Kisco Senior Living Corporate Blog

My Loved One has Dementia: What Should I Buy Them for the Holidays?

2011-12-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

By Trudy Croxton, Wellness Director at Woodland Terrace

Finding an appropriate and useful gift for a person with dementia is sometimes difficult. Always keep in mind your loved one’s current level of functioning for best results. To hopefully make your gift giving easier, see ideas and suggestions below:

Most people who are mildly impaired with dementia are able to communicate fairly well, and are active. They are usually aware of their condition and struggle to remain independent. Gifts that enhance their independence or encourage activity are good choices.

· Simple, but familiar games such as: Dominos, Bingo, & Matching Card Games

· Concert tickets for your loved one and a companion

· Gift subscription to a hobby or special interest magazine

· CD or DVD sermons from their home church

· Large dial radio or large button phone

· Non-slid slippers or slipper socks

· Nightlight

· Scrapbook of old family photos highlighting the major events in the person’s life.

· Fruit basket or flowers

· Memory aids such as: phones, message magnets, medication dispenser

People are moderately impaired with dementia often have difficulty communicating, need help dressing and are unable to manage daily activities without supervision or assistance. Some great gifts are:

· Assistive clothing (Velcro closure sneakers, pants with drawstring waistband, large zipper pulls

· CDs of favorite old music

· Photo albums, family pictures and memory scrapbooks

· Bird or squirrel feeders for outside of window. Some feeders attach directly to windows.

· Large dial radio or large button phone

· Non-slid slippers or slipper socks

· Nightlight

People who are severely impaired are often unable to speak coherently or make their needs known. Their attention span is also very short and sensory stimulation is key in connecting with your loved one. Give them a special gift this season to show them how much you care. Some ideas are:

· Photo albums, family pictures and memory scrapbooks

· For people who liked animals, visits by dogs

· CDs of favorite music

· A life-like baby doll or large soft teddy bear or other stuffed animal

· DVDs with pleasant sights, such as garden, fish tanks and sounds

· Hand lotion with a nice scent for a gentle foot or hand massage

· Soft lap blanket

When considering gifts for your loved one, please consider gifts for yourself, the family caregiver. Some simple ideas are:

· Massage or makeover

· Sample teas or coffees and a pretty mug

· A house cleaning service

· A restaurant gift certificate

· Promise of “me” time for beauty shop, favorite hobby, shopping trip or dinner and a movie with friends

The greatest gift you can give your loved one is time. Cherish the holiday season with your loved one and make it comfortable and happy!

Learn more about Woodland Terrace at kiscoseniorliving.com. Keep reading our blog for advice on active aging, caregiving, and senior living.

Loving Life Beyond 90: Laura Simon, an Author at 105 Years

2011-09-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

At 105, The Patrician - A Kisco Senior Living Community resident Laura Simon is no ordinary centenarian.

When she was 100 she published her memoir I’m Still Here as a thoughtful reflection of her life. Much of her writing is an insight into her trials and tribulations with aging. Her honesty is ominipresent in her writing as she describes her struggles with losing her vision while trying to actively write her memoir via voice recorder.

Her story ranges from her childhood memories of her parents to her conversations with fellow senior living residents. In a her own voice Laura reminds her readers that although seniors may not be as vocal as the younger generation, they are individuals who have contributed and helped build the framework for our present-day communities.

Laura's voice was recognized by local San Diego publication San Diego Jewish World and serialized for readers. You can read the serialized version of I'm Still Here via San Diego Jewish World's website. Click here to read more.

Jack Flesher: "Jack of all Trades"

2011-08-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Written by Alex Gerasimov, Bridgepoint at Los Altos' Wellness Director in honor of 94 years young resident Jack Flesher

If you know Jack, you know he is a joker. Then again, anyone born in 1917 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, has to have a good sense of humor. Nevertheless, we love his great sense of humor, no matter its origin, and his talent of entertaining others even at his own expense. Don’t be fooled, though, because laughter isn’t his only gift. This exceptional gentleman is a “Jack of all trades.”

He mastered many of his outstanding skills growing up here in California. One of the first notches in this youngster’s belt was a B.S. degree from San Jose State University in 1941. In Jack’s case, a B.S. could mean all kinds of things, but this was actually a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. Jack also learned to fly while going to college, so in the fall of 1941, after his graduation, Jack joined the Army Air Force, where he became a navigator and trained new recruits. In 1944, Jack finished his Advanced Training as a pilot and flew C45 and C47 transport planes.

