Dodge Park and the Oasis at Dodge Park Community ... · 4/3/2019 · Happy Passover & Happy Easter. 22 Dodge Park Rest Home Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA

Memoriesare made at Dodge Park & Oasis

April 2019Dodge Park and the Oasis at Dodge Park Community Newsletter

Neighborhood Connection is now digital!Email [email protected] to get it delivered to your inboxeach month. Print editions will mail out every other month only.

Dodge Park Rest Home (since 1967) and the Oasis at Dodge Park (Since 2017) has been serving the Worcester area as the most professional, ethical and highest quality care facility for the elderly.

We are committed to listening and responding to the needs of the residents, their family members and our employees. We are committed to going the extra mile when assistance is required by the public, the residents and their family members.

We will remain committed to an entrepreneurial spirit which does not tolerate waste or bureaucracy, but rewards achievement.

– Micha Shalev & Ben Herlinger, Administrators /Owners

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

Sunday, April 21stBegins Friday, April 19th

Happy Passover & Happy Easter

Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 2 2 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545

Bringing LIFE to Those We Serve

DODGE PARK REST HOME &

OASIS AT DODGE PARKMicha Shalev MHA Executive Director/Owner

[email protected]

Ben Herlinger Adminstrator/Owner

[email protected]

Carrie Lindberg RN, BSN Director Of Nursing

[email protected]

101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606


Phone: 508.853.8180 Fax: 508.853.4545

The Dodge Park Family of Care Services

Dodge Park Rest Home The Adult Day Club at Dodge Park Dodge Park At Home Dusk to Dawn at Dodge Park

The Oasis at Dodge Park

Throughout the last several decades, the average American’s life expectancy has increased significantly. Statistics show that in 2011 there were 5.7 million people 85 or older; by 2040 that number is expected to be 14.1 million.

Advances in medicine and technology, as well as growing awareness of healthy lifestyle practices, mean that Americans not only live longer, but they also live better.

However, as the population ages, needs change and senior living communities are becoming a vital partner in addressing those needs. The decision to relocate to a senior living community is not easy. However, making that choice offers a number of important benefits, including physical, emotional, social and mental stimulation, as well as the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supervised environment. Currently, approximately one million Americans live in some type of senior living facility and an anticipated two million seniors will reside in such communities by 2030.

Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America, with costs soaring past a quarter of a trillion dollars.

▪ In 2017, the direct costs to American society of caring for those with Alzheimer’s will total an estimated $2 59 billion. ▪ Average per-person Medicare spending for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is more than three times higher than average per-person spending across all other seniors. Medicaid payments are 23 times higher. ▪ Unless something is done, in 2050, Alzheimer’s will cost $1.1 trillion (in 2017 dollars). ▪ Nearly one in every five Medicare dollars is spent on people with Alzheimer’s. In 2050, it will be more than one in every three dollars.

Alzheimer’s kills – and deaths have nearly doubled in the last 14 years. ▪ Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United

States and the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. ▪ Deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 89 percent from 2000 to 2014, while deaths from other major diseases (including heart disease, stroke, breast and prostate cancer, and HIV/AIDS) decreased. ▪ Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is exceptionally demanding. ▪ In 2016, more than 15 million family members and friends provided 18.2 billion hours of unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s

Dodge Park & Oasis at Dodge ParkMicha Shalev MHA Executive Director/[email protected]

Ben Herlinger Adminstrator/[email protected]

Carrie Lindberg RN, BSN Director of [email protected]

Renee Kublbeck RN, BSN Assistant Director of [email protected]

Meri Toomey RN Assistant Director of [email protected]



Phone: 508.853.8180 Fax: 508.853.4545

The Dodge Park Family of Care ServicesDodge Park Rest Home www.dodgepark.com

The Oasis at Dodge Park www.oasisatdodgepark.com

The Adult Day Club at Dodge ParkDodge Park At HomeDusk to Dawn at Dodge Park

Moving Into a Long Term Care FacilityBy Micha Shalev

Most of us dread the thought of permanently moving a loved one into a skilled nursing facility, and this sentiment doesn’t change for those who are fortunate enough to have a selection of stellar facilities to choose from. As caregivers, even though we are fully aware of our individual limitations, it means giving up a certain amount of directoversight and control. We also know deep down that this move is an admission that our loved one has passed a certain point in their health where returning home or resuming even a few aspects of self-care is no longer a possibility. This transition is a direct dose of reality for everyone involved.Before Moving InBe sure to visit the room your loved one will move into (or one very similar to it) to get a feel for the amount of floor and storage space there is. There must be enough room to maneuver a wheelchair or other mobility aid and for caregivers to safely transfer and care for your loved one. Check to see if the facility will remove and store the provided nightstand, chest or chair so that personal pieces of furni-ture can be brought in. If this is an option, make sure that none of these item encroach on a roommate’s space or limit mobility within the room. Asking for a floorplan and measurements (or taking your own) will help ensure your loved one’s belongings fit without crowd-ing the room.

Ask questions about items and services the facility provides that are included in the monthly fee. The following are common questions that can reveal a great deal about what supplies may need to be purchased or left at home. It can also expose services and items that come at an additional cost.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

• Is the laundering of linen included?

