Music knows no boundaries. It can transport you – taking you back to your youth or helping you recreate a special memory. It can also foster strong connections, bringing together strangers and creating friends.

When music aficionados Dominic Chianese and William (Bill) Henry Shave joined together in song at The Methodist Home of the District of Columbia – an assisted living and skilled nursing care community in Northwest Washington, D.C. – the connection was undeniable. The two passionate musicians quickly became a harmonious duo.

Dominic Chianese is an actor and musician best known for his role as Uncle Junior on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. Chianese’s acting credits also include The Godfather Part II and several other films with Al Pacino. An accomplished musician, he has also released several CDs featuring American and Italian songs.

Throughout his career, Chianese has remained dedicated to giving back to his community through his art. He established the Joy Through Art Foundation to enrich the lives of nursing home residents by connecting them with professional artists. When he contacted the American Health Care Association looking for a local facility where he could perform, they suggested The Methodist Home. During his first performance, Chianese met a less famous but no less passionate singer: Bill Shave.

Dominic Chianese and Methodist Home resident WIlliam Shave were connected by their love of music.

Shave moved to The Methodist Home in 2010 to receive the care he needed in a comfortable and safe environment. He quickly developed a reputation as the community’s most accomplished – and zealous – singer.

“Mr. Shave was very active in all of our programs,” remembered Linda Moreno, Methodist Home’s Director of Therapeutic Recreation. “He would lead Karaoke, but he sang from the time he got up until he went to bed, and he encouraged other residents to sing along with him.”

During Chianese’s initial performance at The Methodist Home, Shave was the first to join in. “Everyone was singing, but of course Mr. Shave sang the loudest and knew every song,” Moreno said. “When Mr. Shave started singing, Dominic immediately started walking toward him.”

“When he sang, he inspired me,” recalled Chianese of his new friend. After that first performance, Chianese stayed to sing one-on-one with Shave. He also offered Shave his guitar. Shave readily accepted and quickly began playing and singing “Danny Boy.”

What Chianese didn’t know at the time was that Shave had left his most prized possession, a vintage Gibson Guitar, behind when he moved because it had become so difficult to play. The opportunity to sing and play again was truly priceless to him.

During subsequent performances at The Methodist Home, Chianese always invited Shave to accompany him and welcomed his booming voice. The two men quickly came to respect and appreciate each other as true music lovers.

Knowing how much Chianese’s performances had meant to her father, Bettie Shave reached out to him after her father passed away in late 2012. Chianese expressed his desire to attend Shave’s memorial service and even cleared his schedule so that he could be present to honor his friend.

During the memorial service on March 19, 2013, at The Methodist Home, Chianese performed “Amazing Grace” and “Danny Boy” and led a sing-a-long in memory of Mr. Shave following the service.

“I know that music heals, and Bill knew that music heals,” Chianese said prior to his performance. “Whenever I sang here, he would sing along, and he sang with love. That’s the most important thing: he had love, and he shared it.” He continued, “I’m so happy to be here to sing for his memory, his inspiration, and to sing for everything he stood for.”

While Dominic and Bill’s friendship was brief, it was based on a shared passion that has sustained both men throughout their lives. They were never a famous duo, but when their voices blended, they experienced real harmony.

Bruce was shocked, but he soon realized that his father had not been managing any of the couple’s finances. “We discovered that my dad hadn’t been paying my mother’s Medicare premiums since May 2010, and the medical bills were piling up,” Bruce said.

Click on the links or images below to access the current regional editions  editions:

• DC Metro
• Maryland
• Delaware Valley

DC Metro Edition

Maryland Edition

Delaware Valley Edition – Philadelphia, PA and surrounding regions in New Jersey (NJ) and Delaware (DE)

Since both communities are managed by Peregrine Health Management, these two women are able to enjoy the benefits of the organization’s visionary programs and mission to revolutionize expectations for the aging process.  Dorothy and Patricia met for the first time at this interview, and after only a few minutes of chatting it was clear they were “two of a kind,” as Patricia stated. “There are a lot of things that we have in common.” Most notably it is their warm demeanor and the fact that both women had cared for their family members as they needed assistance themselves.
A great-grandmother to seven, Dorothy Weinstein is a lifelong resident of Baltimore.  She enjoyed over 64 years of marriage to her husband.  After he passed away, Dorothy decided to leave the family home of 29 years and downsize to an apartment with the help of her children.

When to Make the Move to Assisted Living

When Dorothy’s son became sick, she naturally rallied to care for him, but as his condition worsened, he needed the skilled care of an assisted living facility.  Dorothy decided to move in with him. “Everyone thought I was out of my mind,”she said.

