As the sun begins to rise over the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, a few dedicated swimmers prepare to take the plunge. Even at this early hour, their enthusiasm is palpable.

These swimmers are residents of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Winchester, Va., featuring a state-of-the-art aquatic center. While the swimmers certainly enjoy the physical benefits of working out, it is the social connections that keep them coming back.

“The pool is really a social meeting place,” explained Kathy Headley, Westminster-Canterbury’s Wellness and Vitality Manager. “Of course, we’re working out at the same time and doing valuable exercises that most of us can’t do on land.”

While many residents swim purely for recreation, Kathy goes on to note that some of the community’s swimmers are recovering from a joint replacement, coping with arthritis or managing a chronic illness. “They can do so much more in the water: run, jump, and walk, and it’s more resistance and just a better workout,” she said.

As several face personal health challenges, the swimmers have become part of a tight-knit group in an extremely welcoming community. “Even though there are nearly 400 residents, this community is one big family,” said Kathy.

Westminster-Canterbury’s swimmers unanimously agree. While they are certainly dedicated to their workouts, they are even more committed to their fellow swimmers, and they are always looking for new recruits.

A Pool Ambassador

An avid lap swimmer, Paul Ziluca has helped unite Westminster-Canterbury’s growing group of swimmers by encouraging residents to take full advantage of the oversized pool. Paul started swimming to increase his lung capacity and battle his worsening asthma. In the past four years, he has quietly lent a hand to make sure the aquatic programming meets the needs of the various types of swimmers on campus.

“When I came here, I did my best to avoid doing anything. I was going to be really retired,” Paul recalled. “Within just a couple of years, I was involved in everything. It’s been very engaging for me and quite an eye opener about how to manage your life as you get older.”

While Paul is certainly proud of his own aquatic accomplishments, he beams when he speaks of his wife, Louise, and her achievements in the pool. “We moved here because of my wife’s Parkinson’s disease,” Paul said. “Now, she’s in a
wheelchair, but this summer, she participated in the aquatic walking event in our Senior Olympics, and she won a gold medal!” Paul went on to explain that Louise’s determination has become a source of inspiration for other residents.

Aquatic Athletes (and Friends)

Bob and Cari Sherwood were inspired by her aunt to move to a retirement community early, so they could enjoy the lifestyle. The couple is now among the youngest residents at Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, and they have never regretted their move.

“We’re just delighted that we moved. Within six months, we got to know so many pleasant people, and we’ve become very close to a number of them,” Bob said.

In addition to their new friends, the Sherwoods also love all the community amenities, including the pool. They routinely share this perk with their grandson, who enjoys open swim time when he visits each week. Bob also participates in an advanced aquatic class – even occasionally teaching it – which has become a balm for his spirit.

“The class is more than just a class,” he said. “It’s become a social event in and of itself. It’s a lot more than just swimming.”

Bob goes on to explain that in addition to aquatic exercises the group enjoys singing traditional songs and taking advantage of the acoustics in the pool area. The group also selects a word of the day, which they use as part of their workouts.

“I think the people in the class are, if you will, missionaries for the benefits of exercise,” Bob said. The class members are also one example among many of what life is like in a strong community: full of camaraderie and support.

Swim Buddies 

The Sherwoods certainly aren’t the only Westminster-Canterbury residents who benefit from the accessibility of aquatic exercise. Elizabeth and Jimmie Harp swim six days a week, all year round. They started swimming because Elizabeth was experiencing back pain.

“The doctor told me that if I didn’t keep moving, soon I wouldn’t be able to move,” Elizabeth said. Jimmie became her swim buddy, and the two now enjoy spending early mornings together in the water.

The couple moved to Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury three-and-a-half years ago after some of their friends exposed them to the wonderful lifestyle. “I wanted to be around more people and see them on a more regular basis,” said Elizabeth. “Too many people say they’re not ready, but we wanted to move before it was an emergency.”

Since moving, the couple has become very involved in the community. Jimmie is a devoted woodworker and has repaired furniture and built custom pieces for his fellow residents in Westminster-Canterbury’s woodworking shop. Elizabeth enjoys the community’s many entertainment and volunteer opportunities.

