By Michael Leite, P.E.

Universal design has been defined as building environments that are accessible by anyone regardless of their physical limitations or disabilities.  Much of the universal design concept has been codified in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  In practice most situations involve the retrofitting of an existing space with all of its limitations rather than the construction of a new space in which the designer has an empty palette.

In the retrofit situation, the design must accommodate the specific needs and disabilities of the intended occupant rather than meeting the needs of the general population.  In this way the impact on the existing structure is minimized and the project is more affordable.

The first consideration is mobility.  This involves the selection of flooring that allows the resident to move about easily without tripping and falling.  It also includes the installation of grab bars in strategic locations that enable residents to get-up and down and maintain their balance.  In the case of major renovations, the installation of an elevator or stair-lift.

The second consideration is lighting.  Individuals with low vision require special task lighting in addition to quality general illumination.  A thorough analysis determines both the amount of light and the best color qualities of the light source.  Each individual is different with respect to the optimum light source, the necessary light levels and the effect of veiling luminance or glare.

The third consideration is the bathroom.  Having addressed the issue of mobility, we now turn to the selection of fixtures and controls.  The installation of a comfort height toilet with an integral bidet function can facilitate personal hygiene.    The shower and bath tub should have controls that are accessibly placed and control all of the functions.  Other fixtures, like the sink, should allow residents to move about freely.

The fourth consideration is the kitchen.  Appliances must be selected to facilitate their use by individuals with physical limitations.  This includes both the major appliances (stove, refrigerator and dishwasher) and the portable appliances (can opener, coffee maker and garbage can).  The design must consider the work-flow in the kitchen as well as personal safety.

The fifth consideration is the general living space.  Here the use of sensors, remote controls and alarms can ensure the comfort, ease of use and safety of the residents.  Similarly, the selection of furnishings and surface treatments must be based on the needs and comfort of the individual.

Companies like M. Quinn Designs, Inc. with its term Beautiful Accessibility?, design to accommodate the needs of clients.  The goal is to make the modifications blend into the design and not appear to be a noticeable add-on.  Also, the accessible design should be fully functional for both the client as well as for individuals without disabilities.

Reprinted with Permission of M. Quinn Designs, Inc.

It is estimated that 10-20% of seniors have experienced some type of senior-to-senior aggression in an institutional setting, much of it verbal abuse.

The word bullying usually conjures images of mean-spirited adolescents cornering another child in the school corridor, but bullying is not limited to children. It can be a concern for seniors as well, especially those living in senior communities.

According to a researcher who studies issues related to aging, senior-to-senior bullying tends to take place in senior centers, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. These are places where seniors spend a lot of time together and need to share resources, whether it’s chairs, tables, TV stations or the staff’s attention.

It is estimated that 10-20% of seniors have experienced some type of senior-to-senior aggression in an institutional setting, much of it verbal abuse. Men and women are equally likely to be the victim and the aggressor. Women tend towards passive-aggressive behavior like gossiping and whispering about people when they enter a room, while men are more direct and “in your face”.

Bullying behavior can range from verbal intimidation all the way to physical violence. Features to be alert to include the following:

-Repetitive, negative behavior towards another person which violates standards of appropriate conduct
-Negative behavior occurring over a period of time, typically becoming more extreme
-Behavior which may be consciously or unconsciously committed by the bully
-Behavior which is unsolicited by the victim
-The effects on the victim are lasting and harmful

The causes of bullying vary. Dementia can sometimes be the cause of violence since someone with dementia may wrongly perceive things as threatening so they resort to a more primitive response. Alternatively, a person with dementia can be the victim who is picked on. Bullying can also be a result of the human phenomenon of the strong picking on the weak, and not a function of aging at all. Alternatively, some people don’t adjust well to aging and can become disruptive and abusive, pushing others away from group activities, social gatherings or meal time.

