Retirement Living » Senior Videos http://www.retirement-living.com Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, Homecare in VA, MD, DC, NJ, PA, DE Sat, 13 Jul 2013 17:56:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Happy Holidays from Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook and ProAging http://www.retirement-living.com/happy-holidays-from-guide-to-retirement-living-sourcebook-and-proaging/ http://www.retirement-living.com/happy-holidays-from-guide-to-retirement-living-sourcebook-and-proaging/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:58:47 +0000 Steve Gurney http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=11460 Get a rare (and funny) glimpse of the entire Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook team as they prepare for a special Holiday edition of the publication!

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/happy-holidays-from-guide-to-retirement-living-sourcebook-and-proaging/feed/ 0 Senior Living: Making Deep and Purposeful Connections http://www.retirement-living.com/senior-living-making-deep-and-purposeful-connections/ http://www.retirement-living.com/senior-living-making-deep-and-purposeful-connections/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:03:01 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=10289 Amenities and activities go beyond entertainment to become a foundation for caring and meaningful relationships.

Bill and Grant at Retirement Community Gathering Spot

Bill Cosgrove and Grant Bagley have established several friendships in the woodshop at Collington where residents fix furniture and antiques for their peers among other projects.

“We saw that Collington offered us the one thing that was more important to us and that was a group of people we wanted to live with,” said Grant Bagley a resident of the Continuing Care Retirement Community located in Mitchellville, Md.  “We’ve made close friendships in a short period of time and they are of a depth and quality that I would not have predicted to be possible.”

A Utah native, Grant shared with a smile how he chose skiing over studies and dropped out of high school. A quick search on Google, however, reveals that Grant has an impressive career path ranging from engineering to medicine and law.

It is the varied backgrounds of residents like Grant that continue to draw individuals to the expansive 125-acre campus that offers many unique amenities and activities.  Grant is an example of how resident interests can be a connector for deep friendships.

One of the many gathering places on campus is an expansive woodshop, which at first might appear to be a disorganized building where a few residents work on projects and crafts.  The activities in this shop, however, go way beyond personal projects as residents use this venue to fix furniture and antiques for their peers.  “We don’t charge for the service, but we get donations which help us replenish the woodshop,”said Grant.

Grant and Friends at the Senior Living Community

Grant and his friends at the woodshop work on model sailboats, replicated after Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks, for the retirement community

Here, the shop’s treasurer, Bill Cosgrove, shares his techniques for fixing electrical items while another resident leads a knife-sharpening workshop.  The venue also contains pool tables, model trains and space for residents to work on a treasured community tradition: model sailboats.  Collington has a 6-acre lake where the entire community rallies for an annual regatta featuring the radio-controlled sailboats replicated after Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks.

Grant and his friends at the woodshop work on model sailboats, replicated after Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks, for the retirement community’s popular annual regatta.

Another newly added feature is the fully functional Amateur (HAM) radio station, which is a lifelong passion Grant initially thought he would have to give up.  Shortly after moving, however, he collaborated with a group of residents to create a station, further demonstrating the culture at Collington in which residents are highly involved in the direction of activities. According to Grant, the station will eventually become an integral part of the emergency communication system for the entire county.

While he and his peers enjoy countless amenities like the shop, tennis courts, gardens, swimming pool and fitness center at Collington, they are also drawn to the fact that they have access to a range of healthcare services, from independent living to nursing and rehabilitation, should their needs change.

Grant Works on a Project for a Fellow Retirement Home Resident.

Along with his various projects, Grant has created an Amateur (HAM) radio station that will allow residents to stay connected, whether they are in independent living or in the community

The HAM radio has proven to be an essential part of helping residents across the community stay connected. Grant recently started working with a nursing care resident who was worried about feeling isolated due to his health issues.  He has been helping the resident renew his HAM license that expired in the 1930s and told him, “You will have all the people you want to talk to.”

Grant’s enthusiastic approach to a sense of community is shared by all the residents and staff.  Regardless of age or health, he has emphasized to his son and others how everyone is his friend and that despite what may happen to him, he knows he will be cared for at Collington.
With these friendships and support, Grant and his wife could not be more thrilled with the choice they made for their future.  Even their son during a recent two-day visit, said of his mother, “I’ve never seen her so happy.”
]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/senior-living-making-deep-and-purposeful-connections/feed/ 0 “The Perfect System” with a Home Health Aide http://www.retirement-living.com/the-perfect-system-with-a-home-health-aide/ http://www.retirement-living.com/the-perfect-system-with-a-home-health-aide/#comments Sat, 19 Mar 2011 15:21:44 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1206

"The Perfect System" with a Home Health AideMrs. H lives in a beautiful contemporary home in suburban Maryland that she and her husband had chosen for its design and location to friends and family. It was also the ideal home for accommodating their desire to eventually age in place.

