Best Retirement Community: Senior Artists at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

How will you spend time during your retirement?  Will you delve into a lifelong interest or pursue a new one? 

At The Atrium at The Cedars retirement community, the members are mixing the old with the new.  First-time endeavors include senior college courses, Tai Chi or yoga classes.  For many at The Cedars, a lifelong interest is painting: portraits, landscapes, still life … anything.  These members who make up our very own ‘artist’s colony’ just love to paint. 

At this week’s Fall Member Art Show, the proof was on the walls.  The members living at The Atrium kindly shared their works, and the visitors, staff, and residents were amazed at the talent and perspectives of the residents at The Atrium.  As passionate as they are, they were equally distinct.  One member’s paintings evoke scenes from children’s literature, while another perfectly depicts Maine winters. 

The display provided insight into our members’ life experiences, intense imagination, and most importantly, continued passion for life.  These seniors aren’t slowing down – au contraire, they are actively living this next phase of their lives!

Memory Support Group at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

Our next Memory Support Group for individuals suffering from the early stages of dementia and their families, friends will take place on

Thursday November 8, 2012 at 3:30 PM

FMI please call 207-221-7150

The Cedars Auxiliary Donors Dinner 2012

Posted by Holly

A Woman of Valor: Celebrating Cathy Cohen’s Wisdom, Generosity and Leadership

By Paige Roth, Development Assistant at The Cedars

Every October, The Cedars Auxiliary hosts an annual Donors Dinner to gather Auxiliary members for a night of fun, food and reflection. The 2012 Donors Dinner was held in honor of Mrs. Cathy B. Cohen, a longtime Auxiliary Board member and volunteer.

Cathy B. Cohen and Family

Cathy B. Cohen and Family

Cathy retired from The Cedars Auxiliary Board of Directors this spring after decades of service to the Auxiliary, to residents of The Cedars and to the greater Portland community. A registered nurse whose late husband, Charles “Cuddy” Cohen, was a trustee of The Cedars, Cathy joined the Auxiliary Board in 1994, becoming Vice President of Resident Events.

As is tradition, the first segment of Donors Dinner was devoted to Sherry Hour, during which members caught up with old friends, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and entered to win one of four fabulous raffle prizes – a fox fur trimmed pashmina donated by Dino International Furs, a Coach handbag donated by Zelda Greenspun, a day of beauty donated by Akari Day Spa, or a “night out in Portland” – dinner at Walter’s Restaurant followed by an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Hilton Garden Inn.

With Cathy Cohen and her family seated at the head table, dinner guests tucked into a delicious meal prepared by The Cedars’ own kitchen and served by volunteer waiters – husbands and sons of Auxiliary members – looking dapper in their bowties. Auxiliary President Suzie Berzinis kicked off the dinner program with a warm welcome for her guests and introduced Rabbi Carolyn Braun, who performed the invocation. Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO of The Cedars, delivered a lovely speech lauding Cathy Cohen’s contributions to The Cedars community and her open, giving spirit. Ms. Callnan went on to read a letter to Cathy Cohen from William L. Caron, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maine Medical Center, who was unable to attend the event but intended to honor Cathy’s career running the operating room there. The audience was treated to a slide show of photographs put together with the help of Cathy’s friends and family. The crowd giggled at black and white images of Cathy as a chubby baby, gasped at her beauty as a young nurse, and smiled knowingly at familiar images of “The Duffettes,” Cathy’s golf team, regulars at the Auxiliary golf tournament since its inception.

It was truly a joyous, satisfying evening for The Cedars Auxiliary. As guests headed out into the October night, all were in agreement that there couldn’t have been a more deserving honoree than Cathy Cohen. Her living example of wisdom, generosity and leadership will be a tough act to follow.

Sherry Hour Sponsors

Rena Levy Becker

Judy Bertram 

Suzie Berzinis

Nancy E. Bogg & Mark Kiefner, in memory of Sally Bogg

Eleanor Brainin-O’Marra

Lee Broder

Cathy B. Cohen, in memory of C.A. “Cuddy” Cohen

Phyllis H. Cohen, in honor of Suzie Berzinis and the good work she does for Cedars