A Great Comeback

Lydia Mefford was desperately looking for support when she discovered Westminster-Canterbury. Her husband, who had Alzheimer’s disease, had recently passed away. As his primary caregiver, she quickly realized she needed friendship and interaction. She found a wonderful group of people who sustained her through her grieving process and were there for her when she faced her own health challenges.

After a traumatic fall resulted in a broken meniscus and excruciating pain, Lydia benefited from the physical and emotional support of the community’s residents and staff. “When my orthopedic surgeon said I needed a physical therapist and a therapeutic pool, I knew just where to go,” Lydia smiled as she recalled. “I came home to Westminster-Canterbury and spoke with our physical therapist immediately. After two weeks of his magical maneuvers, the pain was going away. Now, I can walk in high heels anytime I want.”

After regaining her mobility, Lydia kept swimming. She’s now able to fully enjoy all that her new home has to offer. “I’ve never had more fun in my whole life,” Lydia exclaimed. “I really think perhaps I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

True Team Spirit

Some folks dive right in. Others wade in more slowly. These divergent approaches could be used to describe both swimming and retirement living. Some retirees make the move early and never look back; others take their time making a decision. However, almost all retirees find that once they take the plunge into retirement living, they quickly discover new interests, great friends and old passions.

In the wee hours of the morning, a few dedicated swimmers make their way across the quiet campus of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury — excited to greet the dawning of a new day and eager to take the plunge once again. Having discovered a pastime with unmatched physical, social and emotional benefits, they are now busy soaking up all that retirement living has to offer.

For Sam, biking was a primary mode of transportation growing up. He was born and raised in Japan where his parents worked as Quaker missionaries. “I had a small bike and would have a hard time keeping up with my father,” Sam said with a laugh.

Although his family moved back to the U.S., Sam chose to return to Japan, where he continued his love of biking in the countryside. After teaching English there in his 20s, he met his wife as a graduate student at the University of Michigan. When their first child was born, they moved to Japan and later welcomed another son.

The Nicholsons eventually returned to the states and settled in the Southampton area to be near Sam’s wife’s family. Over the years, their sons left the nest and their family grew with two grandchildren.

It was in 1996 that the couple faced an important decision. Sam’s wife, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, was already finding it increasingly difficult to remain independent when she broke her hip. Realizing they needed extra care and support, they made the move to Friends Village, which they were already familiar with through his mother-in-law and members of their local meeting who served on the Board.

Providing residences for individuals 62 years and older, Friends Home and Village consists of two campuses located in the Newtown Borough and Township. While Friends Village offers independent living for 40 residents, Friends Home includes 17 independent apartments along with 21 private rooms licensed for personal care services.

For low entrance fees, residents have flexible meal plans, housekeeping services and laundry facilities along with access to local fitness centers, parks and restaurants. Following his wife’s passing, Sam has remained at Friends Village, where he appreciates the 24-hour onsite staff and available care. “The staff is amazing,” he said. “There’s a feeling of family between them and the residents, which makes this a really unique and special place.”

He also enjoys participating in different activities, including the gardening club which grows produce often used for meals at the community. These green efforts have greatly appealed to Sam, who began biking more often after giving up driving due to macular degeneration.

“I knew I was unique being the only person who used a bike as transportation,” he said. “I hope to encourage people to bicycle when going somewhere local and exercise more for their health.”

Sam, however, may have just inspired his peers to do so after his success in the Senior Olympics, an event he learned about through his neighbor. With the help of the Central Bucks Bicycle Club, he attended the games to place first in the 5K, 10K, 20K and 40K races. Proud of his wins, Sam was especially delighted to return to Friends Village where his fellow residents and staff greeted him with cheers of excitement and a rendition of “God Bless America.”

Having the support of this family for not only his daily pursuits but his potential needs has only further proven to Sam that he chose the right home to spend his future years.

As two very outgoing individuals, Ginny and Ruth are involved in a variety of activities in the community in addition to hosting the weekly program. Both came to The Virginian as a result of health changes their husbands had each had. Ginny’s husband had developed Parkinson’s disease while Ruth’s husband had begun showing signs of Alzheimer’s. The health care center in the community offered them the opportunity to remain close to their beloved spouses despite the fact that their health needs were changing.

