Prime Time CONNECTICUT
APRIL 2020
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New times, new treatments
How cancer doctors deal with seniors
Rated 4.9/5 stars in 30 replies to our anonymous in-home survey. “We felt so grateful…”
Dr. Brian Byrne at The Hartford HealthCare Institute at The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain.
Call the owner, Tyson, at 860-583-1526.
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April
Helping people enter their golden years
6 10
FEATURES
3 Daniel O. Tully | 4 Stephen Allaire
5 Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri | 8 Healthy Living 16 Games and puzzles
Connecicut Prime Time is published monthly by Central Connecticut Communications, LLC, One Liberty Square, P.O. 1090, New Britain 06050. Free copies are distributed throughout Central Connecticut. For a location near you, call 860-225-4608. Prime Time is a free newspaper and is delivered at no cost. Should you choose to receive copies, or have delivery stopped, please call 860-225-4608. Michael E. Schroeder Editor and Publisher mschroeder@centralctcommunications.com 860-225-4601 Erica Drzewiecki Staff Writer edrzewiecki@centralctcommunications.com 860-225-4601 Gary Curran Advertising Director gcurran@centralctcommunications.com 860-225-4601 Jazzya Coakley Distribution Coordinator jcoakley@centralctcommunications.com 860-225-4608 A2
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Health leaders create treatment plans
Column
Moving forward in spite of COVID-19 S
everal years ago, when former Bristol state Sen. Steve Casey commented about the difficulty associated with his heart transplant, I was struck by his candor and courage when he said, “when life gives you lemons you make lemonade.” That type of Casey courage is what we need in today’s coronavirus crisis. While I understand Daniel O. the reason for many Tully people’s concerns with the pandemic, it is extremely important to move forward with your life. In the very near future, you may be, and possibly should be, homebound for a short period of time. With today’s modern technology, you can still move forward with any of your legal, health and financial planning.
The advent of computers, the internet, FedEx, Skype, FaceTime and video conferencing allows us to move forward even when you are following “social distancing” guidelines. Like many law, accounting and financial planning firms, our office has been planning for this outbreak. I am mindful of the fear and anxiety that many have seeing our daily habits and life changing and having to modify. We are all worried about the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the danger it poses to our community, locally and globally. By way of example, here is what our office is doing to ensure the health and safety of our clients and team members. If permitted, we will still continue to have face-to-face meetings in our office. Our office is taking all the prescribed precautions, including following the six-foot rule, frequent hand washing,
wiping down and disinfecting all surfaces, and using hand sanitizer. If our clients are unable to travel to our office during this time, or simply feel safer staying home, we understand. We are still able to serve them and move their planning forward. Alternatives include scheduling a phone conference and video conferencing. In certain cases, we still make house calls. When circumstances require that documents be signed and there’s no other way for clients to see us, an attorney will visit their home. We strongly recommend having your important documents in place, such as power of attorney, living will and health care representative. A power of attorney allows you to appoint another person – your “attorney-in-fact” – to step in and manage your financial affairs if and when you ever become incapacitated. If you become inca-
pacitated, who will make your medical decisions? A health care representative allows you to act as your agent for medical decisions. It will ensure that your medical treatment instructions are carried out, and it is especially important to have a health care representative in these trying times. If you are homebound because of the pandemic, it is extremely important that someone is able to make legal, financial and healthcare decisions for you. If you do not have these documents, they can still be completed now without you ever leaving the safety of your home. Daniel O. Tully is a partner in the law firm of Kilbourne & Tully, P.C., members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc., with offices at 120 Laurel St., Bristol. Contact him at 860-5831341.
Do you have a loved one in a nursing home? Do you want to protect your assets? • Former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Connecticut where he handled Medicaid (Title 19) cases. • Lectures Nationally and throughout the State of Connecticut on Elder Law, Home and Asset Protection. • Board of Directors for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Attorney Daniel O. Tully
Don’t leave your loved ones to suffer due to lack of planning, even if a loved one is already ill or in a nursing home.