• Does my loved one’s room have cable, and is it included in the monthly cost?

• What about local and long-distance telephone service?

• Is there public and/or secure wifi access available?

• Can personal laundry services be added for an additional fee?

• Is a corkboard or whiteboard provided for posting calendars, re-minders and pictures?

• Do they provide a wall clock, TV or any personal care products?

• Can you bring a small refrigerator?

Every SNF is different. No family member wants to receive an ex-pensive surprise when they get the first bill and discover that all the services they thought were included were optional extras.

What to PackAside from making the decision to move your loved one into a SNF, helping them pick and choose what to pack and what to purge is one of the most difficult parts of this transition. Caregivers often help their family members sort through homes, garages and storage units full of belongings, furniture and family heirlooms. Most seniors have been collecting personal items for decades, and it can be difficult for them to simultaneously “lose” their home and most of their posses-sions.

Many caregivers enable their loved ones to hold onto some family heirlooms, seasonal clothing and décor, valuables, and other import-ant belongings by storing them at their own home, dispersing them among trusted family members or renting a storage unit.This helps elders feel they still have access to their possessions or at least that these things have been passed on to individuals who will cherish and respect them.

Regardless of the approach you and your loved one decide to use, there are some important considerations and limitations that apply to each category of a nursing home packing list.

Clothing and AccessoriesWhen deciding what kinds of clothing to bring to a SNF and how much, there are several practical matters that should influence your loved one’s packing list. Keep these things in mind:• Clothing must be easy to get on and off and able to withstand lots of

Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 3

washing and drying.

• While the temperature inside the facility is regulated to a level that would be perfectly comfortable for most active adults, the majority of SNF residents tend to be cold-natured. For this reason, versatile layers are best. Make sure your loved one has warm and comfortable sweatshirts, vests or jackets that can be worn with every outfit, as well as cozy socks that can be worn in bed and non-skid shoes.

• The number of outfits they should bring depends on who will be doing their laundry and how often. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least a week’s worth of clothing—probably more just to provide for additional changes that may be needed. If possible, it is helpful if whoever does the laundry returns their clothes to their closet clipped or hung together as outfits, so they are ready to wear. This is easier for many seniors than having to match separate tops and bottoms, especially if cognitive impairment is a factor.

• Accessories are part of a person’s individual style and should be encouraged! Nothing too valuable or with sharp points or edges should be brought with, but if Mom has always worn bright scarves or glittery beads, make sure she has some she can wear every day. If Dad always enjoyed wearing hats, make sure a few of his favorites come with him.

• Women often want their purse close by, and men don’t feel quite right without a wallet in their pocket. Let them bring their wallet or a favorite purse if they feel uncomfortable without it. Even if outings are rare for them, it will help them retain a sense of control and in-dependence in a world that is completely new, strange and scary. You could even put a few dollar bills or some change in it. Just make sure to take out all insurance cards, bank cards and credit cards first.

Decorative Touches• Plan to decorate their room for holidays and events. A small season-al wreath for their door, holiday cards, and wall décor are great ways to remind your loved one of the holiday without taking up precious space on their nightstand or dresser. Window clings are an inexpen-sive and reusable decorative item that can be easily applied to and removed from a window or mirror. You may have to store seasonal items that aren’t currently in use if there is not enough storage space in their room.

• A favorite everyday door decoration is also a good cue for your loved one that they have returned to “their” room after a meal or activity. Many doors in the SNF look the same, but a personal touch will help theirs stand out.

• Fresh flowers brighten up windowsills and dressers. Just be sure to pick lowmaintenance varieties that will not create any mess or artificial versions. If your loved one is assigned to a room with a less than ideal view from their window, this small touch can make a big difference. You and your loved one can create fresh or silk arrange-ments together as an activity.

Favorite Things• Your loved one should be able to look around their room and say, “These are a few of my favorite things.” It’s crucial to bring items that hold personal significance, promote happy reminiscence and stimu-late the senses in some way.

• Family pictures are important and can be posted on a bulletin board, stored in a scrapbook or photo album, uploaded to a digital picture frame, or displayed as a collage on the wall. It can also be helpful to stick a small label under each photo or on the back to ex-plain the name and relationship to your loved one of those pictured. This enables them to share their photographs without having thepressure of remembering names, faces and relations all at once.

• Another sentimental item to bring could be their favorite artwork or posters. Keep in mind that wall space in SNF rooms is limited, and the facility may have rules about what hardware is allowed for hang-ing frames and other wall decor. If nails are not allowed, poster tack or command strips may be helpful alternatives. Posters can be placed in inexpensive poster frames to make them look more polished, and the artwork can be changed out periodically at little expense.Numerous vendors sell affordable prints of famous works of art, na-ture scenes, military memorabilia, old movie posters and much more. The options are endless!

• A CD player and CDs or a MP3 player loaded with favorite music can also be a small but meaningful addition to a loved one’s room. Just as with the television, headphones of some kind are probably a wise investment for considerate listening.

