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April 1, 2023

The Chestertown Spy

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Senior Nation Senior Notes

Helping Seniors in Isolation During COVID-19

July 21, 2020 by For All Seasons, Inc.

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Seniors are an especially vulnerable population during COVID-19, given their increased co-morbidities. They often feel stressed and anxious due to the increased risk of not only contracting COVID but also suffering more complications if they contract the virus. Some seniors may also be feeling increased sadness related to the isolation caused by the pandemic.

According to Mary Beth Brinsfield, MSN, CRNP-PMH, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at For All Seasons, “A common theme I hear from my older patients is how they miss seeing their families, particularly their grandchildren.”

Rob Sanchez, MD, a family practice physician specializing in geriatrics and hospice medicine, comments, “My senior patients have done pretty well, following the quarantine instructions and staying home.”

He adds that fear seems to be the worst thing facing seniors. He encourages patients to listen to less television and listen to more music. He comments, “I suggested that to a patient, and they called me to tell me how it helped them cope better.”

Dr. Sanchez also gives hope to his patients sharing that at some point that there will be a vaccine for coronavirus and that the medical community knows more about the virus now than they did in February and March.

His wife, Lynn Sanchez, a Mental Health Advocate who also works in her husband’s practice, echoes his sentiments about music, “Music can transport us. Seniors can listen to the music channels on cable television or their Alexa or Spotify. You may even ask a senior family member to dance outside with you.”

In a recent article, “Coronavirus and COVID-19: Caregiving for the Elderly,” by Alicia Arbaje, MD, MPH, Ph.D., who specializes in internal medicine and geriatrics at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Arbaje says, “Physical distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation or loneliness. We need to keep older adults safe, but also keep in mind that social isolation can have a negative impact on older people’s immunity and mental health.”

She encourages technology for helping seniors stay connected, showing them how to video chat with others using smartphones, laptops, or tablets and how to use apps on these devices to provide captions for adults with hearing challenges. She adds, “Encourage friends and family outside of your household to telephone, write notes or send cards to lift your loved one’s spirits.”

Brinsfield adds, “Planning drive-by visits, having grandchildren color pictures or write letters is an easy way to help seniors not feel as isolated and helps to keep them in communication with loved ones.”

She further explains that as neighbors and friends, we can do similar acts that can have a positive impact. Checking in on seniors to make sure they have their basic needs met will help to alleviate the anxiety of how they get food supplies (another stressor) or medications. She states, “Making or bringing them food, could also be a way to show they are cared about and not forgotten. Sending cards and notes of thoughts or humor are another way to assist in brightening their day, as well as making phone calls to them. Outside activity is also important for mental health. Inviting a senior to go for a walk or sit on the porch is an easy way for you and them to receive the mental health benefits of fresh air!”

Lynn Sanchez explains that seniors need to have purpose. She credits Erik Erikson’s theory on human development – engaging older adults to repurpose their life skills, and thus reapply wisdom to new areas of their lives. She suggests such activities as knitting comfort shawls, making face masks to protect against the virus, making an indoor terrarium, purchasing a mechanical pet, sorting old photos and talking about the stories that go with them (like their wedding day), and organizing old photos and recipes.

She shares that a nursing home took the shoes of its patients and put them in the lobby to help tell the stories of their lives. “Sharing the memories and the stories is important. Children can even write questions for their parents to answer.”

Dr. Arbaje asks family members to keep in mind that many older people, especially those living with chronic illness, also have important relationships with their caregivers. She states, “To help them stay in touch, ask their doctors’ offices if they offer telemedicine, which enables doctors and patients to communicate over video, email or other means rather than face-to-face.”

“As we enter Phase 2, we are eager to bring patients back into the office. They appreciate being able to come in and see us. It is great for them to have some type of contact again,” Dr. Sanchez adds.

Lynn Sanchez comments, “Because all of our patients come in masked, we are realizing how important a smile is. We are having to learn all sorts of new non-verbal communication.”

Medical providers remind us that it is also important to note that at any time, if there is concern that a seniors’ mental health is posing a safety risk, 911 should be called.

For All Seasons provides therapy, advocacy, psychiatry, and education to Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. The agency accepts all private insurances, medical assistance, and supports English and Spanish speaking individuals regardless of one’s ability to pay. For All Seasons 24-Hour, confidential crisis hotlines are 410.820.5600 for English Hotline and 410.829.6143 for Spanish Hotline. Text available in English or Spanish at 410.829.6143.

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Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, For All Seasons, local news, Seniors

Londonderry on the Tred Avon to Continue Private Tours

June 27, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Following the success of the June 23rd private tour event, Londonderry on the Tred Avon has decided to offer additional private tours of the campus, its amenities and available cottages and apartments.

The next private tour event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and meet with members of Londonderry’s leadership team and also tour available cottages, amenities and the waterfront campus.

“We were thrilled with the fantastic response to our first event and have added an additional date to accommodate those who we missed,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “We look forward to safely welcoming potential residents and their families to our community.”

Event attendees should meet at Londonderry’s Clubhouse to enjoy refreshments before private tours begin.

