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Embrace Vibrant Senior Living with Simple Steps

As the years progress, prioritizing health becomes increasingly vital. For those in their later stages, a balanced approach to wellness – melding physical activity with mental engagement and emotional stability – is crucial. This guide from Cadbury Commons delves into practical strategies for nurturing a rich and healthy life, ensuring the senior years are not merely lived but enjoyed to their fullest.

 

Embrace Stress Management

The importance of stress management for overall health is profound, especially for seniors. Integrating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and gentle yoga into daily routines can significantly alleviate stress. Engaging in hobbies that bring joy, fostering social connections, and seeking emotional support from friends or professionals are also key to maintaining emotional health. Additionally, maintaining a routine that includes sufficient sleep and a balanced diet can further enhance stress management efforts. These strategies not only improve mental and emotional well-being but also have positive effects on physical health, promoting a more enjoyable and fulfilling life.

 

Secure Important Records

In our increasingly digital world, the importance of keeping personal documents safe and organized cannot be overstated. By digitizing important records, seniors can protect their valuable information from physical damage and ensure it remains within easy reach. Saving documents as PDFs ensures compatibility across various devices and operating systems, maintains the original formatting, and offers options for encryption and digital signatures, enhancing security. Utilizing mobile applications to scan and securely store documents simplifies the process – here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a PDF you can use.

 

Prioritize Medication Review

For many seniors, navigating the complexities of a medication regimen is a pivotal aspect of their healthcare routine. Regular consultations with healthcare professionals for medication reviews play a vital role in confirming the ongoing appropriateness and effectiveness of their treatments. This critical review process enables the identification of possible drug interactions, the adjustment of dosages, and the discontinuation of superfluous medications, thereby enhancing positive health outcomes. Moreover, fostering open conversations with healthcare providers about the impacts of medications and voicing any concerns helps to customize care, ensuring it aligns closely with individual needs and minimizes health risks through proactive management.

 

Cultivate Mental Agility

Maintaining cognitive function is crucial for seniors, with mental engagement playing a key role in overall brain health. Beyond traditional brain-stimulating activities like puzzles and reading, exploring new interests, learning new languages, or mastering new technologies can provide fresh challenges that stimulate mental growth. Social interaction, whether through family connections, community involvement, or online forums, offers additional cognitive benefits and combats loneliness. These activities not only preserve mental agility but also contribute to a richer, more connected life. Embracing a lifestyle of continuous learning and social engagement fosters cognitive resilience and a sense of belonging.

 

Promote Personal Hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene plays a crucial role in safeguarding against illness and upholding health during the senior years. Practices such as diligent handwashing, thorough dental care, and regular grooming are essential in curtailing the transmission of infections and bolstering overall health. The cleanliness and organization of living spaces are equally important, reducing the likelihood of falls and accidents and fostering a safer habitat. Moreover, habits aimed at preserving skin health, including the use of mild soaps and adequate hydration, are instrumental in maintaining the skin’s integrity and warding off problems like dryness and irritation. Through a commitment to hygiene and cleanliness, seniors can markedly diminish health risks and elevate their overall quality of life.

Incorporating these strategies into daily life enables seniors to approach aging with confidence and zest. This period of life, rich with the potential for growth and enjoyment, highlights the importance of embracing comprehensive wellness practices. By championing these principles, we support a life filled with health, joy, and fulfillment for seniors, demonstrating that thriving in the golden years is not only possible but within reach.

Discover vibrant senior living at Cadbury Commons, where independence and community thrive together. Schedule a tour today to experience our exceptional services and see how we can enrich your loved one’s life.

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Jimmy is a graduate of Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island with a Culinary Art Degree.  He worked at several different Boston area restaurants working his way up from Sous Chef, Chef to Executive Chef.  Prior to joining Cadbury Commons in 2010, Jimmy was the Executive Chef at The Ship.  Jimmy enjoys creating whimsical and artistic food displays for our residents.

Nancy Gonsalves is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a BA in Human Services Management.  She has experience as residential manager, case/medical management, Alzheimer’s, and mental health.  During the pandemic she switched careers to memory care in the assisted living communities.  She is certified as a Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Montessori Practitioner (CMDCP), and a Support Group Facilitator (CDSGF).  She has volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association for many years as a support group facilitator and advocate for community recognition of Dementia (Dementia Friendly MA).

Erika Gethers  has worked at Cadbury Commons since 2017. After graduating from Newbury College with a B.S in Hotel, Restaurant & Service Management Hotel Administration, she began her career at Cadbury as a front-desk concierge, quickly being promoted to Lead Concierge. She was then promoted to Director of Activities in Memory Care based upon her background as an event planner of her own company and her love for working with the residents in our dementia care community. Erika is now excited to expand her role to Director of Memory Care.  After three years in this industry Erika has found her passion for working with the senior population and especially those with various forms of dementia.

Since diving into this industry Erika has jumped at opportunities to learn as much as possible. For three years in a row she attended the Map through the Maze Conference by the Alzheimer’s Association, where she educated herself on various aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, staffing and activities. In 2020 she attained her certification as an Active Aging Specialist by SCW Fitness Education. She continues to learn more about the aging process, the different aspects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and improved ways to keep your loved ones engaged in group sessions, Montessori-based activities, and one-to-one interactions with our staff. She loves to interact with residents and joins activities when possible.  She takes great pride in the work she does and the service she provides for staff, families and residents.

In her spare time she is an event producer for her own company producing Popup Markets that bring small businesses and the local community together, as well as producing charity fashion shows.  Erika also works as a home companion for older adults in need of help.