The two met at a hospital outside of London in WWII when she was an Army nurse and he was a doctor caring for wounded pilots. “We fell in love, and when we returned to the states, we got married,” she says.

The couple had three children and proceeded to travel a great deal on overseas assignments. When her husband passed away, there was no question in her mind that she would remain at home. Unfortunately, she fell and broke her hip, but was determined to return home despite needing an extended hospital stay and rehabilitation.

While her family backed her decision, they knew she would need additional help. They then identified the homecare agency CarePlus Home Health, who connected them with caregiver Meri Tegegne.

Meri started working with Mrs. H after she received some rehabilitation at home and was able to help Mrs. H continue her exercises to properly recover. Mrs. H has since gone from using a walker to now just using a cane for balance.

When asked about her last year being Mrs. H’s caregiver, Meri says, “I feel blessed. I lost my mother about 10 years ago, so I treat Mrs. H like my mom.”

Mrs. H is equally enamored with Meri, “She is a wonderful person, very kind and loving. I can’t say enough things. It’s been a great help to me.”

While Meri provides assistance with bathing, meals, laundry, light housekeeping and companionship, the two enjoy spending their time walking around the neighborhood and visiting on Mrs. H’s deck overlooking a beautiful wooded backyard.

Not only does Mrs. H’s family feel her needs are being met, but they feel they have the “perfect system,” and Meri is a valuable team member. “On weekends we spend time as a family, and we feel very comfortable knowing that on Monday Meri will be with mom,” says Mrs. H’s daughter-in-law. “She is reliable and we know we can count on her and we trust her. Mom will say on Sundays, “I miss Meri- I can’t wait for Meri to come tomorrow.”

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/the-perfect-system-with-a-home-health-aide/feed/ 0 Drum Circles in Retirement Communities http://www.retirement-living.com/drum-circles-in-retirement-communities/ http://www.retirement-living.com/drum-circles-in-retirement-communities/#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:39:57 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1192 Drum Circles in Retirement CommunitiesIf you thought activities in senior living communities are limited to Bingo and Bridge, then you have not met Alan Yellowitz. Alan facilitates drum circles in a rapidly growing number of retirement, assisted and nursing centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro region.

Alan’s story is all too common; in 2009 he was downsized from his job in the information technology field. After spending considerable time and energy looking for similar work, he started to think about changing his career path and other entrepreneurial ideas and business opportunities.

One of the paths Alan followed was an idea of creating a concierge service designed to specifically assist seniors and family caregivers. Steve Gurney, publisher of Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook reviewed Alan’s business plan and asked him one simple question, “What do you REALLY like to do?” Alan responded with passion that he has played the drums for over 30 years, which sparked the idea to organize drum circles in senior living communities.

In less than a month Alan secured his first “gig” at a senior living community and launched his company, The Beat Goes On.

One of the first communities to take a chance on Alan’s innovative concept was Sunrise at Bluemont Park. Activity Director Danielle Nelson says, “It was a huge hit with all of our residents, from independent living to those with memory impairment.”

The staff is equally enthusiastic about the unique activity. When the drum circle is in full swing it is common to see several staff members joining in, dancing in the hallways or sharing a drum with the residents. “Seeing the success of the drum circles inspires you to think outside the box when planning activities,” says Danielle Nelson.

Alan is signing up new communities every week and has been enthusiastically asked to return by nearly every community at which he has conducted a drum circle. Although his new venture has not replaced his previous income, he says, “It’s a dream come true to be sharing my passion for drumming and music with others in such a positive manner.”

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/drum-circles-in-retirement-communities/feed/ 0 Senior Care: Fall Prevention and Acute Rehabilition http://www.retirement-living.com/fall-prevention-and-acute-rehabilition/ http://www.retirement-living.com/fall-prevention-and-acute-rehabilition/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:36:11 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1257 Man Discussing Senior Care OptionsOn February 3rd over 100 senior-serving professionals gathered for networking and a great lunch at the newest acute rehabilitation center in the DC Metro area, HealthSouth of Northern Virginia.

