Karen Laper, MS, RD, LDN is Doolittle Home’s Dietary Consultant since August of 2003. Watch Karen talk about Doolittle Home and her experience with the staff and residents. We thank Karen for her years of service and dedication to Doolittle Home.
Call for a personal tour 508-543-2694. For additional information visit our website click here
Falling Down Goes Up With Age
Seniors Are More Susceptible To Taking A Fall
Did you know that in the U.S., falls are the leading cause of injuries in people 65 years old and up? Understandably, accidents and health conditions are the leading culprits. What’s really surprising is that most of the falls occur at home, while performing common activities.
What causes the falls? Balance can be affected by medications, alcohol, heart disease, low blood pressure or arthritis. Poor eyesight and hearing, decreased coordination and strength, slower reflexes and other disabilities can be factors. Within the household, worn carpets, newly positioned furniture, clutter on the floor, poor lighting, electric wires, stairs and wet floors can lead to trouble.
Fortunately most falls are minor and result in a quick recovery. But the severity of injury increases with age with the most common injuries being head traumas and fractures to the hip, wrist and spine. Even when there is no physical injury, there can be a dramatic affect on the senior and their family. Fear of future falls can decrease confidence, which can lead to less independence and social life.
Stairways in the home of a senior can be a hazard. Make sure there are sturdy handrails on both sides, the steps are clear, the surface is in good condition and the lighting is bright and even. (Shadows can cause problems.)
Tips For Avoiding Falls
Doolittle Home’s physical therapist works with our residents on balance issues. If you would like to find out more information about Doolittle Home, call 508.543.2694. We invite you to take a tour and experience what we call “The Doolittle Difference.” Click Here To Watch Doolittle Home’s Movie
About Doolittle Home
With nearly a century of experience in caring for people, Doolittle Home, offers a safe and dignified retirement option. In a bed and breakfast atmosphere, with all the modern amenities, Doolittle Home offers 24/7 nursing care, a licensed nursing unit, onsite nutrition, Physical, Occupational, Speech therapies and hairdressing services. Doolittle Home is proud of its top notch reputation and recently received a Deficiency Free Survey from the MA Board Of Public Health. Doolittle Home is located within walking distance to downtown Foxboro and set in a beautiful residential neighborhood. 
(Sources: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, A Variety Of Articles & Books)
Doolittle Home has created a new video. The video showcases what makes Doolittle Home stand out. If you would like a personal tour, please call DeAnna Willis 508-543-2694. Enjoy!
Rockland Trust has donated a senior friendly computer to the Doolittle Home. The donation will enable families and Doolittle Home residents to Skype via video chat to loved ones who live a distance from here.
“We are grateful for the generous support of Rockland Trust,” stated DeAnna Willis, Executive Director of Doolittle Home. “Their donation will help residents communicate and interact with families living far away who may not have been able to physically visit.”
Today, Jeanne Travers, Marketing, Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation and Mark Coletta, Foxboro’s Assistant Vice President personally toured Doolittle Home. ” It’s wonderful that residents will be able to speak with grand kids and family who live far away. When I got married, my grandma was able to be a part of the wedding through my ipad and the Skype application. Now residents of Doolittle Home will be able to do this too.” Mark said.
About Rockland Trust Company
Rockland Trust Company is the sole bank subsidiary of Independent Bank Corp. (Nasdaq: INDB), with approximately $3.4 billion in assets. Rockland Trust offers commercial banking, retail banking, investment management services, and insurance sales services from 61 retail branches, 9 commercial lending centers, and 5 mortgage origination offices located throughout southeastern Massachusetts and on Cape Cod; and, from 4 investment management offices located throughout southeastern Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, and in Rhode Island. With 870 professionals, they are one of the largest employers in Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Rockland Trust lives by four key promises: a commitment to providing superior customer service, strengthening the communities in which it works and lives, investing in their employees’ success, and meeting shareholders’ expectations. To find out more about the products and services available at Rockland Trust, please visit https://www.rocklandtrust.com/.
If you are considering options for your long-term care or that of your parents or loved ones, Doolittle Home cordially invites you to join us for an Open House event on Sunday, May 20th, from 2-4pm. We will serve refreshments, including our homemade “Foxboro Famous” Doolittle Home cookies, provide musical entertainment, and delightful giveaways.