For those interested in making the move to Londonderry and not able to join the event, the Sales and Marketing Office is open and conducting in-person and virtual tours of available, move-in ready properties. To schedule a virtual tour and to learn more about Londonderry, please call 410-820-8732.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information,visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors

Londonderry on the Tred Avon to Host Private Tours on Tuesday, June 23rd

June 20, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon will host private tours and refreshments on Tuesday, June 23rd from 10:00am – Noon. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with members of Londonderry’s leadership team and also tour available cottages, amenities and the waterfront campus.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for potential residents and/or their family members to tour Londonderry and learn more about our wonderful community,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “The wellness of our residents and guests is our top priority, and we have structured this event to follow all health and safety guidelines.”

Event attendees should meet at Londonderry’s Clubhouse to enjoy refreshments before private tours begin.

“We are excited to safely welcome visitors back to our campus and provide this exclusive event to prospective homeowners,” said Smith. “COVID-19 has caused many older adults, especially those with out-of-town families, to reevaluate their current living situation and consider retirement living. We are thrilled to welcome them to Londonderry and share more about our amenities, services and commitment to a healthy, active and close-knit community.”

For those interested in making the move to Londonderry and not able to join the event, the Sales and Marketing Office is open and conducting in-person and virtual tours of available, move-in ready properties. To schedule a virtual tour and to learn more about Londonderry, please call 410-820-8732.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information,visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors

Helen Crow Celebrates 101st Birthday at The Dixon House

May 6, 2020 by Spy Desk

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Helen Crow of Easton recently celebrated her 101st birthday at The Dixon House in the midst of social distancing due to COVID-19.  Staff at The Dixon House decorated the screened-in porch so that she could stand and see her family members at a distance who delivered candy and flowers for the celebration.

Helen Crow

The mission of The Dixon House is to provide high quality and affordable residential care to seniors in an enriching home-like environment. For further information, contact Linda Elben, Executive Director at 410-822-6661 or visit dixonhouse.org.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Seniors

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Announces COVID-19 Response Plan

March 25, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Today, Londonderry on the Tred Avon shared its response plan to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“During these uncertain times, our residents are our number one priority,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry of the Tred Avon CEO. “Our team is ‘all hands on deck’ during this constantly evolving situation, and we have made adjustments to our operations to ensure the health, wellness and safety of each and every one of our residents.”

The following measures have been put in place for the health and safety of our residents:

Residents have been asked to stay in their residences, and visitors are limited to family and caregivers, only.

All staff and visitors must have their temperature checked before being allowed on campus.

The Londonderry staff continues to work on campus to support our residents.

Healthy, fresh meals are delivered twice daily to residents in their homes.

Wellness checks are conducted daily for every resident.

Mail is being delivered directly to residents.

Included with deliveries are daily activity suggestions that residents can do safely on their own to stay active and engaged. Future Facebook Live videos and video conferences are being planned to bring the community together.

The Sales and Marketing Office remains open and is conducting virtual tours of available, move-in ready properties for prospective residents. To schedule a virtual tour and to learn more about Londonderry, please call 410-820-8732.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information,visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Talbot Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

HomePorts Benefit Dinner on April 6

March 23, 2020 by HomePorts

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Luisa’s Cucina Italiana is the host of the annual fund-raising dinner to benefit HomePorts, Inc. The event is being held on Monday, April 6, with seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Luisa’s is located at 849 Washington Ave, Chestertown.

Proceeds benefit HomePorts, greater Kent County’s non-profit aging-in-place membership organization. HomePorts assists those over 55 in providing access to a wide range of services in order to remain content, safe, and confident living in their own homes. HomePorts resources include a cadre of vetted volunteers to help members and referrals to reliable service providers in the fields of transportation; interior and exterior home maintenance; grocery & household services; personal assistance & trouble shooting; and pet care.  Additionally, HomePorts offers social and educational opportunities in cooperation with Shore Regional Health System. It also offers a subsidy for those with limited incomes.

A three-course meal will be offered with a choice of chicken, salmon, or eggplant parmigiana.  Meal includes salad, main course, dessert, and soda, coffee or tea. Tickets are $50. Call or email Karen at HomePorts, 443-380-0940 or karen@homeports.org, to purchase tickets. Space is limited.

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Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Seniors

HomePorts Presents: Using the Mind-Body Connection to Cope with Stress

February 20, 2020 by HomePorts

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Join our guest speaker, Dr. Regan King, licensed psychologist from High Street Psychotherapy, in exploring the biology behind our response to stress. Dr King will demonstrate and lead some relaxation strategies to help with stress

Thursday, March 5, 2019, 11:00 a.m., Chestertown Town Hall, 1st Floor, 118 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD  21620

The talk is free.  Please make a reservation by contacting Karen Wright at 443-480-0940 or email at Karen@homeports.org

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Seniors

Local Seniors Lobby in Annapolis

January 25, 2020 by Spy Desk

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On January 14 representatives from Kent, Queen Anne’s. and Talbot Counties attended the annual United Seniors of Maryland Legislative Forum in Annapolis and met with state legislators to express the need for state support for services for older adults and senior-friendly state policies.  Upper Shore attendees also pressed the legislators for support in retaining the hospital in Chestertown.

