Summer 2007 - The Weatherly Inn
Summer 2007 - The Weatherly Inn
Summer 2007 - The Weatherly Inn
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<strong>Weatherly</strong> Resident<br />
page 1<br />
New Executive Chef<br />
page 2<br />
Respite Care<br />
page 2<br />
Choosing a Facility<br />
insert<br />
Avoiding a Fall<br />
insert<br />
Memory Walk <strong>2007</strong><br />
page 4<br />
<strong>The</strong> WEATHERLY<br />
REPORT<br />
<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2007</strong><br />
Sripati (left) & Ann Chandrasekhar (right) visit with the president of India, Dr. Radhakrishnan (middle)<br />
during a garden party at the president’s home in New Delhi.<br />
<strong>Weatherly</strong> Resident More than a<br />
Casual Observer to History<br />
Each of us has a unique history that makes us who we are. Ann Chandrasekhar is<br />
no exception. In fact, some people would say she has lived an extraordinary life.<br />
For many years, meeting authors, world-class doctors and presidents was almost an<br />
ordinary occurrence.<br />
Chandrasekhar, a resident at <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> at Lake Meridian, is the widow of<br />
Sripati Chandrasekhar, a world-famed demographer and former minister of health<br />
and family planning for India— a position he was appointed to by former Prime<br />
Minister Indira Gandhi.<br />
How did a young American woman find herself in such an auspicious position?<br />
(<strong>Weatherly</strong> Resident, continued inside)<br />
<strong>The</strong> assistance you need, the independence you want & the dignity you deserve.
New Executive Chef Brings High-Class Dining to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong><br />
Choice is the order of the day at <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> for Assisted Living as seniors dine in style on gourmet fare.<br />
With the addition of new executive chef Sean P. McGuire Sr., residents are enjoying upgraded menus with more<br />
choices in an upscale, restaurant-style environment seven days a week.<br />
A range of daily selections is now offered, from healthy choice<br />
entrees to comfort food with a contemporary flair. Dishes such<br />
as stuffed fillet of sole, pork scallopini, grilled chicken breast<br />
and fettuccine alfredo adorn the new menus. Table menus,<br />
which change weekly, offer a selection of salads, seasonal<br />
entrees and desserts. Additionally, a daily chef’s special is<br />
presented. Best of all, everything is fresh and made to order.<br />
McGuire, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America,<br />
comes to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> from the Doral Palm Springs<br />
Resort, where he served as executive chef.<br />
Residents are also enjoying expanded dining hours. Each meal<br />
is served for two hours, allowing residents more flexibility in<br />
their daily schedules.<br />
It’s a new fine dining experience that’s sure to please<br />
– offering more freedom and more choices for <strong>Weatherly</strong><br />
residents and guests.<br />
Executive chef Sean P. McGuire Sr. puts finishing touches on<br />
his halibut dish served at the quarterly new resident dinner.<br />
As Alex Bunn, administrator, explains, “Our goal for enhancing<br />
our food service was simple... create a dining experience that our<br />
residents are proud to share with family and friends.”<br />
Respite Care Provides Much Needed Break<br />
While caring for an older family member has its rewards, it also places inevitable stress on the caregiver.<br />
At times, caregivers need time away to refresh and refocus. Respite care provides that short break away,<br />
providing much needed time for oneself.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> for Assisted Living offers short term stays for up to eight weeks. Respite rates are allinclusive,<br />
with a beautifully furnished private studio apartment, meals, nursing services, daily activities and<br />
scheduled medical transportation.<br />
Daily rates are $139 for assisted living and $149 for memory care. A nursing assessment must be<br />
completed prior to admission to develop a customized care plan.<br />
A short term respite stay is also an option for someone that may benefit from continued therapies<br />
before returning home. Respite care truly provides families peace of mind, knowing that their loved<br />
ones are being well cared for in a supportive environment.<br />
For more information on respite care, please call Nicky Day, move-in coordinator, at (253) 752-8550.