With nearly a century of experience in caring for people, Doolittle Home offers a safe and dignified retirement choice. In a bed and breakfast atmosphere, with all the modern amenities, Doolittle Home provides 24/7 nursing care, a licensed nursing unit, onsite nutrition with a registered Dietician, Physical, Occupational, Speech therapies various activities and hairdressing services. A small resident to staff ratio ensures that your loved ones receives the best care possible.
Doolittle Home is proud of its top-notch reputation and recently received a Deficiency Free Survey from the Massachusetts Board Of Public Health. With increasingly stringent regulations, achieving the deficiency-free rating is exceedingly difficult. These surveys, and the subsequent ratings, are a useful tool for prospective and current residents; their families and health care practitioners, to make informed choices about the quality of a long term care facility.
It takes an entire team effort to achieve this distinguished rating. DeAnna Willis, Executive Director with the continuous efforts of the entire staff, including activities, maintenance, housekeeping, dietary, and professional medical staff, collaborate daily to provide extraordinary care, which is the hallmark of the Doolittle Experience.
At the Open House, meet with Doolittle Home’s caring, friendly staff, Board of Trustees, residents and tour this exceptionally special home. We look forward to meeting you, answering questions, and providing a personal guided journey. Experience first hand the Doolittle Difference. Please feel free to call us 508-543-2694 and click here for a virtual tour.
Friday the 13th was not an unlucky day for Doolittle Home. Just the opposite. On April 13th, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, Linda Hamaker, brought laughter exercises, giant smiles, and high energy levels to the residents of Doolittle Home.
Laughter yoga encourages playfulness, deep belly laughs, social connection, and a balance of mind, body, and spirit. A fake laugh even has all the same health benefits as a real one, but turns into a real laugh when practiced in a group! It is called laughter yoga because it combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing. This brings more oxygen to the body and the brain which makes one feel more energetic and healthy. There are no fancy movements or joke-telling and any level of physical ability can do this as it can be done sitting or standing.
What happens in a Laughter Session?
A typical Laughter Yoga session is led by a laughter leader or teacher who controls the group, gives instructions for different laughter, breathing and stretching exercises. There are four steps of Laughter Yoga – clapping, breathing, childlike playfulness and laughter exercises.
It starts with warm up exercises like clapping, chanting ho ho ha ha followed by different laughter exercises where people are encouraged to laugh louder and heartily from the belly. These exercises are interspersed with deep breathing. We encourage participants to cultivate child like playfulness and eye contact which leads to real and spontaneous.
Five Benefits of Laughter Yoga
1. Personal Life: Laughter Yoga will help to add more laughter to your life, develop a sense of humor and a smile. You will feel more self confident, have a positive outlook, hope and optimism. It changes your mood within minutes and if your mood is good, everything seems good and you are at your best everywhere.
2. Business life: Your output and performance depends on your energy level. For optimal functioning of the brain, you need 25% more oxygen than any other body organs. Laughter Yoga increases the supply of oxygen, not only to the brain but to the entire body to help you work more than normal and efficiently.
3. Health Benefits: Laughter Yoga is a powerful cardio workout; in fact 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30 minutes on a rowing machine. It decreases the negative effects of stress on your body which is the root cause of all illnesses. Laughing Yoga is a single exercise that deals with physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously. It also strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, controls blood sugar and keeps your heart healthy. It is a powerful antidote against depression – the number one sickness today.
4. Social Life: The quality of life and life satisfaction does not depend on how much money, power, position and success you have; rather it depends on the number of good friends with whom one has a caring and sharing relationship. This appreciation and acknowledgment helps in emotional development. Laughter Yoga is a positive energy which quickly connects you with people and helps to make friends easily.
5. Inner Spirit of Laughter: Laughter Yoga will teach you how to keep your spirits high when you face challenges in life. It promotes a positive mental attitude to help you cope with negative situations and deal with difficult persons in a much better way than a normal person.
We are so excited to bring Laughter Yoga to Doolittle Home and look forward to many more years of laughing.
