EVENTS SEE NEW INSERT

CENTER FOR HEALTHY AGING l LIFELINE l NORTHEASTLINK

NORTH SHORE PRN l NORTHEAST HOMECARE

SPECTRUM ADULT DAY HEALTH PROGRAM l THE HERRICK HOUSE

LEDGEWOOD REHABILITATION AND SKILLED NURSING CENTER

SEACOAST NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER

NORTHEAST SENIOR HEALTH PROGRAMSAPRIL /MAY 2009

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

RECOVERING FROM A STROKE IN THE COMFORTS OF HOME

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North Shore resident Dick Regan was preparing to head to the mountains to enjoy a couple of days of mid-week skiing. Since taking an early retirement, this had become his favorite pastime. After teaching their five children to ski when they were young, Dick and his wife of 50 years, Fran, had picked up the sport again. They frequently slipped up to beautiful Bretton Woods Ski Resort to enjoy themselves, becoming a familiar site on the slopes in their matching red ski outfits. This particular day, Dick was running a fever, so he and his wife decided to delay their trip. Increasingly ill, he suffered a life-threatening stroke triggered by bacterial endocarditis. His heart was so weakened that he required a valve replacement. The stroke also caused left side neglect, vision impairment, and speech and breathing problems.

While Dick’s life had been saved, a long recovery process was ahead. After three months in intensive rehabilitation, Fran’s goal was to get Dick home. Given the nature of his illness, this presented an uphill journey. When Northeast HomeCare received the referral to begin home care services at Fran and Dick’s residence, Karen Gomes, RN, Executive Director, knew that Dick’s needs would be very complex. She also knew that her staff, which includes a neuro-vision specialist and highly qualified nurses and therapists, would be able to work with his dedicated family to meet those needs.

Northeast HomeCare’s Rehabilitation Manager, Sharon Gonick, MPT, COS-C,

ensured that Dick’s care was carefully coordinated. She arranged for Dick’s discharge from the rehabilitation center where he’d been staying to his home, all along working closely with the facility staff and her home care colleagues. The in-home team worked together to make essential recommendations about necessary equipment and home modifications, collaborating with Dick’s family along the way.

Immediately following Dick’s discharge home, the Northeast HomeCare team, which included a registered nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and home health aide, began daily visits. They often performed co-visits so that there would be extra hands available to help with transfers. A registered dietitian was also brought in to support Dick’s unique nutritional needs as he was gradually weaned from a feeding tube. In speaking of the Northeast HomeCare staff sent to her home, Fran said, “They were fantastic, so patient and nice. The help we had was wonderful.”

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WEB CORNER

Helping seniors and families access valuable resources at the click of a mouse!

www.needymeds.org

NeedyMeds is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing valuable information on medicine and a comprehensive roadmap to identifying possible healthcare assistance programs for patients in need. Visit this site to find help with the cost of medications and other useful information.

RECOVERING FROM A STROKE IN THE COMFORTS OF HOMECONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“Who would have thought during those long days over the last year and a half that we would pretty much be doing what we like today – even traveling up north to see the mountains?” said Dick. Walks on the boardwalk, dining at favorite restaurants and travel are now back in Dick and Fran’s life. They even drove to Florida to enjoy Thanksgiving with Fran’s sister.

Dick and Fran’s story proves that with the love of family and friends and expert care from the best of professionals, anything is possible. And according to the Northeast HomeCare team members who helped make the transition home smoother for this patient and his family, supporting them throughout the recovery process and celebrating their milestones is exactly what makes their jobs so fulfilling.

Northeast HomeCare is Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals’ Medicare-certified home care agency. To learn more about stroke recovery and other options for post-acute care in the comforts of your own home, call 978-921-2615.

NEED HELP? YOU’RE NOT ALONE

Darcey Adams, LICSW, Director of Community Programs for Northeast Senior Health

In discussing the importance of self-care, world-renowned actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn once stated, “As you get older, remember that you have another hand: the first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.” When facing a new challenge or navigating a transition in our lives, community support groups can play a vital role in helping us negotiate this change in a positive and productive manner. Support groups can unite us with people facing similar challenges, increase our understanding of our own situation and connect us with key community resources that we might not otherwise discover. More importantly, support groups can decrease our sense of isolation and empower us to face this new challenge with an expanded support network.

In this era of self-help and self-improvement, confidential support groups are available for a wide range of medical diagnoses and life transitions. Community support groups are often listed in your local newspaper or can be found through your physician’s office or the organizations that address the issue you are coping with. Finding the right format, time of day, location and group composition can make all the difference in the effectiveness of the support group. Exploring different support groups in your community can help you determine if it is the right fit for you. Often people may need to attend several support groups before they find the most appropriate group for their situation. For example, some people are looking for a group with a strong therapeutic component and skilled facilitator to keep people working through their thoughts and emotions around the issue that they are struggling with. Others benefit from an educational format which provides information about the latest research, treatment or coping techniques.