Bullying impacts both the victim and the bystanders. The impact for the victim can be cognitive, physical, psychological and physical. Take the case of Mary, who had never experienced bullying until she moved in to a building for seniors. Since moving in, a number of residents who make up a “controlling group” have conspired to isolate her. They’ve spread false rumors, including one that she’d been evicted from her previous home. As a result, she curtails her activity in the building, avoids the laundry room if others are present and stays out of the recreation room. She’s been having a hard time sleeping and is often fatigued. She says, “It’s hard because I’ve never had to deal with it before. It would be easier to take if there was any truth to it.” For bystanders, bullying creates a toxic environment of fear and mistrust.

“Intervention is the key to halting bullying. Third party bystanders should report any abuse,” says Jean Tucker, MA, LPC, LBSW, a Medical Social Worker with THE MEDICAL TEAM. She suggests that seniors and family members who are concerned about potential bullying should report their concerns to the management or the social workers at their center who are trained to address it. Those in the process of selecting a senior community should ask if the community has a policy in place to handle bullying. Bullying behavior should not be ignored as the behavior can often escalate.

Sources:
Keashly, L. (2011). Bullying in senior communities: Old enough to know better? PDF document.

Mapes, D. (2011). Mean-old girls: Seniors who bully. Retrieved from www.msnbc.msn.com

Simovska, A. (2012). Senior citizens bullying more prevalent than you think. Retrieved from www.uppermichigansource.com

Zuteck, C. and McGhie, M. (2012). Bullying Among Seniors. THE MEDICAL TEAM powerpoint presentation.

What really makes a community? It is certainly not beautiful iron gates or modern homes filled with high-tech conveniences. Communities — real, strong communities — are made of dynamic individuals who share common interests and goals. A community is only as robust as its people.

It is the individuals at Chevy Chase House, a senior living residence in Washington, D.C., that are the heart of the vibrant community. Pictured from left to right: David Breasted, Ruth Nadel, Evie Thompson, Dallal Richards and Charles Missar.

At Chevy Chase House, an assisted living facility in Washington, D.C., an incredible group of active residents are the heart of this thriving community.

We met David Breasted, a former reporter for The Evening Star, and Evie Thompson, the mother of two incredibly accomplished women, Anne Henderson and Nina Altschiller. Dallal Richards, an avid horticulturalist, bridge player and flower show judge, is also a central part of the community. And Charles Missar, who worked for The Library of Congress and the Office of Education, is another of the many vibrant individuals who call Chevy Chase House home.

While there is no shortage of active residents with fascinating stories, no one better exemplifies the positive spirit that permeates Chevy Chase House than Ruth Nadel.

“I just celebrated my 98th birthday, and, I must say, I’ve enjoyed every bit of my 98 years,” said Ruth. A lifelong activist and organizer whose growing legacy includes a scholarship foundation and a volunteer network, Ruth has always been interested in furthering educational opportunities and building strong communities.

Ruth’s passion for education started early. She was a member of the first class at the City University of New York’s Baruch College that admitted women. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and later got her Master’s in Education and became a teacher.

At the tender age of 20, she was teaching high school students. She quickly became involved in the first of many community partnerships. “I taught many immigrant children; we’d give them vocational training and find them jobs provided by cooperating business organizations,” she said. “These youngsters never dropped out, and they got business experience.”

Later, as the mother of four boys, Ruth was active in the educational community as a volunteer. Her unpaid work did not go unnoticed. She was elected to the school board in Santa Barbara, CA, where the family lived in the 50s and 60s.

Through her work on the school board, Ruth realized that many minority children did not have an opportunity to continue their education. She, with several other community activists, took it upon themselves to start The Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation to provide support for these children. “Anyone seeking further or higher education is eligible – whether to be a plumber or an engineer, a student or an artist,” she said.

Reappointed by the Mayor, Ruth continues to serve on the D.C. Commission on Aging among other organizations. She especially appreciates her retirement community's limo service that helps her take advantage of these outside opportunities.

Ruth and her fellow founders invited Santa Barbara’s business and community leaders to a luncheon. “That was 50 years ago,” she said with genuine pleasure. “It was enlarged to include some neighboring counties, and it is rated today as one of the best nonprofits in the country.”