If you would like a tour of Doolittle Home, please call 508.543.2694 and ask for DeAnna Willis. Click Here To Watch Video
Area seniors and older adults are invited to attend the 2012 Senior Spectacular Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 20 at the at the North Attleboro Middle School, 564 Landry Avenue, North Attleboro, MA .
This annual event – hosted by state Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro, and area senior providers – will showcase services for seniors. Last year the event drew more than 900 seniors and their families.
Senior Spectacular is free and includes specialized informational workshops, including an elder law panel about the five essential planning documents, health benefit workshop about medicare, medicare part D, etc, free health screenings, free continental breakfast and lunch, raffles, exhibitors, giveaways, a fashion show and so much more. Providers of senior care will be on hand to distribute information, answer questions and share resources.
In addition a free continental breakfast and light lunch will be served. The day will conclude with a raffle and fashion show.
Registration is requested, with forms available at area senior centers, town halls, and libraries in Attleboro, Easton, Foxboro, Mansfield, Norton, North Attleboro Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Taunton and Wrentham. Or Click Here to download the Senior Spectacular pre-registration form.
Senior Spectacular motto is Live Well. Stay Informed. Presentations throughout the day and many other activities are offered to benefit the seniors of the Greater Attleboro Area, including Attleboro, Easton, Foxboro, Mansfield, Norton, North Attleboro, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Taunton and Wrentham.
Transportation for those in need is being coordinated by senior centers. Be sure and indicate your need for transportation on the registration form. Questions: Contact, Diana Amaral, legislative aide to Poirier, at 617-722-2100.
Stop by the Doolittle Home booth for information, a virtual tour and giveaways.
If you would like a tour of Doolittle Home, please call 508.543.2694 and ask for DeAnna Willis. Click here to view Doolittle Home’s virtual tour. 
Language & Limitations Can Get In The Way
Communication can be very simple. Someone says something, and another person understands what they said…and meant. Of course, not all communication goes so smoothly. Things can get in the way.
For seniors, there may be numerous obstacles to overcome. If they have hearing or sight problems, getting a message through can be more difficult for everyone involved. Chronic pain, symptoms of illnesses and side effects from medications can dull a senior’s senses,
along with their ability to comprehend. In addition, generational differences can create a language barrier. Slang, references from pop culture and technical jargon can be very confusing.
In all these cases, conversing will demand more concentration and energy. If either of these are in short supply, communication will suffer even more. This can lead to everyone being frustrated and the natural tendency to avoid communication.
Here are some helpful tips for enhancing the flow of communication with seniors.
1-Seek the medical and dental help that can improve their hearing, sight and speech.
2-Ask questions that generate involvement and check for their level of understanding.
3- Have the patience to wait for answers.
4-Make it easier for everyone to stay attentive. Cut down on noise and distractions. Make
sure the temperature, lighting and seating are as comfortable as possible.
5- Speak at a pace and volume that works for the senior. Use visual cues and physical touch to help convey your message.
6-Save important conversations for the time of day when their energy and concentration levels are the highest.
Sometimes seniors are not ready or willing to open up. Here are some hints for getting past their barriers and stimulating conversation.
1-Ask for their advice…and refrain from give yours.
2-Ask specific questions, yet don’t interrogate. Routine questions, such as “How are you
doing?”, usually lead to automatic answers.
3-Be a good listener and maintain eye contact. These are two ways you can communicate
that you care.
4-Listen for what they are not saying. This is especially important when dealing with the
effects of illnesses and disabilities.
5- For topics that are difficult for them to talk about, offer newspaper articles that will stimulate conversation or be seen as an authoritative point of view.
More and more seniors have adopted cell phones, voice mail e-mail and even Skype, which is live video chat via the internet. For those who do not feel comfortable with the new technologies, you will need to communicate on their terms, at their own pace, with patience and kindness.
Doolittle Home in Foxboro is unlike many retirement facilities and nursing homes these days. Doolittle Home is privately and independently managed by a volunteer board of local officers and trustees. Doolittle Home received the highest rating in Massachusetts for personal care provided to residents. One resident’s daughter said “I have such peace of mind knowing that Mother is where she needs to be and is being cared for by such caring people.” For Doolittle Home’s virtual tour click here and to read about the friends of Doolittle Home click here.
Below is a new video from Pat about her experience with Doolittle Home. Click on the video to watch.