Having learned about Woodholme Gardens as it was being built, Dorothy and her son were able to move in to the community a few months later.  She said, “It was brand new, so we were among the first residents to move in.”
Built in 2010, the community offers state-of-the-art accommodations for 80 residents addressing the needs of all assisted living residents including those with memory impairment and senior behavioral concerns.  The community has embraced the philosophy of encouraging each resident to identify new goals or renew old interests so that they continue to grow physically, intellectually and spiritually. Woodholme Gardens provides support for each resident’s religious expression, whether it is through sacred ritual, meditation, scriptural reflection or prayer.

These and other features have been extra perks for Dorothy, who was impressed from the start with the community’s appearance.  “It’s a lovely place, just beautiful,” she said. “I don’t ever intend to move.”

With certain criteria in mind, Patricia's children helped her find Symphony Manor where says she has been very happy. Meanwhile, Dorothy resides at Woodholme Gardens, a community that immediately appealed to her with its beautiful campus and array of amenities.

Patricia Enid Rose Low was born and raised in Bermuda.  She credited the small, beautiful community in which she grew up for her outgoing personality, friendliness and warmth.  “Some people have cats that they love, others have dogs that they love, I enjoy people,” she said with a smile. “So I am a people person.”

Patricia left Bermuda to attend college in Baltimore at Morgan State University and proceeded to teach chemistry, math and physics there for several years. She shared that she particularly enjoyed teaching young women who thought that they could not learn math and physics or excel in those disciplines. “My great joy was the students, not the meetings,” she said.

Like Dorothy, Patricia was called upon to help care for her relatives. In 1993 she returned to Bermuda to care for her father and aunt who were in their eighties.  After the passing of both her father and sister, she spent some brief time back in Baltimore and then decided to live in Asheville, NC for a few years.  Her many connections in Baltimore, however, led her to the decision to eventually move back.

What to Look for in Senior Housing

With their mother in good health, Patricia’s son and daughter did some research on potential new living options that would enable her to have a future with security.  “There were very specific things that I wanted,” she said. “I wanted activities, I wanted to be in a beautiful place, and I wanted very delightful food because I was not going to be doing any cooking. I just wanted to enjoy life.”

Her children discovered these features and much more at Symphony Manor, where Patricia also became one of the first residents and has certainly been enjoying life. “I am very happy here,” she said.

Both women cite the array of activities and the amenities that have allowed them a maintenance-free lifestyle as the most important elements in their new homes.  Peregrine Communities are committed to establishing programs that are separate from the status quo. “We have a wonderful activities director at Symphony Manor who has us doing different things all the time,” said Patricia.

Enjoying an Active Lifestyle in Assisted Living Facilities

According to Dorothy, Woodholme has regular entertainment, from a talented musician playing on the community’s grand piano to different theme parties.  As both women have enjoyed establishing friendships and taking advantage of the numerous activities their communities offer onsite, they appreciate the transportation each place provides to various restaurants, shopping and other local cultural offerings.

Both women are enjoying the maintenance-free lifestyle and numerous activities their communities offer. With daytrips, parties and regular entertainment, they have each established several friendships.

“The environment at Symphony Manor is very nice and I like the proximity that this area of Baltimore has to so many places of interest,” said Patricia.

Meanwhile, Dorothy has loved the surprises she experiences regularly when venturing offsite.  “Every Wednesday, the young man who drives us will take us out for a surprise ride on the bus and will stop for different things, such as ice cream,” she said.

Both communities have also adapted cutting edge programs for stimulating long-term memory.  These include memory arts for dementia residents, Community Connections, and, complementary therapies such as massages, drum circles, Reiki and music therapy.

Although Patricia and Dorothy have family and friends nearby, their communities have embraced technology to keep residents connected by utilizing web cameras to facilitate communications between residents and their families and friends.

Specialized Programs in Senior Housing

Woodholme Gardens also features Peregrine Health Management’s innovative programming in Geri-Psych. This geriatric behavioral health program was successfully developed in 2004 based on findings that mental health professionals and family members alike prefer a residential setting to meet the needs of seniors with behavioral health disorders.

Stephen Bowman, the president of Peregrine Health Management, believes that residents who live in their facilities are individuals who are full of life, with unique pasts and particular interests. “Our goal is to enhance their lives by stimulating those interests and encouraging them to continue to grow both mentally and spiritually…. celebrating life!” he said.

And Dorothy and Patricia feel fortunate in having so many reasons to celebrate life having found homes that provide them with the support and security they desired.

Read the full story, order SourceBook by calling 1-800-394-9990

“The hardest part of getting older is that you no longer have anyone older or wiser than yourself to whom you can ask questions — no mother to ask, no father,” said Dorothy.