After raising their children in Santa Barbara, Ruth and her husband moved back to the east coast and settled at the Van Ness North in Washington, D.C. When the residents of the cooperative apartment building noticed that one of their neighbors was blind and needed extra help, they decided to take action.

They turned to Iona, a non-profit agency providing community-based programs and services to seniors in Washington, D.C. With the help of Iona, Ruth developed a questionnaire that polled residents about their need for help or, alternatively, their willingness to help their neighbors.

The response was overwhelming, and the project eventually became what is now the Volunteer Neighbor Network. “To this day, so many years later, it is still thriving,” said Ruth. “And now, would you believe there are over forty different kinds of services available, more than half of which are social?”

Based on accredited unpaid work after years of volunteering, Ruth became a public servant for 21 years in the Women’s Bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor. During her tenure, she received the Distinguished Service Award for designing and developing the first employer supported child care center in a government agency. After retiring, she returned to her full time pro-bono work.

Today, Ruth continues her community involvement from her new home at Chevy Chase House. In fact, moving has made it easier for her to fulfill her many commitments.

Ruth was reappointed by the Mayor and continues to serve on the D.C. Commission on Aging. She is active in several organizations, including the National Council of Women’s Organizations. But even at 98, getting to meetings is never a concern, thanks to Chevy Chase House’s transportation service. “The thing that amazes me is the limo service,” Ruth declared. “It’s available to take you anywhere, and then you call and they come pick you up.”

When Ruth is not out fulfilling her many obligations, she is busy becoming part of her new community. She is even enjoying some leisure activities she never had time for, including a poetry reading group. “Chevy Chase House provides so many chances for you to enjoy yourself. You’re kept as busy as you want to be!” she observed.

In addition to the community’s many amenities, Ruth has welcomed making new friends in her 90s. “I enjoy everyone here. There are so many broad backgrounds and some very interesting people,” she stated. “The opportunity to make friends with these people here, it’s a new life.”

Ruth also appreciates the security that Chevy Chase House provides. From medication service to help with daily tasks, she knows that there is always someone available to help. Since her initial move was the result of a traumatic fall two years ago, she realizes just how essential this security is to her active lifestyle.

“Don’t believe the popular misconceptions about a retirement home,” Ruth said. “I call this my third life, and it really, really is.” She concluded, “It’s just wonderful that you can come here and see what a new life is like, and my nature is to take advantage of it.”

Ruth and her fellow residents are certainly benefiting from all that Chevy Chase House has to offer. As individuals, they are all remarkable seniors with a wide array of professional and personal accomplishments. Together, they have become collaborators in an exceptional community.

At first, Linda* just seemed a little forgetful, according to James*, her husband of 43 years. Then, her employer started noticing some problems and suggested she take a yearlong sabbatical. During that time, Linda’s memory deteriorated and her increasing confusion eventually led to a car accident. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the family knew they needed to act.

“After many diagnoses and mis-diagnoses, she was finally diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s,” James said.

As Linda’s diagnosis was complicated by vision problems, her medical issues and the resulting treatments were becoming increasingly difficult for James to manage.  When a bad medication reaction led to a psychotic episode, he had no choice but to admit her to a psychiatric ward.

“When she leaves [the ward], she has lots of doctors and lots of medicine,” said James. “I’m dealing with four different doctors and not one of them talks to the others, and I was getting really frustrated.”

James shared his frustration with a hospital administrator, who suggested he enlist the help of a geriatric care manager. She referred him to Golden Pond ElderCare Strategies. After meeting with Megan Descutner, MS, RN, about how she could help him and his wife, James was hopeful.

He immediately knew he had made the right decision when the family friend who stayed with Linda during the day was unable to come one morning. James called Megan and asked for help. “She knew who to call, and we had someone that same day who came in and stayed with my wife,” he recalled.

