and cats for a modest pet fee. As residents age in place, if caring for a pet becomes difficult, Spectrum ensures that pets get the food, water, exercise and attention they need.

SHIRLEY AND CALLIE MOUNTAIN PARK SENIOR LIVING PHOENIX, ARIZONA

GORDON AND SKY CRESCENT PARK SENIOR LIVING EUGENE, OREGON

BARB AND GINGER | PARKROSE ESTATES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY LIVERPOOL, NEW YORK

NANCY AND CLEO MOUNTAIN PARK SENIOR LIVING PHOENIX, ARIZONA

JACK, CAROL LEE AND LUCY PARKROSE ESTATES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY LIVERPOOL, NEW YORK

LINCOLN THE POTBELLY PIG FROM HOG HAVEN FARM RECENTLY VISITED MEMORY CARE RESIDENTS AT LINCOLN MEADOWS SENIOR LIVING PARKER, COLORADO

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Caregiver the

EVOLUTION NAVIGATE THE EVERCHANGING ROLE OF CARING FOR AN ELDERLY PARENT. By Camille Wilson

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s the American population ages, transition. Talk frequently and honestly with a growing number of adults have the entire family about ways to find balance the opportunity to engage in a given the new responsibilities in addition to new and evolving relationship your everyday life, and don’t hesitate to seek with their aging parents. Providhelp if their parents’ needs become more than ing care in the form of errands or chores, you can handle safely. financial support or personal care presents It is important to stay on top of financial a beautiful and rewarding way to give back to the “My mother is currently in memory care at Palmilla Senior Living. person who cared for and I thank God we found this place. She was at first reluctant to go helped you become the but now has loved everything there. The staff from health care person you are today. to housekeeping is fantastic! We don’t know how we can ever Thirteen percent of the repay their kindness. I would highly recommend this place!” U.S. population is over – ALEX AND MARIA G. age 65, and a recent Pew Research study estimates affairs during this transition. Caregivers that more than half of these individuals should consider the right timing to become receive care from an adult child. That number the financial power of attorney for their jumps to 64 percent when they reach the age parent. Unfortunately, changes in vision and of 75. Adult children can be prepared for the dexterity can complicate independent bill role of caregiver by understanding some of paying, and unforeseen medical expenses the potential ups and downs and taking a may strain the budget. Further, your extra proactive step of initiating important convervigilance will help your parent avoid scams sations with family members in advance. and schemes targeting seniors.

NAVIGATING ROLE REVERSAL AS A NEW CAREGIVER

After a lifetime of turning to mom or dad for help and assistance, it’s now your turn to return the favor. You may be called upon to gradually — or abruptly in the case of a sudden health crisis — step into the role of caregiver and decision-maker. Relationships with a harmonious history often make this shift easier. But it’s natural for some older parents to resist a caregiver’s involvement for fear of losing independence. However, loving communication can ease this

WHEN RESIDENTIAL CARE BECOMES NECESSARY You make informed decisions in many areas of your life, from buying a car to switching careers, and helping a parent make the switch from home to a senior living community should be no different. While some caregivers feel guilt that it represents failure, others recognize the decision as the best way to ensure the health and safety for their parent. The best way to simplify this complex

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transition is to plan ahead. Sometimes a sudden change in health drives the need to move, such as a stroke or fall resulting in impaired mobility. In these instances, the

communities in advance and understand the financial impacts of each, easing the pressure if the unforeseen should happen. Involving parents up front helps them be part of the decision-making process, which ultimately gives them a sense of “Pine Ridge of Plumbrook has given life back to my aunt control — something important in such a positive way. There are not enough words to to everyone. describe it. She has made so many new friends and joined Other times, a slower decline so many activities. She feels and looks healthier. The staff is in health or memory drives the wonderful; they are always there to help her with whatever decision. A change in special she needs whether a big or small request.” – CHRISTINE C. care needs related to dementia, family is often still reeling from the event incontinence or help getting to and from while simultaneously making quick decisions bed can become too much for the family before the loved one is discharged from a caregiver’s expertise, schedule or the safety rehabilitation facility. Planning ahead allows of the parent. Informed planning will ease families to discuss and research options, tour the process in these cases as well, since all of

RECONNECTING AFTER YOUR PARENT MAKES THE MOVE When daily caregiving shifts to the hands of assisted living staff, there is new opportunity in the relationship to reconnect with your parent in different ways. Maximize this special moment in time by considering the following: Move past guilt Family members sometimes feel guilty about placing loved ones into assisted living. This guilt is natural but is not productive. Continually remind yourself that this change is in everyone’s best interests.