• Other types of treasured items might include favorite snacks or treats (as appropriate to their current dietary needs), scented lotions, a stuffed animal or doll, sports memorabilia or team colors, a couple of favorite books, or small items from a personal collection.

• It is important to note that most facilities prohibit breakable items like china and glass, electric blankets, scented plug-ins, and, of course, any sort of open flame (candles), and weapons.

• All items must be clearly marked with your loved one’s name. Clothing and other items can easily be mixed up in the laundry. If the facility caters to residents with dementia or memory issues, belong-ings can be accidentally or intentionally stolen and end up in the wrong rooms. Use permanent marker on clothing and fabrics, and either purchase or make labels with your loved one’s name and room number so that all other items can be quickly and easily labeled. You can also iron or sew on decorative patches to identify clothing with-out them appearing like labels. Don’t forget to tag items like glasses, hearing aids, denture cases, personal care items, durable medical equipment like walkers and furniture.

This is a challenging time for both you and your loved one, and a room in a SNF is never going to be comparable to their long-time home. Treat this move as an opportunity to create a new home for them: a comfortable, safe environment filled with happy memories and fun activities. This is a place where your loved one can thrive andreceive the higher level of care they need.

Micha Shalev MHA CDP CDCM CADDCT is the owner of Dodge Park Rest Home and The Adult Day Club at Dodge Park located at 101 Randolph Road in Worcester. He is a graduate of the Nation-al Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners program, and well known speaker covering Alzheimer’s and Dementia training topics. The programs at Dodge Park Rest Home specialized in providing care for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The facility is holding a FREE monthly support group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for spouses and children of individuals with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. He can be reached at 508-853-8180 or by e-mail at [email protected] or view more information online at www.dodgepark.com


Passover WishesPassover is a Jewish festival celebrated in commem-oration of the release of the Hebrews from the brutal slavery of the ancient Egyptians. The festival holds great significance for the entire Jewish community re-siding across the world. Passover, which is also known as Pesach, falls on the 15th day of the Nisan month in the Hebrew calendar and lasts till the 21st or 22nd day. This date corresponds in the month of March or April as per the Gregorian calendar. Observed with much pomp and show, Passover celebrations revolve around holidaying, feasting and merry-making. People meet one another and exchange greetings. The more personal touch you give to a greeting, the more special it would be. However, we are always ready to help you providing ideas to make your greetings all the more special on this festival.

Given here are some Passover wishes that you can in-clude in your greeting cards or send them as messages to your near and dear ones. Pick up your favorite wish and send it to your loved ones!

Greetings For Passover “Shalom!Wishing you joy and many blessingsat Passover and throughout the year!May God bless you this Passover seasonand all through the year...”“May your Pesach overflow with happiness...

May you always be blessed with peace,prosperity and togetherness!Wishing you a Happy Passover!”

“Shalom!Wishing you...Peace, Good times,Good healthand Happiness...on Passover & always!”

“Wishing you aSpring freshwith new promisesand a Passoverblossoming with joyHappy Passover!”

“ShalomOn Passover and alwaysMay you rejoiceIn our traditions andAlways be blessedWith the rich and bountifulGifts of life!”

“Sending you LOADS ofwarmth, love and hugs!Happy Passover...”


Happy Easter Wishes and MessagesEaster is one of the most important holidays for Chris-tians. Easter Sunday commemorates the Resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ from the dead. In Fact the base of the Christianity is built on Resurrection of Je-sus Christ. This Easter, may we always be blessed with love, life and happiness. May our lives be touched by the true meaning of Easter. Exchanging Easter greet-ings and Easter wishes to celebrate this day is one of the most common traditions. Now that we truly understand the meaning of Easter, we should be not only be thankful and rejoice in what we have but also wish the same blessings to others. This Easter, greet your family and loved ones a happy Easter. Here are some samples of Easter messages that you can use.

Easter is not just about God’s resurrection…It’s also about elimination of slavery…A unification of conscience and faith.Have a blessed Easter!

There has never been and will never come a day when our loving Jesus is not a part and soul of our life. He will never ever forget us. He has carved each of our names on the palm of his hands. So let us all to-gether thank and praise our risen Lord for his abundant and unconditional blessings. Have a blessed and wonderful Easter!

May this year’s Easter bring your hope and joy.Happy Easter!

Let the Easter eggsServe as your reminder that nothing can hinder youIn fulfilling your dreams.I’m wishing you an extraordinary Easter!

May God keep you away from misfortunes, devious people and evil tongues.Have a blessed and happy Easter!

I’m wishing you an extraordinary and joyful Easter.May your life be full of blessings!


REVIEWS FROM CARING.COM

My 93-year old mother became a resident of Oasis at Dodge Park six weeks ago. Her dementia had been significantly increasing, and the assisted living facility she was at previously could no longer manage her care - i.e. incontinence, combative behavior, not sleeping at night, challenges with ADL’s. Within three weeks, the outstanding staff and resources at the Oasis figured out what was causing my mom’s behavior [UTI, medication issues], and now my mom is clean, groomed, happy, eating, sleeping, and participat-ing in a wide variety of activities. And she’s playing their baby grand piano! She’s always happy to see me, and I am extremely grateful to Micha, Ben, Carrie, Renee and the amazing staff at the Oasis!