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Column
Understanding home care decisions
are
H E A L T H
N E T W O R K
When families are confronted with the The VA Aid & Attendance is available need for home care, questions and concerns to a wartime veteran or the widow of a boil down to what kind of care is needed, war time veteran, if that person meets the where to get the care, and how to pay for it. eligibility criteria. War time does not mean The information is critical to making the best the veteran served overseas or in combat. It OUR SERVICES decisions possible. means that the veteran spent 90 consecutive • Skilled Nursing & • Pulmonary Care • Home Care What kind of care is the initial decision. days on active duty, at least one of which days Rehabilitation • Orthopedic Care • Long Term Care If the need is largely due to dementia, and was during a time frame set by Congress. • Congestive Heart Failure • Memory Care • iRecovery not physical problems, then supervision from For example, Korea is between June 27, 1950 Program • Behavioral Health harm, such as leaving a stove on, and January 31, 1955. or reminders to take medications For CHCPE Level II, which is • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy or take a bath, may be paramount. solely funded by Connecticut, a sin• Outpatient & In-Home Rehab Therapy Another aspect of dementia is gle person cannot have more than Rehab that a spouse often becomes the $37,926 of countable assets, and a BLOOMFIELD • EAST WINDSOR • FARMINGTON • HARTFORD “security blanket” for the one with couple not more than $50,568. The MANCHESTER • MERIDEN • ROCKY HILL dementia who may constantly folperson must need help with at least (860) 812-0788 • icarehn.com low the healthy spouse around two activities of daily living. asking the same questions over and The highest level program is Enrichin Stephen g Li ves over. If the healthy spouse gets no Medicaid. The applicant cannot Allaire break from the constant need for have more than $1,600 in countable care and reassurance, the stress can assets in his or her name. But can become unbearable. One answer is to get a own a car, their home and personal property. companion in the house for whatever number A married couple can usually keep most of IF LAUGHTER IS THE of hours or days are needed so the healthy their assets. These rules are complicated but spouse can shop, or meet with friends, or just in an average family, it should be possible to take a long walk. preserve the assets for the healthy spouse and IF LAUGHTER ISATHE THEN SMILE IS If the sick spouse has predominantly get home care paid by Medicaid. Congress THEN A SMILE physical issues, such as immobility, or incon- passed these laws so that the healthy spouse PART OF THE CURE tinence, and needs help with bathing, or would not be totally impoverished. PART OF THE CU THEN AIFSMILE IS IS THE dressing, or toileting, or help walking, then Home care is more desirable that nursing LAUGHTER High Quality Care is not complete without the kindness and compassion a home health aide is needed for hands on home care and Connecticut has made an PART OF THE CURE care. effort to provide financial help to families of a dedicated staff . At our center, we strive to provide excellence in care High-quality care is not complete without the kindness and compassion of a de Where to get the care is the second critiso their loved one will not have to go into with the friendliest of smiles. center, we strive to provide excellence care with theISfriendliest o THEN A SMILE High-quality staff. care is At notour complete without the kindness and compassion of aindedicated cal decision and fortunately there are many a nursing home. Connecticut is one ofstaff. the At our center, we strive to provide excellence in care with the friendliest of smiles. PART mile OF THE CURE Our staff is committed to going the extra to make companies in Connecticut who can provide strictest states in terms of eligibility rules, but Our staff is committed to going the extra mile to make your time spent with your time spent with us a five-star experience. that care. Anytime someone else is in the if the rules are met, the financial help can be Our staff is committed to going the extra mile to make your time spent with us a five-star experience. High-quality care is not complete without the kindness and compassion of a dedicated a five-star experience. house it makes for close living, so if the first up to $71,340 per year. The key is to get the staff.our At our center, we strive to provide excellence in care with the friendliest of smiles. Let smiles be a part Visit us online or call to person assigned does not fit with the family, advice needed to qualify under those rules ask for another. Some are licensed to be paid and carry out a plan that will provide a safe of your road to recovery. Our staff is committed to going the extra mile to make your time spent us schedule a personal tourwith today! a five-star experience. by Medicaid, and if someday Medicaid will and livable environment for both