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Keep in touch but don’t enable Although visits and phone calls help monitor the new home and the parent’s health and well-being, avoid inhibiting independence. It takes time to make new friends and get involved in the community, so allow space for adjustment to the new environment. Before long, you’ll likely see your parent blossom with new friends, hobbies and a healthy outlook on life.

Share and listen Keep your parent engaged with you and your family by sharing your life with him or her. Talk about everyday happenings and ask lots of openended questions of your parent. Listening carefully may uncover issues or questions your parent might be uncomfortable raising such as topics related to wills, trusts, religion or even death and dying.

Consider opportunities to capture your parent’s legacy This time of life often involves reflecting on the legacy that will be left behind. Find a way to help your parent capture and memorialize this through concrete projects such as photo albums, a recorded oral history or a craft project you can complete together.

MAKING PEACE WITH THE DECISION TO MOVE A PARENT TO ASSISTED LIVING When the best long-term plan for an aging parent includes a move into senior living, the pragmatic decision can still be emotionally difficult. To help caregivers come to terms with the decision, following are five compelling benefits seniors receive from assisted living that increase quality of life.

1. Safe Environment the important decisions will have already been made. When the time comes, there can be guilt on the part of the family and resistance from the loved one. Seek comfort knowing the right care for the health and safety of your parent is the priority. Work to empower your parent as the keeper of your family. They still hold the family history and can continue to feel proud passing that legacy on to others.

CAREGIVER ROLE CHANGES, CARRIES ON The ultimate responsibility as caregiver is to see that your parents live a full and safe life in whatever stage of health they find themselves. A move to an assisted living community does not change this duty, however the tasks involved at this stage look quite different from in-home care. Once the community has been selected, it is your job to prepare your parent for this transition and complete the move with dignity. Care continues in the form of ongoing check-ins, visits and advocacy, all of which help ensure the care and attentiveness of staff.

Senior living communities are specifically designed for accessibility and mobility to avoid falls and injury, relieving the need to add expensive safety measures in the home. Twentyfour hour staffing also ensures that someone is always there in case of an emergency.

2. Social Activity

A Harvard School of Public Health study found that maintaining an active social life seems to delay memory loss. Since it can be isolating to live at home, retirement communities make it easier to connect through structured activities and proximity to neighbors.

3. Access to Fitness Activities

Personal trainers and on-site group exercise classes are geared specifically for older adults are often part of the programming in assisted living communities.

4. Supervised Nutrition

Trained professionals prepare foods nutritionally geared toward the needs of older adults and monitor consumption to maximize health.

5. Housekeeping Handled

Senior living communities relieve your parent â€” and you â€” of the burden of daily home responsibilities such as cleaning, laundry and yard work. Transportation services are also included in Spectrum Retirement Communities.

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Celebrating our

CENTENARIANS REFLECTIONS ON A CENTURY OF LIFE, A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES

Harold Moss Lincoln Meadows Senior Living Parker, Colorado BIRTHDAY: May 31, 1916

HAROLD MOSS SET OUT on a post-high school path to practice law. However, after graduating from University of Colorado in Boulder and entering University of Denver Law, the attack on Pearl Harbor led him to change his course. Instead of law, Harold sought a career with the FBI. Harold served as the 1st resident FBI agent on the western slope in Grand Junction, Colorado. A career he would stay with for more than 25 years. Only two weeks into retirement, he was voted in as a county judge beating two local attorneys for the appointment. He served as a county judge for 16 years when at age 71 he decided it was time for his “second retirement.” 14

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HAROLD MOSS AND EVA McGEEHAN

That didn’t last long. He was then appointed as senior judge, which was very part-time. He would spend the next 12 years visiting the surrounding counties to fill in where a judge was needed. Finally, at age 83, he officially retired.

