RVP Living Senior for Winter 2019

Avoid the flu Staying active Tips to retire early

living

S E N I O R

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SilverSneakers members have access to more than 15,000 fitness locations and community organizations across the

country, so don’t delay. No matter where you live, a better, healthier you is waiting to be discovered.

Switch it up to stay in shape Three workouts everyone older than 60 needs

Find peace with yoga Yoga is popular with fitness enthusiasts of all ages, and for older adults, practicing yoga can improve balance, flexibility, mental focus, core strength and breathing efficiency. It can also be a wonderful stress reliever.

If you are new to the practice of yoga, or if you feel unsure or unstable during any class, consider using a wall or chair to aid you in your balance for certain poses. Make sure to protect your joints by moving gently into stretches and poses, never forcing your body

into any posture. You can regulate your blood pressure with even, continuous breathing.

Additionally, be aware that inversions, those poses that place your head below your heart, can cause changes in blood pressure.

Finally, while yoga can certainly be practiced alone, taking a class through SilverSneakers is a great way to bond with others during your workout and get expert guidance from a trained instructor.

Stepping up your strength Building muscle mass is a key benefit of strength training, but for older adults there are additional benefits. Strength training, sometimes called resistance training, supports bone health and aids in the prevention of osteoporosis, a CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 improves your balance and

living S E N I O R

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You want to live the healthiest life possible and you realize that to do so, you can’t rely on the same old exercise routine. You need to change it up and adjust your plans as you grow older. It may seem daunting, but the good news is that staying fit can be easier than you think.

“Many older adults know their fitness routines have to change as they age because of injuries, chronic aches and pains, or even shifts in the exercises they enjoy,” says Julie Logue, SilverSneakers training manager for Tivity Health. “That’s why finding the right health plan during Medicare’s open enrollment period is so important. It’s especially valuable to find a health plan that includes SilverSneakers, which is the nation’s leading fitness program designed exclusively for older adults. It’s much easier to be consistent with exercise when you find a program you love.”

If you are an older adult who likes yoga, strength training or aerobic exercise – or if you are considering such a regimen – Logue suggests a few ways to switch up your routine, so you can continue living a healthy, active lifestyle.

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Improvements to your regular exercise routine will support you in your goal of living a healthy life, but you can take the next step with the support of SilverSneakers programs with classes, digital tools and workouts designed with seniors in mind.

supports a healthy weight. Regular strength training also can make everyday activities easier.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults of age 65 and older, who are generally fit with no limiting health conditions, should do resistance training exercise on two or more days a week, focusing on all major muscle groups. When beginning an exercise program, the best practice is to start with lighter weights, performing one to two sets of each exercise with 10 to 15 repetitions in each set.

To continue to benefit from strength training safely, increase your resistance slowly, always using proper technique to avoid strains and other injuries. You can manage your blood pressure by exhaling during the most challenging part of each exercise.

Choosing to work out with a partner or coach can help keep you motivated and make you more aware of your form and alignment, keeping you safer during your workout. Finally, take a break. Allowing a day between strength training workouts helps your muscles recover so you come back to your next routine even stronger.

Download the new SilverSneakers GO app and discover programs to fit your personal activity level.

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Keeping the cardio Whether it’s dance or another calorieburning cardio exercise like cycling or walking, getting your body moving is a fun and healthy way to improve your lifestyle.

Cardio exercise has also been shown to improve your coordination, agility and reaction time, as well as help you manage your blood pressure and improve cognitive function. Plus, it’s just flat-out fun, especially if you enroll in a class as a SilverSneakers member.

To keep your cardio routine interesting and effective, pay attention to the impact that some types of exercise can have on your joints. Walking, cycling and water exercise are all efficient ways to get a great workout while being gentle on your joints.

And, with social isolation affecting as many as 43 percent of older adults, asking a friend to join you is a great way to stay motivated, connect with others and enjoy life.

To learn more about SilverSneakers, visit www.silversneakers.com.