Julie Lund has been a nurse for 21 years. She graduated from Curry College with a Bachelor’s in Nursing in 1996 and worked briefly in Long-Term Care. Soon after, she focused her career in psychiatric nursing. She worked in an in-patient psychiatric setting for 16+ years. During that time, she earned a Master of Arts in Counselling degree from Gordon-Connell Theological Seminary. She shifted gears to work in Home Care, into working for a VNA for a little over 4 years.

By happenstance, Julie found her way into Assisted Living. Julie Joined Cadbury Commons in July of 2017. With 9+ years of management experience, she has brought her management, organizational and people skills to help Cadbury to continue to evolve in meeting the ever changing and individualized needs of our residents and families. As Associate Executive Director, Julie’s focus will be on training, hiring and implementation of core policies and procedures.

Husain Yassin, a world traveler, graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1996.  He has worked in Property Management, managing services in an apartment complex, since 2003. In that position, he honed his maintenance and management skills.

Husain was hired as Facilities Director at Cadbury in September 2014. He has elevated the art of building services and has been keeping our Community clean, functioning and beautiful, inside and out.

 

Kristen is a life long resident of NH and graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Nashua, NH in 1999. She has maintained NH and Massachusetts nursing licenses since her graduation from nursing school. Over her 25 years of nursing, Kristen has worked in many different healthcare settings and with many different types of patients. Early in her career she focused on her love for children and cared for terminally ill children in their home- as well as in a Pediatric doctors office setting. She went on to work with the elderly population and after starting on the ground level, earned several promotions in the Long Term Care and Assisted Living settings. She held the position of Assistant Director of Nursing and Staff Development Coordinator at Langdon Place in Nashua NH, as well as the Resident Care Director position at Ledge wood Bay in Milford, NH.

Kristen also has her nurse teaching license in NH and taught nursing assistant classes.  She has worked in other areas such as homecare/VNA, Quality Assurance Case Manager, Psychiatrics, and Unit Manager of skilled LTC facilities. Kristen has a wealth of experience both clinically and in leadership roles.

Kristen prides herself on being very professional, thorough, and organized. She has a genuine, humble, and kind heart.

In her short time here at Cadbury, she has already rolled out and implemented ways in which workflows can be more efficient and exceptional service to our valued residents and their families at Cadbury can remain at the forefront.

Kristen is looking forward to knowing each resident personally and growing with the Cadbury team in her position as Director of Resident Care.

Elizabeth Shahinian graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Upon graduation, she entered into a career in sales. Her career spans over 30 years in Corporate Sales and Consulting.

In 2007, she collaborated with a colleague and researched how we care for seniors. For her, it seemed a natural career and life progression to work with seniors in an Assisted Living environment, guiding families through all options available to care for their loved ones. Elizabeth joined Cadbury Commons in the fall of 2015.

Brian Bunnell has served as our Director of Community Programs since 2013, having been promoted from his prior role as an Activities Specialist. Brian is a musician, holding degrees in Music Education and Trumpet Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, in Baltimore.

Brian takes great pride in the quality of engaging programs at Cadbury Commons. The Programs Department aims to approach all groups and interactions from an adult-centered perspective. He, with resident guidance, loves to present programs and activities that are genuinely stimulating, fun, and educational.

In his spare time, Brian performs with the Symphony Orchestra, and leads its operations as President of the Board of Directors.

Julie Lund has been a nurse for 21 years. She graduated from Curry College with a Bachelor’s in Nursing in 1996 and worked briefly in Long-Term Care. Soon after, she focused her career in psychiatric nursing. She worked in an in-patient psychiatric setting for 16+ years. During that time, she earned a Master of Arts in Counselling degree from Gordon-Connell Theological Seminary. She shifted gears to work in Home Care, into working for a VNA for a little over 4 years.

By happenstance, Julie found her way into Assisted Living. Julie Joined Cadbury Commons in July of 2017. With 9+ years of management experience, she has brought her management, organizational and people skills to help Cadbury to continue to evolve in meeting the ever changing and individualized needs of our residents and families. As Associate Executive Director, Julie’s focus will be on training, hiring and implementation of core policies and procedures.

Frank M. Petras has been in the Assisted Living and Senior Housing business for more than 20 years. His passion for seniors began when he saw his then 90-year-old grandfather climb the ladder of his two-story house to finish painting it. That moment solidified his desire to help people stay active as a way to fully enjoy life.

Frank received his B. A. in Psychology from Bates College in Lewiston Maine. While working as the Director of two public housing authorities on the north shore, he attended night school and received his M.B.A from the University of Massachusetts/Boston. He has served as Executive Director in both large and small senior living organizations in the last couple of decades, worked as a member of the Mass ALA education committee, and won local awards at his communities for promoting a green workplace.

Frank has a special affinity for the area as he worked as a bar back in Harvard square with a then grad student Charlie Baker at the Oxford Ale House. He is looking forward to sharing all of his experience and interests with the families and residents of Cadbury Commons.

Jeff Arnold began his career as a dishwasher for Northeastern University in the early 80’s. Since then, Jeff worked his way through the ranks at Northeastern from waiter to chef to Faculty Dining Room and Event Planning Manager, hosting events at Northeastern for notables including President Bill Clinton, Senator Ted Kennedy and President of the then Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, to name a few.

Jeff took a break from Northeastern to help care for his father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. After learning about the disease through his own experience, Jeff found himself drawn to working with older adults.
Jeff has been Director of Dining Services at Cadbury Commons since 2010 and brings his culinary and planning skills to provide Cadbury a well-run dining room and delicious meals.

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