The 2013 Winter Newsletter is being printed and prepared for mailing. For those who appreciate electronic versions, here’s a copy fresh off the press.
Winter 2013 Doolittle Home Newsletter
Doolittle Home has been offering compassionate care for the elderly since 1915. Interested in a tour? Call DeAnna Willis 508.543.2694.
Falling in love as an older adult is a blissful, fulfilling feeling. You’ve likely fallen in love many times before in your life. But, there’s something unique about meeting a special person in your older years. Once you’ve felt an attraction toward someone there are emotional, psychological, and physiological responses that occur in your body. If you think that the feelings associated with falling in love are random, they are certainly not! Many researchers and scientists have studied the connection between your mind, body, and heart. And, the verdict is in- there are chemicals associated with the various stages of love.
The fledgling state of love includes butterflies fluttering around in your stomach. No matter what your age, the early stages of love remain the same. Your cheeks will be flushed, eyes dilated, stomach aflutter, and heart racing. Just like when you were a teenager, you’ll never want to leave your partner’s side. Testosterone and estrogen are key players during this stage. Even though testosterone is often associated with men, it is also present in women during moments of romantic attraction. Attraction is also facilitated by neuro-transmitters called monoamines.
As your relationship evolves and deepens, you and your partner will enter into the attachment stage. This stage is fueled by oxytocin, the chemical released during childbirth. The attachment stage is when you and your partner begin building a collaborative plan for your lives. These may include buying property together and long-term healthcare planning. Before rushing into commitment with someone it is important to assess whether you share the same values and life goals.
Doolittle Home provide residents with community interaction and involvement. The activities program also fully encourages and supports family involvement. If you are interested in a personal tour…..and falling in love with Doolittle Home call DeAnna Willis 508.543.2694.
References
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopics/love/
Doolittle Home’s Board of Trustees, staff and residents mourn the loss of devoted twenty year volunteer Richard Leon Cross who died suddenly as the result of an automobile accident Dec. 20, 2012. His talents, humor and friendship will be missed by all.
An honor graduate of Bangor High School he moved to Boston in 1960 to attend Bentley College. An honor graduate of Bangor High School he moved to Boston in 1960 to attend Bentley College. He earned an associate and bachelor’s degree in accountancy in 1962 and 1966, respectively; and after that a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern University. As an undergraduate, he was a faculty assistant and a member of the accounting correcting department. Richard went on to the Boston office of Ernest & Young, filling the post of staff auditor for three years.
In 1969 as a certified public accountant, he returned to Bentley, where he joined the accountancy faculty and remained for 40 years until his retirement in 2008. His contributions ranged across the institution which included teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, chairing the accountancy department, coordinating the certified public accountant review course, and serving on many faculty committees. In the realm of college governance, he represented the faculty on the academic affairs, institutional advancement and nominating committees of the board of trustees. From 1991 to his retirement, 17 years, Professor Cross was the school’s ceremonial marshal. Professor Cross’ unfailing commitment to students inspired several awards, notably, the Gregory H. Adamian Award for Teaching Excellence and the Outstanding Advising Award. His mentoring role extended to coordinating the Bentley Business Bowl case competition and advising student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi and Kappa Pi Alpha. His professional memberships included Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The Becker certified public accountant review tapped his expertise as an editorial board member and instructor. He also taught courses in Boston for the U.S. Civil Service Commission, Northeastern University and Harvard Business School. Until his death, Professor Cross was long committed to community causes and active with Bay Village Neighborhood Association, Boston; Doolittle Home, a life-care retirement home in Foxborough, Mass.; and Hillel Council of Greater Boston. “Richard was a dear friend and our hearts are broken from the loss.” DeAnna Willis, Doolittle Home’s Executive Director shared.
Many Americans volunteer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 60 million people volunteered between 2010 and 2011. Volunteering is great for your health and your community. Research suggests that individuals who are 60 years and older have the most to gain from volunteering. The Corporation for National and Community Service reports a strong correlation between volunteering among older adults and health. The report says: “those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer”.
Choosing an opportunity is an important step in the process of volunteering. Brainstorm with loved ones and identify the goals you’d like to accomplish in your volunteer experience. Do you want to work with adults or children? Would you like to do something indoors or outdoors? Are you interested in working with animals? In addition to your interests, determine the time frame you estimate works for your lifestyle. If you would like to volunteer only on holidays than your search will look different than if you want to volunteer on a weekly basis.
Before signing on to a volunteer opportunity consult with your friends and loved ones. People who care for you may have unique insights into the type of opportunity that is best for you. It is also important to consult with your doctor to determine the benefits and risks to your health, especially if the opportunity involves manual labor. For more information about volunteering Click Here
What makes Doolittle Home Different? True Life Care.
