McHarrie LifeTimes

FALL/WINTER 2021–2022

Time to Enjoy Retirement

Friends Who Walk Together, Stay Well Together

Jim Hawthorne retires after 17 years of service

a Storm i t n e m e D e h t g n ri Weathe o ge t he r

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Brain Boosting Foods to Help Your Memory

Staff Appreciation

Word Scramble

A Family of Legacy Giving FRED MARTY

Q& A

with McHarrie Life Staff

From the CEO McHarrie

L

Independent ife is about choices, so whether you need short-term rehabilitation or memory care for your parent, McHarrie Place Health & Rehabilitation we are here for you.

Center As we grow older, we learn that life doesn’t Admissions: 315-638-2521 always go as planned. So if you find yourself M c H in a r r i e To w n e McHarrie the hospital in need of short-term rehabilitation, McHarrie Life Independent Living Founda is just a phone call away.

Our dedicated staff continues to work tirelessly throughout McHarrie Pointe McHarrie Place the pandemic to provideHealth optimal& care for every resident we are Assisted Living Rehabilitation privileged to serve.

Residence Center Admissions: 315-638-2525 Thank you to our entire team for their unwavering commitment to our organization’s success as we continue to McHarrie Life Sage Court F o u n d a t i o n navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19. I am proud to work with Memory Care @ McHarrie Pointe such wonderful people who treat our residents like family— Admissions: 315-638-2525 helping them feel safe and connected to their loved ones, especially during these uncertain times. We couldn’t do it without you.

Together, as ever, as one.

M c H a r r i e To w n e Independent Living Admissions: 315-638-1172

To request information about our programs,

M c H a r r i e P l aplease c e call 315-638-2521 or visit our website M c H a r r i e at www.mcharrielife.org.

Mark Murphy, CEO

Health & Rehabilitation LifeTimes is a publication of Center McHarrie Life Senior Community

Assisted Resid

7740 Meigs Road Baldwinsville, New York 13027 315-638-2521

McHarrie Life

LifeTimes Editor: Kelly O’Neill-Rossi Foundation Director, Development & Marketing

If you would like to add/remove your mailing address information, please email krossi@mcharrielife.org.

McHarrie Life Senior Community is a not-for-profit organization that offers a continuum of healthcare programs and services for older adults including; independent living at McHarrie Towne, assisted living and memory care at McHarrie Pointe, and short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care at McHarrie Place. All programs and services are conveniently located at 7740 Meigs Road in Baldwinsville, New York.

Q& A FALL/WINTER 2021–2022

Inside this Issue

2 with McHarrie Life Staff

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Friends Who Walk Together, Stay Well Together

Time to Enjoy Retirement 12 Brain

Boosting Foods to Help Your Memory

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A Family of Legacy Giving FRED MARTY

16 10 Weathering the Dementia

Storm Together

Word Scramble

The content in this magazine is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. Do not make any changes to your lifestyle, diet, medication or exercise routine without first discussing it with your doctor.

No information in this magazine should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

Please consult with the appropriate medical professional for all of your healthcare needs and concerns.

Q& A

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for your health

Q:

My mother fell several weeks ago and broke her hip. She is currently in the hospital in need of short-term rehabilitation for strengthening. I wasn't sure if your rehab program was accepting new patients due to the pandemic. Are you able to accommodate her needs?

A:

Yes, our rehab program has remained open throughout the COVID pandemic to accommodate anyone in need of our services. We provide top-notch care in a safe, calm, and healing environment. Please reach out to our admissions department at 315-638-2521 to learn more about our program.

—Lori Crawford, PTA, Director of Rehabilitative Services, Syracuse Home

Q:

I am interested in moving to your assisted living residence.

I've heard rave reviews about it. Before I fill out the application, though, I have several questions to ask about your program.

What type of Assisted Living Residence does your program include?

At McHarrie Pointe, we offer two programs within our residence. We have a 19-bed unit designated for Assisted Living (ALR) and a 26-bed secured memory care unit which is our Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR). Additionally, we offer Enhanced Packages under our Enhanced licensure (Enhanced Assisted Living Residence) to enable our residents to age in place.

What does it cost to live there?

As a private pay program, the cost varies depending on the program and the square footage of the apartment that you choose. During the application process, we will assess finances and evaluate individual needs to determine pricing. The cost for services is all-inclusive and consists of several amenities.

Can you share with me the amenities included?

At McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living, our all-inclusive program includes 24-hour supervision provided

by Licensed Nursing and Home Health Aides. In addition, based on the resident’s individual needs, personal care assistance and medication management are available.

Other amenities included are: l

Three meals a day in our dining room, plus nutritious snacks l Laundry and linen service l Housekeeping l Trash removal l Maintenance 24-hours a day We also have phone, cable, and hair salon services available for an additional fee.

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How do residents maintain their health and keep active?

There is a wide variety of activities both on and off the McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living campus.

Some favorites include: l

Balance and Strengthening Fall Prevention Program l Thai Chi, Yoga, and Zumba classes l Health and wellness cooking and nutritional education l Bible study, rosary, prayers, and religious services l Aroma and pet therapies l Music recitals and entertainment

Social functions include: l l l l

Happy hours Birthday parties Ice cream socials Other themed parties We are always inviting community health providers to our residence to educate and offer other interventions that promote health and wellness. Our Flu Shot Clinic is just one example that is offered during the fall season.

Can we tour the facility?

Yes, our tours are approximately 30 minutes long and give you a chance to see available apartments and walk through some of the common areas where residents frequent. In addition, we are happy to answer any questions you may have throughout the tour and provide a detailed brochure for you to take home.We understand that selecting an assisted living program that works best for you can feel overwhelming. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.To set up a tour, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our office at (315) 638-2525.

—Maggie Reap, Director of Residential Services, McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living

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Friends Who Walk

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Together, Stay Well Together

D

id you know that close friendships can add years to our lives?

Friends can help us recover more quickly from illness and injury, strengthen our immune system, improve our memory, and enrich our mental health and social well-being.

For the past seven years, McHarrie Towne residents Johanna Newton and Mary Ann Anslow have walked in their neighborhood together for exercise and com­panionship. “We have a lot in common, so we have a lot to talk about,” says Mary Ann. “We solve all of the world’s problems on our walks,” she laughs jokingly.

Both women are retired teachers and lifelong exercisers. Johanna is 97 years young and taught French and German to high school students throughout her career. She spent most of her life bike riding, walking, and visiting national parks with her husband after they retired. As a child growing up in the Netherlands, she also enjoyed ice skating and swimming.

Mary Ann, a Syracuse native, is 88 years young and walked many miles with her mother throughout her childhood. “If we wanted to go somewhere, we walked.” Mary Ann taught first grade for 12 years and nursery school for 22 years until her retirement. As a busy school teacher and mother, she prioritized walking, no matter how tired she was after her workday. “Back then, I had a regular group of friends, and we planned our walks each week. Today, Johanna and I decide at the spur of the moment whether or not we’re walking that day. As retirees, we decided that pre-planning is not necessary!”

According to Harvard Health, people who have satisfying relationships with their family, friends, and community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.

Continued on page 6 ä

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Conversely, the lack of social ties is associated with depression, cognitive decline, and increased mortality.

One study, which examined data from more than 309,000 people, found that lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50%—an effect on mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and greater than obesity and physical inactivity.

Walking together throughout the COVID pandemic provided a lifeline for both Johanna and Mary Ann. “While we were out walking, we stopped and visited with other residents who were outside, too. This helped a lot with our feelings of loneliness and isolation,” says Mary Ann. “I could only read and bake so much while I was home!”

The activities program at McHarrie Towne offers an indoor walking program to residents. It’s another excellent way to exercise, especially during inclement weather. The walking class is led by founder and video instructor Leslie Sansone and is well-attended by the McHarrie Towne community.

Both Johanna and Mary Ann agree that there is more incentive to walk in a group vs. alone. Johanna suggests doing a little bit of exercise each day because it will encourage you to do more in time. Mary Ann is a big believer that if you keep on exercising regularly, you will feel better—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Fortunately, for them, throughout the good times and bad—two things remain constant—their special friendship and unwavering commitment to a healthy, happy lifestyle.