For both these women, as Patricia has always believed in life, things truly fell into place.  As individuals who in the past made the commitment to care for others, they have come full circle now living in places that have made the same commitment to them.

The process of downsizing and selling the family home is often overwhelming, even for those with a background in the moving industry. A real estate broker for 25 years, Carol Fine, and her husband, Richard, wanted to make a quick move from their five-bedroom house three years ago, and with the help of Downsize, Etc., they were able to do just that.

Married for 53 years, the Fines have two children. While Richard enjoys playing golf and swimming, Carol can often be seen sewing or settling down with her latest read.

It was when she was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s that they decided it was time to make the transition and ended up selling their home within a few weeks. “We couldn’t do it ourselves. It was just so overwhelming to stand there and figure out what to take or sell,” she said.

Fortunately, she was introduced to Nancy Malphrus and Bart Goldstein of Downsize, Etc., a company that specializes in real estate, liquidation and design. “Nancy came over and knew what we needed to do,” said Carol. “I was extremely impressed with her presentation and guidelines for downsizing.”

The couple then visited their future two-bedroom apartment with Bart, who drew up a diagram, factoring in the particular furniture they wanted to take.

“They recommended a moving company that was terrific,” said Carol. “It was also a very controlled environment as they limited the number of people who could go through the house.”

Not only were their valuables properly cared for and secure, but the Fines’ home was left spotless. According to Carol, Bart and Nancy made all of the arrangements for selling or donating the remainder of the couple’s belongings while Bart helped decorate their apartment.

Since their move, the Fines have continually stayed in touch with the organization and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone they know considering a move.

“Being in real estate for so many years I know how much is involved and you just can’t make a move like that on your own,” said Carol. “The process for us was absolutely seamless — it was a dream.”

With a longtime legacy in Rockville, Md., MJ lived in the same home for nearly 55 years and is now happily residing less than five miles away at The Village at Rockville, A National Lutheran Community with its own reputable history of providing continuing care.

In 1948, she married John Conley who was in the OSS during the war and one of the “first 400″ when the CIA was formed. Meanwhile, MJ worked in the Pentagon and held status in the Main Navy for many years.A photo of her with other Navy Waves has actually appeared in a PBS program titled “Breaking the Code.”

After leaving military service, she received a call from Larry’s school asking if she would consider helping as a secretary. Since the school was walking distance to their house and would allow her school vacation days off, she decided to try it, and for the next 18 years, she enjoyed establishing a vast network of friends and connections.

Following her husband’s passing, MJ continued to live in the family home.Larry helped modify her home and arranged an account with a local cab company while long-time neighbor and friend Margaret Hoppman offered MJ rides and accompanied her to appointments.

When MJ had a fall that landed her in the hospital, it precipitated the need to look at other options.”In one day you go from being completely independent to needing more assistance,” said Larry.Since he lives in Alexandria, Va., Larry wanted to find a community close to him, but MJ wanted to remain close to her ties in Rockville.

Larry and Margaret began researching and visiting a handful of options in Montgomery County.”We looked at three or four different places, but The Village at Rockville was close to her home and it had a very friendly feeling,” said Margaret.

In addition to its welcoming environment, the fact that The Village at Rockville would offer his mother access to various amenities and activities greatly appealed to Larry, along with the range of healthcare services, from residential living to skilled nursing, that is provided by an attentive staff.

Once the decision was made, Larry and Margaret worked together to prepare MJ’s home for sale.”It’s not an easy task when you have been living in a home for 55 years,” said Margaret.Fortunately, they sold the house and sorted MJ’s possessions, using some items to decorate her new place to make her feel truly at home.According to Larry, who is an architect, the staff was especially accommodating as he collaborated with them to design and furnish MJ’s room to reflect her personal preferences.

Nowadays, he and his mother get together every weekend for dinner at her favorite restaurants.”They have a table for her at Clyde’s,” Margaret said with a laugh. In addition to visits and talking on the phone with friends, MJ also enjoys learning how to use her new iPad.Thanks to the physical and occupational therapy program at The Village at Rockville, MJ is continuing to increase her independence.

Since she has been highly involved in the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), MJ was also thrilled to learn that the local chapter meetings were held right on The Village at Rockville’s campus.

MJ is a great example of how support from family and friends can create a valuable support system. With her loved ones, and the care and security she has found at The Village at Rockville, she continues ‘looking forward’ and views each day as an extra bonus.

Morgan and Rosalie Johnson have explored the world and lived a life helping each other, they now call The Hermitage of Northern Virginia, retirement community home.