spouses. be needed, that is something to consider, so • Physical, Occupational • Cardiac & Pulmonary Attorney Stephen O. Allaire and Attorney that the family would not have to change and Speech Therapies Recovery Programs aides. Since the companies have many home Halley C. Allaire are partners in the law firm • Orthopedic Injuries • Hospice Services health aides, if the first one is not a good fit, of Allaire Elder Law, members of the Naand Post-Surgical Care Coordination tional Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., families can ask for another one • Respite Care with offices at 271 Farmington Ave., Bristol, The third big issue is how to pay for that 860.589.1682 860-259-1500, or on the web at www. 61 BELLEVUE AVENUE care, using a family’s own money, or if eligi860.589.1682 ble, getting help from government programs allaireelderlaw.com. If you have a question,BRISTOL, CT860-589-1682 MEDICARE 06010 860.589.1682 send a written note to either Attorney Allaire 5 Star such as Veteran Administration Aid & 61 BELLEVUE AVENUE www.PinesBristol.com 61 61 BELLEVUE BELLEVUEAVENUE AVENUE Rating Attendance, or the Connecticut Home Care at Allaire Elder Law, LLC, 271 Farmington BRISTOL, 06010 BRISTOL, CTCT BRISTOL, CT06010 06010 Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, and they may Program for Elders (CHCPE), Level II, or www.PinesBristol.com www.PinesBristol.com www.PinesBristol.com use your question in a future column. Level III which is Medicaid (Title 19) East Windsor Manchester Farmington Bloomeld
IF LAUGHTER IS T
BEST MEDICINE BEST MEDICIN
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Connecticut PRIME TIME • April 2020
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED Senior Transportation Services, Inc. is looking for safe, reliable volunteers willing to use their own car to help some of Berlin, New Britain, Meriden, Wallingford, Southington & Plainville’s elderly residents get to medical appointments in the area.
Finding ways to extend kindness in troubling times recommendations. Restaurant customers are leaving thousands of dollars—often anonymously—in “tips” to help struggling establishments pay their staff even while closed or reduced to minimal takeout-only operations. Celebrities stepping up
And it’s not just regular folks who are showing such empathy and generosity. Sports, music and other celebrities are stepping up in a big way. Cleveland Cavaliers basketball star, Kevin Love, donated $100,000 to help arena staff who were out of work due to event cancellations. Actor Eric Stonestreet from the popular TV show “Modern Family” donated 200,000 meals to the Kansas Great examples City food bank. In Italy, a country especially hard Actors and astronauts are readhit by the pandemic, neighbors are ing children’s stories out loud to help serenading each other from balcony entertain the millions of kids stuck at to balcony and filling the streets with home. uplifting music that belies their gener Massimo Bottura — an Italian ous and indomitable hearts. restaurateur and the chef patron of a In communities all across America, three-Michelin-star restaurant in Italy people are reaching out to neighbors — is giving delightful cooking lessons and strangers alike. via his Instagram account. Younger, healthier people are offerAnd countless musicians from ing to do the shopping for older Willie Nelson to John Legend to folks who are more at risk for serious Yo-yo Ma are offering free, livehealth complications and afraid to go stream concerts from their living into stores. rooms. Sometimes, a crisis really does bring Communities are rallying around out the best in people. the small businesses whose survival The interesting thing is how forced is in jeopardy due to coronavirus isolation and social distancing actushutdowns—buying gift certificates to keep these mom-and-pop eateries ally seems to be bringing us all closer together. We are suddenly very aware and shops afloat. of how connected we are to each Young and seasoned musicians other. We are realizing just how much alike are roaming the streets or setwe have taken for granted — meetting up on their porches to deliver ing friends for coffee, holding hands, impromptu concerts to audiences composed of people spaced the requi- walking a crowded city street. See LOVE, Page A13 site six feet apart per social distancing
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By CZEPIGA, DALY POPE AND PERRI We are living in some pretty surreal times right now. Things are changing so quickly that it’s almost impossible to keep up with the news. Our daily routines have been upended, and our daily conversations with friends and family are all focused on the same topic: the coronavirus. Few among us have ever lived through a crisis so intense and so global in nature. It’s no wonder that our stress and anxiety levels are through the roof. But humans are amazingly resilient and adaptable creatures. Even in the midst of all the uncertainty and chaos, people are finding beautiful ways to extend small kindnesses and create joy.