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Inviting elderly relatives or neighbors over to dinner and social gatherings is a great way to make them feel like valued members of your community.

Be a good neighbor Ways to lend a helping hand to seniors

Deliver meals Seniors who are confined to their homes typically need to have their meals delivered to them.

Men and women looking to help seniors can volunteer to work with their local Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels boasts a national network of more

than 5,000 independently run programs, and these programs rely on more than two million volunteers to deliver nutritious meals to seniors with limited mobility. The need for volunteers to help seniors figures to grow in the coming decades, as Meals on Wheels America notes that the percentage of the population that qualifies as seniors will grow from 18 percent in 2010 to 26 percent by 2050.

Help around the house The work required to maintain a home is considerable no matter a person’s age, but that task is even more difficult for seniors.

Even the healthiest seniors may not have the mobility or physical strength required to keep up with household chores. Offering to help a senior maintain his or her home is a great way to improve their quality of life.

Visit an elderly relative or neighbor and offer to mow their lawn, take out their

garbage or perform another task they might find challenging. Performing a few chores around a senior’s house won’t take long, but such gestures can have a big impact on seniors’ lives.

Invite seniors over Many seniors suffer from feelings of isolation, which can contribute to depression. Families are now more geographically diverse, and a senior’s children and grandchildren may not live nearby. In such cases, it’s easy for seniors to grow lonely and feel isolated from their communities.

Inviting seniors over for a weekly dinner or to backyard social gatherings can help them maintain a connection to their communities and reduce their feelings of isolation. Extending such invitations also

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LIVING SENIOR - WINTER/SPRING 2019

Men and women looking to give back to their communities can do so in various ways. Some might coach youth sports teams, while others might organize food and clothing drives for the less fortunate.

Giving back to seniors in your town or city is another way to strengthen your community. Many seniors maintain their independence long past retirement age, but some may need a helping hand as they get older. The following are a handful of ways you can improve the quality of life of seniors in your community.

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a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 provides a great way for parents to instill in their children a respect for and appreciation of the elderly.

Arrange transportation Many seniors stop driving when they realize their skills behind the wheel have diminished. But even though they may relinquish their drivers’ licenses, seniors still need to keep their doctor’s appointments and get out of the house.

Speak with your neighbors who also want to help seniors to arrange transportation for those who can no longer get themselves around town. Explain to seniors’ physicians when you or your neighbors are most available to get seniors to their appointments. In addition, offer to drive seniors to the grocery store when making your own shopping trips.

Many seniors made valuable contributions to the communities they call home. And those communities can give back by helping seniors overcome the demands of aging.

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Becoming an empty nester is surprisingly empowering, and can be a period of positive growth for you. Instill new

routines and experiences in your life, stay connected to your kids, and the rest will surely follow.

LIVING SENIOR - WINTER/SPRING 2019

Make your empty nest an empowering new chapter

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Suddenly, the kids are all grown up and ready to flee the nest. It’s the start of a new chapter – for them, and for mom and dad, too. While this sudden change in family dynamic is bound to bring a mix of bittersweet emotions, there are plenty of ways to embrace the shift. An empty nest certainly doesn’t mean an empty life.

Raising a family reaps many rewards and any parent knows that family time revolves around the children’s wants and needs well into their teenage years. While in the thick of it, the prospect of a quiet, relaxing weekend with no parental responsibilities and the very concept of self-care can seem farfetched. But now with the kids leaving home, it’s time to make the most of your new foot-loose and fancy-free lifestyle.

Make more ‘me time’ Now that you have more time to do things that bring you joy, it’s time

rediscover who you are – whether that’s through traveling the world, learning a new skill or language, taking a yoga class, volunteering or simply doing more of what makes you feel good.

The newfound time in your day is an opportunity to discover new hobbies and build a social life that is entirely your own.

Stay connected Just because the kids have left home doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. In fact, you may find yourself on the other end of the phone giving dating advice or having more meaningful life chats than ever before.

