The Cedars Retirement Community: Volunteer of the Year

Posted by Katharine on May 9th, 2013

Volunteer of the Year Mary Goff with staff Angie Hunt, Janine Fifield, and Sharon Leddy-Smart

Each year at The Cedars Retirement Community, we have the difficult task of choosing one person to represent The Cedars as the volunteer of the year. It presents a challenge, because everyone here has remarkable talents and gifts that they share with our residents.

This year we recognized Mary Goff a volunteer whom is originally from Green Bay Wisconsin and has followed us throughout history, volunteering for many years at the Jewish home and now present day here at The Cedars. Currently she visits daily with multiple residents, assists the Life Enrichment department with activities and transport, assists residents from the Osher Inn on Regional Transportation Program (RTP) trips and even accompanies residents to their medical appointments.

Her overall volunteer experience spans 30 years and includes, Big Brother Big Sister, Habitat for Humanity, Ingraham Volunteers and she has even helped to establish the Portland Chapter of Pine Tree Epilepsy.

She is compassionate, enthusiastic and caring upon whom ever she encounters. In her spare time Mary enjoys reading and crafting. She lives in Falmouth with her husband Ernie and her daughter Mandy. 

When asked “why does she volunteer?” She replied that “we all get more than we give in regards to those we help!”

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Garden Committee at The Cedars Retirement Community

Posted by Katharine on May 6th, 2013

Barbara Lawrence, Volunteer at The Cedars

The Cedars Retirement Community is pleased to announce that volunteer Barbara Lawrence will be facilitating the Resident Garden Club at our Skilled Care Center.  For several years, Barbara has been leading the floral design classes at The Cedars in addition to volunteering twice a month on the neighborhoods.  With a degree in Horticulture, she has been working with flowers and plants for 40 years.  At The Cedars, she plans to work with residents on the patio outside of the Leibowitz neighborhood, and the patio extending from the Therapeutic Recreation area.  With her assistance, the residents will choose the flowers, colors, and where they’d like to plan them.  Then Barbara will work with all interested residents to plant and actively garden with her.  The Cedars is extremely fortunate that Barbara is offering her time and expertise for our residents.  Thank you Barbara!

 

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Retirement Community Living: Wellness Expert Expands Reach

Posted by Katharine on April 26th, 2013

Sharon Leddy-Smart, Lifestyles Coordinator and Wellness expert at The Atrium at The Cedars Retirement Community, recently added to her credentials a certification to teach Living Well for Better Health.  This nationally recognized, award-winning program was designed to empower people to become more active in managing their health, particularly those with long-term health issues.  Sharon attended an extensive workshop through the Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging (SMAAA) to complete the certification.

“This is another way for me to educate our members,” Sharon shares.  While teaching various exercise classes at The Atrium such as water aerobics, resistance training, and cardiovascular fitness, Sharon believes that Living Well for Better Health will provide an enhancement to our members’ overall wellness.  “It encourages people to take ownership for their health – to advocate and take responsibility for themselves – with our support, of course.”  All too often society encourages us to rely on physicians and healthcare practitioners to manage our health, when there are so many simple actions we can take to better live with our health issues.  Some of these long-term health concerns include cancer, arthritis, COPD, diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, heart disease, Parkinson’s and other concerns that may be getting in the way of feeling our best.

As a certified instructor, Sharon will be offering Living Well for Better Health at The Cedars through SMAAA – and it will be open to the Portland community.  For more information, please contact Sharon at sleddy-smart@thecedarsportland.org or 207-221-7100.

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Best Retirement Community: Member Poet Contemplates Spring in Maine

Posted by Katharine on April 17th, 2013

“A Spring Poem” by Mary Lou Martindell, member of The Atrium at The Cedars

It’s the Creation story, the reincarnation of all of nature.

The snow has cleansed and purified the earth,

Trees shrug off their snowy limbs like heavy overcoats.

Spring blossoms, almost anemic in their hunger for the sunlight,

poke through the snow to the rhythm of their own internal clocks.

Velvety pussy willows put out their silvery light visible a long way down
the road.

Hard wood trees sprout new leaves. Blades of wilted grass turn green.

Small animals who’ve been hibernating all winter rise out of the ground
and search for a mate.

The Spring birds will soon be arriving to seek out their new homes.

The silence of nature thick with the aroma of bark and humus, rotting
pine needles and the perfume of fresh air.

It is a new beginning, a rebirth of Nature.

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Farewell Everett

Posted by Katharine on April 10th, 2013

Everett

Longtime employee at The Cedars, Everett Winslow, passed away earlier this week.  Perennially loyal and hardworking, Everett had been a stable force in the Environmental Services Department at The Cedars for over 15 years.  “He would show up early for every shift – never wanting to be late.  Truly one of the most dedicated employees I’ve ever seen,” Director Ben Ellis recalls.  “We will miss his understated, friendly manner.”  Everett was known for keeping a low profile, but managed to interact with everyone.