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Evolving Health leaders are creating individualized treatment plans
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Erica Drzewiecki | Staff
Dr. Rawad Elias A6
Connecticut PRIME TIME • April 2020
Story by Erica Drzewiecki
ne might assume that older adults represent the majority of cancer patients, and they’d be right. It may come as a surprise, however, that treatment research efforts are largely focused on younger folks. Until now, that is, as health leaders begin conducting geriatric assessments of older patients and creating individualized treatment plans, evolving what it means to age with cancer. “The idea of geriatric oncology is to go beyond the age number and really assess the individual we’re dealing with,” explained Dr. Rawad Elias, a geriatric oncologist at the forefront of this new landscape. The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute launched its Geriatric Oncology Program in early 2019, under Elias’ direction. Since then, the program has expanded from the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center in Hartford where he is based, to the Hospital of Central Connecticut’s Cancer Center, Bradley Memorial Hospital and beyond. “It’s developing and the roots are continuing to spread,” Elias said. “I’m not sure there is another healthcare system that has this wide, integrative approach. We’re very excited about it.” Conditions that are common with aging can complicate treatment methods and prognosis for cancer patients. That’s one of the reasons why existing research relies mainly on younger, fitter patients, who tend to volunteer for — and respond better to — clinical trials. Those over 65 who do participate in trials are among the healthiest in their age bracket and likely to have far different outcomes than people with chronic medical conditions and weakened abilities. Elias and his staff are now standardizing the use of geriatric assessments, which evaluate health, lifestyle and other factors following cancer diagnoses. The results indicate potential treatment-related complications, estimate survival and guide care interventions to improve outcomes. “It’s meant to provide patients with information about their overall health and how they might tolerate cancer treatment,” Elias said of the assessment. “We discuss taking a curative approach or possibly a more palliative approach.” Some might choose an aggressive chemotherapy routine in hopes they can kill the cancer and live as long as possible. Others might prioritize quality of life and independence, opting for a gentler treatment
Wesley Bunnell | Staff
Dr. Brian Byrne M.D. at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at The Hospital of Central Connecticut located at their 183 North Mountain Road in New Britain.
“We want to focus on survival and quality of life,” Byrne said. “We are working to make this a one-stop building for cancer care.” Under the new model, patients ages 80 and older automatically qualify for a geriatric assessment, and those 70-plus undergo a pre-screening to determine their need for one. The assessment evaluates independence, (ability to drive, bathe and cook for oneself), full medical history, lifestyle and more. Fitness ability and organ function are tested, and a special tool estimates how well a patient will tolerate stronger therapies like chemotherapy. “Sometimes patients have a preconception about what chemotherapy is, and in 2020, those notions are just
not true,” Elias pointed out. “They shouldn’t be in the bathroom vomiting, for example. If that happens, we can deal with it.” Chemo is not the only option any more, either. New therapies are emerging and improving outcomes. “As we move toward targeted immunotherapy it’s an opportunity for elderly patients to get more involved in clinical trials,” Byrne said. “It can be well-tolerated by patients in their 90s.” His oldest cancer patient was 97. Elias recently treated an 87-yearold man with pancreatic cancer. He underwent several different therapies along with surgery and has recovered well. This new initiative is leading to
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an increase in clinical trials of older adults and a brighter future for cancer care. The program is making a difference for patients both medically and emotionally,” Elias said. “We’re looking forward to expanding.” While Hartford Healthcare’s program is still in its infancy, the doctors are already spreading the methodology to other clinicians. This past fall, they presented at a symposium in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, to raise awareness on tailoring treatment and support to older patients based on individual needs. “Our hope is that patients will end up living longer and living their best life,” Elias said. 5 Star Rating for Overall Quality Care by Nursing Home Compare www.medicare.gov
April 2020 • Connecticut PRIME TIME
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method. Medications they’re taking and choices they’re making are all reevaluated with the team of treatment specialists to fit their personal wish. “Whatever their choice, we can find ways to help them,” Elias said. “I tell my patients, I’m your cab driver. You tell me where to go, and I’ll make sure your ride goes as smoothly as possible.” Geriatric oncologist and hematologist Dr. Brian Byrne began implementing the program model at the Cancer Institute of Central Connecticut on the New Britain/ Plainville line several months ago. His team, including a social worker, an APRN, financial counselor, a dedicated pharmacist and others, have all been trained in geriatrics.