Extremely caring staff. Wonderfully engaging entertainment and activities by visiting performers. Love-ly, bright, welcoming facility. Facility is always clean, staff members are always working, and engaging constantly with each resident. Heartfelt compassionate staff members who appear to work together as a team for the benefit of each resident. Regardless of individual’s abilities, the staff engages each resident as they are able and feel comfortable. Family members are always welcome at meals, for visits, enter-tainment. Owners of the facility are as involved as the staff, knowing each resident as an important, vital individual, and interacting with them constantly. Laundry is clean, individually identified and put away for each resident. Rooms are organized and kept neat and orderly. Safety and well being of residents appears to be the number one priority. Private space for family birthday: visiting. Beautiful grounds and outside (safe) areas for sitting - and cookouts and entertainment. Holidays are all marked with deco-ration and activities. Our family looks forward to, and truly enjoys visiting, and also allows us to feel confident that our mother is well cared for and safe when we leave.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Micha Shalev (508) 853-8180

Dodge Park Chosen as “2018 Reader’s Choice” by Holden Landmark Readers

Worcester, MA November 13, 2018 — The Holden Landmark, which covers the towns of Holden, Paxton, Rutland, Paxton and Sterling recently announced that Dodge Park was selected as a “2018 Reader’s Choice” winner in the category of Best Retirement Facility.

“Dodge Park is honored to be recognized by the readers of the Holden Landmark. Our home-like community is a place where seniors can continue to live a vibrant, purposeful life with the assurance that safety and comfort are our number one priority for all our residents,” said Micha Shalev, co-founder of Dodge Park. “I would also like to thank our employees, who contribute every day to our residents’ care because without them this award would not be possible,” he added.

Dodge Park is a sixty (60) bed residential care home in Worcester and licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). It offers its’ residents all the amenities of a modern facility combined with the quaintness of home. Licensed nursing staff and a medical director are available 24-hours a day /. 7 days a week allowing Dodge Park to offer a very unique level of care not found in most other senior living facilities.

About Dodge Park Rest Home Dodge Park has been serving the Worcester area since 1967 with the specific purpose to be recognized by the consumer and industry as the most professional, ethical and highest quality care facility for the elderly. We are committed to listening and responding to the needs of the residents, their family members and our employees. We are committed to going the extra mile when assistance is required by the public, the residents and their family members. We will remain committed to an entrepreneurial spirit, which does not tolerate waste or bureaucracy, but rewards achievement.


PROUD TO BE CHOSEN


Congratulations to Micha Shalevfor receiving the

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD



Memory care at Dodge Park Rest Home and Oasis at Dodge Park:

Where everyone knows your name I magine a place where individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia feel right at home. Imagine a place where they can regain a sense of fulfillment. Dodge Park Rest Home and Oasis at Dodge Park on Randolph Road in Worcester are just such a setting. The facilities’ N’efesh to N’efesh Memory Care Program (from the Hebrew for “soul to soul”) strives to help those strug-gling with memory loss at any stage to build and maintain cognitive ability. Based on research from a variety of recent studies, Dodge Park Rest Home and Oasis’s specially designed program is comprised of six pillars of activities in which memory care resi-dents and their families join in. These include Physical Exercise, Stress Reduction, Cognitive Exercise, Specialized Digital Programs, Purposeful Social Activities and Support Groups and Resident Council. Resident-centered care is at the cornerstone of the N’efesh to N’efesh Memory Care Program at Dodge Park and Oasis at Dodge Park. Caregivers, staff and the management team are specially

trained to focus on the strengths of each person and to understand a resi-dent’s preferences, accomplishments and family ties. Each resident’s pref-erences and life story contribute to the individualized care plan and activi-ties they take part in, from dining choices to daily activities and specialized care. Oasis’s Activity Coordinator Amy Bustin says: “One of my favorite activities at Oasis at Dodge Park is our Reminiscing Program. Here the residents and caregivers share their personal stories. We use this time to learn about each other and recall experiences from the past. A simple question of ‘where did you grow up?’ brought up old memories for one resident and we were soon talking about summers at ‘the World’s Fair’ in St. Louis. For residents, re-calling the past is important as their disease can rob them of these moments. Care-

givers in turn have been able to learn about the lives of the residents. Using these tools has seamlessly turned my resi-dents from the people I assist to those who feel like family. I feel blessed to know each of them. “In my experience, music has been one of the most pow-

erful tools we have in the memory-care program. One resident could not recall how many children they had but was able to sing all of the words to ‘God Bless America’ with me. I have used sing-a-longs many times to redirect those that are upset. The familiarity of the music is comforting while sharing the song experience creates a bond between residents and the aides. A quiet room can quickly be filled with ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ or ‘Grand Ol’ Flag.’ The variety of music pro-grams we have each week is engaging—from drum circle to upbeat aerobics to quiet background music early in the morning. Music has become one of the best ways to make connections on a daily basis.” www.oasisatdodgepark.com https://dodgepark.com 877-363-4775 508-853-8180