Mildred Kaplan Drees           

Diane A. Dussault     

Ginny & Wayne Ecklund, in honor of Rena & Michael Becker

Dee Emple, in memory of Donna Dionne Hubbard

Katie & Jim Freilinger, in honor of Kathy Callnan

Susan Garson 

Elizabeth & Sidney Geller    

Renee Givner & Jeff Forbes 

Judith & Albert Glickman, in memory of Joseph Brenner

Lynn Goldfarb, in honor of Matthew Goldfarb’s retirement

Marjorie Goodman, in honor of my ten grandchildren

Zelda Greenspun

Sheryl Haas   

Candy Henriksson, in memory of Karl and Dolores Henriksson

Fran & Arthur Jacobson, in memory of Stephen Brent Jacobson

Ethel Koocher, in honor of my new great-great granddaughter, Emma Claire

Betsy & Alan Levenson, in honor of our daughter, Suzie Levenson Berzinis

Lisa Meyer

Bonnie Lee Nelson

Mary Pennell Nelson 

Bette Novick, in honor of our grandchildren: Henry Max, Jack Ronen, Alexander Remy, Martin Phiroz, and Callie Violet

Doris Pollack 

Hilary Rapkin & Will Stiles, in honor of Lenore Rapkin

Lenore Rapkin

Nancy Ravin              

Sara Lee Rosen, in memory of Jack Rosen

Cindi Schaab, in honor of Cathy Cohen

Susie Schwartz, in honor of Zelda Greenspun’s 90th birthday

Barbara Shapiro

Tanya Shapiro

Beth Sheppard           

Nancy Shuman, in memory of Gertrude Lerman

Janine Ortiz Smestad

Joan Willis, in memory of Stephen Willis 

Janie Zimmerman     

Dinner Sponsors

Harbor Fish

Lepage Bakeries

The Good Life Market

Event Sponsors

Akari

Dino International Furs

Zelda Greenspun

Hilton Garden Inn

Walter’s Restaurant

And thanks to our great volunteers:

Dee Emple, Chair

Marjorie Ferris

Rena Becker

Rabbi Carolyn Braun

Renee Givner

Candy Henriksson

Recognizing Great Staff: Care Champions at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

By Beth Sheppard, Director of Development, The Cedars retirement community

“There are eight million stories in the naked city; this has been one of them.” 

While we don’t serve eight million people here at The Cedars (there are 63 skilled care beds and about 800 rehabilitation admissions yearly at the Hoffman Center), every single person we serve has a story.

Very often, these involve families and friends.  We thought we’d share two recent letters to Cedars CEO Kathy Callnan, containing some of those stories.

“We would like to thank all of the staff The Cedars. We did not expect to find a real home for Mom, but that’s what you have become to her. What sets your facility above and apart fro the rest is your people: In everything they do, the message is one of sincere and genuine concern, caring attention and dedication to the feelings and well-being of their patient.” – Son of a current resident on our skilled care unit

“It’s hard to know where to begin, so I’ll just say thank you so much for all the wonderful care and compassion and patience with my foibles. I’m glad to go home but I will miss you all!” – From a rehab patient at the Sam L. Cohen Rehabilitation Center

Another great way to say thank you to exceptional staff is with our Cedars Care Champions program. A Care Champion can be anyone who made a resident’s stay at The Cedars more pleasant: a nurse, therapist, or any other employee.  Each staff member singled out by a patient or family is publically recognized with a special badge which identifies them as a champion caregiver.

Gifts to The Cedars through The Cedars Care Champions program are tax deductible and are invested to provide the most up-to-date care for those who needs we serve. You can make such a gift online or by calling us at (207) 221-7002.

Best Retirement Community: Five Ways to Improve Your Bones

Posted by Angie

Caring for Aging Parents: Five Ways to Improve Your Bones

Although health bones and joints are important to people of all ages, they are a key focus in senior citizen health, and Osteoporosis a major concern for all seniors .

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone condition among Americans with nearly half of all women and one-quarter of men likely to suffer from its’ effects.  Each year, approximately one and a half million Americans suffer a bone fracture related to osteoporosis.  Fifty years ago, physicians believed that weak bones were a natural part of aging, but today we know that we can do something about it.   

Prevention of the condition and patient education are key to reducing the problems associated with osteoporosis.  By following these guidelines, you can help prevent bone disease and injury:   

  1. Exercise. Weight-bearing exercise is best, and walking, even short distances, is a great way to maintain mobility and bone density.  Isometric, resistance, and range-of-motion exercises are very helpful in strengthening muscles to keep you more flexible, and improve muscle tone. Be sure to talk to your physician and a physical therapist before beginning an exercise program.
  1. Quit smoking. Smoking greatly diminishes circulation, which is critically important for bone health.  Another little-known fact – drinking excessive alcohol and caffeine can increase calcium loss in your urine. Moderation in all things is important!
  1. Move smart. Use proper body mechanics when lifting, standing, and bending.  Using large leg muscles rather than your back prevents spinal injury.  Make use of a cane or walker for stability in walking as recommended by your doctor or therapist.    
  1. Take your medicine. Calcium may be ordered by your doctor as well as vitamin D, hormone replacement therapy, calcitonin or one of several newer drugs that help in bone maintenance. Add foods rich in vitamin D such as eggs, fish, chicken, liver, as well as cereals and breads, and fortified milk. Getting outside in the sun for a brief time each day, while wearing sunscreen, helps produce vitamin D which in turn metabolizes calcium.
  1. Fall-prevention strategies.  Help to maintain a clutter-free environment in your apartment, use a walker or cane whenever walking.  Don’t try and reach or stoop to pick up items out of your reach – ask for assistance.  Take your time climbing steps, getting on or out of the van, and remain aware of the furniture or other people around you.   