Kathy Callnan, President and CEO, recalls a challenging situation several years ago during construction when the electrical power to the freezers failed.  Neighbors began complaining about the din from the generator, and senior staff was huddled in attempts to come up with an alternative.  “When Everett came to work that afternoon, he immediately suggested using dry ice.  We all looked at each other and said, ‘Why didn’t we think of that!”

Executive Secretary, Holly Nicholson remembers Everett checking in every afternoon to make sure there that he had everything covered.  “He didn’t forget a thing!  And always left each room spotless – no shortcuts – ever.” David Kessler, Director of Dining sums up his experience with Everett: “He’d give you the shirt off of his back, that’s just the kind of guy he was.” 

We thank you Everett for making The Cedars part of your life.  We will miss you.

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Holistic Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine on April 3rd, 2013

“Minus the pre-conceived notions and judgments engendered by our culture about growing old, aging is simply change.”  FRED BRANCATO, TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR

Fred Brancato

The mood is as bright as the winter sun streaming through the windows as instructor Fred Brancato greets each member of his weekly Tai Chi class at The Cedars.  Gathered in a circle, they begin by sharing with each other and letting go of the preoccupations of the day.  As they rise to begin their exercises, they are already lighter.

Fred has practiced Tai Chi for the past 21 years, and he guides this class with a voice of quiet assurance.  Movements are graceful, yet precise.  Breathing is slower, but deeper.  Each sequence includes gentle reminders to stay centered, to smile.  Everything is in balance.

At 71, Fred has the look and bearing of a much younger man, and Tai Chi clearly informs his outlook on aging.  And as he shares the philosophy behind this ancient art with the class during the discussion breaks, you can see how the concepts of birth and rebirth and of harmony with change also resonate with his students.  “I love the people at The Cedars,” Fred says.  “So quick to laugh, wide open, ready for anything.  I get so much from them.”

And they get so much from this class.  “There are so many health benefits for seniors,” he says.  “the meditative nature of Tai Chi as well as the exercises.  Preserving strength and balance are so beneficial as we age.  Tai Chi has been credited with lowering blood pressure and blood sugars, easing fibromyalgia – every study shows something new.”

At the beginning of class, Fred cracked a window to the bracing winter breeze.  By the time he closes it, minds are clearer and walks are brisker.  Tai Chi with Fred has refreshed and renewed this class, like a breath of fresh air.

A Ph.D. and scholar of world religious traditions now retired from academia, Fred teaches Tai Chi and courses about Eastern philosophy and Native American world views, and is the author of Ancient Wisdom and the Measure of Our Days: The spiritual Dimensions of Retirement, Aging and Loss.

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Book Event at The Cedars: Death and Love in the Holocaust

Posted by Katharine on March 26th, 2013

This past Sunday, The Cedars retirement community gathered to honor Atrium member, Kurt Messerschmidt and the book recently written about his experiences: Death and Love in the Holocaust, The Story of Sonja and Kurt Messerschmidt.  Along with Cantor Messerschmidt’s family, Dr. Robert Bernheim, Executive Director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC) was in attendance. Dr. Bernheim expanded on the HHRC’s mission of ‘getting to the bottom of intolerance through education, exhibition and advocacy.’

One method the HHRC uses to drive their mission is through story-telling.  Dr. Bernheim and author, Steven Hochstadt started conversations with Sonja and Kurt in the late 1980’s, to start chronicling their experiences.  Dr. Hochstadt, Professor of History at Illinois College, explains that he “tried to make a book which revealed Sonya’s and Kurt’s extraordinary survival separately and together, in their own words.  I found a wonderful partner in Robert Bernheim and the HHRC. I look forward to the use of our book to teach the Holocaust in classrooms across the country.”

During the event, Cantor Messerschmidt related details of their experiences to a rapt audience.  Although his wife, Sonja passed away in 2010, we all felt her presence at this very special occasion.  Death and Love in the Holocaust, The Story of Sonja and Kurt Messerschmidt is available through the HHRC at http://hhrc.uma.edu/.

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Best Retirement Community: Music That Heals

Posted by Katharine on March 15th, 2013

Several recent studies have highlighted the benefits of music for older adults.  In particular, the healing and connective power of familiar music for people with Alzheimer’s disease.  At The Cedars, our Recreational Therapists have been incorporating music into the lives of our residents for years. 

Kim Doyon, Manager of Life Enrichment Services at The Cedars for over 10 years, brings music to our community not only through professionals from the Portland area, but also from several volunteers as well. “The experience of music can truly transform them (our residents).  Some residents with more advanced dementia are able to sing the lyrics to an entire song.  The key is to play songs that were familiar to the residents when they were young.”  Volunteer Jim Bickford, whose ‘day job’ is welcoming visitors at the Front Desk, plays golden oldies every Wednesday afternoon at The Cedars.  “He has a loyal following,” Kim explains. 