When James decided it was time to get Linda off some of her medications, Megan found Copper Ridge, a facility that offered Linda specialized Alzheimer’s care. After six weeks, Linda was feeling better and only taking three medications. During that time, Golden Pond helped James find Great Falls Assisted Living, where Linda has since continued to receive the appropriate medical care.

“Through all this, Megan was there. Whenever Linda had a medical change, I’d call her,” explained James. “For someone like me, with little or no experience with anything like this, she was a lifeline.”

Through the difficult decisions and challenging transitions, James is relieved that both him and his wife now have a sense of stability. “When it comes to medical issues, you always hear, ‘Get a second opinion,’” he said.  “Well, the care manager is the person who helps you ask the right questions for the first and second opinions. They are the voice of reason.”

*Names have been changed.

One person who preferred the latter is *Elizabeth Jones, who suffers from early onset dementia.  According to her daughter, *Lisa Benson, a larger assisted living community had not been a good fit in the past due to the age discrepancy between Elizabeth and other residents becoming an issue.

The small assisted living home she ultimately chose was Tysons Woods, which is owned and operated by Andy Cocito and has two locations that are actual residences located in the neighborhoods of Vienna, Va. Here, Elizabeth has a private apartment as well as access to the home’s common areas and gardens. In addition, the community’s staff ensures that she and her fellow residents receive the care they need as it is individually tailored to each person’s wants and needs.

To further ensure that Elizabeth and her peers get the care they need, Tysons Woods has been working with the medical team of DocTalker, a primary care practice whose doctors offer house calls and are available 24/7 via phone and email medical consultations.

“We act like a team,” said Andy. “The doctors help to make sure that all of our bases are covered. They will come to the house for everything from emergencies to regular check-ups and are always available when I call.”

Dr. Alan Dappen, Founder and Medical Director of DocTalker, has worked with the community for the past five years. “We like being there when Andy needs us, whether to do a medical consultation by phone or to make a house call for more complicated needs, or to do something like doing lab work,” he said.

With this care among other amenities, Lisa said her mother has thrived at the community.  “I haven’t seen her happier in her whole life,” she said, adding that her mother loves everything about the home from spending time with pets to seeing other families and kids passing through.  Most importantly, it has given Lisa peace of mind that her mother is in good hands.

“Having the doctor come in has been extremely helpful and Dr. Dappen has done everything from giving flu shots to helping diagnosis a urinary tract infection,” said Lisa.  “The way the community and doctors work together has taken a huge burden off of me.”

*Names have been changed.

Your family has been encouraging you to consider to a retirement community; your neighbors recently moved; and now, you’ve received an invitation in the mail from that beautiful community you’ve always wondered about.  Making the decision to finally visit a retirement community can often be a big decision, in and of itself.  Determining which community will be a good fit to live in, takes planning, preparation and an open mind.

If you’ve ever visited a college campus with a prospective student, you know it’s easy to be impressed by the admission department’s presentations. Glossy brochures, enthusiastic student tour guides, and professionally created videos all highlight what the university has to offer.  Serious students study the course offerings, degree programs, faculty experience, post-graduation employment rates, etc. based on their own personal interests.

Prospective residents of a retirement community should also draft their own list of criteria.  Equally important, is creating a list of questions that will enable the visitor to fully understand the community’s offerings. While most look similar on the surface, there are important differences between senior living options.  In this article, we’ll focus on continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, because they have the most to offer and also have the most detailed contracts.

CCRCs provide all levels of care on the same campus (and by the way, the use of the term ‘campus’ is not the only similarity between colleges and CCRCs).  Here you’ll find independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and usually memory care. When health care is needed, it is convenient and less stressful to move to another location within the same community than to move across town to an unfamiliar facility.