By taking steps to prevent bone disease as well as fractures, you can alter the course of your health and life – take good care of yourself!

Statistics are from the “United States Bone and Joint Decade Project” and “Medical – Surgical Nursing” by Donna D. Ignatavicius.

 

 

Best Retirement Community: The Healing Effects of Pet Therapy

Posted by Angie

Pet therapist with resident of The CedarsThe Healing Effects of Pet Therapy

By Janine Fifield, Life Enrichment Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator at The Cedars Retirement Community

 “Love is the most important medicine and pets are one of nature’s best sources of affection.” – Anonymous

Most of us are already aware of the wonderful benefits of being in the presence of our beloved pets. And here at The Cedars, we are honored to be a training community for local therapy dogs. On any given day, we have from one to five furry friends engaging with our residents and offering not only their unconditional love, but also their profound and medically proven healing effects.

Residents in nursing communities who have regular visits from pets are more receptive to medical treatment and nourishment. It is also well established that touch is very important for our minds and spirits. For most people, the touch of an animal is safe, non-threatening and pleasant.  Research has shown that petting an animal even for a short period of time will not only lower blood pressure but will also help to release endorphins that create a more optimistic and overall happier mood.

If interacting with particular pets is difficult due to allergies, try watching a tank full of tropical fish, as that has also been linked to the same effects and, in addition, relaxes muscle tension and stress. 

 

Best Retirement Community: Coping with Change

Posted by Angie

Older couple on a bench outside The CedarsBy Diane Vigue, RN, Resident Wellness Manager, The Osher Inn at The Cedars

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” — John F. Kennedy

Change is a regular part of life. It is all around: in the seasons, in our social environment, and in our own bodies. Beginning with the first few moments of life, a person learns to meet change by being adaptive: your very first breath depends on your ability to adapt from one environment to another. And, just as the seasons change, our health and or living situations may change. Meeting the challenges and going on strong is up to you and depends on using the strengths you have used your entire life to deal with difficult situations.

How can we cope with change as we go through life?

Our thoughts trigger feelings, which trigger behaviors. What we think about what has happened that can make all the difference. Take advantage of the support around you in your community– others are going through similar life changes. Experts continue to find evidence that our expectations—positive and negative—don’t just have psychological effects, they have physical effects as well.

Some of the advantages and benefits of Positive Thinking include:
• Reduced stress
• Better overall physical health
• Better overall emotional health
• Longer lifespan
• Better coping skills
It is easy to see the negative in a situation or the faults in other people. Often a person’s faults are their most memorable qualities. However, we should try to bring to the fore the good qualities inherent in other people. Changing how you think is very helpful, because it helps us be more tolerant and understanding.

Wherever you are right now, no matter what the circumstances might be, simply focus on one good thing about your situation, or one good memory, or one good object. In other words find something that will allow you to shift your focus away from negative thinking and now focus on positive thinking.

While we cannot always do anything to prevent changes from occurring, we can change how we respond. How we perceive and react to what happens in life will make a huge difference in how you feel and are responded to by others.

Take control of your outlook! That is one thing you can change!

Best Retirement Community: Better Bone Health

Posted by Katharine

Raising Awareness: OSTEOPOROSIS

By Dianne Vigue, Resident Wellness Manager at  The Osher Inn at The Cedars, Assisted Living 

                World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on October 20th and The Cedars would like to get a head-start on this year-long campaign to raise awareness of the disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle.  So brittle in fact that a fall or mild stresses like coughing can cause a fracture.

                Bone is living tissue which is constantly being absorbed and replaced.  Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone.  Osteoporosis affects both men and women of all races. White and Asian women past menopause are at higher risk.  To help slow down the disease process, dietary supplements and weight bearing exercises can help strengthen bones.

                The most common test to measure bone density is a special x-ray called a DXA Scan.  It painlessly measures the density of bones in your spine, hip, and wrist.  For the treatment of osteoporosis, the most widely prescribed medications are bisphosphonates such as Fosomax, Actonel, Boniva, and Reclast.  Since there are long term effects associated with using bisphosphonates, it is important to discuss all medications and concerns with your physician to determine the best course of treatment for you.

For more information, feel free to contact Dianne at dvigue@thecedarsportland.org