‘We feel so fortunate that we found the Oasis’ Judy Atkins Bath’s mother Nancy Atkins has been a resident at Oasis at Dodge Park since just after the facility opened in 2017 and is thriving in the environment due in large part to the N’efesh to N’efesh Memory Care Program. “What works best for my mom,” Ms. Bath said, “is the music that’s offered, which brings back memories of entertainers she enjoyed when she was younger: Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Roger Whitaker. We have a little player in her room too. When the music starts, she is in the front row center and singing and very happy and engaged with it. When Bill McCarthy announced ‘this one’s for you, Nancy, and broke into Que Sera Sera (‘Que sera, sera/whatever will be, will be/the future’s not ours to see/Que sera, sera/what will be, will be’), she loved it. It is just wonderful for Oasis’s staff and (Activity Director) Amy Bustin to do this. Amy’s great, dancing and clapping with the residents. We feel so fortunate that we found the Oasis.” `Mom is doing fabulous at the Oasis’ Lisa Swalec’s mother Margaret Leroux—”Judy”—benefits immensely from the affection showered on her by an Oasis staff that is “compassionate and patient,” Ms. Swalec says. “She was at home with twenty four-hour care for two years. Oasis gives her more socialization than she was getting. My father was briefly at Dodge Park before he died. The amaz-ing thing is the music, Saturday nights and Sunday after-noons. The whole facility is memory care and residents are allowed to move about; they are not confined to one wing.”


APRIL OBSERVANCESMonthlyNational Cancer Control Month. Health agenciesand nonprofits across the country have a singularfocus this month: to raise awareness of the risk factorsand prevention measures associated with many formsof cancer. Go to www.cancer.org to find informationand resources.

National Lawn Care Month. It’s the time of yearwhen some of us get obsessed about the best way tomow, fertilize, and irrigate the grass. Find a neighborto mentor so that the grass will remain green on bothsides of the fence.

Occupational Therapy Month. People recoveringfrom a debilitating injury/illness have probablybenefited from the services of an occupationaltherapist. Yet these professionals also work withchildren, the disabled, and aging populations to assistthem in developing skills that allow them to live moreindependent lives. Learn more at https://www.aota.org/Conference-Events/OTMonth/what-is-OT.aspx

National Straw Hat Month. The warmer temps thistime of year are the perfect reminder to change ourheadgear to something more fun, fashionable, andlightweight. Remember to wear a wide brim duringspringtime gardening projects to protect sensitive skinof the scalp, face, and neck from harmful UV rays.

WeeklyNational Public Health Week, April 1–7. The American Public Health Association is using each dayof this week to focus on topics such as healthycommunities, violence prevention, rural health, andmore. Go to http://www.nphw.org/nphw-2019 tolearn more.

National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April8–12. The arrival of spring marks the beginning ofroad construction season on many of our nation’sroadways. Reduce your speed, heed warnings, andexercise caution when driving through work zones.

National Park Week, April 20–28. There are at least418 national parks in the United States. Take timethis week to explore one of these beautiful places.Park admissions are free on Saturday, April 20, 2019.To learn about the National Park System or to find apark near you at https://www.nps.gov/

SPECIAL DAYS1 April Fool’s Day

1 International Fun at Work Day

1 International Tatting Day

2 Children’s Book Day

2 National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

2 Reconciliation Day

3 Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day

3 Tweed Day

3 World Party Day

4 Hug a Newsman Day

4 Walk Around Things Day

4 School Librarian Day

4 Tell a Lie Day

4 World Rat Day

5 Go for Broke Day

5 National Dandelion Day

5 .National Walk to Work Day - first Friday of month

6 California Poppy Day

6 National Tartan Day

6 New Beer’s Eve

6 Plan Your Epitaph Day - a little morbid if you ask me

6 Sorry Charlie Day

7 Caramel Popcorn Day

7 National Beer Day

7 No Housework Day

7 World Health Day

8 All is Ours Day

8 Draw a Picture of a Bird Day

8 Zoo Lover’s Day

9 Name Yourself Day

9 Winston Churchill Day

10 Golfer’s Day

10 National Siblings Day

11 Eight Track Tape Day - do you remember those?

11 Barbershop Quartet Day

11 National Submarine Day

12 Big Wind Day - this day blows me away!

12 Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

12 National Licorice Day

12 Russian Cosmonaut Day

12 Walk on Yor Wild Side Day

13 International Plant Appreciation Day

13 National Peach Cobbler Day

13 Scrabble Day

14 Ex Spouse Day

14 International Moment of Laughter Day

14 Look up at the Sky Day

14 National Dolphin Day

14 National Pecan Day

14 Palm Sunday - date varies

14 Reach as High as You Can Day

15 Income Taxes Due (most years, it’s on the 15th)

15 Patriot’s Day - third Monday of the month


Weekly (continued)Preservation Week, April 21–27. Libraries across thecountry will be working in partnership with commu-nities and organizations to highlight efforts to preserve booxs, art, photographs, and other items of cultural significance.