While serving in the Air Force, Jack attended Stanford University where he received his Master’s in Education in 1961. He taught multiple subjects at Jordan Middle School, such as math and science, as well as shop classes. After 3,000 days of service, Jack retired from the Air Force in 1977.

But for “Jack of all trades,” retirement only meant mastering more skills—family skills! He and his wife, Jeane, spent wonderful 63 loving years together, and be sure that old prankster Jack learned a thing or two from her along the way! They created a nurturing household where they raised their three brilliant children. When Jack wasn’t teaching or flying through the Grand Canyons, they were spending quality time camping, bow hunting, joking and laughing with the living legend, Jack Flesher!

Tech-Savvy Seniors

2011-07-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

In today’s world of social media and online shopping it is interesting to note, 10% of the total Internet population is 65 years and older. Although these numbers look small in relation to the amount of younger users on the web, what’s important to note, is this demographic has actually tripled over the last five years. Biggest reason for the increase? Keeping in touch with family and maintaining a social life. Both are easier now than 10 years ago.

Seniors on social networks are also rapidly increasing. With 1 out of 5 seniors actively on Facebook, seniors are taking advantage of the web beyond browsing and email. Staying in touch with this trend, senior communities are moving towards providing computer labs, computer classes and wireless capabilities for residents.

Kisco founder Andy Kohlberg talks about his vision for technology at Kisco’s Senior Living Communities:

“We know, over the next five years technology will play a greater role in the lives of our residents and associates. To this end we will be providing seniors in our communities more choices for customized services than before. We plan on investing in technology services for our communities to enhance our residents’ lifestyles.

Services will include more dining options; customized wellness plans; and on-line portals where residents, families and Kisco Associates can access information about their community. These portals will provide remote access allowing our customers to pay bills online, request services or sign up for community events. Our Associates will be able to access information on benefits, work schedules and other vital information. We are also looking to incorporate customized online resident care plans for those in need of assistance with daily living (ADL’s), and access to our video conferencing system so residents can stay closely connected with loved ones who live far away.

Along with our future technology platform Kisco will continue to be a leader of exemplary senior services – by connecting with our Associated, residents, and their families."

Fruits of Labor

2011-04-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

“The fruits of your labor” has never been taken more literally than at Kisco communities Abbotswood at Irving Park located in Greensboro, NC and Bridgepoint at Los Altos in Los Altos, CA. Both communities have both local Farmer’s Markets and community gardens that offer a cornucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables with the help of our garden-friendly residents.

Having access to organic, pesticide free, locally grown produce makes all the different to the diets of the residents. Tending to the community garden also helps residents as a form of exercise, bonding, and involvement with the process of getting food from “ground to the table”.

Bridgepoint at Los Altos’ community garden was started in 1999 by environmental services guru Sal Chavez. Three large garden beds were built right outside of the community. Residents have formed a long-standing garden club that meets every Saturday morning to discuss new ideas on gardening techniques and which new crops to grow. During the winter leafy kale and lettuce are grown in the beds while the summer yields juicy produce like tomatoes, strawberries, artichokes, chives, peppermint, spearmint, watermelons, plums, and Idaho potatoes. Sometimes these delicious fruits and veggies disappear due to mischief from Mopsy, Cotton, and Cotton Tail the community rabbits.

The term “locally sourced” takes on significant meaning for Abbotswood at Irving Park. In 2010 the community associates worked with local Greensboro farmers to create a farmer’s market to be set up at Abbotswood on different days throughout the year. “Residents love the access to seasonal produce that is less expensive and higher quality than the items they get in stores. We had a huge response from family members and associates as well for this reason. Many state how the convenience has helped them eat good, fresh food without the hassle of trying to get out to the store” says Wellness Director Allison Pait.

Melons, corn, peppers, tomatoes, berries as well as locally baked goods and honey are sold alongside certified organic products. Abbotswood’s Farmer’s Market will start this spring on May 5^th and run until this fall – for specific dates please view their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/abbotswoodirvingpark.

More information on Bridgepoint Los Altos can be found here as well: www.facebook.com/bridgepointlosaltos

A Bite of Spring

2011-04-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year.

A time of new growth and vitality; I look forward to new season citrus, followed by the berries and later on; beautiful stone fruits.

Peas, beans and artichokes, the first wave of asparagus. New potatoes, baby carrots, lettuces, herbs, garlic and ginger - spring is a time when I can eat directly from my garden.

Spring’s new growth is rich in vitamins B and C, Iron, magnesium, beta carotene, potassium and zinc. Along with digestible fiber and many other trace elements and amino acids, spring’s produce is the most nutritious when eaten fresh.