What’s the secret to a happy 71-year-long marriage?

Just keep going and keep at it!

What would you say are the major values or principles that you live by? Be honest and straight forward when dealing with people and companies.

What big world events do you remember from the time you were growing up? Pearl Harbor.

What inventions do you most remember? Why? The electric typewriter. This invention made life much easier!

What’s different about growing up today from when you were growing up?

Growing up in the Great Depression meant making a tough decision between maintaining a job and giving it up to pursue education.

What’s the best compliment you ever received?

My wife was a compliment to my life.

What’s the hardest thing about growing older? Getting up in the morning. It takes so much longer to do ANYTHING!

LUCILLE RUCHON AND HER DAUGHTER KATHY MILLER

Lucille Rochon Pine Ridge of Garfield Senior Living Clinton Township, Michigan BIRTHDAY: May 5, 1914

LUCILLE ROCHON WAS born in Detroit and lived there until July 28, 1914, when WWI broke out. Her family, who always spoke German, feared that their little girls would be in danger playing outside. They moved to Marine City, Michigan, where she grew up. She graduated high school with two diplomas, one a regular diploma and another in secretarial studies. Lucille got a job as a secretary right out of high school. She dedicated her life to her children and her husband, Dolph J. Rochon. The couple married in October of 1942 in Marine City. One day before WWII was

declared, her husband’s draft number came up. One of the greatest moments of her life was when he returned home. For Lucille, the most important things in life are God and family. Her family includes two daughters: Kathy (Jim Miller) and Pat (Bill Jumis-ko); five grandchildren: Eric, Craig, Karen, Stacey & Juli; six great grand children: Maddie, Evan, Nicholas, Olivia, Hazel and Nathan. A stay-at-home mom until her husband died, she maintained her priorities of doing what’s right and raising children. After Dolph passed away, Lucille worked in an office for the state for 10 years. Today, she enjoys bingo, playing solitaire on the computer and watching game shows on television. She says if she could have one wish in life it would be to “go on a date with my husband. He was the best. I could never replace him.”

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LIFEST YLE

Distinguished Resident

LIFE PASSIONS NO MATTER WHEN YOU DISCOVER IT, LIVE YOUR PASSION.

DONNA BEVANS, After criticizing a Ph.D., spent more than book she was read25 years in her own ing on vacation, her private practice as husband commented, a psychologist after “Do you think you can moving to Southern do better?” Never one California in 1968. to deny a challenge, it In addition to mainstarted her on the road taining her practice, to her retirement career. she worked for the Today, Bill is Donna’s Marine Corps as a inspiration, first line therapist and as the editor and biggest fan. director of the Family After six years of Service Center. writing classes, workIt wasn’t until after shops and conferences, she retired, that she she published her first RIGDEN FARM SENIOR LIVING FORT COLLINS, COLORADO found her true passion. fiction book, “Whatever The mother of It Takes.” Her second three, grandmother of book published in 2009, six and great-grandmother of one, Donna and her “So … You Want to Write a Book: A Manual for the husband, Bill Easterbrooks, moved to Fort Collins, Beginning Writer,” is her only non-fiction book. Colorado, to be near Donna’s daughter and grandWhen Donna refused to allow her young grandchildren. After checking out several communities, daughter to read her novel, the eight-year-old put her Donna and Bill chose Rigden Farm Senior Living. hands on her hips and said, “Grandma, you should They liked the light, open hallways and meeting write a book for kids.” Four picture books and easy rooms as well as the large apartments. Being just readers quickly followed. Donna’s son, Matthew one mile from her daughter’s home sealed the deal. Stewart, a graphic designer who resides in Eugene,

Donna Bevans Ph.D.