FALL/WINTER 2021 – 2022

Staying active can help you: l

Keep and improve your strength so you can stay independent

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Have more energy to do the things you want to do and reduce fatigue

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Improve your balance and lower risk of falls and injuries from falls

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Manage and prevent some diseases like arthritis, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and 8 types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer

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Sleep better at home

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Reduce levels of stress and anxiety

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Reach or maintain a healthy weight and reduce risk of excessive weight gain

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Control your blood pressure

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Possibly improve or maintain some aspects of cognitive function, such as your ability to shift quickly between tasks or plan an activity

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Perk up your mood and reduce feelings of depression

Source: National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov

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Time to

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Enjoy Retirement

Director of Plant Operations Jim Hawthorne retires after 17 years of service

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fter nearly 50 years of working in the commercial and residential construction industry, Jim Hawthorne is ready to enjoy his well-deserved retirement. As the Director of Plant Operations at McHarrie Life for the past 17 years, he was instrumental in overseeing the organization’s expansion from a single 80-bed nursing home to a full continuum of care senior community for more than 200 residents. He served as the clerk of works for the new construction of the 120-bed nursing home, the renovation of an existing building for assisted living and memory care, and the addition of 38 new townhouses to the independent living community.

His daily duties included; overseeing building and ground maintenance for the 144-acre campus, negotiating contracts, supervising vendors and employees, troubleshooting building and property issues, repairing equipment and structural damage, and handling any other crisis as needed.

Remarkably, Jim's life plan was not a career in commercial construction. “I graduated from Cicero High School and attended Lock Haven College to pursue a degree in health and physical

education.” Soon after, he found his true calling in the commercial construction industry, where he worked from 1974-1995. He attributes this change of heart to living on his grandparents’ farm. He moved onto the farm with his father when he was just 2 1/2 years old after the untimely death of his mother. “My father and I moved in with my mother’s parents, and I helped my grandfather with the farm and driving tractors.” Then, as a teenager, he began framing houses with a house framing contractor.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Sharon, at the age of 21, and they settled down in Baldwinsville in 1987 to raise their three sons. Today, they have five grandsons and one granddaughter.

During his earlier career, Jim teamed up with MerleCom, where he was the estimator, project manager, and superintendent of the McHarrie Towne Independent Living expansion from 1995-2002.

From 2002-2004, Jim owned JL Hawthorne Construction— specializing in residential housing and additions. “In 2004, CEO Mark Murphy contacted me about the Director of Plant Operations position available at McHarrie Life. I felt it was a good fit for me due to my

past experience in commercial construction and overseeing the McHarrie Towne project. Mark was a great boss to work for.”

Jim is looking forward to joining his wife, Sharon, who retired in 2017 after 25 years working for the Baldwinsville School District. “We plan on traveling to Hawaii and Alaska and any other place we are inspired to visit. We are also looking forward to spending more time with our kids and grandchildren. All of our children live within five miles of us, so we feel fortunate to have them so close by.”

In addition to traveling, Jim plans to continue golfing, boating on Seneca River, snowmobiling at Cranberry Lake in the Adirondacks, and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. “We also may decide to go down south for a month in the winter.”

When asked what he will miss the most about his job, he says, “I will miss all of the people I work with, my staff… the team.

I was happy to be a part of this organization all of these years.”

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e h t g n i r e h t a We

Do you provide care for a loved one with dementia? If so, you join more than 11 million Americans who provide an estimated 15.3 billion hours of care each year.

At times, it feels beyond overwhelming, frustrating, and exhausting.

Nearly half of caregivers report declining health as they try to manage a career, take care of their children, and care for their loved ones.

Here are some proven ways to communicate with your loved one so you can weather the dementia storm together.

Dementia Storm

FALL/WINTER 2021 – 2022

Things Not to Say to Someone with Dementia

1. “Do you remember?”

As hard as it is for us to watch our loved one struggle with their memory loss, it actually adds more stress to their lives when we ask them, “Do you remember?” It is often a frustrating and painful experience when they fail to recall a specific memory, especially one that's special to both of you.

Try this: Instead of posing a question, try leading with, “I remember when…” It will help to minimize their anxiety and embarrassment if they cannot remember.

2. “I just told you that! You aren't listening to me!

PAY ATTENTION!” It is frustrating when you have to repeat yourself. But, unfortunately, showing your frustration only adds more stress to your loved one’s life. It’s important to keep this in mind—no matter how hard you try, you cannot undo the ravaging effects of the diseases that cause dementia.

They cause irreparable damage to the brain, forever changing your loved one and how they speak, feel, and remember.

Try this instead: Take a deep breath and repeat this mantra in your mind, "This too shall pass." Try to remain calm, polite, and patient. Even though your loved one may not verbally communicate well, they can read your nonverbal cues and tone of voice and may react to them.

They really can hear you; they just cannot retain what you've said to them. It's confusing because they look the same, they laugh the same, and on good days, you experience moments when everything feels normal again. But unfortunately, dementia can trick you into believing that they really can remember and that by raising your voice or repeating yourself, they will somehow miraculously recover, especially on those good days.

