Granby Living Feb2020

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We treat colds, flu, sinus issues,
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THE DOCTORS
TREATMENT CENTER
Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine
Avoid long lines at the Emergency Rooms | On-site X-Ray
WE ACCEPT ALL INSURANCE PLANS
WALK IN SCHOOL, SPORTS
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Open 7 days a week
Monday-Friday: 7:30am - 8:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 3pm
7 Mill Pond Rd., Granby
860-653-2382
Two Locations
240 East St., Plainville
860-747-4541
Coming Soon to Bloomfield Mini Mall
BLOOMFIELD URGENT CARE
www.urgentcarecentersct.com
Sharp Minds
Shine Brighter
Satisfy your love of learning in a community of
active, engaged seniors. At The McAuley, intellectual
curiosity is worth celebrating. With stimulating
on-site lectures and classes from Trinity College and
the University of Hartford, free courses next door at
the University of Saint Joseph, thought-provoking
book discussions, and access to cultural events across
West Hartford, there are plenty of ways to keep
learning while enjoying the lifestyle you deserve.
275 Steele Road, West Hartford
TheMcAuley.org • 860-920-6319
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
ROADMAP FOR THE JOURNEY:
Navigating options in senior living
At an age when many are looking toward
retirement, Granby’s Marilyn Sponzo has discovered
a calling and is passionately pursuing
her second career.
Marilyn was born in West Hartford in
December 1953 and grew up in the Buena Vista
neighborhood.
“I was part of that post-baby boom generation,
when families were just moving out to the
suburbs,” she says. “Mom was a homemaker
and Dad was a lawyer. I had a typical 1950s
childhood. I played with my neighbors — this
was when kids still played outside in our yards.”
Marilyn has one sister, Anne Cappelli, who
lives in North Granby with her husband Tony
and two children, Lizzy and Angela.
a No matter how much education or experience
we have, the world of senior health care
can, at times, seem a confusing web of acronyms
and jargon.
When the need to access senior services
arises out of necessity — e.g., recuperation
from a medical incident or surgery, or a cognitive
change that makes living independently
problematic or impossible — it's easy to get
tangled up as we realize we need to help a loved
one make a quick but life-changing decision.
Here is an abbreviated guide to some of the
terms you may wish to keep at your fingertips
as you or someone you love navigates this new
territory:
Independent Living
Those seeking a vibrant, carefree lifestyle
may enjoy an independent living community.
These residences are often smaller than a free-
standing home, with housekeeping, maintenance,
lawn care and snow removal among the
menu of services provided.
In addition, many life plan communities
offer a full array of wellness activities in their
fitness centers, spas, cafes, spiritual centers and
outdoor leisure trails and courts. You may dine
in formal and/or informal venues and take in
performances, lectures and cultural events on
site. Often, transportation services are available
if you do not wish to drive to off-site attractions
and events.
Costs vary widely for independent living
communities, depending on whether you select
low-income or subsidized senior housing,
senior congregate housing or life plan communities,
which offer myriad senior living and
health care options.
Assisted Living
Seniors who require a bit more assistance
with some of the tasks of daily living (e.g.,
dressing, grooming, doing laundry) might
research the benefits of assisted living.
Again, most assisted living communities encourage
social interaction and have a monthly
calendar chock-full of informative programs
designed to stimulate mind, body and spirit.
Clinicians including nurses, CNAs and social
workers offer support and expertise.
Home Care / Companion Services
For a variety of reasons, some seniors prefer
the idea of bringing caregivers into their
homes. Depending on the agency, services
may include homemaking help, transportation
service, personal care, rehabilitative therapy,
or screenings such as blood pressure checks.
Clients may work with the contractor or
agency to discuss specific needs, set a schedule,
and determine what may be covered by insurance
versus what costs will be out-of-pocket.
Adult Day Centers
To avoid isolation and give family caregivers
respite, some seniors avail themselves of an
adult day center. Transportation from home to
the center and back is often provided as part of
enrollment, and dining and medical services
may be included.
These operations usually run Monday-Friday
and provide a safe environment for adults who
may not be safe at home for extended periods
but who are not yet ready for round-the-clock
comprehensive care.
Skilled Nursing
By Christine M. Looby
If you or a loved one requires care 24 hours
per day, seven days per week, skilled nursing
may be the healthiest, safest option. Overseen
by a medical director and interdisciplinary
team of skilled caregivers, nursing facilities
offer a range of services — including postacute
care; physical, occupational, and speech
therapy; memory care; palliative care; and
hospice care.
While some families pay out-of-pocket for
skilled nursing care, others are assisted through
Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance plans.
For up-to-date quality-of-care rankings, visit
www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/
search.html.
In fact, no matter which solution you believe
to be right for you or your family's needs, be
sure to do your research by visiting communities,
asking questions and determining what
feels like a good fit.
Touch base with an eldercare manager in
your area, and use websites like www.helpguide.org
and www.leadingagect.org to give
you context and confidence.
Christine M. Looby is the regional
executive director of sales, marketing and
communications for Trinity Health of New
England Senior Communities.
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