Our overall energy decreases with age - metabolism and digestion slow and our uptake of essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc and magnesium is reduced. This lessens the body’s absorption of other minerals such as calcium along with reducing important bodily functions.

With the addition of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and arthritis our health becomes a highly personal issue.

Keeping this in mind, here is a list of helpful tips to assist with the sourcing and enjoyment of the wonderful fresh ingredients which spring will soon be bringing to our tables:

1. Buy fresh and locally grown ingredients where and when it is possible. Some towns and cities offer a direct delivery service of seasonal fresh ingredients on a weekly basis for a set price. Consider joining with your neighbors or friends in ordering a box to split the cost

2. If you have green fingers, window boxes and small raised planters can be used to provide yourself with fast growing lettuce, arugula, spinach and herbs. Sprouts can be grown in jars on a sunny window sill and can provide a living source of enzymes and trace elements for good internal health. I find this very rewarding and cost effective

3. Slowly stew fruits down to a compote or sauce to soften and naturally sweeten. Store in the refrigerator and eat with granola or porridge in the morning or as a snack. This is a good source of natural sugars and dietary fiber and the slow cooking helps retain water soluble vitamins and vitamin C. You can do the same with vegetables as well.

4. Buy second grade vegetables and fruits for juicing as they are usually cheaper. Drink juice first thing in the morning to assist in the removal of toxicity cleansed by the liver and kidneys during the night as well as providing vitamins, minerals and fluid levels to assist in good hydration during the day.

5. Puree lightly cooked soups for easier digestion and increased ability to be absorbed by the body. Add fresh spinach, arugula or cress leaves to soup just before processing to retain vitamins and keep enzymes alive.

6. Steam vegetables to retain vibrancy instead of frying or over boiling. If you enjoy or need your food to be on the softer side, steam longer and cut into smaller pieces to allow for quicker cooking time. Dress foods with nut based oils and vinegars to reduce saturated fats in the diet and to add flavor. Season food lightly with a mineral salt rather than a commercial salt as it will have naturally minerals and none of the additives

Spring is a chance to enjoy color, texture, and vitality in our food. Light salads and soups from fresh spring greens accompanied by fresh fruit and a lean piece of protein will allow you to enjoy the beauty and bounty of spring’s nutrients. Want to put these tips into practice?

Try this recipe for fresh morning juice - drink immediately in the morning before eating or drinking.

Morning Juice: Serves 1-2 glasses
1/2 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger root
1/4 of raw red beet
2 carrots
3 firm apples or pears
4 good oranges/tangelos/tangerines

Juice and enjoy!

Tobias Wilkinson

Chef de Cuisine
Project New Zealand Ltd.

Tobias Wilkinson is an executive chef from New Zealand whose cooking is defined as fresh, seasonal, and healthy. Project New Zealand is Tobia's venture.

Needling Around

2011-03-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

They meet once a week without fail, conversations accompanied by the clicking of knitting needles working furiously on booties, hats, and afghan squares. To the wome of The Fountains - A Kisco Senior Living Community, knitting has a meaning. All items created by the Knitting Group are given to the local Melbourne community.

A resident since 1993, Eleanor Luker started The Fountain's Knitting Group with a group of friends from the community. Keeping company and conversation, they knit their blankets, booties, and hats using yarn donated from a local craft store. The group started an Afghan Program where members knit individual squares to be sewn together as a blanket for cancer patients.

Many of these colorful blankets have comforted patients through chemotheraphy and radiation. The spirit of goodwill hit home for the Knitting Group when two of The Fountain's Associates were faced with the terminal illness of their son. The Group created a colorful afghan to help him through his treatment and show the support of the community. The couple still keeps the afghan to this day.

With over 700 afghan squres knit, the group plans on creating more blankets for patients. In addition, the Group produces booties and hats to be donated to local hospitals for newborns. 2010 they created 12 baby hats, 49 pairs of booties, and 8 blankets for babies. The women have also given many baby items to Fountain's Associates who are expecting and have toddlers of their own.

The women of The Fountain's Knitting Group

Knitting Group 2010

Pictured from left to right:

Sandy Matera, has been with us since 2003

Phyllis Olmstead, since 2005

Lee Greenland, a resident since 2005

Marge Stephenson (standing) resident since 2004

June Dion, resident since 2005

Audrey Frisch (standing) resident since 2004

Joan DeNicola, resident since 2005

Eleanor Luker (standing) resident since 1999

Gemma Lupo (standing) resident since 2005

Ruth Petkoff resident since 2007

Ellie Lyman (standing) resident since 2004

Outside guest (standing in pink striped shirt)

Ruth O’Toole resident since 2004

Knitting Group with an afghan

To experience our community, please visit our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/fountainsofmelbourne

and to schedule a visit call (321) 984-1494.