Life Care ensures care for the resident for life, regardless of changes in health or financial status. Residents do not turn over all their assets – they pay an up-front fee for life care based on expected costs of care for their life expectancy according to actuarial tables. That cost is offset by his/her monthly Social Security and/or any pension income to determine the cost of admission. Many residents sell their modest homes, pay their admission and still retain investments of their own. With the up-front fee, residents are guaranteed care for the remainder of their days regardless of changes in health.
Life Care provides full services in addition to room and meals for life. As health changes dictate, residents have access to the fully accredited Nursing Unit. There are no additional or incremental fees with Life Care. Changing medical needs are addressed by staff and licensed providers in a familiar setting.
Life Care provides the resident’s room, three meals per day plus snacks, medication management, nursing staff, activities, etc. If a resident requires a stay in the nursing unit, there is no additional charge. Life Care even provides a hairdresser on site each week because looking good helps residents feel good. Regardless of changes in health, care is provided for life.
Come see for yourself. Schedule a private tour by calling 508-543-2694 and ask for DeAnna Willis, Executive Director.
References
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.toc.htm
New Years resolutions are easy to make and easy to break. If you’re an older adult, it’s likely that you’ve made dozens of resolutions over the years. Perhaps there were some resolutions that you kept and others that you broke. Psychologist and author Richard Wiseman reports that only 52% of people who make resolutions believed that they could keep them. Even more surprisingly, only 12% succeeded in keeping their resolutions at all. As you reflect on previous years, what were the barriers that kept you away from achieving your goals? What were the strengths that helped you fulfill your goals? If you’re committed to being part of the 12% this year, read below for some tips on how to make realistic resolutions and keep them throughout the year.
Write down your resolutions using clear, specific, measurable objectives. A resolution to “be healthier” is not as powerful as a resolution to “attend jazzercise class every Monday and Wednesday”. Hang your resolution somewhere in your home, preferably in a place that you see every day. Set small goals that are realistic and manageable. If you’re currently eating one or two healthy meals each week, do not resolve to eat 21 healthy meals come January. Instead, resolve to eat one healthy meal a day, or, five healthy meals each week. Start slowly and increase over time.
Use the month of December to prepare yourself for transformation in 2013. Recruit friends and family to support you and ask how you can support them, too. Helping your friends meet their goals is a wonderful way to solidify an already close bond.
Worried about care of an older relative while you travel for the holidays? Doolittle Home can put your mind at ease. We provide respite care in our beautiful facility. Your loved one will receive attentive personal care from our staff, enjoy our delicious meals and participate in all activities. Give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Call Doolittle Home 508.543.2694 for information. Click Here To Watch Pat Talk About her Experience With Doolittle Home
Residents at Doolittle Home enjoying playing Bingo. The rousing game of bingo that Americans love has a long and rich history. Bingo originated in the early 1500s. The roots of the game can be traced to an Italian lottery, Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’ Italia. Interestingly, the Italian version of bingo is still played every weekend in certain parts of the country. In the late 1700s wealthy French aristocrats played a game called, Le Lotto, which shares many features with the Italian and American version of the game, bingo. German children also played a version of bingo. Yet, they used the game as an educational tool.
Bingo, once called Beano, finally reached Atlanta, Georgia in the early 1900s. The game was found primarily at fairs and carnivals, providing a jovial activity for children and families to play while they were enjoying the festivities. Edwin Lower, a toy salesman from New York, overheard someone yell the word, “Bingo!” instead of “Beano!”. The name stuck and Lower became committed to promoting the game. He and a math professor collaborated and created thousands of bingo cards with unique combinations.
Bingo is now commonly played at churches, community centers, and schools to raise money. The idea of using bingo as a way to increase recreational funds also began in the early 1900s. Catholic churches relied on funds accrued from bingo to build savings. Aside from fundraising efforts, bingo has also been used as a way for community members to bond. Bingo is a carefree, high-energy game that keeps people on their toes. Many Americans love playing Bingo with friends and family. The game can be played with hundreds of people in a large auditorium. Or, it can be played at a kitchen table with a small family.
Doolittle Home provide residents with community interaction and involvement. The activities program also fully encourages and supports family involvement and volunteers. If you are interested in finding out how to volunteer at Doolittle Home Click here
November was an exceptionally busy month for activities at Doolittle Home. Entertainer Duane Sullivan filled the home with music, a new afternoon tea party program was added and the Interact Group of Foxboro provided a morning of crafts.