Family group text threads can replace dinner table conversations, so do make sure you stay up-to-date with technology to keep the entire family connected.

Choose a phone plan that lets you talk, video chat or text with your kids as much as you want, when you want, such as T-Mobile

ONE Unlimited 55+, which gives you two lines for just $35 per line with no surprise fees or taxes. A super affordable option designed just for customers 55 and older, it includes unlimited talk, text and data, inflight texting, one hour of Gogo Wi-Fi on domestic flights, and texting and data when you travel abroad in 210 destinations.

And what’s more, all the money you save on your phone plan can go straight into the self-care fund or to finance your next “adults only” fancy vacation. Win win.

Find a furry friend If you’re an animal lover, adopt a new pet, train a friend’s dog, pet-sit, or become a foster pet-parent. This time, you won’t be getting a pet just for the kids. Animals have a magical ability to lift the spirit and fill the void left from caring for your little ones for so many years.

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STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event that’s happening to more and more retirees. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But

grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves raising their grandchildren.

Tips for grandparents helping to raise children Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age.

Get the right equipment Children certainly require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury.

Gather important documents

Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise.

These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets.

Speak with an attorney Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption.

Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned

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LIVING SENIOR - WINTER/SPRING 2019

As retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible.

However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren.

United States Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents. CanGrads, a National Kinship Support organization, says approximately 62,500 children are being raised by grandparents and other family in Canada. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents.

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a CONTINUED FROM PAGESaturday, 9 January 9, 2016 about their grandkids’ futures.

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Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who find themselves caring for a child may be eligible for financial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based financial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas.

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Contact schools and daycare centers School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or lowcost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offices. Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-

valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Church- or community center-based counseling services may be available.

Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans.

needed free time during the day.

Find emotional support Taking care of grandchildren is a fulltime job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and

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Fight the flu with these strategies Influenza can rear its head any time of the year, but is known to be a particularly bad thorn in one’s side during times of year when the weather is cold. According to WebMD, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population will get the flu in an average year and it can take three to seven days for a regular case of the illness to go away, with some effects lingering for up to two weeks.

No one wants to get the flu, which is marked by fever, aches and pains, congestion, fatigue, and other symptoms.

As a result, people do all they can to help prevent the flu – or at the very least shorten its duration.

The best way to stave off the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the vaccine is carefully curated to treat against the flu strains that research suggests will be the most common each flu season.

Getting vaccinated by the end of October is recommended.

Steer clear of sick individuals and make a concerted effort to avoid germs and the

spread of germs. Diligently washing hands and avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth can help you avoid and spread germs. In addition, repeatedly clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.

You might want to consider prophylactic treatment with an antiviral medication.

In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of oseltamivir phosphate, which is known by the brand name Tamiflu, as a flu preventative. However, many people only reach for the drug when symptoms already have set in. Instead, it can be especially helpful in preventing the flu when someone in the household has already contracted the illness. The results of several clinical studies show that Tamiflu, when taken once daily, is up to 92 percent effective in preventing influenza illness in adolescents, adults and the elderly.

Drink plenty of liquids during flu season to keep the body well hydrated so the immune system can be in top form. Fruit

a CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Many unaware of dangers of influenza

During the 2017-18 influenza season, nearly 80,000 people died and more than 950,000 people were hospitalized due to flu and flu-related illnesses, and less than four in 10 United States adults (37.1 percent) were vaccinated against flu, fewer than in previous years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While those who are vaccinated may still get the flu, the vaccine helps prevent serious complications that may result in hospitalization, loss of independence or even death.

It is particularly important for people with certain chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease to receive an annual flu vaccine, as they are at higher risk for flu-related complications. In fact, 92 percent of

a CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

LIVING SENIOR - WINTER/SPRING 2019

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

The flu can quickly escalate and cause serious symptoms. Prevention and early treatment are essential during cold and flu season.

11

a DANGERS FROM PAGE 11

people of color than white respondents.