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Oregon, creates the covers and illustrations for her books. Donna’s second novel, “It’s the Mountain Way,” published in 2012, takes place in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Donna’s newest book, “Secrets on Sycamore Street,” available in July, is a suspense fiction involving sex, lies, drugs and blackmail that takes place in Fort Collins, mentioning local landmarks. Donna teaches creative writing once a week for the residents of Rigden Farm. The class covers writing dialogue, punctuation, point of view, developing characters and other writing skills. Never one to be idle for long, Donna has recently started a sequel to her first novel, “Whatever It Takes,” and is excited to publish an anthology of short stories and poems written by the residents of Rigden Farm this fall. Donna’s books are available on Amazon, or can be ordered from your local bookstore.

Stan Jursek

PINE RIDGE VILLAS OF SHELBY SENIOR LIVING, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN

STAN JURSEK spent a lifetime as a true Detroit man — working in the auto industry. But Stan was not a GM, Ford or a Chrysler man. He was a Holley Performance Products man. Stan had a knack for sales and he foresaw the potential growth in the aftermarket car parts industry. With a vision of the success of Holley in mind, he climbed the company ladder from the accounting department to the president of the carburetor division with a stop as vice president of sales and marketing in between. He joined the company right out of high school in 1956 and remained there for 35 years. During his tenure, Stan watched Holley parts evolve into the racing mainstay they are today. He led the company into the aftermarket industry. He rode the tidal wave of government regulation that changed the auto industry and

managed to help guide Holley out the other side as strong as ever. In 1991, after years of hard work and extensive travel, Stan chose retirement. During his early retirement, Stan enjoyed traveling, watercolor painting and custom jewelry design and fabrication. He discovered painting on a cruise ship in 1998 and has since completed 25 paintings. Jewelry making is a hobby leftover from his time as a high-level executive at Holley. He used this pastime as a diversion from the rigors of the business. Stan, now 86 years old, and his wife of nearly 60 years, Claire, moved to Pine Ridge Villas of Shelby in 2007. The couple has two daughters and one son. Stan still dabbles in painting and jewelry making, but these days he focuses more on managing he and Claire’s finances and stocks.

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GREATEST

GENERATION

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

FROM ANSWERING THE DRAFT TO AN ELITE RECRUITMENT, THESE VETERANS WILLINGLY ACCEPTED THEIR ASSIGNMENTS.

STANLEY POLITOWSKI

LAKEVIEW SENIOR LIVING LAKEWOOD, COLORADO

AT 99 YEARS OLD, STANLEY Politowski is the oldest Veteran at Lakeview Senior Living. He was born on November 13, 1916, in Philadelphia. He was drafted into the Army at age 29 — much older than most drafted young men — and became an Army medic. “When Uncle Sam pointed that finger at you and said ‘I Want You,’ you went no matter how old you were,” he said. Stanley was in the Army and started his career with Walter Reed Hospital as a medic and spent the first six months 18

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training there. He lived all over the United States and spent six months in Germany during his five service years. Stanley married Ann in Philadelphia in 1947, and the couple was married for 66 years. They had six children, and Stanley is very proud of all of their accomplishments. He has two grandchildren and his kids live all over the country. With no words to describe his deep feelings of

love and pride, the sparkle in his eye spoke volumes. After his years of service, Stanley worked for Sears, Roebuck and Company. He was a manager for two years. Later, he bought a laundromat, which he ran until he retired. Stanley has lived at Lakeview Senior Living for five years, loves playing bingo, and everyone loves it when O 66 is called because Stan turns it upside down and yells out “99” with a smile. Not sure what he’ll do when he turns 100 in November, but the other residents are looking forward to finding out. When asked what his secret is to his long life, Stanley simply said with a smile, “Keep breathing, just keep breathing.”