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H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
Don’t go to bed with untreated sleep apnea
Connecticut PRIME TIME • April 2020
Thankfully, effective treatments exist for this condition. The gold standard is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). This is a machine connected to tubing connected to the mask that goes over your face or just over the nose. The idea is to pop the airway open through a light pressure by blowing air into it so that you can breathe in and out without a problem. This allows your sleep to be consolidated, and your body to be getting its usual oxygen during sleep. For those that are unable to tolerate CPAP, other options exist, such as a mandibular device/
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mouth piece. Sometimes, an implantable device known as inspire may be an option as well. It is important that to follow up with a sleep specialist to ensure that CPAP has been given a fair chance and if these may be the right options for you. Toshita Kumar, M.D., is the director of sleep medicine and a member of the medical staff of the Bristol Health Medical Group’s Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. For an appointment with Dr. Kumar, call 833-4BHDOCS.
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happening hundreds of times per hour. As you can imagine, with these repeated cycles, your sleep is significantly broken up. These constant cycles of being without oxygen, result in a lot of damage to your body. The heart and the brain seem to be especially prone to this, given that they are most dependent on the oxygen. You can get high blood pressure, irregular rhythms of the heart, be more prone to heart attacks, etc. For the brain, it may mean worsening of memory loss, dementia, and higher risk of stroke.
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ave you been have small upper airtold and retold ways to allow for speech. that you snore? However, as we get Do you get jabs or pokes older, and more often from your sleep part- with weight gain, the ner to turn over to your fat tends to deposit in side or because you the soft tissues of neck, stop breathing? Feel an tongue etc. This makes irresistible urge to nap an already small space during the even narrower. When day? Have you are awake and alert, you fallen the muscles remain asleep at active to keep the space work or open, such that you when you breathe without a probleast expect lem. it? When you fall asleep, Toshita Kumar This is the muscles in the airan excel- way and tongue relax, so lent time to prioritize the narrow space flops your sleep shut. As and under- Humans in your lungs, stand its general have brain and importance body try to small upper in overget more airways to allow all health. oxygen as for speech. If you breathing However, as we answered stops, it creyes to the get older, and ates more q u e s t i o n s more often with collapse above, there weight gain, until finally is a good the fat tends to the brain chance that wakes you deposit in the you have up for a few soft tissues of sleep apnea microsecneck, tongue and posonds. With sibly have the muscles had it for a active again, few years. You should breathing resumes for talk to your doctor to a few breaths, but this evaluate this as soon as cycle continues over possible. and over again. In the Humans in general worse cases, this may be
H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
Start eating right, bite by bite E
ach year the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates National Nutrition Month by choosing a theme to increase public awareness of the benefits of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity patterns. This year’s theme was “Eat Right, Bite by Bite.” Nutritional and lifestyle changes do not need to be restrictive or overwhelming. If you are trying to improve your diet, you don’t have to Rachel Driscoll change everything all at once. Meeting small goals and focusing on nutrition “bite by bite” can have a cumulative positive effect on our health and wellbeing. Taking the time to plan meals is a small change that can have a big impact on your health. Oftentimes unhealthy foods are chosen because of convenience. By planning and preparing meals healthy meals and snacks ahead of time and having them readily available, we may be more apt to make better food choices. Preparing meals at home also provides you with more control over what is going into your dishes and has been linked to improved diet quality and greater food variety. The benefits of meal planning go far beyond the scale. It can also help you save money, decrease food waste and reduce week-night stress.