Sadly, this is not true.

3. “Your Mom isn't here anymore. She died ten years ago.”

A person living with dementia may forget about past grief or ask for someone who has died. But reminding them of the death is painful and may cause them to grieve over and over again.

Try this instead: If possible, gently change topics. For example, avoid reiterating to them that the person is deceased. It will only cause more anguish.

4. “What did you have for lunch today?”

Avoid asking too many open-ended questions, as it is stressful for a person with dementia if they can’t remember the answer. While it might seem polite to ask somebody about their day, it's better to focus on what's happening in the present.

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Try this instead: Rather than ask what they had to eat, stay in the moment and ask, “Would you like soup and a sandwich for lunch today?”

5. “Do you know who I am?”

It is sad and distressing when your loved one can’t remember your name or recognize you, but the feeling is mutual. Asking the person if they know who you are can make them feel guilty if they cannot remember. It may also offend them if they do.

Try this instead: The way you greet someone with dementia may change depending on the stage of their condition –A cheerful hello will suffice, or it may help to say your name if you sense the person doesn't know who you are.

6. “Today was so busy at work. I am so glad the day is over. Do you want to go out for dinner tonight? Are you up for it, or would you rather stay home? I will do whatever you would like to do.”

Long, complex sentences are difficult to follow. As cognitive abilities slow down, it's difficult for your loved one to process what you are saying and answer you appropriately.

Try this instead: Use short, simple sentences as often as possible. For example, it is easier for them to answer this question, "Would you like to go out for Italian food tonight?"

7. “No, that's not true. Your sister was NOT here today to visit you.”

Those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia believe what they say because their brains tell them it’s true. If you try to correct them, it often leads to more confusion, frustration, anger, agitation, and erratic behavior.

Try this instead: Do not correct them or argue; just agree. It will not harm them. Instead, it will create a sense of peace and happiness. Accepting your loved one's new reality will not worsen their disease. There is no magical tactic to change how their brains perceive things. Let go of "winning arguments" or who is right or wrong, even if you enjoyed playful bickering or debates in the past. As you move forward and adapt to the ever-changing "new normal," you will have more appreciation for those special moments with your loved one.

Helpful Dementia Care Websites for Caregivers, Individuals, and Families

Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: www.alzfdn.org Alzheimer’s Disease and Referral Center: www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation: www.alzinfo.org Web MD Alzheimer’s Guide to Financial Planning: www.webmd.com/alzheimers/ guide/financial-planning

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Brain Boosting Foods TO HELP YOUR MEMORY

Whole grains.

Brown rice, whole-grain bread, and oatmeal promote cardiovascular health, which also impacts brain health.

There’s scientific evidence that what you eat can reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Check out these foods to help boost your brain health.

Beans. Chickpeas,

lentils, and kidney beans help to stabilize glucose levels. The brain depends on glucose for fuel, and beans provide this energy.

Blueberries.

In addition to reducing the risk of cognitive damage, blueberries can also improve your short-term memory and motor coordination.

Fish. Wild salmon,

trout, sardines, and herring contain DHA omega-3 fatty acids that boost brain health.

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Freshly brewed tea. By looking at the

brain imaging data of older adults, researchers found that those who consumed tea at least four times a week for 25 years had brain regions that connected more efficiently than non-tea drinkers.

Extra virgin olive oil.

The oil contains phenols, a type of antioxidant that helps keep the brain healthy by reducing inflammation.

Avocados. They

contain monounsaturated fat, which is a good fat that improves blood flow through the body and brain.

Nuts and seeds.

They contain Vitamin E, which is associated with less cognitive decline as you age.

Pomegranate juice. 100% pure

pomegranate juice protects the brain from the damage of free radicals.

Top ten countries that are most affected by Alzheimer's disease include; 1. Finland 2. United States 3. Canada 4. Iceland 5. Sweden 6. Switzerland 7. Norway 8. Denmark 9. Netherlands 10. Belgium

Those countries with the lowest rates include; India, Cambodia, Georgia, and Singapore.

Dark chocolate. All you need is

2 ounces a day to reap the health benefits.

Recent studies have shown that the high levels of antioxidants in dark chocolate may help to improve cognitive function in healthy people and those with cognitive impairment.

Please check with your physician first before making any changes to your diet.

