Posted on: September 13 2016
Throughout these Cycles of Life posts, I have mentioned “list” several times. In this age of technology, I must admit that I am a fan of good old-fashioned paper. Don’t get me wrong, I love my smart phone and use it all the time but I also have a binder and a notebook for each of my parents. I find the binder is very helpful at doctor appointments and especially during a hospital visit or stay. The binder allows me to add, maintain and find their health care information easily plus I don't need...
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Posted in Advocacy
Posted on: September 09 2016
Armistead Senior Care and Spring Village at Essex are co-sponsoring Comedy for a Cause on Friday, September 9, 7:00 p.m. at Twiggs American Gastropub, 24 North Main Street, Saint Albans City. Tickets are $20, proceeds benefit the Franklin County Dementia Care Coalition. Doors open at 6:30, show runs from 7:00-9:00. Not suitable for people under 18. Email Carrie Rae at Carrie.shamel@springvillageessex.com for more info. We are proud to support the Franklin County Dementia Care Coalition, whose mission is to be a vocal advocate for those affected by this disease. Their services are always available to help individuals and families...
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Posted in Announcements
Posted on: August 26 2016
For some people, the financial planning piece is the hardest part. For others, the health care piece is more difficult. You probably have a good idea about how your loved one feels. Either way the health care planning is equally as important, especially if there is a chronic illness present. Again, be gentle, yet firm; be empathetic yet realistic; be compassionate yet solution oriented. Be kind and be patient, this is hard. Communication continues to be the key/foundation to knowledge and knowledge is power. If you have been following the previous posts, you already have created the...
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Posted in Advance directive
Posted on: August 16 2016
The next stage of early planning involves Important Documents-yes, the legal paperwork otherwise known as estate planning. It is understandable why we put off these conversations-they may feel more intrusive to your loved ones because they involve money and their belongings. In addition, they will have to imagine the end of their life, another bummer of a conversation. Unfortunately, they must come to terms with it. Explain that this process gives them control; they will be in control over their assets and property, in control of their health care by expressing their goals and wishes - especially regarding their...
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Posted in Articles
Posted on: August 12 2016
Armistead Senior Care and The Thompson Senior Center will take part in the "The Taste of Woodstock" on Saturday, August 13th starting at 10:00 a.m. Come join the fun and stop by our booth! The Taste of Woodstock is a festival of food, drink, live music, street performers, kids activities, dancing, tastings, and shopping that will be held Saturday, Aug.13, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. in downtown Woodstock. This year the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce is partnering with other community nonprofits — like Purple Crayon Productions — to offer a “taste” of everything for which the...
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Posted in Announcement
Posted on: July 26 2016
I am sharing this article published online by The New York Times last week. It addresses many common situations and emotions faced by our loved ones and those that are helping them with their next Cycle of Life. Here is the original article. Helping the Elderly Downsize By KAYA LATERMAN JULY 22, 2016 In her long career as a psychiatrist, Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross has been described by friends and colleagues as practical and calm. But two other traits, humor and patience, went right out the window when she decided to downsize. “You ask yourself what you want to keep, and...
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Posted in Aging in Place
Posted on: July 16 2016
Now that you have done some research and are aware of some resources, compile a list of them and share it with your siblings or other family members. Ideally, you are having relaxed, on-going conversations with your loved ones about their health and lots of other matters-now it is time to bring up “the future.” Asking them to envision where they see themselves getting older can be a great conversation starter. Ask open-ended questions and give them time and space to answer. Over the course of these conversations discuss as many scenarios, as possible. Some examples include...
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Posted in Aging in Place