DailyEqual Pay Day, April 2. The color of the day is redfor those who want to draw awareness to wagediscrimination.

International Day of Sport for Development andPeace, April 6. Because sports can be a tool for socialchange, the United Nations has designated this as aday to promote participation in sporting events andteams for people throughout the world.

Tax Day, April 15. For those of us who waited untilthe last minute, those signed tax returns have to bepostmarked by midnight.

Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, April25. Inspire young people of all ages by exposing themto workplace environments and teaching them aboutcertain careers.

World Wish Day, April 29. Throughout the monthand on this day, the Make-A-Wish Foundation strivesto grant the wishes of children around the world whoare struggling with serious illnesses so they can staymotivated in their fight for a healthy life.

SPECIAL DAYS15 Rubber Eraser Day

15 That Sucks Day

15 Titanic Remembrance Day

15 World Art Day

16 Mushroom Day

16 National Eggs Benedict Day

16 National Librarian Day

16 National Stress Awareness Day

16 Save the Elephant Day

17 Bat Appreciation Day

17 Blah, Blah, Blah Day

17 National Cheeseball Day

17 Pet Owners Independence Day

18 International Juggler’s Day

18 National High Five Day third Thursday

18 Newspaper Columnists Day

19 Good Friday - date varies

19 National Garlic Day

19 Passover begins at sundown - date varies

20 Husband Appreciation Day - third Saturday in April

20 Look Alike Day

20 Volunteer Recognition Day

21 Easter Sunday - date varies

21 Kindergarten Day

22 Dyngus Day always the Monday after Easter

22 Earth Day (U.S.)

22 Girl Scout Leader Day

22 National Jelly Bean Day

23 Lover’s Day

23 National Zucchini Bread Day

23 Take a Chance Day

23 World Laboratory Day

24 Administrative Professionals Day

24 Pig in a Blanket Day

25 East Meets West Day

25 Take Your Daughter to Work 4th Thursday

25 World Penguin Day

26 Arbor Day -last Friday of month

26 Hug an Australian Day

26 National Pretzel Day

26 Richter Scale Day

27 Babe Ruth Day

27 National Prime Rib Day

27 Tell a Story Day

28 International Astronomy Day

28 Great Poetry Reading Day

28 Kiss Your Mate Day - guys, do not forget this one. Kiss her, then read her some poetry.

29 Greenery Day

29 National Shrimp Scampi Day

30 Hairstyle Appreciation Day

30 National Honesty Day

APRIL OBSERVANCES




A very

Happy Birthday to...

Oasis ResidentsJoan P. ...................... April 14thLucille M. .................. April 23rdKaren C. ................... April 25thBertha E. ................... April 29thSally C. ..................... April 29thRoberta A. ................. April 30th

Dodge Park ResidentsMargaret A. ................. April 3rdTeresa L. ..................... April 4thHelen B. .................... April 29th

StaffKinmary D. .................. April 3rdAgbornjang A. ..............April 6thIan C. .........................April 12thTeone C. ....................April 13thKeyri L. ......................April 15th

Amy M. ......................April 15thMelanie M. .................April 16thChantel W. .................April 21stTammy O. ................ April 22ndMartisha S. ............... April 22nd

Are you caring for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia and need

a break during the day?

The Adult Day Care at Dodge Park offer the right solution for your respite care.

To learn more about our Adult Day Care Program please join us for an afternoon of fun at ourmonthly Day Club open house with your loved one on the 3rd Thursday

of each month between the hours of 1:30pm and 4:00pm.

The next open house will be on April 19th, 2019.

This is a wonderful opportunity to get out with your loved one and have an enjoyable afternoon. Theafternoon will consist of group discussions, music, arts, refreshments, and most importantly, laughter.

The monthly open house is FREE and open to the public.It is open to anyone at any stage of the Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease

process accompanied by friend, family, and loved ones.


You Know It Will Be a Bad Day When...Everybody has experienced bad days. This collectionof “bad day” examples will have your residents howling with laughter. Give it a try and see what happens. These are also good for one-to-one activities.

You know it will be a bad day when:• Your horn sticks on the freeway behind 32 Hell’s Angels.• The worst player on the golf course wants to play you formoney.• You call suicide prevention and they put you on hold.• You get to work and find a “60 Minutes” news team wait-ing in your office.• Your birthday cake collapses from the weight of the can-dles.• You turn on the evening news and they are showing emer-gency routes out of the city.• Your twin sister forgets your birthday.• Your 4-year-old tells you that it’s almost impossible to flush a grapefruit down the toilet.• You realize that you just sprayed spot remover under your arms instead of deodorant.• You discover that your 12-year-old’s idea of humor is put-ting crazy glue in your Preparation H.• You have to sit down to brush your teeth in the morning.• You start to put up the clothes you wore home from the party last night...and there aren’t any.• It costs more to fill up your car than it did to buy it.• You wake up to the soothing sound of running water...and remember that you just bought a waterbed.

