Posted by Katharine

How to Help Elderly Drivers Limit or Stop Driving

For many families, telling an elderly parent it’s time to give up the car keys is a very sensitive and difficult topic. While there’s no one simple way to handle this issue, here are a number of tips and resources you can try to help ease your dad away from driving.

Take a Ride
To get a clear picture of your dad’s driving abilities, the first thing you need to do is take a ride with him watching for problem areas. For example: Does he drive too slow or too fast? Does he tailgate or drift between lanes? Does he have difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Does he react slowly? Does he get distracted or confused easily? Also, has your dad had any fender benders or tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on his vehicle? These, too, are red flags.

Start Talking
After your assessment, you need to have a talk with your dad about your concerns, but don’t sound alarmed. If you begin with a dramatic outburst like “Dad, you’re going to kill someone!” you’re likely to trigger resistance. Start by gently expressing that you’re worried about his safety.

For tips on how to talk to your dad about this touchy topic, the Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offers some guides titled “Family Conversations with Older Drivers” and “Family Conversations about Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia & Driving” that can help, along with a online seminar called “We Need to Talk” that was produced by AARP. To access these free resources, visit safedrivingforalifetime.com.

Like many elderly seniors, your dad may not even realize his driving skills have slipped. If this is the case, consider signing him up for an older driver refresher course through AARP (aarp.org/drive, 888-227-7669), your local AAA or a driving school.

By becoming aware of his driving limitations, your dad may be able to make some simple adjustments – like driving only in daylight or on familiar routes – that can help keep him safe and driving longer. Or, he may decide to hang up the keys on his own.

Refuses To Quit
If, however, you believe your dad has reached the point that he can no longer drive safely, but he refuses to quit, you have several options. One possible solution is to suggest a visit to his doctor who can give him a medical evaluation, and if warranted, “prescribe” that he stops driving. Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.

If that doesn’t do it, ask him to get a comprehensive driving evaluation done by a driver rehabilitation specialist – this can cost several hundred dollars. A driving evaluation will test your dad’s cognition, vision and motor skills, as well as his on-road driving abilities. To locate a specialist in your area, contact the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (driver-ed.org, 866-672-9466) or the American Occupational Therapy Association (aota.org/older-driver).

If he still refuses to move to the passenger seat, call your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they can help. Or, call in an attorney to discuss with your dad the potential financial and legal consequences of a crash or injury. If all else fails, you may just have to take away his keys.

Arrange Transportation
Once your dad stops driving he’s going to need other ways to get around, so help him create a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that he can call on. To locate community transportation services call the Area Agency on Aging. Call 800-677-1116 for contact information.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. To contact him visit SavvySenior.org. Used by permission.

Best Retirement Living: True Stories

Posted by Katharine

Debby Paley, Volunteer at The Cedars

True Stories

by Debby Paley, Volunteer at The Atrium Independent Retirement living at The Cedars

In our True Stories group, we take turns telling stories from our lives.  It turns out that story-telling as a social activity is making a comeback. There’s even a story-telling hour on Public Radio called “The Moth,” where people stand up at a microphone and tell their true stories. 

Two things got me interested in this. The first was the story-telling event that
happens three times a year at my daughter’s high school. Everyone (teenagers,
parents, friends, teachers, the principal) is invited to stand up and tell a
story. My other inspiration was my mother, Cabot Paley. She loved to listen to
stories and to tell stories herself.  She could weave an interesting story out of just about any everyday occurrence. 

We all have stories to tell, and in the True Stories group, we simply sit and
share them. It’s fun and a great way to get to know things you would never have
otherwise known about people you see every day. 

There are a couple of differences between this and any other kind of get-together.
One is that we have a theme for each meeting. We think of the theme at the end
of the meeting, and then you think of something in your experience that the
theme touches on, for the next meeting. For example, two of the themes we’ve used are “Danger” and “the Kindness of Strangers”. Our stories have sometimes been funny,
sometimes sad, sometimes suspenseful, sometimes almost magical, and sometimes
just interesting in their simple truth.  