Featured speakers include Medical Director Dominique L. Vinh, MD, Associate Medical Director Dr. Zuggo-Liszka from HealthSouth of Northern Virginia. In addition Tony Scheaffer of the Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition discussed the organizations exciting new developments and opportunities.

Videos of the ProAging Meeting

Please view the following videos that were graciously shot, edited and produced by Abby Sternberg.  To have Abby consult with you on your video needs visit http://www.mediamasters.tv/

Fall Prevention and Rehab Solutions ProAging Program at HealthSouth from Abby Sternberg on Vimeo.

ProAging Presents Tony Schaffer:NO VA Fall Prevention Coalition from Abby Sternberg on Vimeo.

Attendee List from the ProAging Meeting  Group sharing ideas about recovery and in home care

Below is a list of attendees to help you continue networking and making connections.

Networking Event for those in Senior ServicesWe are very excited to be partnering with the Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition on their membership directory which will also be included in the next edition of Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook!I have attached a membership form and information on advertising — don’t miss this opportunity!Please contact Marlene Zaborsky with questions or comments at 703-992-1102 or marlene@proaging.com

Next Meetings and GenSilent Screenings

Make sure you mark your calendars for the upcoming ProAging meetings which will cover two important issues

RSVP Required to these events, please email rsvp@proaging.com or call Marlene at 703-992-1102.

ProAging @ Vinson Hall – Social Work Month Celebration – Hospital Case Management

Date: Wednesday March 23, 2011

Time: Noon – 2

Location: Vinson Hall

6251 Old Dominion Dr

McLean, VA 22101

Description: Don’t miss one of the best networking and education events of the year! Opportunity to celebrate the great work that social workers do in helping elders and families.

This year we bring back one of our most popular and compelling programs to Vinson Hall!Hear first-hand accounts about what goes on in the regions Hospital Case Management Departments. This presentation will equip professionals with information to better guide your clients through the transition to and from the hospital. In addition, it will help you better understand the environment to communicate your offerings to case management offices.

ProAging @ The Fairfax – The Village Concept in the DC Area

Date: Friday May 13, 2011

Time: Noon – 2

Location: The Fairfax

9140 Belvoir Woods Pkwy

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Description: Join other senior-serving professionals for one of the best networking events of the year. The Fairfax has a great venue and excellent food service.

This event is produced in partnership with the Washington Area Villages (WAV).Dont miss the opportunity to learn about the “Village Concept” and learn about the communities in DC, VA and MD that are on the forefront of this important movement.As a professional serving seniors and families this event will enable you to discuss this option with those you are serving and give you important information on where villages are in operation and development in our region.

GenSilent Screenings and Discussion — Gay Elders Go Back in the Closet

Gen Silent is the new documentary film from award-winning director and filmmaker Stu Maddux that puts a face on what experts call an epidemic: gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender seniors so afraid of discrimination in long-term/health care or bullying by other seniors that many go back into the closet.

Please join us for a screening of the 1 hour documentary followed by a discussion.

Date: Thursday February 24, 2011

Time: 3 pm – 5 pm

Location: Methodist Home of DC

4901 Connecticut Avenue NW

Washington , DC 20008

Date: Tuesday March 08, 2011

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: The Fountains at Washington House

5100 Fillmore Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22311

RSVP Required to these events, please email rsvp@proaging.com or call Marlene at 703-992-1102.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/fall-prevention-and-acute-rehabilition/feed/ 0 Dreaming Big to a Healthy Rehabilitation http://www.retirement-living.com/dreaming-big1/ http://www.retirement-living.com/dreaming-big1/#comments Thu, 30 Dec 2010 12:56:53 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1248  

two grandparents recover in a rehabilitation hospital

The Marmos both recovered at HealthSouth in Northern Virginia with a positive attitude and attentive staff

Frances and Joe Marmo have a lot to be proud of in their 55 years of marriage. Having raised three grown children, they are elated to now be grandparents of six.  With the desire to be closer to two of their children, the Marmos relocated from New Jersey to Northern Virginia last year.

 

Once they settled into their new home, the couple began planning a cross-country train ride as a celebration of their new stage in life. Before the trip could be booked, however, they both encountered changes in health that put the vacation on hold, but the dream of travel is playing an important part in their recovery.