Before meeting with Delegates Jacobs, Otto, Arentz, and Mautz, the group heard updates from state leaders including the new Senate President Bill Ferguson and learned about USM priorities, which include elder abuse prevention and the implementation of end-of-life options.

Eastern Shore representatives meet with State Delegates Jay Jacobs, Johnny Mautz, Charles J. Otto, and Steve Arentz at the State House in Annapolis.

Susan Eddy of Chestertown said, “I was gratified by Senate President Bill Ferguson’s remarks on ‘priorities’ for the coming legislative session. He named three–and the second was ‘a deep look into long term care issues’.  He mentioned ‘astronomical costs’ and the coming ‘senior tsunami’. He stated we are not prepared for the future numbers of seniors who will need long term care. ’We don’t have the workforce, the facilities, nor the resources….,’ he said, and noted the importance of respect for our senior residents.”

United Seniors of Maryland (USM) is a coalition of individuals and organizations that includes over two million Marylanders. USM advocates for maintaining the mental, physical, and financial well-being of all Maryland seniors. According to Elizabeth Weiglein, USM President, “We are operating among a lot of competing priorities for funds. We see the need to monitor and speak up for the resources and services needed to support seniors, a group that often is not visible. As the number of older adults increases, the amount per capita of funding at all levels is decreasing. Citizen advocacy is critical.”

United Seniors of Maryland is concerned over the deficit in State funding for senior services. “Over the past five years, there have been many cuts. The State should be paying more attention to this growing sector of our population. Instead, we have to fight just to restore prior levels of service,” said Weiglein. “Legislators need to realize that budgets reflect our values in society,” she added.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Seniors

Hogan Proposes More Than $1 Billion in Tax Cuts for Retirees

January 20, 2020 by Maryland Reporter

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Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday proposed more than $1 billion in tax cuts for Maryland retirees.

“Today we’re taking a major step forward in those efforts by introducing the Retirement Tax Reduction Act of 2020, which will cut income taxes by more than $1 billion over the next five years,” he said at a news conference at the State House.

Hogan said that under the proposal, retirees who make $50,000 a year or less “will pay no state income tax whatsoever.” Retirees who make less than $100,000 a year “will see a tax reduction of no less than 50 percent — up to 100 percent,” he said.

The governor said the legislation would benefit more than 230,000 Marylanders. The proposal is “the largest tax reduction in Maryland in more than two decades,” he said.

Hogan said a major impetus for the proposal is having heard stories dating back to his first run for governor in 2014 from people who expressed affection for Maryland but said they could no longer afford to live in the state because of the tax burden.

“It will help keep tens of thousands of Maryland retirees from being forced to flee our state.”

Hogan was asked about the proposal’s chances of being passed by the General Assembly.

“If we’re having these discussions about how we have enough money to talk about fairly drastic increases in spending, I’d like at least part of the discussion to be about: ‘How do we let people keep some of their own money.’

“We actually have been successful on retirement taxes. We decided that we knew we couldn’t get the size of a bill that we’re announcing today through — but we did get targeted tax relief for retirees in several groups.”

Hogan pointed to the Hometown Heroes Act as an example. The 2017 legislation exempts law enforcement and first responders from paying state taxes on the first $15,000 of their retirement income. This year’s proposal would expand the law to eliminate state taxes on retirement income for law enforcement and first responders.

While Hogan is proposing tax relief, some Democrats have proposed modest tax increases on income that is not related to retirement or salary. On Wednesday a group of House Democrats unveiled 10 bills that would raise an estimated $2 billion for education improvements by 2030. The bills have not yet been filed.

Del. Julie Palakovich Carr, D-Montgomery, who sponsored one of the bills, spoke with MarylandReporter.com prior to Thursday’s news conference. She said her proposal would impose an additional 1 percent tax on capital gains and real estate properties. Carr said the proposal would not affect personal property taxes.

“If you look systematically at where our tax code is at a lot of Marylanders are actually paying more than their fair share at this point, for many working-class families and even upper-middle-class families. So we’re just making sure that our tax code is actually fair — that wealthy corporations and ultra-wealthy individuals are paying their fair share in terms their contributions to the state.”

MarylandReporter.com asked Hogan at the news conference how the proposal might affect the state’s economy.

“I haven’t seen the proposal and maybe I’ll let the budget secretary try to tackle that one. But I’m sure it would have some impact. But I haven’t seen any studies on that.”

Secretary of Budget and Management David Brinkley followed up on the question.

“It could be a hybridization of whatever they’ve done in the past. But we have to see how that affects corporate earnings and everything else here. We haven’t seen the details on that particular one so we can get back to you once we see all that. But it’s a repeat pattern of things that have come in the past and have been turned down by the legislature.”

By Bryan Renbaum

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Filed Under: Archives, Senior Highlights, Senior Nation Tagged With: Retirement, Seniors

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