Ruth was recruited to be the first on-camera personality for the television station. “I had studied speech and language in college, but all I knew was radio since they didn’t have television then,” she said.

The station, however, did not really begin to flourish until Joan Zeigler joined the staff of the community.

“We decided that, in addition to using Channel 2 to cover the weekly news of the community, it would be a good forum to interview interesting people,” said Joan. “We have been blessed to have an array of individuals from every walk of life in Washington.”

Guests on the show have included various authors, the ringmaster from the Ringling Bros. Circus, JC Hayward, staff from the Smithsonian and CIA along with many others.

Not only has the show been successful in keeping individuals informed, but it has led to a sense of camaraderie among the women responsible for the programming. “Working with Ruth and Ginny has been one of the blessings in my life,” said Joan.

But for 74-year-old Dick Smith, picking the right place to live two years ago was not so bad because, just a year before, he had made a more relaxed exploration of the facilities in and around Burke, Va.

Now, he is fully enjoying his new life at Heatherwood Retirement Community, serving on the resident council and exploring many of the facility’s other activities. It’s also quite satisfying to have one of his two children, Susan, living near by and helping with life decisions.

But the transition to life in Burke might not have been as smooth as it turned out to be. Dick says he was helped considerably by getting his finances in order early in life also by having a little bit of luck and determination along the way.

At age 51 in Acadia, CA, Dick’s finances were good enough to manage an early retirement from a successful career in marketing. With a bachelor degree from Yale University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1960s, Dick’s fifth and final work position was as corporate vice president of marketing for Ameron International.

Then only a year after retiring in 1984, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Thanks to good neurological care, advances in medications, and some proactive personal care management on Dick’s part, he says the condition has always been manageable. He has even written an article incorporating his personal experience for Georgetown Hospital which details his thinking about how a Parkinson’s patient can gain some control of the disease.

Four years ago, while living in Tucson, AZ, Dick and his wife of 42 years, Barbara, realized they were having increasing difficulty managing their home. So, with Susan’s help, the couple visited Burke and took their time touring many of the local retirement options. They returned to Tucson with plenty of possibilities, but no firm plans.

When Barbara passed away, Dick underwent major brain surgery which immediately reduced his medications, and somewhat later his symptoms improved. Remaining in Tucson was tempting because everything was familiar, including his physicians. Eventually, Dick decided to live near Susan, who was eager to help. Living in Burke would also get him closer to his son, Daniel, in Burlington, VT.

Having toured the area’s senior facilities when the need was less urgent allowed Dick and his daughter to make a very considered selection of his new home in Burke.

Today, Dick is settling in nicely to life at Heatherwood. With the likelihood of another term as resident council president, he maintains his full schedule of volleyball, bridge and golf. Dick is also looking forward to another summer at his family’s cottage in Boothbay Harbor, ME. If you want to read Dick’s article, Parkinson’s, A Patient’s Perspective, his email address is: MARPI2@msn.com

Whole body registry programs offer an important option for individuals who want an alternative to a traditional funeral and burial. As opposed to organ donation programs, these programs allow individuals to donate their entire body to science. Working with a variety of researchers and doctors, whole body programs ensure that donations make a significant difference toward curing, treating, and preventing prominent diseases and maladies. These include: Asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and a variety of other ailments.

With traditional willed body programs, individuals donated their body to a single hospital, university, or organization. By donating remains through a whole body donation registry, donors spread the benefit of their gift throughout the scientific community. A variety of educational and health institutions enter into agreements with body donation programs to receive remains. These agreements stipulate certain accepted practices for handling remains and prohibit the sharing and redistribution of donated material.

It is important to note that whole body donation in no way interferes with traditional organ donation programs. Body donation programs understand the vital importance of organ donation. To that end, the programs work collaboratively with organ banks to ensure that organs are recovered and delivered in a timely manner. This means that individuals can donate their organs and provide life-saving transplants and also donate their entire body to help medical research and training in a variety of fields.