(<strong>Weatherly</strong> Resident, continued from front)<br />
Ann met her future husband while he was attending Columbia<br />
University. “It was a whirlwind courtship,” says Radha Ahlstrom, the<br />
Chandrasekhar’s oldest daughter. “She was only 19, and my dad said<br />
he fell in love with her at first sight because she was so beautiful.”<br />
<strong>The</strong>y soon married and, after Sripati finished his doctorate, the<br />
couple moved to Paris. Sripati was a writer and professor and made a<br />
successful bid to serve in the upper house of the Indian parliament as a<br />
senator. But Ann was definitely a successful woman in her own right.<br />
“My mother always loved reading, writing and poetry,” says Radha.<br />
“She was a published author, having contributed to many newspapers<br />
in India.”<br />
During their years together, Ann and Sripati traveled the globe, much<br />
related to his job as head of health and family planning. In addition,<br />
they had the opportunity to live in many different places, including<br />
Hong Kong, England, France and India. “Mom said they made 23<br />
moves before she stopped counting,” Radha says.<br />
Experiences are something you can never take away— and Ann has<br />
had some once-in-a-lifetime ones, for sure. She has met Coretta Scott<br />
King, Billy Graham, world leaders and authors.<br />
“She was a gracious host, and did it very beautifully,” Radha says<br />
lovingly.<br />
Perhaps one of Ann’s most memorable experiences came while she<br />
and her husband were calling on the president of Ethiopia. As she<br />
was heading up the marble steps, she saw what she thought were<br />
sculptured, painted lions lining the walk. When one of the lions<br />
suddenly turned around and looked at her, swishing its tail, Ann then<br />
realized the lions were real and under guard!<br />
As a living tribute to her mother, Radha says she would love to help<br />
Ann complete a manuscript she wrote – a children’s story.<br />
“I would just love to see if I can have it published for her,” she says.<br />
“She was the best storyteller and a great writer.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> Report is published<br />
by <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> for our<br />
residents, their families, and our<br />
friends in the industry.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> Business Office<br />
606 Columbia Street NW<br />
Olyympia, WA 98501<br />
1-888-943-3241<br />
Dr. Larry and Nancy Bunn,<br />
Owners<br />
Alex Bunn,<br />
Regional Administrator<br />
Mary Collins,<br />
Bookkeeper<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> for Assisted Living<br />
(with Bristol Court & Magnolia Place)<br />
6016 N Highlands Parkway<br />
Tacoma, WA 98406<br />
253-752-8550<br />
Marykay Duran,<br />
Administrator<br />
Debbie Baker,<br />
Director of Community Relations<br />
Nicky Day,<br />
Admissions<br />
Cathy Florenzen, RN,<br />
Director of Nursing Services<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> at Lake Meridian<br />
15101 SE 272nd Street<br />
Kent, WA 98042<br />
253-630-7496<br />
Beverly Baccus,<br />
General Manager<br />
Sharon Richardson, LPN,<br />
Director of Nursing<br />
www.weatherlyinn.com
Avoid Being Brought Down By a Fall<br />
Sally Taylor, of Olympia, never thought she would fall and injure herself in her own<br />
home. An active, healthy woman who looks 10 years younger than her 70 years, she<br />
could have prevented a dangerous fall by simply making a few changes to her habits and<br />
home. Luckily for her, her broken pelvis healed – but others may not be so lucky.<br />
It is estimated that one-third of seniors over the age of 65 and 50 percent<br />
of seniors over the age of 80 will fall each year. Falls are the leading cause<br />
of injury deaths among people over the age of 65 and the leading cause<br />
of doctor visits, hospital admissions and emergency room visits.<br />
A fall can be a disturbing and dangerous experience. In fact, according to the<br />
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 30 to 40 percent of falls can be<br />
prevented. For Sally, all it would have taken was a simple nightlight.<br />
By following a few simple tips*, the chance of falling can be greatly reduced.<br />
Begin a regular exercise program<br />
Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling.<br />
It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance<br />
and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to<br />
weakness and increases your chances of falling. Be sure to ask your doctor about<br />
the best type of exercise program for you.<br />
Make your home safer<br />
About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:<br />
Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books,<br />
clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.<br />
Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep<br />
the rugs from slipping.<br />
Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach<br />
easily without using a step stool.<br />
Install grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.<br />
Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.<br />
Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older,<br />
you need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or<br />
frosted bulbs can reduce glare.<br />
Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.<br />
Wear shoes with good support that have thin non-slip<br />
soles. Avoid slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.<br />
* Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,<br />
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control<br />
Have your health care provider review your medicines<br />
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the<br />
medicines you take (including ones that don’t require<br />
prescriptions, such as cold medicines). As you get older,<br />
the way some medications affect you can change. Some<br />
medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you<br />
drowsy or light-headed which can lead to a fall.<br />
Have your vision checked<br />
Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor.<br />
You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a<br />
condition, such as glaucoma or cataracts, that limits your<br />
vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.<br />
Other points to consider include getting an annual<br />
physical exam, particularly an evaluation of cardiac<br />
and blood pressure problems, as well as a check of your<br />
hearing; and maintaining a diet with adequate dietary<br />
calcium and vitamin D. If safety continues to be an issue,<br />
it may be time to consider an assisted living facility.<br />
Remember: it’s never too late to start reducing the risk of a<br />
fall – and falls are not an inevitable part of getting older.