In addition, during the last Wednesday of every month, Katherine Rhoda brings her multiple instruments to The Cedars, serenading the residents room to room.  “She’ll play the flute, fiddle, clarinet and piano and the residents really respond.  She’s here all day and the community just loves her.”  Stop by one of our neighborhoods or the activity area of the Skilled Care Center, and throughout the week you’ll find one of our many musical performers and our residents tapping their toes to the songs of the 30’s and 40’s.  For more information on the benefits of music and our seniors, contact Kim Doyon at kdoyon@thecedarsportland.org.

 

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Retirement Community Education: Dr. Marino Presents on Frailty in the Elderly

Posted by Katharine on March 7th, 2013

Medical Director at The Cedars, Dr. Rich Marino, presented to a captive group of nurses and physicians assistants today at The Cedars Retirement Community, on the subject of frailty and malnutrition in the elderly.  Nancy Rodick RN, nurse at The Cedars, explains that the presentation was particularly beneficial to her as a nurse working with the fragile, long term care population.

Dr. Marino outlined a host of episodes that could occur in a frail, elder person’s life which could trigger a decline.  These events may range from the flu to a fall or a death in the family.  “They just don’t have the reserve that younger people have, and any of these episodes could lead to a downward spiral,” Rodick related.  And to make matter worse, diagnosing the elderly is challenging given that their bodies don’t respond the same way as younger bodies do.  For instance, when an elderly person gets an infection they don’t necessarily spike a fever – which would alert the care staff that something was wrong.  And then, once sick, they don’t have the ability to rally, or to bounce back quickly.

Rodick went on to say, “Our society so clearly emphasizes the importance of being thin and maintaining a low cholesterol level.  However, as we age all of that goes out the window, and we actually need the extra fat and cholesterol.”  Her take-away from Dr. Marino’s discussion was that although frailty is a natural part of the aging process, we must do our best to keep our residents on an even keel.  We need to help prevent the triggers that cause the cascade to poorer health by keeping protein and fat stores up, preventing falls and avoiding issues like the flu.

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A New Medical Director at The Cedars Charts a New Way Forward

Posted by Katharine on February 28th, 2013

“When it comes to our seniors, Dr. Marino will not compromise.”  - Angie Hunt, Chief Operating Officer 

QUALITY CARE.  The Cedars will never settle for anything less.  So when the standards for measuring that quality began to change in the wake of the Affordable Care Act, we charged a bold new course.  Helping to steer us forward is our new medical director, Richard T. Marino, Jr., MD.  A board certified physician specializing in Geratric Medicine and Family Practice, Dr. Marino is dedicated, patient focused and determined to do the very best for our seniors.
 
“The direction of the Affordable Care Act is clear,” explains Angie Hunt, Chief Operating Officer.  “Medical providers are constantly evaluated – and payment is tied to performance.  Hospitals are the front lines of evidence-based protocols.  To continue to provide Maine’s best healthcare for seniors, The Cedars needed a Medical Director affiliated with a hospital and familiar with exceeding these standards.” 
 
Angie knew she would need to forge a new partnership.  As soon as she met Dr. Marino, she knew she’d found the right partner.  “I pay very close attention to outcomes,” Dr. Marino says.  “The numbers are an important window into what is really working for seniors.  But give me any spreadsheet, and my bottom line is always What is best for my patients and residents?”
 
“Dr. Marino is all about quality,” Angie agrees.  “He’s affiliated with Maine Medical Center, he’s committed to evidence-based practice and he shares our unwavering commitment to putting patients first.  He’s the perfect partner for us.  When it comes to our seniors, he will not compromise.”
 
Dr. Marino earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Boston University.  He completed his residency at the Maine Medical Center (MMC) Family Medicine Residency Program as co-chief resident, and his specialty in geriatrics at MMC’s Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program.  He is a member of the American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Directors Association and American Academy of Family Physicians, and a faculty member of MMC Family Medicine Residency Program.  He has dedicated his career to advancing medical care for seniors, and The Cedars is already feeling the benefits of his expertise. 
 
“Dr. Marino has given us new tools to assess not just how our patients are doing, but how we are doing,” explains Susan Dionne-Jones, RN, Director of Nursing.  “And we’re doing great.  For instance, he knows how important it is to us to keep our patients and residents out of the hospital.  Going to and from the hospital is so hard on seniors.  His assessments show the benefits of keeping seniors healthy and comfortable right here.”
 
Dr. Marino brings a top-notch team with him to The Cedars.  Rachel Blake, MD, Stacey Farrington, NP-C and Charity Lower, PA-C, assist Dr. Marino in caring for patients and residents.  “We are all so excited about the possibilities this new partnership opens up for The Cedars,” says Kathy Callnan, President and CEO.  “But as a former nurse, watching our seniors and their families open up to our new medical team is the best part for me.  Dr. Marino and his staff are compassionate, caring people and our families love them.”

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