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common complaint for patients who take multiple medications. Saliva is the body’s defense again cavities. Naturally occurring bacteria that live in your mouth produce acids that cause tooth decay. Saliva acts to neutralize these acids. Chewing sugar free gum helps to increase the flow of saliva in your mouth and help prevent tooth decay!
Dentures
Patients that wear dentures often struggle keeping them secure in their mouths. The use of denture adhesives such as Polygrip should be a last resort. So why do dentures start to get loose.
Here’s the reason………
Your dentures, especially your upper denture uses a phenomenon called cohesion to stay attached to your gums. For example, if you take 2 identical plastic cups, add a little water and stack one inside the other and shake to disperse the water, you will find it virtually impossible to take them apart. That’s cohesion. Similarly, upper dentures, newly made are so closely fitted to the gums that if you add a little saliva between them, they will “stick” in place. If your upper dentures feel loose or simple fall out of your mouth it’s because the side of your denture that touches your gums no longer fits well. With time and changes to your overall diet, the gums can shrink with weight loss or fill out with weight gain causing the dentures to feel loose. Consider a reline. This is the process where the inside of the dentures are stripped and a brand new lining is placed that fits perfectly against the gums.
The same is not the case for the lower set. Because you have a tongue in the middle, the lower dentures rest on much less of the gums. Since the tongue is always moving, it is difficult to keep the lower dentures in place. Under these circumstances, a relatively new option is to place 2 titanium implants into the lower jaw and attach them to the denture with 2 “buttons”. The results have been remarkable!
Article written by Dr. Victor Leung. Dr. Leung of Foxboro Dental Associates is located at 132 Central Street in Foxboro, MA. For more details you can call 508.543.7901 and visit their website www.FoxboroDental.com
Interested in sharing your expertise? Become a guest blogger. Call Allison at 508-543-2694 for details.
“What I like about Doolittle Home is a sense of service and great staff.” says Dr. Victor Leung, D.M.D., who graciously volunteers his time tending to the residents oral health care. “When I come to Doolittle Home, everything is set up for me to serve the residents quickly, efficiently, and meet their needs in a familiar setting. ”
To read more about Dr. Leung and Friends of Doolittle Home click here
Thank you for visiting Doolittle Home’s blog. Here we aim to share and connect with you about Doolittle Home news, elder care insights, and other pertinent information surrounding the care of an aging family member.
If you would like to visit Doolittle Home’s website click here
Doolittle Home is also on twitter, facebook, you tube, and linked in. Please keep in mind you will need accounts on these sites (other than you tube) to connect. We look forward to serving you.
Stan with Roz, Doolittle Home's Activities Director
In general, laughter makes people feel better. When providing care for residents at Doolittle Home, finding humor can also help to relieve tension or embarrassment for our residents and staff. So we always search for reasons to smile. Even the slightest grin can improve anyone’s day, and it’s usually contagious to those around us…especially to Resident Stan.
Do you have a caregiver tip you’d like to share? Email us. We’d love to hear from you.
Choosing a gift for your older loved ones…what a great feeling to find the perfect gift! However, there are times when the perfect gift idea eludes you. If that happens, we would like to help. Here is a list of gift suggestions for seniors. Of course. choosing the appropriate gift will depend on the health, energy and living arrangements of your loved one.
Gift Certificates
Craft Stores
Groceries
Hair Salon
House Cleaning
Manicures-Pedicures
Restaurants
Massage
Movie Theaters
Clothes
Cardigans with large buttons
Dresses that open down the front
Pajamas, warm robes and fleece nightgowns
Shawls
Slippers and socks
Sweat suits with zippers
Craft Stores
Groceries 
Hair Salon
House Cleaning
Manicures-Pedicures
Restaurants
Massage
Movie Theaters
Clothes
Cardigans with large buttons
Dresses that open down the front
Pajamas, warm robes and fleece nightgowns
Shawls
Slippers and socks
Sweat suits with zippers 
Subscriptions
Readers Digest (large print)
Special interest magazines
Gift Baskets
filled with their favorite goodies.