A good diet must include a balance of several food groups, as no single group can provide everything we need for good health. Make it a goal to eat more nutrient rich foods and less processed foods that may be high in sugar, fat and sodium. When you are planning your meals, try to make half of your plate fruits and vegetables, and then fill the remainder with whole grains and lean proteins. Be aware of your portion sizes- even low-calorie foods can add up when portions are larger than you need! Stay hydrated throughout the day with water, whether it is plain, flavored or carbonated. The hydration needs for most adults is six to eight glasses of water per day, though those who are active may require more. If you prefer soda or sweetened beverages, set a small goal of swapping out one of these drinks for water every day. With spring approaching, take the opportunity to get outside and incorporate physical activity into your routine through a form of exercise that you enjoy. If you have been sedentary for years and are just beginning to get active, start by setting a reachable goal like walking for 5 or 10 minutes. Any amount of movement is better than none! Rachel Driscoll, MS, RD, CD-N, is an outpatient dietitian with Bristol Health. You can contact the Bristol Hospital Outpatient Nutrition office at 860-940-6741 for more information about how to make an appointment. April 2020 • Connecticut PRIME TIME
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Liz Cornish (right) talks with Josephine Mills at Shady Oaks in Bristol.
Here to help Senior Care Consultant Liz Cornish helps people transition into their golden years
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or those considering the next phase of living for themselves or a loved one, matching their needs and wants with the ideal senior living community is a daunting task. Senior Care Consultant Liz Cornish has 30 years experience working in communities across Connecticut as a physical therapist. Her network of connections includes just about every senior living community around, as well as attorneys, contractors, homecare and health providers.
Story by Erica Drzewiecki | Photos by Mike Orazzi Years back she decided to start her own business, “New Season in Life” to help people make a smooth transition into their golden years. “The world of healthcare, assisted living and memory care is confusing to navigate,” Cornish said. “We sit down with you to talk about your needs and wants so we can narrow down the places that might be the right fit and choose which ones we want to tour together.” She also conducts home safety
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evaluations and makes recommendations to those still able to stay in their own home. Families who begin this journey on their own know how frustrating each of the steps can be. Request more information online, for example, and marketers or potential scammers will call you nonstop. Cornish fields marketing calls for families and helps them answer the big questions, like, How do I find the right place for my spouse and myself? Is it time to have that
conversation with mom and dad? How are we going to pay for all this? Brother and sister Richard and Susan Hill met her at the Bristol Public Library, at a seminar on this very topic. “My mother is 92 and living at Village Gate in Farmington,” Susan said. “It’s independent living, and she’s in the early stages of dementia. We’re not sure how much longer we will be able to keep here there.” Their father was a veteran; now
deceased. As the siblings learned, their mom can earn benefits from his service. In Connecticut, the Virginia pays vets $1,881 per month for assisted living and pays surviving spouses $1,210. “If you’re looking at memory care you need to be aware of what services places will provide as the disease progresses,” Cornish told them. Assisted living consists of apartment-style living, meals, medication management, bathing, dressing and transportation, as well as social activities and outings. Assisted living with memory care is for people with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. It is secure, and staff are specially trained. In the case that only one spouse needs memory care, there are often separate wings for independent or assisted living. Residential care homes and skilled nursing facilities are the only type of assisted living in Connecticut covered by Title 19, or Medicaid. These provide 24-hour care for more complex medical needs. Continuum Care sites offer all of the above options in one complex, allowing people to transition from independent or assisted living into skilled nursing or memory care. The higher-price provides peace of mind they won’t have to move again as their needs change. “One-hundred percent of seniors I meet don’t want to burden their kids, and that’s their biggest concern,” Cornish pointed out. “If you’re a child or spouse, proceed with care and gentleness. Sometimes, no matter how much you know about something, they won’t listen, simply because you’re their child or spouse. You have to bring in an outside professional for them to realize the right direction they should go in.” Senior communities range in price from a few thousand dollars a month to tens of thousands. Some people buy long-term care insurance in preparation, and others pay for it by renting out their home while settling into a new community. “Be aware of what you enjoy doing and what the community will provide,” Cornish tells people. “The personality and culture of the community is a really important consideration.” Some have a very active atmosphere, and some are more reserved. Some charge “a-la-carte” to administer showers or medication, while others consider these services included. One home might have three or four different restaurants and bars, while another has one dining room. Some have theater and book clubs, take frequent bus trips to fun destinations and have a big party every holiday. Others take a more basic approach. The right choice is yours and yours only. Just recently, Cornish helped 97-year-old Josephine Mills find her new home at Shady Oaks in Bristol. “Her family wanted somewhere close to them with a homey feel,” she explained. “Excellent care and with people who really care about her.” “I love it,” Mills said. “They’re very nice here.”