Remember, those who seek support are not alone in their struggle and most look back with relief that they sought assistance. The mutual understanding and safe environment offered by support groups can more often than not be the key to moving forward after a loss or difficult situation.

To learn more about the range of support groups offered by Northeast Senior Health and partner organizations throughout the North Shore, please call the Community Relations Department at 978-922-7018 ext. 1304.

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CERTIFIED VS. PRIVATE DUTY CARE: OPTIONS FOR HEALING AND REMAINING IN YOUR OWN HOME

For those looking for a way to remain in their own home, there are two different options for in-home care. Both types of care offer unique benefits to people living at home or in an assisted living or retirement community.

Private duty home care offers the services of certified home health aides with the oversight of a registered nurse. Aides can provide assistance with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation, dressing, medication reminders, monitoring of vital signs, light housekeeping, or errands. These services may be arranged on an hourly basis ranging from one hour to 24 hours per day. Scheduling is flexible and is arranged to meet the needs of the client and often tailored to the schedules of family caregivers while at work or on vacation. Twenty-four/seven care is also available for those without the availability of family caregivers. All private duty home care services are paid for either by the client or caregivers.

Certified home care services are another option and are meant to ease the transition home after being discharged from the hospital or following a short-term rehabilitation stay. These services are ordered by a physician and are considered medically necessary for a patient’s recovery. The timeframe for this level of care is typically short since the objective is to help the person return to a certain level of function and independence. Skilled practitioners such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and speech therapists may be part of the home care team. Medicare and other health insurances will often pay for certified home care services.

In addition, many patients may transition from receiving certified home care services to getting help from a private duty home health agency. To ensure that the very best plan of care is implemented, each individual’s needs and living situation should be carefully evaluated by the involved care providers.

Northeast Senior Health, an affiliate of Northeast Health System, is committed to helping people remain in their homes. If you are considering in-home care and support, or if you or a family member have questions around what might be best, we are happy to discuss your needs.

To learn more about certified home care services, contact Karen Gomes at Northeast HomeCare at 978-921-2615 or visit www.northeasthomecare.org.

To learn more about private duty home care options, please call Rachael Palmacci at North Shore PRN at 978-922-7062 or check out www.nsprn.com.

LIMITED TIME OFFER FOR NEW LIFELINE SUBSCRIBERS

For people living alone or at risk for falls or other medical emergencies, help is available at the push of a button with Beverly Hospital Lifeline. Our 24-hour medical alert service provides the peace of mind and reassurance you and your loved ones deserve.

For a limited time only, Beverly Hospital Lifeline is offering a special for new subscribers. Enroll by April 20, 2009 and get a free installation and the first month of service free – a $77 value!

To learn more, call 978-921-1697 and dial 1.

“The best decision I ever made. I call Lifeline my security blanket.”

-Lifeline subscriber F. Mello

“It’s like having a constant companion by my side, day and night. Help is just a touch away.”

-Lifeline subscriber G. Rondelli

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NonprofitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 24

Beverly, MA 01915

EVENTS SEE NEW INSERT

800 Cummings Center, Suite 266U, Beverly, MA 01915

To update your mailing information or to be removed from our mailing list, please call 978-922-7018 x 1306.

Spring is a busy time for Northeast Senior Health events. Please refer to the enclosed insert for a complete list of

April and May 2009 programs.

For more information about upcoming events,

please call the Northeast Senior Health Community Events Hotline at 978-524-6040.

ROSE BAKER SENIOR CENTER – Free Lectures

April 22, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Dry Eyes: What You Can Do for ReliefDr. Jason S. Rothman, MD, Dry Eye Specialist of Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston & Beverly Hospital

Please RSVP to 978-281-9765.

May 27, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Keys to Successful Medication ManagementKaren Gomes, RN, Executive Director of Northeast HomeCare

Please RSVP to 978-281-9765.

Gloucester Events

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA PUBLIC LIBRARY –Free Lecture

May 14, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Everyday Forgetfulness vs. Memory Disorders: Exploring the DifferencesBeth Desrochers, RN, BSN, Director of Alzheimer’s Services at NortheastLink

Please RSVP to 978-526-7711.

Manchester Event

BEVERLY SENIOR CENTER – Free Lectures

April 15, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Arthritis UpdateDr. Matthew D. Heller, MD, Rheumatology Specialist at Beverly Hospital

Please RSVP to 978-921-6017.