• Less than 20 percent of U.S. adults are aware that heart attack (16 percent), worsening of diabetes (16 percent), stroke (13 percent) and disability (10 percent) can occur as potential complications of flu.

The dangers are real. Research shows

a FIGHT THE FLU FROM PAGE 11

juices, water, broth-based soups, and sports drinks can help keep the respiratory system from forming thick mucus that can become laden with bacteria. Should a fever set in, fluids help prevent dehydration.

It also can be wise to take zinc supplements during cold and flu season.

that individuals with heart disease are up to 10 times more likely to have a heart attack within three days of flu infection and people with diabetes are at six times increased risk of flu-related hospitalization.

For more information, visit www.nfid.

(BPT) org/flu-chronic-health-conditions.

Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of the respiratory care department at Mount Sinai Medical Center and the author of “The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu,” says zinc may boost immunity, which can shorten the duration or severity of the flu.

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those hospitalized for flu during the 20172018 season had an underlying medical condition that put them at risk for serious flu-related complications.

In July 2018, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases convened leading medical experts from nearly 20 national healthcare organizations to raise awareness of the dangers of flu among U.S. adults with certain chronic health conditions including heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, and the need for increased flu vaccination rates among at-risk adults.

“It is essential for everyone age 6 months and older to receive an annual flu vaccine,” said NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, M.D. “For people with conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, it is an important part of managing their condition, like taking a statin, checking their glucose or using an inhaler.”

Surprisingly, there is low awareness of the connection between chronic health conditions and serious flu-related complications. A new survey from NFID revealed that: • Less than a quarter of U.S. adults recognize that people with heart disease (24 percent) and diabetes (22 percent) are at greater risk for flu-related complications, and awareness is significantly less for

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10 early signs of Alzheimer’s disease Change plays a big role in the aging process. As adults age, both their minds and bodies undergo changes.

The changes associated with aging are not uniform. Some people may experience small changes as they inch toward and ultimately pass retirement age, while others may undergo changes that affect nearly every aspect of their lives.

Cognitive decline is the type of age-related change that can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life, affecting his or her ability to live independently.

A general term used to describe symptoms associated with a decline in memory or thinking skills such as judgment and reasoning, dementia is often mistaken as a normal part of aging.

However, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America notes that dementia-related illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, are not a normal part of aging.

Because many people associate memory loss with aging, they may be compelled to accept some of the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s as mere byproducts of growing older. However, the Alzheimer’s Association urges men and women to report any of these 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s to their physicians the moment they’re noticed.

Family members who notice these signs in their relatives also should report them to their loved ones’ physicians.

1. MEMORY LOSS THAT DISRUPTS DAILY LIFE: Examples of this symptom include forgetting recently learned information; forgetting important dates and events; and asking for the same information over and over.

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Did you know?

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is often mistaken as something that only affects aging men and women.

While the Alzheimer’s Association notes that age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, the group also warns that even men and women nowhere close to retirement age can develop the disease.

In fact, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that, in the United States alone, roughly 200,000 people under the age of 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, many people with early-onset are in their 40s and 50s.

Recognizing that Alzheimer’s is not just for retirees but capable of affecting younger men and women with families and careers is important, as the Alzheimer’s Association points out that healthcare providers typically do not look for signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s in young people.

In such people, symptoms of Alzheimer’s may be incorrectly attributed to stress.

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Adults who suspect they might be suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s should have a comprehensive medical evaluation, which may include a neurological exam and/or brain imaging, conducted by a physician who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease.

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2. CHALLENGES IN PLANNING OR SOLVING PROBLEMS: Someone exhibiting this symptom may have trouble following a recipe or paying monthly bills.

3. DIFFICULTY COMPLETING FAMILIAR TASKS AT HOME AT WORK OR AT LEISURE: Forgetting the rules of a favorite game or experiencing trouble driving to a familiar location are some examples of this symptom.