LIFEST YLE

TY LOVELACE CRESCENT PARK SENIOR LIVING EUGENE, OREGON

AFTER RETURNING to the Philippines from Australia in October 1944 and the U.S. recapturing Manila in early 1945, it became apparent that General Douglas MacArthur needed a military division dedicated to protecting him, his family, his staff members and U.S. and foreign visitors. He needed an Honor Guard, as it would become known, of 2,000 soldiers meeting highly specific criteria. They had to have an exceptional record as combat soldiers; display neatness and thoroughness; maintain a high-quality character and loyalty; and be between 5’10” and 6’2” tall. Ty Lovelace fit this bill. Lovelace grew up in Westfir and Eugene, Oregon. He graduated from Eugene High School,

where he was an all-state basketball player, in 1946. After a short time playing pre-NBA professional basketball, he joined the Army in 1948. After basic training in California and serving in Osaka, Japan, during the post-World War II Allied Occupation under MacArthur, Lovelace received a visit from three members of MacArthur’s Honor Guard on a recruitment mission. With the exception of an eight-month stint fighting in the Korean War with the Army’s 1st Raider Company, Lovelace served in the Honor Guard from September 1949 through January 1952. After returning from battle, he served as Sergeant of the Guard for the Honor Guard. During this time, he met and

married his wife Connie who was a civilian employee at MacArthur’s headquarters in Tokyo. Lovelace recalls spending evenings sitting behind MacArthur watching movies although MacArthur made it his personal policy to not speak to the members of his Honor Guard. Jean MacArthur, the general’s wife, would bring the men lemonade on hot days, and sometimes they would accompany her on shopping trips. As part of his 24-hour duties as Sergeant of the Guard, Lovelace would check on the men at eight guard posts throughout the compound and then, as a courtesy from the general, was invited to eat lunch in the kitchen within earshot of the table where the general and his wife dined. It was there, on April 11, 1951, that he overheard a significant conversation: After a courier entered with some correspondence, Lovelace heard MacArthur tell his wife they would be going home. The correspondence was an order from President Harry Truman firing the five-star general. After the incident, Lovelace served under General Matthew Ridgway until his discharge the following year. Then he and his wife moved to Eugene, where they would remain for good. The couple raised four children, and Connie died at 86 years old in 2013.

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ADVISOR

Meditating for a Stronger MIND, BODY & SOUL QUIET TIME WITH YOURSELF OFFERS UNEXPECTED HEALTH BENEFITS. By Emily O’Brien

MEDITATING, AS MERRIAM-WEBSTER defines, is “to spend time in quiet thought for religious purposes or relaxation.” Every day we hear how more and more people are turning in droves to practice it. Why is that? By meditating, your mental focus shifts to concentrating on what is happening internally in your body — mentally and physically. This sends calming signals to your nervous system. But that’s not all, meditation, sometimes referred to as mindfulness, has been touted to squash insomnia, boost immunity, amp up focus levels and more. Better yet, science 20

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is proving these claims to be true. Research shows that meditation helps preserve the aging brain and improve cognitive skills and creative thinking. People who meditate are shown to have a greater sense of well-being, which translates to less depression and anxiety, including social anxiety. Less stress, fear and loneliness will, in turn, increase optimism and awareness and allow for greater social connections, not to mention better selfesteem and self-acceptance. Practicing meditators are shown to have less heart and brain problems, fewer

ADVISOR

inflammatory disorders, better immune systems and an overall higher level of energy. Some of these findings occur after only a few days of practice. It’s amazing what the act of slowing down can do for your body — inside and out. Another great thing: Meditation can be done nearly anywhere and without equipment, although a quiet spot works best. For more information on types of meditation and how to practice, visit meditationoasis.com.

F U L L

GETTING STARTED. Posture

morning or last thing in the evening. A good goal is to practice mindfulness at least once a day, but do what fits your lifestyle.

Sit upright with your spine erect. If this is uncomfortable, consider walking meditation or lie down.

Duration

Experience

Being new to mediation can be challenging. Begin with five minutes of being still and quiet. Aim to increase your sessions to 30 minutes.

The goal is to relax and become at ease with your surroundings. Thoughts are spontaneous and should not be resisted. Simply let them go away and re-focus on your practice. Consider breath meditation, during which you focus solely on taking in and releasing air.

Frequency Optimal times to meditate are first thing in the

SPECTRUM

O F

E V E N T S

Visit a Spectrum Community today and be a part of what’s happening. Below are a few programs available at our communities! • Marvelous Minds

• SpectraCircuit

• SpectraFit

• SpectraMysteries

• SpectrumAdventures • SpectraMoments

• Just for Laughs

• SpectraFun

Color your life with fun!