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A Family of Lega M

By: Audrey Gibbs, Director of Philanthropy any forward-thinking leaders have aided the evolution of McHarrie Life to its current position as the highest-rated senior healthcare provider in Central New York. One of these leaders is Fred Marty. Fred has been acquainted with Syracuse Home for all of his life. The Marty Family’s involvement with the Home spans three generations. Fred’s Grandmother, Bertha Marty, was on the Home’s Board of Directors from the late 1930’s through the 1950’s. When Fred was a child, he remembers his grandmother talking on the phone about “The Home” while in her kitchen. That is how

FALL/WINTER 2021 – 2022

acy Giving his Aunt Virginia Weidig became involved, and remained so, attending Board meetings when in her early 90’s.

His Mother, Virginia Marty, was the 1961 recipient of The Post-Standard Woman of Achievement Award in International Affairs for her supervision of the American Field Service in the Central New York area. She was involved with the original ‘Home’ on Townsend Street in Syracuse. Fred grew up in the University area and attended Nottingham High School. His Mother, a French, Latin and Geometry teacher drove neighboring kids to high school. You could only have a ride, however, if you learned the word of the day. Fred recalls when eleemosynary (charitable, benevolent) was the word; and his mother saying “that’s what the Marty’s are: eleemosynary.”

A graduate of Hamilton College, Fred attended Syracuse University College of Law. Upon graduation in 1970, one week after the bar exam, he married Virginia Rogers.

Perhaps ironically, when first practicing law, Fred visited clients at the Townsend Street Home. Fred and Ginny have two adult children; daughter Kristina, a Dean and Professor at SUNY Binghamton, and son Fred who is a partner at Mackenzie Hughes Law Firm. They have four grandchildren.

Since 1986, Fred has provided valuable counsel to the Foundation, Syracuse Home, McHarrie Towne and Life Boards. A former partner of Barclay & Damon Law Firm, Fred was repeatedly selected for ‘Best Lawyers in America’ for his esteemed work in the areas of trusts, estate planning, and probate.

Upon retirement in 2013, Fred became involved with the Volunteer Lawyers Project for Onondaga County. Donating countless

hours helping indigent people in need of legal assistance, Fred has established a clinic for estate planning; in 2014 he received the local Pro Bono Volunteer Lawyer award from the Onondaga County Bar Association, and in 2016 received the New York State Senior Pro Bono Volunteer Award.

As a generous donor to McHarrie Life Foundation, Fred acknowledges his family as his inspiration. His Father was an internist and director of Student Health Services at Syracuse University. In the 1940’s, a young SU student was in a serious car accident. She had a rare blood type. Fred’s Father immediately canvassed the University for blood donations; volunteers who were her blood type quickly came forth. After that experience, he started the first blood donation center for the American Red Cross, after going to Albany and having a law passed authorizing volunteer blood donations and blood centers for the American Red Cross. Fred has donated blood almost 200 times, leaving him just four pints shy of donating 25 gallons in memory of his dad.

Through numerous generations the Marty family has embraced the values of family philanthropy, and raised the quality of life for others. We are deeply grateful for their continuing interest in and generosity to our Foundation.

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Word Scram FALL/WINTER 2021 – 2022

Hint: Ten ways to describe the staff at McHarrie Life.

er left corner! No peeking!

You will find the answers in the low

ndik igcnar oasacnotmeips rhda nwrogik cedtadedi ogvlni lefpuhl otmdtcemi emta rypale ulotgfhhtu Word Bank: Helpful Caring

Kind Thoughtful Dedicated Loving Team player Compassionate

Hard working Committed

amble

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MCHARRIE LIFE FOUNDATION 7740 MEIGS ROAD BALDWINSVILLE, NY 13027

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID BALDWINSVILLE NY PERMIT #6

invites you to the 20th Annual Afternoon of Theater event at Syracuse Stage.

All proceeds benefit resident programs and services at McHarrie Life. This year’s production is Matilda.

Sunday, December 5th Patron Ticket: $60 each—includes a fabulous catered reception beginning at 12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinee performance Contributor Ticket: $40 each—includes 2 p.m. matinee performance only

Thank you to our sponsors Presenting Sponsor:

Reception Sponsors:

Underwriters: Bonadio Group ONEGROUP

Supporters:

Horan Financial Services Woodcock & Armani Yang-Patyi Law Firm

Dessert Sponsor:

Alzheimer’s Association of CNY

Media Sponsors: Eagle Newspapers Dupli