May 20, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Healthy Exercising to Avoid InjuryBrendan P. Malay, MSPT, CSCS, Manager of The Center for Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine at Beverly Hospital

Please RSVP to 978-921-6017.

BEVERLY HOSPITAL LECTURE HALL – Luncheon Lectures

April 16, 2009 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Northeast HomeCareCan You Hear Me Now?: Easy Steps to Better HearingAnnemarie Czarnota, MS, CCC-A, Supervisor of Audiology at Beverly Hospital, with joint presenter Oticon

Please RSVP to 978-921-1697 ext. 300 by April 10. Luncheon cost: $6.

May 20, 2009 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing CenterThe Knee Arthritis Epidemic: What’s New?Dr. Ira K. Evans III, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine at Beverly Hospital

Please RSVP to 978-921-1697 ext. 300 by May 15. Luncheon cost: $6.

THE HERRICK HOUSE

Free LectureApril 23, 2009 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Stroke Education and PreventionThom Kelly, MSN, RN, Clinical Coordinator for Stroke/PCI Programs at Beverly Hospital

Please RSVP to 978-922-1999.

Free Memory Screening May 14, 2009 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Screenings will be conducted by licensed nursing staff.

Reserve an individual appointment by calling 978-922-1999.

Beverly Events

DANVERS SENIOR CENTER – Free Lectures

April 1, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Stroke Education and PreventionThom Kelly, MSN, RN, Clinical Coordinator for Stroke/PCI Programs at Beverly Hospital

For questions or directions, please call 978-762-0208.

May 6, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Cooking for OneRachael Palmacci, LSW, Director of North Shore PRN

For questions or directions, please call 978-762-0208.

CENTER FOR HEALTHY AGING AT THE HUNT CENTER

Free Monthly Brown Bag Pharmacy SessionsA Beverly Hospital pharmacist will review your current medications and offer suggestions.

April 16, 2009 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Reserve a 15-minute session by calling 978-921-1697 ext. 300 by April 13.

May 21, 2009 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Reserve a 15-minute session by calling 978-921-1697 ext. 300 by May 18.

Danvers Events

NORTHEASTSENIORHEALTH APRIL/MAY 2009 EVENTS

For more information about upcoming events, please call the Northeast Senior Health Community Events Hotline at 978-524-6040.

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA PUBLIC LIBRARY –Free Lecture

May 14, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Everyday Forgetfulness vs. Memory Disorders: Exploring the DifferencesBeth Desrochers, RN, BSN, Director of Alzheimer’s Services at NortheastLink

Please RSVP to 978-526-7711.

Manchester Event

WENHAM COUNCIL ON AGING

Free Wellness Clinics Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings available on a drop-in basis

April 29, 2009 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. May 27, 2009 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

For questions or directions, please call 978-468-5529.

Free LectureMay 14, 2009 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Foot HealthDr. Frederic C. Jewett, DPM, Podiatrist at Beverly Hospital

Please RSVP to 978-468-5529.

Hamilton/Wenham Events

MARBLEHEAD COUNCIL ON AGING – Free Lecture

April 8, 2009 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Springing Back into Exercise SafelySharon Gonick, PT, COS-C, Rehabilitation Manager for Northeast HomeCare

For questions or directions, please call 781-631-6737.

Marblehead Event

TOPSFIELD COUNCIL ON AGING – Free Lectures

Both programs hosted at The Bee Building on The Topsfield Fairgrounds

April 23, 2009 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Foot HealthDr. Richard J. Manolian, DPM, Podiatrist at Beverly Hospital at Danvers

Please RSVP to 978-887-1523.

May 28, 2009 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Keeping Your Memory SharpCindy Higgins, LPN, Director of Clinical Liaison Services for Northeast Senior Health

Please RSVP to 978-887-1523.

Topsfield Events

FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY – Free Lecture

May 1, 2009 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 a.m.Contributing Factors to Heart Disease – Know Your Numbers!Dyan Dal Pozzo, MS, RCEP, Manager & Clinical Exercise Physiologist for The Lifestyle Management Institute

Please RSVP to 978-774-8132.

Middleton Event

For more information about upcoming events,

please call the Northeast Senior Health

Community Events Hotline at 978-524-6040.

ROSE BAKER SENIOR CENTER – Free Lectures

April 22, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Dry Eyes: What You Can Do for ReliefDr. Jason S. Rothman, MD, Dry Eye Specialist of Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston & Beverly Hospital

Please RSVP to 978-281-9765.

May 27, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Keys to Successful Medication ManagementKaren Gomes, RN, Executive Director of Northeast HomeCare

Please RSVP to 978-281-9765.

Gloucester Events

NORTHEASTSENIORHEALTH APRIL/MAY 2009 EVENTS