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The 5th Annual Connecticut Prime Time Senior Fair last year at Bristol Eastern High School.
Senior Fair postponed F
or the past five years, Central Connecticut Communications and CT Prime Time have presented local seniors and their families with a yearly event celebrating the golden era of life. Typically held in the springtime, the annual Prime Time Senior Fair brings together resources, local professionals and resources for older adults. Thousands have attended and left with free giveaways, valuable information and maybe even a new friend or two. The sixth annual event was originally set for Saturday, April 4, at Bristol Eastern High School, but due to the coronavirus outbreak, it had to be postponed. Organizers are hoping to reschedule the fair to a
Story by Erica Drzewiecki | Photo by Mike Orazzi later date, when this health crisis has ended. “Our hope is that we will be able to do this in the fall,” Central Connecticut Communications president and publisher Michael Schroeder said. “Our first priority is the safety and health of our readers in the senior community.” Past years’ fairs have included dozens of experts in elder law, housing, health and wellness, recreation, leisure, travel and financial insight. A return participant every year is Anna Schumler, nursing liaison at Athena Healthcare, which operates 22 nursing, rehabilitation and assisted living facilities throughout the state, including Sheriden Woods and Countryside Manor in Bristol. “The Prime Time Fair has been a great opportunity for us to pres-
A12 Connecticut PRIME TIME • April 2020
‘Our hope is that we will be able to do this in the fall.’ MICHAEL SCHROEDER Central CT Communications President and Publisher
ent the services we provide and to inform the community of our continuum of care,” Schumler explained. “It gives us a chance to talk to seniors and their adult children to get a current picture of what they’re looking for in health care. It also a nice time to network with our colleagues and fellow senior providers from the community.” The novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that originated in China and has since been categorized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Health officials have identified older adults and those
with chronic health conditions as particularly vulnerable to the illness and among the least likely to recover. As the leading monthly magazine for people over 55 in Central Connecticut, Prime Time is taking steps to ensure the safety of its readers, also providing up-to-date information in The Bristol Press, the New Britain Herald and the Newington Town Crier. Schroeder asked people to stay tuned as a new date is finalized for the 2020 Prime Time Senior Fair. “When we reschedule,” he said, “it will be safe, healthy and bigger than ever.”
Improve soil quality for a better lawn A lush, green lawn can vastly improve a home’s curb appeal. Thick, healthy grass indicates that homeowners care enough about their properties to invest the time, effort and money to make them beautiful. According to the landscaping tool company Troy-Bilt, soil fertility is the foundation of healthy lawns. In fact, the quality of the soil is essential whether one is growing acres of grass, potted plants or vegetable garden beds. No matter which type of soil a homeowner is working with, there are various ways to make it better.
Remove thatch Thatch is a tightly knotted layer of leaves, grass roots, stems, and other debris that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil. Too much thatch can hinder the movement of water, air and nutrients into the soil. According to organic fertilizer company Organo-Lawn, thatch often occurs if the production of dead organic material in the lawn exceeds the ability of the microor-
ganisms in the soil to break down that organic matter. A half-inch of thatch is normal. If thatch gets too thick, it will need to be removed. The home improvement resource DIY Network says dethatching can take place in the summer, fall and winter using a thatching rake.