 

This summer, at the age of 83, Joe had a third surgery on his knee. Fortunately, one of his daughters living nearby is a nurse and served as a tremendous advocate during his hospital stay. “I was treated like royalty,” he said.

 


 

After his surgery, Joe was referred to HealthSouth of Northern Virginia, the newest acute rehabilitation hospital in the region and the first in Loudoun County, Va. Having gone through several surgeries and rehabilitation before, he was impressed at the level of care he received and the highly trained and attentive staff. “I couldn’t believe how great I was walking just three days after my surgery,” he said.


 

A New Direction for Care and Recovery

 

Leading the team for this new 40-bed hospital is CEO Christina Stover, who stated, “I am very proud of this hospital and our clinical reputation.” She gives a great deal of credit to Medical Director Dominique L. Vinh, MD, who previously served as the inpatient medical director for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the leading rehabilitation hospital in the country. He is a unique physician with multiple Board-certifications in Internal Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Spinal Cord Injury Medicine. Dr. Vinh works closely with Associate Medical Director Dr. Zuggo-Liszka, who is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and in the subspecialty of Geriatric Medicine.

 

“What we have created is a team approach with a rehab doctor and a geriatrician,” said Dr. Vinh. “Whenever a person comes to HealthSouth of Northern Virginia, we work as a team. Dr. Zuggo-Liszka focuses on the medical aspect of the patient and I focus on the neurologic, orthopedic and rehabilitation aspect. This ensures that every conceivable medical issue can be addressed.”

 

 

And according to Christina Stover, this innovative model is working since the outcomes and functional gains are exceeding all benchmarks as measured by an objective third-party. “As someone who has been in the industry for a long time, it’s very unusual,” she said.


 

A Family Affair in Rehabilitation

 

While Joe was going through rehabilitation, Frances also began to develop a variety of health-related issues. Again, the support of their daughter and other loved ones proved to be invaluable in helping the couple manage during this challenging time.

 

Once Frances was strong enough to be discharged from the hospital, she was able to join Joe at HealthSouth. “They were very good to us,” she said. “We enjoyed eating meals together, it was just very encouraging.”

 

Janet Smith, director of marketing and admissions, said, “It was so motivating to watch them helping each other.  Being together was an integral part of their positive outcome and recovery.”

 

While the Marmos’ situation was truly unique, the new design and leadership philosophy of the hospital is tremendously encouraging for families helping their loved ones.

 

“I like how this building is designed because it doesn’t look like a hospital, it’s very clean and very bright,” said Dr. Vinh. “The last thing you want for your rehabilitation is an institutionalized setting. There are no shared rooms and our rooms are large enough for families to visit comfortably. Having family involved is very important to encourage you during your rehabilitation.”


 

Returning Home after Rehabilitation

 

According to Christina, the staff at HealthSouth has one focus in mind. “From the moment someone comes in our door, our goal is to get them back home,” she said.

 

And the Marmos were able to achieve this goal together when they happily returned to their upscale apartment in Northern Virginia. “I feel at home here. It’s not as big as our last home, but it’s just enough for us,” said Frances. More importantly, it has enough space to have their children and grandchildren over for their traditional home-cooked meals.

 

With their recent health issues, the couple further realizes that moving closer to their family was one of the wisest decisions they have ever made. Additionally, they know they would not have had the opportunity to receive care at HealthSouth, and may not have been comfortably at home so soon had they utilized other rehab options. According to Janet Smith, the average length of stay is around 14 days, differing significantly from other rehabilitation options which might be 30 days or as long as a year. She credited the three-hour daily intensive combined therapies and the medical oversight provided by the team of medical directors.


 

Focusing on the Dream with the help of HealthSouth

 

With the help of HealthSouth and buoyed by the dream to take that cross-country train ride, Frances has continued to make huge strides in her recovery through a variety of outpatient rehabilitation plans. While the program is challenging and tough at times, she always keeps the dream of the train ride in front of her. “It keeps me going and focused on my recovery,” she said.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/dreaming-big1/feed/ 0 Finding an Extended Family in a Retirement Community http://www.retirement-living.com/extended-family/ http://www.retirement-living.com/extended-family/#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:47:39 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1245

two grandparents enjoy a retirement communityFreeda Johnson and Colonel Donald Evans, Jr. may not have taken the same roads in life, but it was a similar one that led them to Sommerset, an independent living community in Sterling, Va. Although the former school teacher and decorated soldier relocated to their new home in order to be closer to their families, both have been pleasantly surprised to have found a tight-knit extended family with their fellow residents and staff.