The other difference is that the story telling is not usually a conversation. We
take turns and give the speaker the floor while he or she speaks. (Of course,
we’re very informal: we make exceptions to this rule, and we always talk in
between stories. it’s all part of the fun.)  

Members at The Atrium can participate during the second Thursday of each month at 4:00pm in the Living Room. 

P.S. It’s okay if you don’t want to speak. Good listeners are welcome!

Smart Moves

Posted by Katharine

You’re ready to simplify your life.  But where do you begin?

Get advice and insider tips from our team of experts on downsizing, selling your home and a making safe, stress-free move.

Please join us Thursday, March 29 at 11AM

Kindly RSVP to 221-7100 by March 22

Best Senior Living: Recreation in the Neighborhood

Posted by Angie

 

Live Animal Show at The Cedars

Recreation in the Neighborhoods

By Kimberly Doyon, Director of Life Enrichment

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead

The Cedars is at the forefront of an important cultural change, transforming our resident wings into person-centered “neighborhoods.” Recreation therapy plays an important role in this new model.

Neighborhoods are distinct, home-like environments with central dining and activities rooms. Each wing/neighborhood will be staffed by cross-trained clinical and non-clinical staff. This enables our staff to get to know your loved ones personally, which in turn meets their unique needs more successfully.

Because we know that residents in facilities with this culture have better quality of life, we are moving towards a more person-centered approach. And this means we are changing the way we plan, design and implement our daily activities.

Our recreation calendars now focus on more spontaneous programs that are less structured than in the past. The recreation calendars reflect fewer programs because we are going to start having more unplanned, spur-of-the-moment activities on each of our neighborhoods.

We will continue to offer two structured activities a day, for example our music programs, food programs, outings, floral design classes, etc. But the times in between these programs will be for activities that the residents themselves want to do in the moment, such as baking cookies, exercise classes, playing cards, knitting, gardening, and going outside for fresh air. We encourage our residents to tell us what they want to do!

Our main goal is to tailor our daily programs to the needs of the residents on each neighborhood. This will give the residents more choices in their daily recreation.

This transformation will take time, commitment and patience as we change our programs. But we are confident about improving the quality of life for your loved one.

Robert Moody at The Atrium

Posted by Katharine

On Thursday March 8 The Cedars will present Robert Moody, Conductor of the Portland Symphony Orchestra who will discuss his experiences with the PSO and beyond.

Please RSVP by March 1, 2012 to 207-221-7100

Skilled Care at The Cedars: Life Stories

Posted by Katharine

Life in the Neighborhood: Your Life Story Matters

Kim Doyon, Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Cedars

 Life stories recognize the uniqueness of each person. Today the development and use of life stories is one important key to delivering person centered care at The Skilled Care Center. The Cedars staff believes that by placing the resident and their biography at the heart of care, we can better impact quality of life and care for our residents. Life story work is an activity that reviews the past experiences, life events and routines, and creates a biography of the person.  The life story helps us understand the resident and will help to promote relationships and facilitate delivery of care.  Many of our life enrichment activities are based on life stories and what residents deem as important. 

The Cedars asks the family members for help with the development of a life story for each resident.  The Life Enrichment Department provides a thorough life story form to assist them in documenting family demographics, past experiences, likes and dislikes, events and routines.  These life stories will be a foundation for providing spontaneous activities on the Neighborhoods, development of group activities and will be utilized in social activities. 

Everyone has a chronicle of life to tell…and everyone‘s history is rich. We embrace the opportunity to learn more about each residents.  Although the staff receives some of this information while transitioning into The Cedars, there is so much more to learn about our beautiful residents. We ask that families please take the time to connect with the Life Enrichment Department so that they may assist each and everyone with the development of their loved one’s Life Story.  If you have any questions about the value of Life Stories, please contact me at kdoyon@thecedarsportland.org or 207-221-7000 for more information.

 

 

 

Best Independent Living: Heart Healthy Tips

Posted by Katharine

Heart Healthy Tips from Sharon

By Sharon Leddy-Smart, Lifestyle Coordinator at The Atrium, independent living at The Cedars 

The American Heart Association has long appointed February as Heart Healthy Month and Sharon Leddy-Smart, Lifestyle Director and wellness expert, is sharing her tips for staying healthy and happy in 2012. 