In addition to healthcare, CCRCs offer dining services, fitness facilities, educational programs, housekeeping and maintenance services, and unlimited opportunities to engage in social activities. During a tour of the community you will see and hear about many of these wonderful amenities.  Depending on your level of interest in the community, you will want to request time to sit down with the residency counselor to explore all facets of what the community has to offer.  Because health care can be such a large variable in the cost of living at a CCRC, you’ll want to understand exactly what is, and is not, included in the Residence and Care Agreement.  Among the most important questions you will want to ask are:

1.    What health care costs are covered by the Residence and Care agreement and what must be paid out-of-pocket?  CCRC Residence and Care agreements are regulated by the state of Maryland, however the details vary by community.
a.    How long can I concurrently occupy space in independent living and skilled nursing before paying an extra fee?
b.    How will my monthly fee change if I need assisted living or skilled nursing care?

2.    Is the entrance fee refundable and under what terms?
a.    How much will be refunded?
b.    When will it be refunded?

3.    What has the monthly fee increase been over the past 5 years?  How has the community assisted residents who’ve had difficulty paying higher fees?

4.    What was the suggested tax deduction allowance for medical care last year?

5.    How is the community managed?
a.    What is the experience and tenure of the top executives?
b.    Are residents involved in decision making?

There are, of course, many more questions to ask and things to understand before making such a significant decision, but this is at least a start.  Ask every community you visit the same questions.  Compare all the answers, and then determine which community best fits your needs and interests.  Just as important however, is to let yourself feel which community is the right fit. Considering everything together will increase your satisfaction with the community you ultimately choose.

Brenda Becker is the owner and founder of Top-Drawer Resources, a research and consulting practice that connects families with high quality senior services providers.

Thanks to the help of a home health agency, Polly and Don Petersen have been able to remain together in an assisted living community.

“He stood out in the crowd,” said Polly. “I was instantly attracted to his charm and good looks when we sat at the same table of mutual friends while having coffee.”

Married after their graduation in 1951, the Petersens had three children. While the couple was highly involved in the greater community, Don worked for Lockheed Martin and Polly eventually became an antiques dealer.

Over the years, they never ceased to show their love for one another.  To throw Don a surprise 50th birthday party, Polly sold her longtime collectibles.  He in turn used some of her precious items to make her an exquisite and unique dollhouse.

In 1998, Polly was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  As the illness progressed, she moved to the assisted living community Country Meadows.  Although Don visited every day, he knew in his heart they belonged together and fortunately a large apartment became available for them.

When Polly’s health issues became more prevalent, it was suggested she receive additional private duty care to also provide respite for Don. Right at Home, an in-home care company often used by other residents, came highly recommended. After spending time getting to know the company and seeing what they had to offer, Polly was introduced to her caregiver, Edwina. Their bond was instantaneous. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.), Edwina has assisted Polly with bathing, personal care and hygiene.

With Polly's diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, the couple's devotion in their 60 years of marriage has never wavered through sickness and in health.

When asked how the assistance of Right at Home has impacted her life, Polly said, “A lot of things that I could not accomplish on my own, I was now able to accomplish with ease.  Normally, it would take me three hours to get dressed, but Edwina is so efficient and she knows me and my routine so well.”
Polly continued with a laugh, “I’d say she knows me by heart.  She is not only good at her job, but she is so kind, and compassionate. She really is such a comfort. To me, she is just like family.”

These days, the Petersens feel blessed to have recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In sickness and in health, their love and devotion to each other has been remarkable and a true testament of time.

Thomas Jefferson University’s School of Nursing in Philadelphia, Pa. graduates approximately 220 nurses annually.  For the first time in the School‘s history, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) has been added to their roster of hands-on training sites.

For the first time in the Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing‘s history, a group of students were able to receive their hands-on training at Foulkeways at Gwynedd, a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Students, as part of their curriculum, are required to complete their clinical practicum in a variety of specialties such as Medical/Surgical, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Community Health Nursing. Foulkeways at Gwynedd, the first CCRC in Pennsylvania and the first Quaker CCRC on the East Coast, recently hosted 24 students from the 2012 graduating class; 16 from their traditional, 4-year Baccalaureate Nursing Program and eight from their Facilitated Academic Coursework Tract or FACT Program.  FACT students have already obtained their degree in another field of study such as Biology, Social Work, or Chemistry, and will complete the Jefferson Nursing Program in one full calendar year.