Freeda Johnson – Teachers Moves to Senior Living Community

Freeda hails from Spartanburg, S.C., where a street is actually named after her husband, Reverend C.M. Johnson. For 34 years, she taught French and worked as a high school guidance counselor.

When Freeda’s husband and sister passed away, her daughter helped research living options near her home in Arlington, Va. Especially important for Freeda was being able to keep her king-sized bed. “We looked everywhere,” she said. Sommerset, however, seemed to perfectly accommodate not only Freeda’s bed, but her lifestyle.

Since making the move, she has loved participating in the community’s activities and outings while establishing numerous friendships. “We have fun,” she said with a smile. And she can be seen particularly having fun playing games, from Bingo to cards. “I never miss my turn,” she said.

Diagnosed with diabetes, Freeda has also been focused on a walking program where she strolls with her friends every day at 7 a.m. and enjoys breakfast after.

When she first moved to Sommerset, Freeda would stay at her daughter’s house every weekend, but she now stays there less frequently, wanting to spend just as much time with her additional family. “They miss me around here when I am gone, and I miss them,” she said. “We really enjoy each other here.”

Colonel Donald Evans, Jr. – Marine Settles in happily at Retirement Community

Colonel Donald Evans, Jr. USMC Retired is known as Don around Sommerset. Born and raised in Altoona, Pa., he started his nearly four-decade career with the Marines in 1943. When he enrolled at Colgate University, he met Phyllis, his wife of over 57 years. The couple raised three sons while living all over the world as Don served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and had several assignments in China. He had eventually been assigned to HQMC in Quantico, Va. when he retired in 1977.

Don summed up the couple’s retirement with one word: “golf.” They each played on golf teams at Fort Belvoir for over 30 years and also participated in bowling leagues. Although they lived in a beautiful home in Mt. Vernon, they wanted to be closer to their family, which had since grown with seven grandchildren. With their loved ones living in Herndon and Purcellville, they chose Sommerset.

Shortly after making the move, however, Phyllis developed some health problems. Deciding he did not want to hire outside help, Don said, “I wanted to be the nurse.” He proudly dedicated all of his time and effort during that first year to take care of her. “She was a wonderful woman,” he said.

After Phyllis passed away, he knew he wanted to stay at Sommerset. “I didn’t want to leave. I like the people here and they are very interesting,” he said.

Like Freeda, Don participates in a great deal of the various activities. “I like to sit out front and watch everyone and see what is going on around here,” he said. “I like being with other people and staying in touch.”

As he reflected on his family, his health and his current life at Sommerset, Don said, “I feel like I am the luckiest guy in the world.”

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/extended-family/feed/ 0 Using Art to Bring Out the Best in Senior Living http://www.retirement-living.com/bringing-out-the-best/ http://www.retirement-living.com/bringing-out-the-best/#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:51:02 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1244

Isaac 'Ike' Diamond has been enjoying an amenity-filled lifestyle at Classic Residence

If there is one thing residents at Classic Residence in Chevy Chase, a Vi Community, are not doing, it is sitting still. At Classic Residence, an older adult rental community, vibrant lifestyles flourish, especially in Dick Swartz’s art class. Here, several individuals with varying art backgrounds gather to create different works and form lasting friendships. “This is the best group; they’re so engaged and excited,” said Dick. “Everyone here is doing something different.”

A professional artist, who has led art classes at Classic Residence since 1999, Dick takes pride in sharing his techniques with his class. From designing murals to composing clay sculptures and oil paintings he watches as his students not only benefit from exploring their artistic abilities, but also their growing camaraderie. In fact, during his time teaching he has seen a pair of classmates fall in love, one of whom had Parkinson’s disease, yet continued to create beautiful pieces. “I think there’s healing in art, not only is it good for the brain but for all kinds of things,” he said. “The result is not so much important as they come together to paint and share.”

Among those individuals who regularly come together are Margaret Smith, Phyllis Slesinger and Isaac ‘Ike’ Diamond, each of whom has been enjoying an amenity-filled lifestyle at Classic Residence.

A Salt Lake City native, Margaret Smith graduated from the University of Utah, and went on to Northwestern University for graduate work. While at Northwestern she met a professor whom she later married. After moving around New England for about ten years, her family eventually settled in Michigan.

