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 someone who has served his country and others throughout his life, it was only appropriate that Douglas and his wife and family found a home that could offer that care and peace of mind in return.

Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Douglas was accepted to Northwestern University for a joint medical and dental course. His career plans were put on hold, however, due to World War II. After training new recruits in Texas, he was eventually asked to finish his dental school training which led him to become First Lieutenant in the Army Dental Corps.

“I had the good fortune to be the Command Dental Surgeon of Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and become one of the officers of the brand new U.S. Air Force,” he said.

Six years later, he was transferred to receive graduate training at University of Oregon and became a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist. Douglas proceeded to run his own dental practice for 60 years, part of which was in his home office in Springfield, Va.

Josephine entered his life as a patient, and the two eventually learned they had been through similar experiences. He had five children from his previous marriage and she had four.

“We joined our two families and 35 years have passed in our happy marriage,” he said.

The couple has grown even stronger during that time as Josephine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago. It was of the upmost importance to Douglas and their family to find a home that would offer the necessary care in a vibrant environment.

“We looked at different places with Nancy [Powell], Josie’s daughter, and we ended up selecting Tall Oaks thanks to her,” he said.

Douglas knew the community was the perfect middle ground since he was still running his practice and could be surrounded by other active individuals knowing his wife would receive supportive Alzheimer’s care. The spacious apartments along with licensed nurses onsite around-the-clock and all inclusive pricing was just the beginning in terms of what appealed to the couple and their family.

“It was really was the most caring, loving place with a nice environment for them,” said Nancy.

Douglas added, “There are very nice people here that are friendly, cooperative and helpful.”

Of course, he will not be shy to admit that the ability to bring their dog was another major factor. “We take care of Daisy and she takes care of us,” said Douglas. “Everybody knows her and they’ve basically made her the mascot of Tall Oaks.”

Along with offering the flexibility of having pets, the staff has been extremely helpful with the transitions the Wendts’ have made from the apartment they initially shared together.

“They downsized apartments when my mother moved to the Rose Garden Alzheimer’s unit and now he’s right by the front door so that he can easily take Daisy out,” said Nancy. “They’ve been so accommodating here.”

And it is no surprise the individuals of Tall Oaks have taken these extra measures for their residents given their commitment to assisting with various charitable organizations.

This relationship with the surrounding area extends to outside physicians visiting the community. “They have a wellness center here where physicians of various specialties come one day a week or more,” said Douglas.

With a sense of security from the available healthcare and the response systems in their rooms, residents are able to enjoy the numerous activities and amenities of their home.

As Douglas continues his favorite pastime of hunting with his family in Luray, Va. and attends Dental Association meetings, he knows there is an array of opportunities to stay active onsite.

The community’s Wii has certainly been keeping people busy, including Josephine who won an award when she played it as part of the Senior Olympics.

“There is a movie playing every night at our theater and we have different groups that come in who sing and dance,” said Douglas. “There’s a beauty salon, barber shop, fitness center and a good restaurant.”

Though individuals can enjoy delicious meals prepared by a Culinary Institute-trained chef, the community provides transportation to the local grocery store and for other errands. Residents also have the freedom to utilize a nearby swimming pool and take advantage of all that Reston has to offer.

While there are different activities for their separate units, the Wendts spend plenty of time together strolling the grounds of Tall Oaks with Daisy and their nearby family as well as mingling with their peers at dances and socials. In the Rose Garden Activity Center, the staff provides mind-stimulating games while gathering the residents for teas and group singing, which Josephine as a singer and music lover greatly enjoys.

This is only the beginning, however, for the couple and their peers. Tall Oaks recently celebrated its reopening displaying its beautiful up-to-date modifications from remodeled floors to outdoor patios. Also among the community’s latest ventures are its Facebook Page and the Wi-Fi access it offers its residents.

With great care, a friendly environment and the freedom to pursue different interests, Douglas looks forward to his future with Josephine and Daisy at a financially sound community. Although there have been some major changes, those endearing qualities of Tall Oaks that have attracted its residents will always stay the same.

As Nancy said, “There’s just a very homey feeling here. The affordability, the programs they offer and the ability for people to stay here through all stages in life is really important.”

Simply stated, for the Wendts and their family, this place is truly the pick of the litter.

Like all good teachers, Sadie Poinsett-White is a student as well. As a caregiver for her husband Bob, she is always on the lookout for information on caregiving. During a visit to the National Rehab Hospital in Wheaton last summer, Ms. Poinsett-White found a brochure on the Telephone Reassurance for Caregivers program. She decided to give the free service a try.

In August 2005, Ms. Poinsett-White was matched with a trained program volunteer, KT Cane. The two have talked weekly since then. Through the weekly conversations, KT offers companionship, support, and basic information related to caregiving.

Sadie’s husband, Bob White, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1992. In 1998, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Ms. Poinsett-White retired from a 24-year career as a Head Start-Kindergarten teacher with the Montgomery County Public Schools. She misses the honest and loving nature of the young children she taught, as well as the relationships she developed with her students’ parents and her colleagues.

Ms. Poinsett-White also took a leave from her involvement as a community activist. An advocate for children’s right to a quality education, she worked with the African American Festival of Academic Excellence to provide scholarships for African American students. Ms. Poinsett-White and her husband also worked in local schools to mentor second grade students. The Montgomery County Council recognized her leadership as a community activist by appointing her to serve on the County Executive’s East County Citizens Advisory Board in 1999.

In order to stay healthy and maintain a balanced perspective on her caregiving experience, Ms. Poinsett-White plays volleyball regularly. She is a member of the women’s volleyball team that represents Maryland in the Senior Olympics; she plays up and down the East Coast and in national tournaments.

Keeping a positive outlook helps Ms. Poinsett-White cope with the challenges of caregiving. She also looks forward to her weekly phone conversations with Ms. Cane. When the two first began talking in August 2005, Ms. Poinsett-White was looking for tips on taking care of her husband and helping him deal with the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease. Over time, Ms. Poinsett-White and Ms. Cane have become close and now share other aspects of their lives.

The Poinsett-Whites celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 11, 2005. The couple has two children and one grandson. The Poinsett-White’s children are supportive, but they have full lives of their own.

Caregivers often discover that it is difficult for family members to be objective and to provide the level of support needed. After all, family members are experiencing their own challenges related to the illness or disability of a close relative. Developing a support network of people beyond the immediate family is vital to the wellbeing of the caregiver.

“Telephone Reassurance for Cargivers is a service that fills a void,” says Ms. Poinsett-White. She continues, “It provides a human connection for people who might feel isolated and alone.” Telephone Reassurance serves as a source of basic information on caregiving and provides referrals to other resources. The program helps caregivers like Ms. Poinsett-White care for their loved ones, while remaining active and healthy.

For more information about The Telephone Reassurance for Caregivers Program, call the Montgomery County Volunteer Center at 240-777-2600.