Generally, body donation programs have few qualification restrictions. 99% of all potential donors are accepted into the programs. Individuals who cannot be accepted include those who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis, Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease, or Meningitis. Additionally, people who weigh over 350 pounds cannot be accepted.

If family members do not support the donors decision to donate their remains, they cannot be accepted either, as body donation programs go out of their way to respect the wishes of loved ones. Individuals must also be above the age of 18 and a U.S. citizen living inside the continental U.S. There are no additional age or medical stipulations for qualification.

Individuals can pre-register with a body donation program to ensure that the donation process goes smoothly. Pre-registration also helps individuals to clearly outline their personal wishes for family members to follow. While registering for donation, individuals can choose to have their remains submitted for cremation after they have been used for science. There are generally no costs associated with the cremation process, and remains will be shipped to family members two to four weeks after donation.

For donors and their families, there is no cost associated with the body donation process. Body donation programs cover their operating costs through payments from researchers and doctors who participate in the program.

To fully understand the magnitude of their loved one’s contribution, donor families can request to receive a letter describing the myriad organizations and programs that have benefited from their loved one’s donation.

Body donations provide an immeasurable gift to scientific and medical professionals who are avidly working to find new treatments and cures for diseases that dramatically affect the lives of a large portion of the U.S. population. Body donation is a legacy that donors can pass on to the countless individuals who will benefit from their generous gift.

When Dr. Alper developed Parkinson’s disease and dementia, his two children realized that he needed additional care. He had suffered two falls within a couple of weeks when they received recommendations for Advanced Care Management, a geriatric care management firm. Richard remembers, “We didn’t know that this field existed at all, but when we received two recommendations for the company-one from a friend of my sister and another through a therapist we knew-we realized that it might be the answer.” The family was having problems managing Dr. Alper’s medications and had been unable to find the appropriate living situation for him.

After speaking with Joan M. Richardson, the owner and RN Care Manager of Advanced Care Management, the Alpers felt confident that she could help. First, Joan assisted in locating a rehabilitation facility where Dr. Alper could recover from his falls. “Joan organized meetings at different facilities and came along to help us ask the appropriate questions,” says Richard. Dr. Alper’s daughter, Patty, adds, “She was instrumental in helping to assess the level of care we would need when choosing the facility. She also coordinated caregiving responsibilities between the facility staff and the private caregivers we used.”

Following therapy, Dr. Alper moved to Grand Oaks Assisted Living. During the moving process, Joan met with the Head of Inpatient Services at Grand Oaks regularly to make sure that the transition was smooth.

Later, when the family was faced with end-of-life issues, Joan and her staff were present for meetings discussing treatment options. Patty explains, “For our family, the help of Advanced Care Management was particularly important because there were two families and several different people involved. There were a lot of people to keep informed, which required Joan’s coordination and facilitation.” Dr. Alper’s families included his two children, his wife, his brother, and his step-children, who all needed updates on his care and treatment. “Joan used her boundless medical knowledge and her exceptional ability to communicate effectively with lay people to keep all of us in the loop,” says Patty.

Realizing how important care management assistance is during a difficult time, the Alpers have since recommended the services of Advanced Care Management to other family members and friends. Richard says, “When you are feeling upset and in over your level of expertise, it is helpful to have a knowledgeable, caring, and competent person to help you navigate it all.” For the Alpers, discovering the field of geriatric care management meant finding the best possible care for their father.

Like Tom, over 1.5 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurological condition that is second only to Alzheimer’s Disease in prevalence. Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by tremor, rigidity, slow movement, and trouble with balance. “Most patients first notice difficulties with fine motor skills which are affected by tremor and slow movement,” says Dr. Kevin Biglan, a neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. “These include activities such as buttoning buttons, washing hair, and eating.”

Celia Bassich, an Assistant Professor at Towson University, says speech and swallowing can also be affected. “The first voice change usually involves talking in a much softer voice than is typical of conversational speaking. However, the person with Parkinson’s feels that he or she is talking at a normal loudness level.” Says Bruyere, “I recognized that I was slowing down even before I actually knew that it was Parkinson’s. My symptoms were life-changing and continue to be.”