Tips from the Trade: Choosing an Assisted Living Facility<br />
When it comes to assisted living facilities, there are many options available – and the task of choosing the right<br />
one can seem daunting. However, arming yourself with some key questions can go a long way in helping find just<br />
the right place for you or your loved one.<br />
According to the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living, approximately 300,000 people move into assisted<br />
living residences each year. Change can be the biggest challenge for most of these seniors, many having lived in<br />
their homes for 30 or 40 years. Taking the time to learn about assisted living and what services are provided by<br />
the facilities in your area will help. It’s important to keep in mind that residences can vary greatly and finding a<br />
new home takes time.<br />
One of the most important things you can do, according to Debbie Baker, director of community relations at <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> for Assisted Living, is visit each residence. Arrive unexpected, don’t make an appointment. How<br />
are you greeted? <strong>The</strong> willingness of staff to accommodate an unscheduled tour request is your first indication of<br />
a facility worth considering. While there are many similarities among residences, there are also many important<br />
differences. When visiting, let your senses tell you about the place.<br />
It is also helpful to visit a facility at different times of the day – and ask to speak with staff, residents and other<br />
family members. You will also want to stay for a meal and evaluate the quality of the food.<br />
But, what kinds of questions do you need to ask when you tour an assisted living residence? Some important<br />
things to find out include:<br />
• Is there a “buy-in” to live there, or is it<br />
month-to-month rent?<br />
• How many meals per day are served? Are there<br />
choices in food offerings? Is the price inclusive of<br />
meals or is there an additional charge? (Keep in mind,<br />
not all facilities’ rates are structured the same.)<br />
• Is there a director of nursing? How many hours per<br />
day is licensed nursing staff available on site?<br />
• Is respite stay available? If so, consider taking a trial run<br />
using respite care to see if your loved one likes it there.<br />
• Does a staff person arrange for visits from a physical<br />
therapist, occupational therapist, hospice nurse, etc.?<br />
<strong>The</strong> coordination of services with agencies in the<br />
community allows for a full continuum of care to be<br />
provided.<br />
• Can the facility accommodate early dementia?<br />
Do you have to physically move when your needs<br />
change or can you age in place?<br />
• What do the rates include (i.e. cable, air, heat, phone,<br />
housekeeping, laundry services, activities, etc.)?<br />
• Are religious services available?<br />
• What is the ratio of staff to residents?<br />
• Is transportation available for medical appointments<br />
and shopping? If so, how many days per week?<br />
• Is there a beauty shop or barber or some other way<br />
for residents to receive hair care?<br />
• Does a staff member have sole responsibility to plan<br />
and direct social events? Do residents have a voice<br />
in planning activities both within and outside the<br />
residence?<br />
• What activities of daily living are provided? Is there<br />
an additional charge for these services, or are they<br />
included in the monthly fee?<br />
• How stable is the facility’s management team? Has<br />
the community changed ownership recently?<br />
• Do staff members show genuine interest in, and<br />
affection for, individual residents?<br />
• Do you hear/see residents socializing?<br />
• It is too noisy (or too quiet)?<br />
No doubt there will be other questions specific to you or your loved one’s situation – don’t be afraid to ask.<br />
And, above all, trust your instincts.
<strong>Weatherly</strong> Staff Committed to Worthwhile Causes<br />
Not only are <strong>Weatherly</strong> staff dedicated on the job, but their commitment is demonstrated off the job as well.<br />
Walking for a worthy cause this past April, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> for Assisted Living helped raise money to find a<br />
cure for Multiple Sclerosis— raising over $1,500 in the MS Walk, the largest single fundraiser for the National<br />
Multiple Sclerosis Society.<br />
This summer, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> at Lake Meridian and <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> for Assisted Living will once again<br />
participate as a team in the Memory Walk— the Alzheimer’s Association’s national signature event. Money<br />
raised goes directly back into programs and services in our local community. Family and friends are invited to<br />
form a team, or join ours, at one of the following events:<br />
For more information or to join our team, call <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> for Assisted Living at (253) 752-8550<br />
or <strong>The</strong> <strong>Weatherly</strong> <strong>Inn</strong> at Lake Meridian at (253) 630-7496.<br />
6016 N Highlands Parkway<br />
Tacoma WA 98406<br />
253-752-8550<br />
15101 SE 272nd Street<br />
Kent WA 98042<br />
253-630-7496<br />
South Sound Memory Walk<br />
Saturday, August 25<br />
Annie Wright School, Tacoma<br />
Pacific Northwest Memory Walk<br />
Sunday, September 9<br />
Sand Point Magnuson Park, Seattle