“Our History, Our Strength”

2011-03-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

“Our History, Our Strength" is the theme of this March's National Women’s History Month.
The following are stories of the women at Kisco Senior Living Community Woodland Terrace. Submitted by family and friends, these vignettes chronicle the amazing history and strength of the dazzling women we have living among us. If you are interested in learning more about Woodland Terrrace's community, you can contact us at (919) 465-0356 and visit Woodland Terrace's Facebook page.

Sheila R. Bloom (Submitted by son, Jon Bloom)

Sheila Bloom was born in London, England, the first of three children. Her mother Ethel was a native Londoner. Her father Peter was a peripatetic Irishman born in South Armagh. He initially studied for the priesthood, went to Rome, then left the church first for the gold fields of South Africa and later Australia - where he was working as a newspaper editor when World War I broke out. He joined the Australia-New Zealand expeditionary force, was wounded during the Galipoli landings and at war’s end was discharged with the rank of captain in London, where he met the woman who would become his wife.

Sheila’s odyssey to the United States began during the dark days of World War II. She was serving as a teletype operator in the women’s Royal Air Force at a bomber base in the south of England when on Christmas Eve 1945 she met a young American aviator at a non-commissioned officers club dance. That young American was Fred Bloom. At war’s end Fred was shipped back to the United States, estranging the couple. Immigration to America was strictly limited and Sheila remained in service to her country.

Not to be deterred, the couple came up with a plan. Fred drove to from his home in Detroit to the home of a justice of the peace in Iowa. A pre-planned phone call was placed to England where Sheila, with her commanding officer present as witness, was waiting. The justice of the peace read the ceremony over the phone, the couple exchanged “I dos” and were legally married. This allowed Sheila to be discharged from the Royal Air Force and granted her leave to the United States.

Fred and Sheila were married for 62 years, had three sons, lived in Europe, Australia and finally, back to the United States when Fred retired. Sheila has five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Jackie Martinez (Submitted by daughter, Carol Martinez Weber)

Jackie Martinez, a born and bred New Yorker, moved to North Carolina in 1986 upon the retirement of her husband Edward. They came to enjoy the milder weather and cultural benefits of Chapel Hill and the Triangle area. Prior to moving she was involved in community service through the Unitarian Church in Plainfield, New Jersey and she worked in real estate. She and Ed raised 3 children in New Jersey in a house now listed on the National Historic Homes registry.

Shortly after her arrival North Carolina she began volunteering through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She and Ed together delivered Meals on Wheels. Jackie then added working in the Admissions Office at North Carolina Memorial Hospital where her organizational skills were noted by a member of the board of Ronald McDonald House (RMH).

She was recruited to volunteer at the Chapel Hill Ronald McDonald House and quickly found a “second home” there, eventually becoming a member of the RMH Board of Directors. During some 22 years of service at RMH Jackie logged in over 6500 hours and endeared herself to guests and fellow staff. Those of you from Orange County may recall her smile greeting you at the front desk of the Chapel Hill Seymour Senior Center, another location where she spent many years sharing her good cheer and willingness to serve. In 1993 Jackie was honored with a banquet where she received the Governors Award for distinguished volunteer service to the people and the state of North Carolina

Jackie remained an active participant at RMH and the Seymour Center until an acute illness last October landed her in the hospital. In January she became a resident at Woodland Terrace and is scoping out new opportunities for her formidable desire to help others. She is a woman of strength who demonstrates her belief in "giving back" by volunteering.

Mary D’Jernes (Submitted by daughter, Karen Hushek)

Mary was born the fourth of seven children in December of 1919 to a poor sharecropper farm family in rural Kentucky. As was the norm in that time, her parents felt her worth as a farm hand was much more valuable than an education. However, when not help out of school during the spring planting or fall harvest seasons, she was allowed to walk several miles to attend a “one-room” schoolhouse that served the primary grades for any child at any level who was able to come that day. During the winter, the boys had to chop wood to fuel a wood stove for heat. The girls and teacher prepared lunch for th students on this same stove. During the oppressive heat of the summer, classes were often held outside in hopes of finding relief in a passing breeze.