Following her husband’s passing, Margaret lived alone until her children convinced her to move to an apartment in the Washington, D.C. area. She soon realized, however, that she wanted a home that would coincide with her lifestyle and needs.

With scenic views and decor resembling that of a traditional Georgetown mansion, Classic Residence seemed the perfect fit. Margaret can remain independent having peace of mind that if assisted living services are needed, they are available right in the building. “I looked at the different retirement communities, and this was far superior to anything I had seen,” she said. “It’s a very good place.”

Margaret had no problem adjusting to life at the community as she immediately sought opportunities to get involved. Always having an interest in art, but never having the time to fully pursue it, she was intrigued to find a class among the extensive list of available activities. “I joined the art class four years ago. Dick is such a good instructor that I knew immediately I wanted to continue,” she said. Margaret has served on the Residents’ Council and was appointed Chairman of the Welcoming Committee, an organization she highly credits for helping residents assimilate in the community. “There are so many activities and I encourage new residents to join some, just to sample them if nothing else,” she said. “My mother’s saying was ‘Do something new every year’ and I think I have.”

Many of her peers are taking her advice as Dick’s class has expanded tremendously. This, however, comes as no surprise to Phyllis Slesinger. “He is the best teacher I’ve ever had; he encourages you and has really brought out a lot of things I didn’t know I could do,” she said.

Phyllis was born, raised and married in Buffalo, NY. When her husband passed away, she moved to Florida for 26 years and traveled with her sister. “We went all over on cruises and trips to Europe and have wonderful memories,” she said. With her sister’s passing, Phyllis was encouraged by her son to move near him in Chevy Chase. “It was a difficult decision because I like my independence, but I’ve been very happy here because I’ve been kept so busy,” she said.

Phyllis continues her longtime hobbies of needlework and gardening. She had previously painted, but continues to be amazed at her achievements in the art class. Like Margaret, she participates in other activities at Classic Residence, which includes

volunteering to arrange flowers every Wednesday. “You have to learn to join in. If you just sit in your apartment, you’re not going to enjoy it,” she said. “If you get out, you meet all these different people, and everybody here is so friendly and incredible.” For Phyllis, this extends from the accommodating staff at the community to the unique residents she interacts with daily.

This is something Ike Diamond certainly agreed with, saying, “A lot of the people here are ex-college professors, doctors, physicists and just very interesting people to have dinner with and discuss your backgrounds.” Raised in New York, Ike went

to Brooklyn College, but decided to move to Washington, D.C. in 1941 to work for a newspaper. A month after getting married, he went into the Navy. “It was an education for me and I saw quite a bit of action,” he said. Upon his return to the District, he finished his education at George Washington University and worked in the advertising industry for 50 years before retiring with his wife to Florida.

While visiting their daughter, the couple drove past Classic Residence and decided to take a tour. Extremely pleased with the community, Ike’s wife expressed how ideal it would be to return to their hometown and enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle in a supportive environment. Unfortunately shortly after their visit, she became ill and passed away, but Ike eventually decided to follow through with their plans and moved to the community. “They make a pretty good ef

fort to get you acclimated quickly here,” he said. “It’s been very comforting to me and I’m glad I made the decision.”

Ike has served on the Building and Grounds Committee working with building managers and engineers to assist in the upkeep of the community. This is just one of the many ways residents work with the staff in all aspects of life at Classic Residence. “We’ve been complimented on how well we’re surveying the necessities of a lifestyle we’d all like to have,” he said. Ike was also elected to the Residents’ Council and is part of the Food and Dining Committee. Feeling he had some talent that he never exercised, he decided to join the art class. “Sure enough, Dick gave me some very fundamental things to do and kept moving me up,” he said. “In one year, I became an artist.”

The community continually supports the residents by providing transportation for visits t

o sites featuring Dick’s murals. Other daytrips take advantage of the numerous cultural opportunities in the Washington, D.C. areas.

Whether it is in the Art Studio, Billiard Room, Indoor Pool and Fitness Center or along the outdoor

walking paths, individuals at the community enjoy abundant activities and numerous opportunities for socialization. And just as Dick’s students credit him for bringing out the best in them, the residents of Classic Residence in Chevy Chase can certainly say they have found a community that does the same.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/bringing-out-the-best/feed/ 0 Alzheimer’s Care and Elder Law: Finding Support and Guidance http://www.retirement-living.com/alzheimers-care-and-elder-law-finding-support-and-guidance/ http://www.retirement-living.com/alzheimers-care-and-elder-law-finding-support-and-guidance/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:21:54 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1230 elder law and family help alzheimer's and nursing home placement“I always thought of us as relatively young and in good health,” said Betty Strubel of herself and her husband of 26 years, Jim. It was eight years ago, however, when Betty received the news that Jim had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.