• Your car payment, house payment, and girlfriend are threemonths overdue.• Everyone avoids you the morning after the company officeparty.• The bird singing outside your window is a vulture.• You wake up and your braces are stuck together.• You call your answering service and they tell you it’s none of your business.• Your blind date turns out to be your exwife/ ex-husband.• Your income tax refund check bounces.• You put both contact lenses in the same eye.• You compliment the boss’ wife on her unusual perfume and she isn’t wearing any.• You need one bathroom scale for each foot.• You call your wife and tell her that you would like to eat out tonight and when you get home there is a sandwich on the front porch.• The restaurant check has been on the table for ten min-utes...and no one has touched it.• Nothing you own is actually paid for.• You go on your honeymoon to a remote little hotel and the desk clerk, bell hop, and manager have a “Welcome Back” party for your new spouse.• You receive a 150 page instruction booklet on how to save money...from the electric company.• Airline food starts to taste good.• Your mother approves of the person you are dating.• Your doctor tells you that you are allergic to chocolate chip cookies.• You have to borrow from your VISA to pay off your MASTERCARD.• You realize that you have memorized the back of your cereal box.• Your cat abandons the nice box you prepared for her and has her kittens in your dresser drawer.• Everyone loves your driver’s license picture.• You realize that the phone number on the bathroom wall of the bar is yours.• Your kids start treating you the same way you treated your parents.• The health inspector condemns your office coffee maker.• You look out the window of the airplane and the B.F. Go-odrich Blimp is gaining on you.• The gypsy fortune teller offers to refund your money.• People think you are 40...and you really are.• You are pigging out at McDonald’s by yourself and the manager orders the numbers on the sign outside changed.• Your new lover calls to tell you “Last night was terrific.” and you remember that you were home by yourself.• Everyone is laughing but you.


Mindful Movement and MotionIn the past five months, many people have heard me say what a great opportunity it is to be ‘up and moving’ and regaining and living a healthy, active lifestyle. In a roundabout way, it’s become my mantra: a way of life. And, I have truly seen visible results; physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual. Without a doubt, this has been a momentous event in my life and I now know and realize, how very important physical movement and motion is to our aging seniors. As Recreation/Activity Profes-sionals, we must aspire to live, teach and model the true mean-ing of active living to the residents in our care all the time.

Each of us have witnessed women and men who look years younger than the number of candles on their birthday celebra-tion cake! These folks have a zest for life filled with energy and enthusiasm. Research clearly indicates that these individuals look and feel younger as a result of one important factor: they move with intent each and every day. They exercise, bike, walk, swim, lift weights and move; every day! This, in itself, proves to us all that exercise is a key life-changing component to living successfully! According to Rowe & Kahn, “We therefore define successful aging as the ability to maintain three key behaviors or characteristics;”

• Low risk of disease and disease-related disability;• High mental and physical function; and• Active engagement with life. (Rowe and Kahn, Successful Aging, p.38, 1998)

As we age things get scary in the strength, flexibility, heart and balance departments. Well before the age of 50 we lose a significant amount of muscle mass at a hyper accelerated rate compared to our 20s (Wagonseller, October 2015). Many of our seniors experience pain, cramping of muscles and tight-ness throughout their bodies. Their strength and endurance has seriously diminished because of limited movement and motion. They have become ‘spectators of life’ due to various ambulatory restrictions; i.e., walking canes, front-wheel walk-ers, and wheelchairs.

One thing is certain. Our residents need strength; arm, stom-ach and leg power to independently perform ‘Activities of Daily Living’ as much as they can, as long as they can. Putting on a sweater, brushing teeth, combing hair, getting in and out

of bed and seating oneself at the dining table are all activities that require movement and motion. Keeping our residents’ bodies engagedand strong will help ensure that they live a healthy lifestyle even when ‘Father-Time’ says differently.

Regular physical movement and motion is a critical ingredient in our residents’ activity programming. Fitness trumps fatness and being fit even while remaining fat markedly reduces car-diovascular risks and establishes heart-healthy habits. (Ko-pecky, 2015). Keeping our residents’ bodies flexible through daily aerobics, stretching and balance movements will positive-ly contribute to healthier people, both mentally and physically.

As Recreation/Activity Professionals, creating, planning and executing resident-specific daily, monthly and yearly pro-gramming is routine protocol and procedure. Today is the day that we must begin expanding our physical activity programs, trying new things and incorporating some of the following suggestions for our residents:• Dance Fitness• Balance• Wellness Programs• Nutrition and Healthy Eating Programs• Morning Stretches• Endurance Building• Deep Breathing• Walking Paths• Yoga• Tai Chi• Strength Training• Light Weights

As always, work with your Inter-Disciplinary Team and seek out all the necessary and pertinent details and information regarding each resident’s health and physical status. Set clear measurable goals for your residents and work slowly and steadily to achieve them. Finally, remember, that you are the Quality of Life Champion in your building. Your residents depend upon you to deliver ‘Quality of Life’ services and pro-grams each and every day. This includes the physical domain! I could not end this article without giving thanks and apprecia-tion to two very important ‘life-changing’ agents in my life: Mr. Charles and Miss Teli. Charles and Telitaught me to rethink my beliefs about exercise. I already knew that working out could make me look and feel great and extend years to my life; however, I never realized that daily movementand motion is truly one of the best life coaches ever! The les-sons that each of these individuals modeled and taught me re-inforced valuable life lessons I will never forget. They include:

• Focus on the enjoyment, not just on the results.• Quality is far more significant than quantity.• Stick it out! You are stronger than what you think!