Parkinson’s Disease was first discovered by James Parkinson in 1817 and was chronicled in his early work “Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” It is a neurological disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. When about 50% of these cells disappear, patients start to experience symptoms such as tremor and slow movement. The theory behind the cause of Parkinson’s Disease is still unknown, although several studies suggest exposure to chemicals in the environment and genetic mutations may both play a role. “There are several genetic and environmental factors that may predispose a person to develop Parkinson’s Disease,” says Dr. Ted Dawson, director of the Parkinsons’s Disease and Movement Center at Johns Hopkins. “In addition, specific chemicals used in the agricultural industry have caused Parkinson-like symptoms to occur in animal models.”

Although Parkinson’s Disease eventually becomes debilitating in its more advanced stages, medications are available to help patients with movement. Levodopa (pronounced lee-vo-do-pa), a chemical that has been in existence since the 1960s is still considered the “gold standard” for Parkinson’s patients, and is perhaps the most widely prescribed medication for the disease. In addition, Deep Brain Stimulation surgery has been shown to be very effective in eliminating several of the symptoms of this disease. For most people with Parkinson’s, a comprehensive approach to therapy is the best way to treat the effects of the disease. Says Biglan, “People should see a Movement Disorder Specialist as soon as possible to help them with the primary symptoms and medications of the disease. We can then refer them to other specialties – such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy – as the need arises.”

Tom Bruyere sees hope for many people with Parkinson’s Disease. He has participated in several clinical research studies for new medications and is on constant watch for new therapies. “I am enthusiastic about some of the new treatments and the research that is going on.” He also participates in area support groups and recognizes the need for patients and caregivers to constantly increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s. “I think there is reluctance on some people’s parts to go to support groups, but once they attend, they learn that they dramatically increase your education. They help people at all levels.”

In searching for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Dawson thinks that research is moving in the right direction to find a cure within the next few years. “The advances that we are making in research are very promising for patients with this disease. New treatments are regularly being developed, and it is only a matter of time before a significant breakthrough surfaces.”

As for Bruyere and his wife, Kathy, they are expecting to make a move of their own in the near future to be closer to their children and grandchildren. “I have hope in research but until they cure this disease, we’ll keep pressing on.”

For more information, contact the Johns Hopkins Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center (410-955-8795; www.hopkinspdmd.org), the National Parkinson Foundation (1-800-327-4545;www.parkinson.org), or the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (703-891-0821; www.parkinsonfoundation.org).

Lisa points out, “The staff at the assisted living community is good, but there are a lot of people, so I knew that my mom could never receive one-on-one care.” Initially, Lisa acquired additional home care support from an agency recommended by the assisted living staff, but she disliked the fact that they sent a different caregiver for her mother almost every day. “Dealing with so many new people is really difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s, so I knew that this agency wasn’t going to work out,” says Lisa.

When her friend who had faced some of the same challenges finding quality care for her mother recommended Options for Senior America, Lisa decided to give them a call. She remembers, “From that very first phone call, they have always been so professional and well-informed.”

Mrs. Miller now receives companionship care from Options at her assisted living community every day. The companions accompany Mrs. Miller to doctor’s appointments, ensure that her room stays neat, and assist her with eating. They also provide activities. Mrs. Miller plays memory games with her caregivers, which helps keep her mind stimulated. She is also able to go on walks and enjoy other freedoms that would not be available to her without the assistance of Options’ companions.

Mrs. Miller has formed a close bond with her caregiver of two years, Margaret, who recently went out on maternity leave. Although Margaret had to take leave, she still calls Mrs. Miller on a regular basis, and the two remain close. Mrs. Miller is now getting comfortable with a new caregiver provided by Options, who has proven to be just as reliable and capable.

“It is so wonderful to know that someone else is there when I can’t be. They provide a lot of assistance, which is really helpful, but the most important thing to me is knowing that they are with her all the time,” says Lisa. Lisa receives written statements detailing her mother’s daily activities from the Options caregivers, and she knows that someone is there in case of an emergency.