Metro News Service
Aerate
A lawn aerator will create holes in the soil. This can improve drainage and encourage worms and helpful microorganisms that require oxygen to thrive in the soil. The Briggs & Stratton Company says the best time to aerate a lawn is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in any holes, such as spring and fall. Aeration can help develop deeper grass roots for a healthier lawn. Test and amend soil
A great lawn has loamy soil, which has a key ratio of clay, silt and sand. Silt is a granular material of a size between sand and clay that originates from quartz and feldspar. It is the most fertile
of the three types of soil components. Sand does not retain water, but it helps to create spaces in the soil that permit air to circulate. Clay particles are small and bind together tightly, but clay is naturally nutrient-rich. The home improvement site BobVila.com says loamy soil should have equal parts sand and silt and half as much
clay. If the lawn is not yet established, loamy soil can be created and then the grass seeds planted. For established soil, after removing thatch and aerating, topdressing the lawn can help. This involves adding a thin layer of soil over the lawn. It can improve the soil without killing the existing turf.
Ideally, it should be done in early fall or spring, as this gives the grass time to grow through three to four more mowings before severe heat or cold sets in. Healthy soil is vital to a lush lawn. It takes a little work, but improving soil can create vibrant, healthy, green grass. — Metro News Service
love and kindness are also contagious Continued from Page A5
We are awakening to the reality that the only way we will get through this is if we work together and look out for each other. There is no question that this is a very trying
time. People are scared and suffering. Each day we have to navigate unfamiliar territory. But out of great trials come great heroes, large and small. We are all of us grateful for the many heroes from all walks of life
who are stepping up to play a small part in making these days brighter for the rest of us. Whether that’s offering to run errands for an elderly neighbor or making a donation to a local food bank or sharing
your art, every small gesture generates waves of positive vibes that ripple out to others. The coronavirus may be contagious, but so are love and kindness. Czepiga Daly Pope &
Perri is an estate planning, elder care, special needs, litigation and probate law f irm with f ive off ices in the state, including Berlin and Simsbury. More information is available at czepigalaw. com
April 2020 • Connecticut PRIME TIME
A13
CROSSWORDS APRIL, 2020
CLUES ACROSS 1. Canadian law enforcers 5. Actor Idris 9. Cut or bruise 11. Vegetables 13. Aircraft delivery 15. To make obsolete 16. Things similar to those already noted 17. Columbus is a famous one 19. Age group 21. Denotes nature of sound 22. Klutz 23. Uninteresting 25. Computer manufacturer 26. 2,000 lbs. 27. Genus of seabirds 29. Emerges 31. Baseball stat 33. Witnesses 34. Observed 36. Satisfy 38. Former OSS 39. Small Eurasian deer 41. Wife of Sparta’s king 43. Ballplayer accessory 44. Temporary cessation of breathing 46. Where construction workers ply their trade 48. Arguments that justify a religious doctrine 52. Thick cloud of tiny water droplets 53. Widens 54. Detection 56. Period of inactivity 57. Tomato and vodka are two 58. Greek war god 59. Urinates
CLUES DOWN 1. Churned 2. Seal bottles 3. Million barrels per day (abbr.) 4. Meat from a pig (French) 5. Within 6. Walk in a slow pace 7. Cries 8. About Andes 9. Fishermen use it 10. Expresses delight 11. Shouts 12. Feudal agricultural laborer 14. Sailboat 15. Small Eurasian willows 18. S. American native people 20. Extreme disgust 24. Nonsense (slang) 26. Produce male reproductive cells 28. Computes 30. Pop singer 32. Weds secretly 34. Having two poles 35. Yankee hero Bucky 37. Building 38. Per __, each 40. Six (Spanish) 42. Makes amends 43. Scoundrels 45. Baseball’s best pitchers 47. Some are scrambled 49. Emit coherent radiation 50. Singer Redding 51. Break 55. Institute legal proceedings against
A14 Connecticut PRIME TIME • April 2020
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