4. CONFUSION WITH TIME OR PLACE: People with Alzheimer’s lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.

5. TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING VISUAL IMAGES AND SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS: Some people with Alzheimer’s have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast.

things in unusual places and then cannot retrace their steps to find those things.

6. NEW PROBLEMS WITH WORDS IN SPEAKING OR WRITING: Difficulty joining or continuing a conversation and calling things by the wrong name are some examples of this symptom.

8. DECREASED OR POOR JUDGMENT: Poor judgment and decision-making often affects people with Alzheimer’s.

7. MISPLACING THINGS AND LOSING THE ABILITY TO RETRACE STEPS: People with Alzheimer’s sometimes put

9. WITHDRAWAL FROM WORK OR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: People with this symptom may begin to withdraw

from favorite activities or avoid being social because of the changes they’re experiencing.

10. CHANGES IN MOOD AND PERSONALITY: Mood changes affect people with Alzheimer’s, who may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease at www.alz.org.

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Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home

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The right place

Aging brings about many changes, including some that may compromise seniors’ ability to remain independent. In such instances, many families consider assisted living facilities for their aging relatives.

More than 835,000 Americans currently reside in assisted living communities, according to the National Center for Assisted Living. While communities and homes provide various services, one service in particular may be needed for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias or memory problems. Memory care units are separate facilities that cater to people with dementia or other memory issues.

According to the senior residence referral and resource guide A Place for Mom, memory care is a distinct form of long-term skilled nursing. Also called special care units, memory care facilities provide 24-hour supervised care for individuals. This care is often carried out in a separate wing or floor of a residential facility or community.

Memory care facilities aim to provide a safe and secure environment for residents.

This means limiting entry or egress to other areas of the facility for those who may have trouble navigating and remembering where they started out.

The Alzheimer’s Association notes that six in 10 people with dementia will wander and become disoriented. This is dangerous for the individual and others. Memory care units often have alarms and “wander guard” precautions in place to make sure residents cannot roam unsupervised and risk injury.

Another goal of memory care is to provide a stress-free, structured lifestyle that has set schedules and routines, states Brookdale Senior Living. This can help keep distress minimal and make for more comfortable and happy residents.

In addition, memory care units offer programs that help slow the progression of dementias and cultivate cognitive skills.

Fitness exercises, games, specialty food programs, activities, and much more may be offered to make residents more comfortable.

Memory care facilities include common spaces for socialization, meals and activities.

“Alzheimer’s patients must maintain their activity, walking, interacting with music, and art,” says Lory Bright-Long, MD, CMD, of the American Medical Directors Association. “We have to awaken the senses so that the memory can have a hook. This is accomplished in the memory care setting.”

For more information, visit APlaceForMom.com.

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It is important for those considering assisted living and nursing home facilities to inquire about specific memory care units if a loved one requires this environment.

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Memory care is a component of assisted living

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RE Y

ARBOR

AR R U U O T BRIAL! U E O C AB E F PE S K AS RE -IN F VE T- MO

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WILLOWS

ASSISTED LIVING AT ITS BEST

THE LIFEST YLE YOU WANT.

THE CARE YOU NEED.

You’ve heard about the amazing lifestyle offered by Wesley Willows – the hospitality-level living in a safe and secure environment. The delicious (and nutritious) dining options. The endless activities for staying active, exploring hobbies or getting out and about. But have you heard about our flexible care options?

Willows Arbor, the newly updated assisted living community on the Wesley Willows campus, offers more personalized care than other assisted living providers. Our medical and personal care staff are available 24/7 so you can rest easy in your custom apartment.

Every aspect is tailored to your needs and wishes.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW RENTAL OPTIONS OR LIFETIME OF CARE PROGRAM, SCHEDULE A TOUR AND MEETING WITH ONE OF OUR SENIOR LIVING COUNSELORS.

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WESLEY WILLOWS | 4141 North Rockton Avenue | Rockford, Illinois 61103 | www.wesleywillows.org

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