Pictures
Grandma/Grandpa album of fond memories
Framed family photos
Games
Crossword Puzzle
Deck of cards
Puzzles
Miscellaneous
Flowers and plants
Internet Service
The Roomba-Robotic vacuum cleaner 
Computer Classes
Cell Phone with large buttons and volume control (such as the jitterbug)
Stationary
Telephone with large buttons and volume control
Transportation tickets
Senior oriented video games such as wii exercise for seniors. The Wii is becoming more and more popular with seniors. Seniors are using it to keep fit – both physically and mentally.
Old radio shows on tape (DVD)
Favorite old movies
Books on tape
Motion activated night light
Personalized coffee mugs
Electronic grocery list reminder
Donation to favorite charity on behalf of recipient
Senior loved ones often treasure gifts of your time and companionship.
Again, be aware of health, energy and living arrangements. Short (and frequent) visits may be preferred to long visits. If you cannot visit as often as you would like, you can contact churches, religious affiliations, and other organizations who visit seniors as a community service. They are happy to help.
Interested in a tour of Doolittle Home? Call 508.543.2694 and ask for DeAnna Willis, Executive Director.
For nearly a century, Doolittle Home takes pride in providing exceptional care & peace of mind for residents and their families. Often described as a bed & breakfast setting with extraordinary nursing care focused on personal attention, watch Doolittle Home’s Executive Director speak about what makes our “home” special.
Click Here To Learn More About DeAnna And Doolittle Home’s Staff
Those who have parents still living on their own may be interested in the following information. It is a list of the main problems confronting people over 55 years of age, according to a Gallup poll of 1,500 people in that category.
Below are the top 16 challenges the elderly can face on any given day.
1. Opening medicine packages
2. Reading product labels
3. Reaching high things
4. Fastening buttons, snaps and zippers
5. Vacuuming and dusting
6. Going up and down stairs
7. Cleaning bathtubs and sinks
8. Washing and waxing floors
9. Putting clothes over one’s head
10. Putting on socks, shoes, or stockings
11. Carrying purchases home
12. Using tools
13. Being helpless if something happens while at home alone
14. Using the shower or bathtub (where many falls occur)
15. Tying shoelaces, neckties and bows
16. Moving around the house without slipping or falling.
And for those living in colder climates, shoveling snow and dealing with winter conditions can create a challenge as well.
Although it is certainly not true that all elderly people have these problems, caregivers might want to keep this information in mind…especially when you consider that one common characteristic associated with aging is denial. Those that took care of us all of our lives may not want to admit it when they need help. Helping to reduce the difficulties associated with aging can assist in minimizing its most common negative emotions of fear, loneliness, depression and feelings of helplessness – and increase the feeling of vitality. Exercise and staying active can help keep these problems from occurring.
Many times one of the most difficult challenge for caregivers is to find ways to assist that don’t highlight the elderly loved one’s need for help.
Would you like more information about Doolittle Home? Click here for a 360 degree virtual tour or Call 508-543-2694 for a complimentary tour.
Subscribe to Doolittle Home’s Blog by clicking on the chair below. And feel free to leave comments in the comment box below and share Doolittle Home’s blog posts by clicking on the social media icons in the sharing is caring section. We’d love to hear your input.
“The edge of the bed sagged, so she literally slid off the bed and broke her wrist.” Marge Howard, Doolittle Home’s Physical Therapist shares.
Most are unaware of the fact that beds need to be at a proper height. If someone is sitting on the edge of the bed, their feet should be firmly planted on the floor with their knees at or close to 90 degrees. Also the mattress edge should be firm enough so when they are sitting on the edge, the mattress is not sagging and acting as a slide, ensuring they don’t slide off the edge of the bed onto the floor.
An additional caregiver tip is to mindful of bed clothes, for example, satin and silk pajamas or sheets because of their slippery nature. “This is a frequent issue, especially with the women who have silky bathrobes and nightgowns.”
A family member is encouraged to install a bed transfer handle to help a person come to a sitting position or steady themselves on the edge of the bed. A bed transfer also can prevent falls without being too obtrusive. A bed transfer is described as a U shaped handle stuck between the bed board.
A full bed rail can prove to be hazardous than the transfer handle because a mildly confused or sleepy person is more apt to climb over the bed rail, while the transfer handle they are more apt to use it for an assist.
Marge Howard is the physical therapist consultant for Doolittle Home for 18 years. Watch Marge’s Video Here