888.516.2188

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SPECT RUM | SUMM E R -FA L L 2 0 1 6

ADVISOR

How Do We Cultivate

HAPPINESS? SOCIALIZE, EXERCISE AND GIVE THANKS FOR A HAPPY LIFE. By Heather R. Johnson

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE, MOST of us would want to be happier. But how? Aren’t we naturally wired to be happy or unhappy? While personality does partly determine happiness, we can change our thoughts and behaviors to cultivate more happiness in our daily lives.

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Research shows us that people who keep a gratitude journal are 25 percent happier, reported fewer health complaints and exercised more. Leaf Van Boven, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder, says that keeping a daily gratitude journal is one of the most valuable happiness practices we can do. “Increasing gratitude in our lives makes it easier to see life’s positive side,” he says. “A gratitude list is an intentional action that leads to greater happiness.”

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CONNECT WITH OTHERS When expressing gratitude, give thanks for family, friends and acquaintances because they contribute greatly to our happiness. Spend time with friends and family regularly. Even a phone call works wonders. Join a social club or attend church regularly. Group fitness classes and outdoor activities provide a happiness double whammy because of exercise’s mood-boosting benefits.

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF SENIOR LIVING Regardless of what happiness route you take, remember that statistically, older adults report higher levels of positive emotions than younger folks. “Seniors tend to be happier on a moment-to-moment basis,” says Van Boven. “As we age, we stop worrying about the small things. We stop thinking about trying to bring about a future outcome. When you let go of that, things change.”

HAPPINESS SPECTRUM A company with a “fun” department takes its happiness seriously. Through the Colors of SpectrumTM program, residents celebrate a theme each month. Bright colors, special meals and lively activities keep the “blues” away. Spectrum encourages social interaction through book clubs bingo and more. Local philanthropic endeavors give residents purpose. “We want people to laugh often,” says Carole Hull, vice president of resident care. “We foster fun and a family environment.”

INSIDE SPECTRUM

Ty enjoyed a visit from the fire department and a chance to check out the ladder truck

Birthday Mission

RESIDENTS AND STAFF MADE TYLER SKWARCZEK’S 12TH BIRTHDAY MEMORABLE. WHEN LOMBARD Assisted Living’s Memory Care RA, Renee Featherstone, mentioned that her son with special needs was turning 12, the entire community came together behind a mission: to ensure it was his most memorable birthday celebration to date. The Lombard team and residents planned a huge surprise party for him, and when other Illinois communities got wind, they joined in the party planning, too. The Lombard Fun Department

helped the staff and residents make 100 birthday cards to present to Ty. The residents of Three Oaks and Cedar Lake pitched in to make cards, too, and Shannon Solvie and Robin Herrod, both from the Spectrum Retirement home office, sent a birthday card signed by every member of the office team along with gifts — Legos and Minecraft games. Ty is a huge Chicago Blackhawks fan. When word got out about the party, some friends of the Blackhawks organization sent

him an autographed jersey from Team Captain Jonathon Toews and a hat from Patrick Kane. More than 30 kids (team member’s kids, grandkids of the residents) came to celebrate with Ty, and the local fire chief sent a ladder truck and crew for the children to tour. The community was decorated with Blackhawks and Minecraft decorations and 100 mylar balloons. The kids enjoyed face painting and grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for lunch. Chef Dominick made Ty his favorite cake — chocolate with whipped cream frosting. It was a great day for a special young man!

More than 30 kids joined Ty in celebrating his birthday. SPECT RUM | SUMM E R -FA L L 2 0 1 6

INSIDE SPECTRUM

The Path

To The PRESENT

A RESIDENT-DIRECTED PROGRAM ENGAGES MEMORY CARE RESIDENTS.