From January through April of this year, three groups of eight Jefferson students worked alongside the nurse practitioners and resident care nurse in the Foulkeways Resident Health Center, assisting with the Wellness Program, and with nurses and nurse assistants in the community’s Memory Support and Personal Care facility, Abington House.   Students also worked with the onsite fitness director and her staff in the Fitness Center and indoor pool; with child care providers in the Child Care Center and Pre-School; and with nurse administrators collecting data, which will be used in the community’s new, computerized record-keeping system.  Students not assigned to the CCRC were completing their community Health assignment spending time with school nurses, community-based visiting nurses and with correctional institution nurses at various facilities.

All of the students spent two to three days a week, depending on their group assignment, getting hands-on experience in Community Service Nursing in a retirement community setting.  They also conducted weekly resident-targeted health lectures, covering subjects such as ‘Breathing Easy,’  ‘Heart Health’ and ‘Mental Agility,’ to name just a few.  These lectures not only provided the students with experience in public speaking, but were beneficial team-building exercises as they worked in groups to prepare audiovisual and interactive materials for the residents.

According to Judy Masiak, RN, MSN, a member of the Clinical Adjunct Facility at Jefferson who initiated the students’ training program with Foulkeways Director of Health Services/Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Mary Knapp, MSN, CRNP, NHA, FAAN, “Many of my students had only been involved in caring for seniors in a hospital setting – so different from the active lifestyle represented at this community.   Jefferson was thrilled to be able to introduce a retirement community environment offered by Foulkeways into our training curriculum.”

“When we arrived, residents took us on a tour of the community, and we were blown away.  We asked ourselves ‘Where are all the frail old people?’  What we saw were all these healthy people, rushing about,” said student Kevin Ho.  “The whole experience was unexpected and terrific.  Our expectations were so different from what we experienced. We were so impressed we’ve all started saving up so we can come here when we retire!” exclaimed Ho.

“We didn’t know anything about Continuing Care Retirement Communities before we went there,” noted student Gernise Graves, “The residents were healthy and active.  We have a whole new appreciation of the term, ‘retirement years.’”

“In home health care, every day is different,” explained student Reesa Greene.  “At Foulkeways we were spending time in the Fitness Center, in resident care, child care and many other areas.   Where else can I see a 100-year-old resident one day then play with and care for an infant the following day?  We loved this rotation!”

Foulkeways has enjoyed the new affiliation as well.  Residents have been eager to connect with the Jefferson students and encourage them in their chosen career path.  “They are bright and energetic and it was invigorating to have them here.   We were just hoping they could keep up with us,” joked 92-year-old resident, Rudi Grun.

Having lived in different parts of the world, Zara and George Roberts always knew they would return to their hometown of Philadelphia to move to a retirement community.

George and Zara Roberts have lived in many parts of the world, but they always knew no matter where their travels took them, they would return to their hometown in Philadelphia and eventually move to Cathedral Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Zara attended Wellesley, where she majored in English, while George studied International Relations at Yale. When they wanted to get married, George faced the proverbial question from his future father-in-law:  “How are you going to support my daughter?” George started thinking about their future and spent several years in the Navy during the Korean Conflict.

After being discharged from the Navy, George started a career in the Foreign Service. His first assignment was in Bangkok, where Zara and George lived for two years. “The city was heaven on earth. So beautiful, with great architecture and canals, and we loved being there,” said Zara.

The housing accommodations in Bangkok were very different from what they were accustomed to in Mount Airy, Pa., according to Zara. “The house had no hot water and only a charcoal stove for cooking, but it came with five servants,” she recalled. “The main duty of the gardener was to cut the grass and keep the snakes away.”

After Bangkok, George took an assignment in Laos for a year and a half, but because of the political climate, his family was not allowed to accompany him. Following his stint in Laos, the couple returned to Washington, D.C., where they purchased a home and spent four years raising their three children.