She recounts an incident during which her mother had to go the hospital, saying, “By the time I was notified, she was already in the emergency room, but the caregiver was with her, so I knew she would be alright.” Knowing that her mother is well cared for is an enormous comfort to Lisa.

While Alzheimer’s may be a household word, less well known is the fact that there are several other causes of age-related dementia — and that all of these need to be considered and ruled out before an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is made.

Vascular disease can affect the brain

A diverse group of vascular diseases constitute a major cause of cognitive decline among elderly Americans and Europeans. Among these diseases are mild cognitive impairments such as memory problems, multi- and single infarct dementias, lacunar lesions, hemorrhagic lesions, Binswager’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease compounded by vascular problems.

“For decades, vascular causes of cognitive impairment in the elderly were most commonly known as senile dementia and arteriosclerosis,” observes Meg Borders, R.N., director of health services at Candle Light Cove Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care. Hypertension is present in about half the cases, and stroke certainly increases risk, but Borders notes that there are also small vessel problems, such as Binswager’s and lacunar disease, and large vessel cardiac diseases that can cause dementia.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is important, given the many treatments available for vascular conditions. Although Alzheimer’s cannot be diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other non-invasive technology, vascular disease (as well as tumors or other problems) can. Some of the newer drugs for Alzheimer’s disease also help manage the symptoms of vascular dementia.

Neurological conditions causing dementia

In addition to vascular conditions, Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Bodies Syndrome are two significant causes of dementia. In dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), microscopic deposits in the brain cause damage to nerve cells.

“Overall, people with this kind of dementia seem more ‘in and out’ – they may be reasonable and lucid in the morning, and extremely disoriented and confused a few hours later – whereas Alzheimer’s patients have a more consistent cognitive disability,” Borders observes. “DLB patients not only have the reasoning and memory losses that Alzheimer’s disease causes, they also suffer delusions and visual hallucinations.”

Compounding these are physical symptoms such as slowness, stiffness, and tremor that impair their ability to take care of their personal needs and increase their risk of falling.

Traumatic brain injury such as those caused by accident or severe seizures also can cause dementia in people of any age, as can HIV and incurable diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s Disease and Pick’s Disease.

The role of alcohol abuse

Borders also has managed many cases of alcohol dementia. The most severe form, Korsakoff’s Syndrome, results from heavy drinking over a long period of time, which causes a thiamine deficiency that damages a small area of the brain. Once alcohol consumption stops, a patient can make a total or partial recovery, unless he or she also suffers from a broader form of alcohol dementia.

“Damage to the stomach lining and poor vitamin absorption can result from long-term alcohol abuse, and in turn, these can cause severe short-term memory loss and impairment in a wide range of cognitive skills,” Borders explains.

The importance of early diagnosis

On a more positive note, Borders points out that confusion and memory loss can be caused by easily treatable conditions such as severe depression, thyroid deficiency, and severe deficiencies in B-vitamins.

“It’s important for families to avoid jumping to the Alzheimer’s conclusion,” says Borders. “And to avoid jumping to the conclusion that confusion, forgetfulness, or personality changes are merely inevitable effects of aging that can’t be treated. Seeking assessment and pursuing diagnosis sooner rather than later will most likely result in a treatment plan that addresses the symptoms and maybe even halts, or at least slows, the disease progression.”

Kate Gallagher is marketing director for Candle Light Cove.

Although he remains active and independent, he and his family have started to consider future care options. David and Lisa Rosenstein, his son and daughter-in-law, considered having Samuel move into their home, but he wanted to maintain his independence. They also considered installing an elevator into Mr. Rosenstein’s town home but decided against it.

When Lisa noticed the construction for the new Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, she called for information and discussed the community with her father-in-law. After several months of consideration, Mr. Rosenstein decided he was ready for a move. He and his family met with marketing consultants at the community and found an apartment that would work well for Mr. Rosenstein.

Sunrise on Connecticut Ave. will be opening this winter, and the family is looking forward to a new beginning. According to Lisa, “It will be nice because the community is so close to us. It will be a nice, easy drive for Samuel. I’m looking forward to him meeting other independent, vibrant people like himself.”