SPECTRUM IS TAKING a new approach to Memory Care by empowering our residents to engage in activities that benefit and contribute to the world around them. We understand people with dementia can engage in activities in different ways and at different levels. Meaningful roles support self-esteem, identity and purpose. And these roles, developed by the residents 24

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themselves, foster independence, interdependence and self-worth and offer them opportunities to partake in activities they enjoy. Our Memory Care neighborhoods are an environment that provide numerous opportunities for participation, involvement and personal fulfillment. Residents develop the creative side of the brain when participating in activities concentrated in the areas of

art, music, emotions and color. The program fosters independence by allowing residents to explore their strengths and focus on what he/she can do and contribute. Each community’s program is different because of the individuality of the residents. Here are some examples of how the residentdirected program is working. One Memory Care neighborhood is comprised of nearly 50 percent men. Together, they developed a building team so the men interested in using their hands and possibly re-living a hobby they once enjoyed, can help put together furniture for new residents moving into the community. Each team member capitalizes on his particular skillset — one resident, who is not as mobile as the others, reads the instructions out loud as his contribution to the process. The team works together to assemble beds, bookshelves, rolling carts and more. Another way residents explore their talents, enjoy a hobby and serve the community is

PREVIOUS PAGE: RESIDENTS CREATE BEAUTIFUL CARDS TO SELL. TOP LEFT: THE BUILDING GROUP ASSISTS OTHER RESIDENTS WITH FURNITURE ASSEMBLY. TOP: GIACOMO HAPPILY WORKING IN THE GARDEN. BOTTOM: SETTING UP FOR THE CARD SHOP.

through gardening. When one resident, Giacomo, was becoming depressed and withdrawing from activities, a Spectrum team member took him to visit the courtyard and they discovered the flowerbeds in need of work. Today, you’ll find Giacomo, zealous about keeping the space weed-free, in the garden smiling from ear to ear! His family is thrilled that their dad is gardening again — once a favorite pastime. He also leads other residents by showing them how to add soil and plant seeds. Residents interested in art and business developed a card shop. They make and sell greeting cards offering a variety of ways to use their skills to be involved with the pop-up store held in the Bistro twice a month. Residents design and paint the

cards in art class, and then a local printer turns the work into printed cards. The residents fold the cards and attach labels that state who designed the card and where the proceeds will go — always to a charity of the residents’ choice. Three residents work together to run the shop, setting up the display the way they like it and putting everything away when they close up. Each resident has his/her role to play in the card shop, which is all resident run. The residents are proud of the contribution they make to their community, each in their own unique way. The beauty of this program is that it will continue to expand as new residents learn ways in which they would like to contribute to the community and how they can use their talents.

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INSIDE SPECTRUM

Looking Ahead SPECTRUM INTRODUCES THEIR FIRST INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY IN POWELL, OHIO. POWELL, OHIO, JUST 14 miles north of Columbus, offers all of the everyday conveniences of a big city — supermarkets, upscale dining options, antique and specialty shops and a plethora of family-friendly special events — under the guise of a small-town atmosphere. With more than 200 recreational, leisure and educational activities for all ages, it’s the perfect setting for seniors looking to live full, independent lifestyles. The more than 12,000 residents have ensured the preservation of this picturesque historic town. The City of Powell does not host major industrial, financial or technological businesses, which they believe would be detrimental to its historic nature. 26

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Residents at Powell Senior Living will be able to maintain their independent and active lifestyle by exploring all the adventures the area has to offer. Sightsee at the underground caves in the Olentangy Indian Caverns. Visit The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which was named the number one zoo in the United States by the USA Travel Guide in 2009 and also best zoo by Besties Readers’ Choice in 2012. It’s home to more than 10,000 animals from six regions of the world. Residents can rent a garden bed at Arbor Ridge Park — and organic-only garden — and grow various plants. Projected to welcome residents in the winter of 2016, Powell Senior Living will be the

first Spectrum Ohio community devoted to residents of independent living, and will feature 126 pet-friendly apartments. Amenities will include a fitness/ therapy center, theatre, library, beauty salon, transportation and plenty more; all carefully tailored to accommodate the residents’ personality, values and personal preferences. More than 40 percent of the community will be dedicated to these community features. Located at 10351 Sawmill Parkway, Powell Senior Living will offer month-to-month rental apartments, with no buy-in fees. For more information or to reserve your future home today, visit PowellSeniorLiving.com

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