As a graduate of the seminary with a degree in fine art, Morgan Johnson found his calling in life when he realized the effect of using pictures to teach people to read in Africa.  After a three-year term utilizing his talents and education as a missionary, however, Morgan returned home, wishing to get married before he traveled back to Africa.  

Fate kicked in when his mother, a professor, invited her student, Rosalie to dinner.  “She had quoted her son quite frequently in class, so I was very curious to meet him,” said Rosalie.  The two eventually married and after she finished medical school at Emory University, they began an adventurous life in Africa together.

There, Rosalie had ample opportunity to assist others as a physician as Morgan continued teaching and shared his passion for art through weekly illustrations in the local newspaper. All but one of their five children were born in Africa.Unlike most missionary families, the couple’s children attended the local village schools even in a time of intense segregation.”Our children have told us they are proud they attended the local schools,” said Morgan.”They have all done very well.”

When their kids were grown and in college the couple returned to Atlanta.  “Some people think that we sacrificed on our mission work, but for us it was so much fun,” said Rosalie.

In 1991 Morgan officially retired and was researching a book while Rosalie spent the following decade working at an AIDS Clinic. “It was fascinating and rewarding work, since I had seen my first AIDS patients in Africa when we had no treatment or medication,” she said.

As their children began starting their own families, they were primarily congregating around the Washington, D.C. area, so after Rosalie’s retirement, the Johnsons moved to an apartment in Silver Spring, Md. to be closer to everyone.

Soon they started thinking about their future and how they could continue their engaging lifestyle even if their health changed.As a result they started looking at retirement communities, and were drawn to the Methodist roots they found at the Hermitage in Northern Virginia, a not-for-profit community located in Alexandria.”We got a sense of belonging very quickly after moving here,” said Morgan.

Although they have a unique history, the Johnsons have truly enjoyed meeting their fellow residents at the Hermitage and hearing about their interesting experiences and varied passions.”We learn so much from each other here,” said Morgan.

Most importantly, they feel secure in knowing that their potential healthcare needs will be met with the assisted living and nursing care that is available at the Hermitage. “It really gives you peace of mind,” said Rosalie. “So far we haven’t needed it but it’s great to know that it’s here.”

Morgan continued saying, “Our family can rest easy knowing that we are well taken care of here, too.”

With this security and freedom from home-maintenance, the Johnsons enjoy the abundance of activity the Hermitage has to offer.”We have things going on here all the time,” said Rosalie, who, like Morgan, is involved in several committees and the Resident Council.

Between their years spent in Africa and the numerous opportunities and amenities they have found at the Hermitage, it may be safe to say that for the Johnsons, life is, and will continue to be, a constant adventure.

Children are always asked what they want to be when they grow up, but at the age of 7, Barbara Williams had in fact discovered her true life passion.  It was during a parade in her hometown of Detroit, Mich., where everyone was celebrating Charles Lindbergh’s first trip across the Atlantic.

“My family was there watching and I told my father, ‘I want to be the first woman to do that,’” she said.

Although Amelia Earhart ultimately paved the way for female pilots as the first woman to cross the Atlantic, Barbara never strayed from accomplishing her lifetime goals. Today, she happily shares her stories and memorabilia with the friends she has made at Paul Spring Retirement Community located in Alexandria, Va.

After spending her early childhood in Detroit, Barbara primarily grew up in Chicago, Ill. and eventually attended college in Minnesota.  It was there she met Jim, her future husband. 

The road to getting married was not an easy one for the two.  Jim had been drafted the summer before the war and was only supposed to be gone a year, but his plans were halted by the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Barbara was also still in school, but when Jim had gone to Officer Candidate School and could afford to be married, she talked to her professors on how to finish her credits.  It was during his first leave as an officer when the two finally wed.

Meanwhile Barbara had been taking flying courses through college before the war.  Having earned her wings, she tried to pursue her dream after the war, but was not accepted because she was a married woman.  “I’ve never outgrown the dislike for that,” she said.

As a result, she started to rent planes, despite the expenses, until the couple had their three children.  While she took them out flying on occasion, the family moved a great deal across the country through Jim’s job and eventually ended up living in Washington, D.C.

Following his retirement, the couple decided to travel to different parts of the world.  “We went in the Peace Corps for two years and were in the Philippines which was wonderful,” said Barbara.  “We worked for the Farmer’s Core and learned the Ilocano language.”

With their home at the time located in Lynchburg, Va., the couple knew they wanted to make a transition and live near one of their sons in the D.C. Metro area.  In 2003, they researched different senior housing options, and knew Paul Spring was the best place for them to settle for their future years.