In spite of the harsh conditions and frequent absences, Mary excelled at her studies. She was chosen and her parents reluctantly agreed to allow her to attend secondary school. In order to to do, she had to live away from home and work at the soda counter of a local drug store in order to earn the cost of her room and board at a nearby boarding house. Again, she received high marks in all her subjects and graduated with honors as Salutatorian of her class.

Although Mary went on to achieve many wonderful things in her life both personally and professionally, she was always proud of the opportunity that she had earned to obtain a good education given the many obstacles that were presented during her early years. She continued to value hard work and persistence and welcomed many opportunities for learning throughout her life. Her history became her strength.

Alice Hyde (Submitted by children, Jay Hyde and Paula Deacy)

Our mother, Alice Hyde, is a remarkable woman. Born in Boston, the then-Alice M. Tobin lost both parents by the time she was a teenager (this may help explain her fierce independence).

From that point on, she was looked after by her cousin’s family (Jim and Geraldine Smith) and spent a considerable amount of time at their homes in West Roxbury and Scituate, Massachusetts. To them, she was always “Tobin”.

A graduate of Mount St. Joseph Academy – an all-girls boarding school in Brighton, Massachusetts (oh, the stories she can tell!) – she found work as an executive assistant.

She met our father, Jimmy Hyde, while the two were employed by the City of Boston’s Treasury Department. He called her “Tobe.” Our dad was a life-long civil servant who was First Assistant Collector-Treasurer at the time of his death in 1986.

As a family we enjoyed vacations near the water – on Cape Cod, as well as at Lake Ossipee, New Hampshire.

A stay-at-home Mom in Braintree, Massachusetts until we were in junior high school, Alice returned to the workforce as an executive assistant – first, at an insurance agency and later for a senior executive of the Massachusetts State Lottery.

She moved to Cary several years ago (where her daughter, Paula, resides) and has been a resident of Woodland Terrace since mid-2007.

Still very independent and, yes, outspoken (just ask her friend Joan), she enjoys shopping, reading and following current events. She loves her grandchildren, Katelyn and Brett, and is a friend to canines – a fact that has Paula’s Yellow Labrador Retriever – Seamus – and Jay’s Scottish Terrier – Bailey – wagging their tails. Our mother is a marvel, and we love her very much!

Sheila Ann Plunkett Nader (Submitted by son, Joe Nader)

Sheila Nader was born and raised in Covington, Kentucky and was married to John Nader for 55 years until his death in November, 2009. After serving as a high school English and History teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio for several years after graduating from St. Thomas More college, Sheila and John married and raised 6 children (initially in Cincinnati through the 1960's, and then after their move to Raleigh, continuing in the 1970's and early 1980's).

Sheila and John's marriage, as a partnership, served as a living example to their children: handling life's challenges together, treating us equally and gender-neutral, such as in teaching the boys to cook and clean, and teaching the girls how to maintain / fix their cars.

While still in a primary role as Mother, raising six kids, Sheila began doing volunteer work in the 1970's (participating in political rallies, supporting the civil rights movement, active in local politics). Beginning with her 'empty nest' years in the 1980's, Sheila more fully engaged in a variety of community and social justice endeavors, including: President of the Wake County League of Women Voters (1980-82), Chairman of the Raleigh Housing Authority Board (2 yrs) and member for 6 years in the mid-eighties. She also participated with John in meetings with the East Raleigh Residents Advisory Council and as a poll observer in her precinct. Within her parish community of St. Joseph Catholic Church, she served as a lector and on various committees. She also served on a layman advisory committee for the Diocese of Raleigh. Given her passion for developing housing solutions, Sheila served on a committee for the League which lobbied the state legislature to implement / fund additional water / sewer infrastructure in Wake County. For the course of the 1990's, she was appointed by the Lt. Governor to a position on the board (at times during her tenure, as the only woman) for the N.C. Housing Finance Agency - working to identify financing alternatives for affordable housing.

Gender-equality, women's rights and equal opportunity for people, regardless of socio-economic situation, were values which Sheila instilled in her children and worked to live by.

Sheila is very fond of the arts, opera and jazz, having played piano most of her life (particularly as relaxation after a long day), attended plays at Playmakers in Chapel Hill and still attends the Symphony in Raleigh as much as she can. She also follows Carolina and Kentucky basketball as a fan (with a fondness for the game, having played point guard in high school).

Above all else, Sheila continues to be a loving mother to her six children and to her 12 grandchildren, as she enjoys her retirement years at Woodland Terrace, close by to friends and family.

We hope you have enjoyed hearing all the wonderful histories of our women at Woodland Terrace. Stayed tuned to our blog for more information on Wellness, community features, and information on senior living!