When duty called again, the entire family was off to Tanzania. George and Zara learned to speak Swahili, and the children enjoyed exploring the country. “This was the best family post,” said Zara, who recalled their boys riding bikes around the countryside. The family also took many train trips and used an Embassy Land Rover to explore the surrounding area. Their adventures included trips to the Serengeti and a boat trip on the original African Queen.

But the family’s travels were far from over. Various posts would take them to Jamaica, Guyana, Panama, Japan, and eventually to the Middle East. Finally, after traveling around the globe, the Roberts returned to their roots. George became a Diplomat-in-Residence at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and retired from that position in 1987.

The Roberts purchased a home in Mount Airy, the setting of many family memories for their children and grandchildren. But the couple knew this move would not be their last. “When we returned to Mount Airy, we knew that moving to Cathedral Village was in our future,” George said. “It was a natural transition for us. We are close to our friends and have access to everything we love about Philadelphia.”

Zara feels right at home in their spacious townhouse at Cathedral Village, which has been furnished with many of the treasures collected during their travels. She also enjoys the scenic community. “We love our view. The grounds at Cathedral Village are beautiful,” she said.

From Thailand to Tanzania, George and Zara welcomed their many international experiences.  But, like most travelers, they know that sometimes coming home is the best part of the journey. “Moving to Cathedral Village was the right decision,” the couple agreed. George and Zara may have been near and far, but their home in Philadelphia was never far from their minds.

In her career as an English teacher and guidance counselor at Conestoga High School, Norma helped many students in their college selection process. Not surprisingly, she used that same skill set in her search for a retirement community. After her husband died in 2009, she turned to SourceBook to begin a new chapter in her life at a senior living community.

A former teacher and guidance counselor, Norma Winther used her skills to find a secure and convenient retirement community for her future.

Norma had several criteria to guide her selection. Her new home had to be a financially stable Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that offered excellent health care, should she ever need it.

“I think it’s important to live somewhere long enough to make friends and establish an identity, so that if you later need help, you are already a part of the community,” Norma said.

She wanted to stay close to Wayne, Pa., where she and her husband had lived for 47 years. Norma is active in several local organizations and in her church. Continuing with these activities, as well as maintaining friendships in the area, was a priority.

These criteria led Norma to Dunwoody Village, a CCRC in Newtown Square, Pa. While visiting the community, she quickly realized that convenience and atmosphere were also important. “I liked the idea of a community with shopping and services nearby,” Norma said. “Dunwoody is adjacent to a shopping center, yet has a bucolic setting as well.”

With friends in a number of local communities, Norma collected opinions and information—but ultimately chose a community where she knew few people. “I just had a good feeling about Dunwoody Village,” Norma recalled. “It met all my needs, the people were friendly and interesting, and I could just picture myself living there. Of course, it’s important to have the right attitude and feel confident in your choice.”

Norma spent time customizing and decorating her apartment and was very pleased with the result. Soon after she moved in, she visited her far-flung family, including three married sons and four grandchildren scattered across the country. Upon her return, she began to investigate the many programs available in her new community. An avid reader, Norma belonged to two book discussion groups before moving. She promptly joined, and later led, the community’s monthly Book Review.

Always a bit of a history buff, Norma became intrigued by her new home’s rich past. Another resident, Fred Kramer, had compiled a chronicle of the community’s earliest days, Dunwoody Retrospective.

Using his work as a point of departure, and with Norma as chair, the newly formed History Committee tracked down, organized, and eventually displayed the various archives scattered around the community. In closets, files and dusty boxes, they uncovered yellowed news clippings and old advertisements.

After two years of detective work, the committee held an open house for residents, families and staff. Everyone enjoyed seeing the memorabilia and developed a new appreciation for the community they call home. “The work was enjoyable, and hopefully future residents will continue our efforts,” Norma stated.

Almost three years later, Norma is more confident than ever that Dunwoody Village is the right place for her. Following her own good guidance, Norma used all her resources to make a wise retirement living decision. Now, she is relishing her new life.