“It was small and private and that is what we wanted,” said Barbara.

The Williams immediately found a sense of camaraderie at the community, especially Jim, despite his declining health.  “He would go downstairs to dinner and he would just sit in the chair and people would talk to him,” said Barbara.  “Everyone liked him, it was amazing.”

The couple had spent over two years at Paul Spring before Jim passed away. “People here were very kind,” she said.  “I couldn’t tell you how many people would meet me in the hall and just give me a hug.”

In addition to the support system she found at the community, she has taken advantage of the numerous activities and amenities Paul Spring has to offer.  From Wii bowling and yoga to weekly movie nights and socials, there is always something going on for Barbara and her peers.  Among her favorite activities, however, is Bingo.    “It’s fun because anyone can pick it up in a hurry and you get to know people,” she said.

Aside from the many friends she has made while participating in activities and socializing at dinner, Barbara said it is also the staff that highly contributes to the community’s welcoming and caring atmosphere. “The help here is wonderful and the staff just makes it a warm environment,” she said. 

This help ranges in a variety of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meal plans, emergency call systems and professional management and maintenance services.  Those in assisted living receive personal care services from assistance with activities of daily living to being escorted to and from meals and in-house activities. Although Paul Spring offers residential and assisted living, individuals also have the unique option of customizing their daily care, including nursing assistance, based on their particular needs. 

With the peace of mind knowing healthcare and an accommodating staff are available, Barbara, who is also the secretary of the Resident Council, continues to enjoy the luxuries of her home that is conveniently located to the offerings of Old Town Alexandria.  No matter where the day takes her, however, she loves coming back to her apartment which is adorned with documents detailing her flying days as one of ‘Macalester’s Ladybirds.’ 

Especially important to her are the newspaper clippings Jim had framed for her one Christmas.  “He was one of the first I took up in the air when we were still in college.  He always accepted it,” she said.

Today, she can happily say that she has found a similar sense of support and a feeling of family at Paul Spring, a place she has proudly recommended to other friends considering a transition in their lives.

“The people here are just friendly,” she said.  “You smile, and they smile back.”

SourceBook publisher, Steve Gurney conducted the interview with Barbara Williams in her apartment at Paul Spring.  Steve has very close ties to Paul Spring and its residents.  The community was the first stop on his journey to better understand the transition that the readers of the publication he founded make.  At age 43, Steve lived as a resident and documented his insights and thoughts at www.everyoneisaging.com.  He says, “Although I had visited over 500 senior communities in my 20-year career when I moved to Paul Spring, I realized how much I had missed by not trying to experience these settings through the eyes of the residence.  These communities are the best neighborhoods I have ever lived in, where neighbors truly care about and care for each other.”

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.”

This afternoon, PANPHA participated in a conference call with staff from the Department of Aging, the Office of Long-Term Living, and the Department of Public Welfare on the issue of Personal Care Homes marketing themselves as an “Assisted Living” facility.

As you are aware, the Chapter 2800 regulations governing Assisted Living Residences goes into effect on January 18, 2011. These regulations indicate that no facility may market itself as, or hold itself out to the public as being, an Assisted Living Residence without holding a current and valid Assisted Living License. This means that any Personal Care Home that currently uses the term “Assisted Living” in its name, on its signs, in marketing materials, on contracts, etc., must have the phrase “Assisted Living” removed by January 18th.

In recognizing the concerns providers may have in coming into compliance with this regulation by the January 18th deadline, the administration has indicated that it will “exercise prosecutorial discretion” in enforcing this specific provision. Personal Care Homes that currently use the nomenclature of “Assisted Living” will be issued a letter upon completion of its next survey by DPW””be it an annual inspection or a complaint survey””indicating that the facility is not in compliance with 2800.11(d). This letter will request the Personal Care Home to issue a Plan of Correction indicating how and in what timeline the facility expects to “come into compliance.” The administration indicated that acceptable Plans of Correction can be as simple as “we will be applying for licensure in __ months” or “we will have the sign changed within __ months and other written materials changed within __ months.”

Acceptance of the Plan of Correction will be done on a case-by-case basis. A number of issues were discussed with Administration officials, including the matter of homes waiting to learn the structure and amount of the Assisted Living Waiver before deciding whether or not to pursue Assisted Living Licensure. The Administration indicated that this is a valid concern. They will make allowances for homes to await information on the waiver before ultimately deciding whether to pursue licensure. However, it was indicated that while administration officials will make these allowances, once information relating to the waiver is published, the expectation will be that Personal Care Homes not incompliance will “move expeditiously” to remove all references to “Assisted Living”.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nick Luciano at nick@panpha.org.