  • Eat Right: We all live longer and stronger with a healthy diet.  Be sure to focus on whole grains and fiber; breads, fruits and vegetables are also great options.  And don’t forget your calcium and protein needs by enjoying foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, beans, fish, and eggs.
  • Drink Your Water: The American Medical Association recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water daily, especially with increased fiber intake and exercise.  Keeping our blood and tissues hydrated also helps to lubricate the joints and moisten the lungs to allow for healthy breathing, which all contributes to slowing down the effects of aging.
  • Get plenty of sleep: Seniors should get at least eight hours of sleep per night.  To ensure a good night’s sleep, get enough exercise and avoid caffeine in the afternoon.  As we age, seniors don’t spend as much time in deep sleep.  If you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, be sure to see your doctor.
  • Exercise: Generally, seniors should exercise at least three times per week, for 30 to 45 minute sessions. Sharon recommends gentle to moderate activity such as walking in and around our community, taking classes at our FitnessCenter, swimming and participating in water aerobics, or enjoying one of our Tai Chi or Yoga classes.
  • Socialize: Be sure to get out and about with friends and family, or sign up to volunteer at one of the many opportunities in Portland or at The Cedars.  The Experience Corps Program of Baltimore conducted a study on participation which indicate that seniors who volunteer experience advantages in mental and physical functioning such as a lower risk of depression, less decline in health due to aging, and improvements in memory.  Time spent with others can help us stay happy and healthy. 

If you have any questions, or would like more information on any of the above, contact Sharon today at 207-221-7100.

 

 

Best Senior Care: Skilled Nursing Care at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

The staff and management at The Cedars have a constant eye towards providing excellent care in a compassionate environment.  Making this commitment to ourselves and the community requires continual insight and self-evaluation.  For the past ten years, The Cedars has held an annual Family Forum which brings together the families and friends of our Skilled Care residents.  The Forum creates the opportunity for us to hear from our family members what is working well for their loved ones and where we can make improvements.  

The general topics of discussion stem from results of a survey that are sent to residents and families in advance of the event.  Through thoughtful design, we ensure that the Forum facilitators create an open and encouraging atmosphere for discussion.  The feedback and suggestions we receive are highly valued and ultimately incorporated into our planning processes and program development. 

This year, follow up meetings with the family members are being held in each of our Neighborhoods.  That way, we can more clearly focus our concentrations on the specific needs and desires of the residents who are living within the same intimate community.  In addition, the direct care staff is able to respond and provide input to program changes.  

Let us know if you would like to learn more about The Cedars and our unique approach to senior care.

Retirement Living in Maine: Winter Comfort Foods

Posted by Katharine

Dining at The Atrium at The Cedars

The Atrium’s chef Heath Pollard enjoys preparing a variety of nutritious and delicious dishes for the members of our independent living community.  During the winter months he receives several requests for his satisfying comfort foods.  Here is Heath’s recipe for Macaroni and Cheese – which is a favorite dish for our members during the colder months in Maine!

The Atrium’s Macaroni and Cheese: 

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter
  • 2 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 ½ cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Macaroni and Sauce:

  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups whole milk
  • 6 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Preheat oven to 400°F

Topping:
Melt butter, then combine with bread crumbs and topping cheeses in a bowl

Sauce:
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and stir in flour. Cook the mixture, for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, then whisk in milk. Bring sauce to a boil, whisking constantly, then simmer, whisking occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in the cheeses, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Remove from heat and cover surface of sauce.

Make Macaroni:
Cook macaroni in a pasta pot of boiling salted water  until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water and drain macaroni. Stir together macaroni, reserved cooking water, and sauce in a large bowl. Transfer to 2 buttered 2-quart shallow baking dishes.

Sprinkle topping evenly over macaroni and bake until golden and bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Posted by Katharine

Winter Open House at The Cedars 

Thursday February 16, 2012 from 2PM to 5PM

Please join us at The Atrium for tours of the community, good company and delicious treats prepared by our chef.

 For more information call 207-221-7100