Please call Doolittle Home for additional information or to arrange a tour. We invite your inspection and comparison of our unique services to the elderly. There are many options available to those making decisions for aging loved ones but nobody can match the care and commitment of Doolittle Home.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting nearly 5 million Americans. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, AD accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for AD. However, President Obama recently signed into law a plan to study the disease, called the National Alzheimer’s Project. Until medical professionals find a cure for AD, families are left alone cope with the effects of AD. If you or one of your elderly parents have been diagnosed with AD, read below to learn some tips on how to slow its progression.
There is not one “right” way to slow the progression of AD. However, there are several lifestyle changes that individuals can make in order to keep their bodies healthy and minds sharp. The American Medical Association makes a strong argument about the importance of early detection. If you’re concerned about your memory or the memory of a loved one, make an appointment with the doctor. A recent study published in the journal, Neurology, reported that exercise slows the progression of AD. Before you begin exercising, make a plan with your doctor to learn the appropriate exercises for your condition. Another recent study, published in Neurology, reported that engaging in mentally challenging activities such as crossword puzzles might delay the memory loss associated with AD.
“Alzheimer’s can’t wait,” said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. “For the first time ever, families grappling with this progressive, degenerative and ultimately fatal disease can have real hope that a national strategy addressing the escalating Alzheimer’s crisis is coming.” If you or a loved one is coping with this disease, reach out for help and support from medical professionals, friends, and family.
The eight-week stretch between Thanksgiving and New Years can be the most stressful time of the year for those caring for elderly relatives.
The stress isn’t just due to the holiday activities—shopping for gifts, baking, addressing and sending out holiday cards, organizing transportation for holiday expeditions, etc.—that take up additional time and add additional responsibilities to a caregiver’s already packed life. Holiday time is family time and when family members come together there are a lot of challenges to the caregiver about how they are doing
their job;” and to the fact that the weather “is ‘iffy,’ and that makes doing everything more difficult;” and to the fact that the “work and family schedules and care routines that enable caregivers to keep all the balls in the air are disrupted during the holidays.”
“It’s no surprise,” adds the social worker, “that caregivers say they feel overwhelmed, out of control and out of patience during the holidays. They are.”
Nothing can stop the disruptive impact the holidays have on a caregiver’s life, but planning
for the physical, emotional, and fiscal upheaval that comes with them can definitely help caregivers survive them.
The following strategies are for family caregivers to weather whatever the “festive season” throws your way.
1. Make a holiday to-do list/calendar—including family gatherings, parties, kids or grand kids programs, due-dates for getting cards and gifts into the mail, getting holiday goodies baked, etc.—then figure out which activities you should do and which ones you can delegate to the folks in item number 2.
2. Put together a support network Make a list—family, friends, community agencies and service providers— and get comfortable delegating.
3. Learn to say no. This isn’t selfish, it’s self-empowering. If you don’t, you and the person you are caring for will be so exhausted you won’t be able to enjoy things.
4. Don’t aim for perfection. Be flexible and when you need to, change your expectations to fit a situation. That way, you aren’t disappointed or guilt-ridden…[and] you actually gain the time and the energy to participate in things and enjoy them.
5. Maintain your health. Don’t skip medications or medical appointments; exercise; and eat and drink to sustain energy, but avoid rich foods, sugar, and alcohol. All boost energy for a bit, then leave you burned out.
6. Find a de-stressing mechanism. For some people, it’s deep breathing, for some it’s meditating, for others it’s humor, or journaling or scrap booking.
7. Don’t forget immediate family “Neglecting them adds to feelings of guilt, so plan time to be in the moment with them, to celebrate with them, to participate in activities and traditions just with them. This isn’t selfish, it’s life-affirming.
For more information on about Alzheimer Disease visit http://www.alz.org/
Interested in finding out more information about Doolittle Home? Call DeAnna Willis, Executive Director, for a personal tour. 508.543.2694. Click Here For Testimonials
References
“Total daily physical activity and the risk of AD and cognitive decline in older adults,” Neurology, published online April 18, 2012
“Being physically active may protect the brain from Alzheimer disease,” Neurology, published online April 18, 2012
C. B. Hall, Ph.D., R. B. Lipton, M.D., M. Sliwinski, Ph.D., et al: “Cognitive Activities Delay Onset of Memory Decline in Persons Who Develop Dementia.” Neurology, Volume 73, pages 356-361, August, 2009
Halloween was a special day for Doolittle Home residents. Youngsters from The Crossroads Children Center visited Doolittle Home with smiles and dressed up as policeman, princesses, Superheros, fairies and more.
As a tradition, The Crossroads Children have been coming to Doolittle Home on Halloween for over 10 years, delighting the residents with a parade throughout the home and sprinkling fun in their path.
We thank teachers Marie Williams and June Connolly for accompanying the children.