“It came on like I am sure it does for other people, very subtly, and it was really hard to define what was happening,” she said.

Shocked and traumatized by the diagnosis, Betty also experienced feelings of frustration when trying to find the best resource to guide her through this challenging transition. Fortunately, she had a small support network that included her nearby sister Peg, her doctor and Mindy Felinton, an elder law attorney.

For years, Betty was able to care for Jim in their home, but she eventually needed to hire in-home caregivers in order to continue her career with Montgomery County Public Schools. Last summer, as she was getting ready to take her two-week vacation, she realized she was at a crossroad with his care. “His needs had gotten so great,” she said.

Since their townhouse was not a suitable arrangement, she reluctantly accepted that instead of hiring a full-time caregiver, the best option was a specialty care center for those with Alzheimer’s and Memory Care needs.

The financial burden of this choice, however, would be prohibitive based on the couple’s income and savings. Betty realized she would need to immediately apply for Medicaid and gather all of the supporting documentation. Her doctor then referred her to Mindy Felinton.

“Mindy gave me the best news I had received in eight years,” said Betty. “She assured me she would be the one to advocate for me and actually make this application come to fruition.”

With her knowledge and experience, Mindy was able to provide Betty with choices and a strategy to protect some of the couple’s assets and ensure they would still qualify for Medicaid. “For the average person, going through this application process alone is a very daunting task,” said Mindy.

The entire process from application to approval took approximately four months, and Betty got Jim into the Wilson Health Center at Asbury Methodist Village near her home and office, which has given her peace of mind.

Seeing her sister’s situation has actually prompted Peg and her husband to better organize their records and think about their future, but both women have learned there are experienced professionals that can lend a helping hand in unexpected and difficult times.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/alzheimers-care-and-elder-law-finding-support-and-guidance/feed/ 0 Discovering a Sense of Community in Retirement http://www.retirement-living.com/discovering-a-sense-of-community-in-retirement/ http://www.retirement-living.com/discovering-a-sense-of-community-in-retirement/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:09:51 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1228 grandparents enjoy living in a retirement community in virginiaMarta and Jim Harkins easily recall the exact time they met. That is because the Greenwich Village New York City residents stood at the same bus stop every day at 8:30 in the morning; Jim heading to his job at a bank and Marta to her job as an office manager for a small manufacturing company. Their small talk soon progressed to dinner and today they celebrate 51 years of marriage.

The couple relocated to Arlington where they raised their two children as Jim, a Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel, worked for the Veterans Administration while Marta ran a tax business. Eventually, the nest emptied and the family grew with four grandchildren. In 2002, the Harkins decided to consider downsizing when the older of the two turned 80 years old.

They were further inspired after visiting a past neighbor at Vinson Hall, a continuing care retirement community located in McLean, VA for commissioned military officers and their immediate family members, as well as career government officers. “We were very impressed, so we applied and got an apartment here,” said Jim.

With their positive attitudes toward the move, the couple did not struggle with downsizing like other couples they know. Instead, the couple boasts about their new apartment. They feel it’s one of the best in the community due to its unique floor plan and great views.

Vinson Hall’s close proximity to Arlington allows Marta and Jim to continue using the same doctors and easily maintain other community ties. In fact, Marta, who is legally blind, continues the hospital volunteer work she is so passionate about. “I am still in good shape so I can do it,” she said. “I love it; I really and truly do.”

Another attribute of Vinson Hall they appreciate is its small size of less than 200 residents that have come to feel like family. “The residents are from all walks of life and many have travelled all over the world,” said Jim. “We have more sense of community here than we had in Arlington.”

And with their close-knit “family” they have enjoyed the many social activities the community offers. Jim continues to coordinate movie viewings in the community, as he has for the past eight years, while Marta is the coordinator for the low vision support group, which even includes non-residents.

It’s the sense of community and enjoyable lifestyle they have found that encourages Marta to share her proactive mentality about downsizing. “Don’t wait until you must move, do it when you can,” she said.

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