SCIENCE LAB

Life is born, then dies, on the moonExcitement was high when China announced that ithad successfully grown cotton on the lunar surface—cotton seeds planted in a “mini-biosphere,” accordingto the Newsweek website, using a sealed containerfilled with water, soil, and air, that was carried to thefar side of the moon in its Chang’e 4 lander. Scientistsalso added yeast, fruit fly eggs, and seeds includingcotton, rapeseed, and potato.

The Chinese National Space Administration reported that the cotton seeds had sprouted—a significant achievement. However, the next day the CNSA reported that the sprouts had died over the lunar night. The deaths weren’t unexpect-ed—the seeds require natural light from the sun.

It’s not considered a failure, though. Controlled growth of plant life on the moon increases hopes that someday hu-mans will be able to build a sustainable base on Earth’s lunar partner.

Fast radio bursts are a puzzle to scientistsFast radio bursts (FRBs) have been a puzzle to astrono-mers since they were first detected. An FRB consists of a brief, bright signal of radio energy emanating from distant galaxies. Although most FRBs last only a few milliseconds, two repeating FRBs have been detected—one in 2016, and a second one today in 2019, according to the Science News website.

The 2016 repeating FRB was tracked to a black hole in a far-off galaxy. The new one is about 1.6 billion light-years away. Theories about what causes repeating FRBs include spinning neutron stars, black holes,and even—possibly—alien life.

Findings hint at longfriendship betweendogs and peopleDogs have been man’s best friend for a long time—aslong as 11,500 years, the Science Daily website reports.Remains of dogs and humans together in what is nownortheast Jordan suggest that people may have useddogs for hunting, due to the presence of bones foundto have moved through the digestive tract of anotheranimal. The bones are too large for humans to haveeaten, so archaeologists theorize that they must havebeen digested by dogs.

The remains were unearthed at a 11,500-year-oldsettlement called Shubayqa 6. Evidence indicates thathumans lived at the settlement year round, suggestingthat the dogs lived there with humans rather thanscavenging when people weren’t around. Dogs mayhave been used in hunting foxes and hares, possiblydriving them into enclosures where they could bekilled for meat, and also for bones that early humansused to make beads.

South Pole ice meltingat an increased rateAntarctic ice is melting at a more rapid pace than ever be-fore, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and reportedon the CBS News website.

Using satellite imagery, scientists have determined that from 1979 to 1990, the South Pole region lost an average of 40 billion tons of ice a year. From 2009 to 2017, though, that loss increased to 252 billion tons a year. This puts the Earth on a path to experience a major rise in sea levels over the next 100 years. Scientists worry that the melt-off could push the sea level up by four meters—enough to flood manycoastal cities and towns and put much of south Floridaunderwater.

A similar rise happened some 14,000 years ago, when the oceans rose at an average of one foot a century for four cen-turies. That was a natural phenomenon, scientists say, but they attribute this recent rise to human activity.

Quotes“Scientists have become the bearers of the torchof discovery in our quest for knowledge.”—Stephen Hawking


Avoid Alzheimer’s with these tipsAlzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only one in the top 10 that cannot be prevented, treated, or cured. However, grow-ing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes. From the Alzheimer’s Association come these tips for keeping your mind healthy as you age:• Break a sweat. Engage in regular cardiovascular ex-ercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.• Hit the books. Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, a community center, or online.• Fuel up right. Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH(Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may con-tribute to risk reduction.• Catch some z’s. Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

How to help a friend with depressionOne in six people will experience serious depressionduring their lifetime, and knowing what to say andhow to act around them can help them cope with thecondition better. From the HuffPost website comethese suggestions for helping friends and family dealwith their depression:• Listen. Don’t offer solutions nor try to “fix” things.Most people with depression have heard suggestions.They mostly just want someone to listen to them.• Help out. Many people with depression findthemselves unable to perform everyday, routinetasks. Offer to do some household chores that theycan’t handle.• Make specific offers. Don’t just say, “Is thereanything I can do?” Instead, volunteer with specificsuggestions: “Can I do your laundry?” or, “Wouldyou like me to take you grocery shopping?”• Be patient. Try to remember what they’re goingthrough. If they’re sad, frustrated, or lethargic,don’t insist that they feel better. Reassure them thatyou still care about them.• Send a quick text. A joke or cartoon can brightenyour friend’s day and signal that you’re thinking ofhim or her.• Don’t take things personally. Depressed peoplesometimes resist efforts to help. They may withdrawinto themselves and shut others out. Don’tabandon them. Remember that it’s the depressiontalking, not the person inside.• Offer reassurance. Don’t be a Pollyanna, butremind them that they’re good people and strongenough to get over this. Even if they don’t respond,hearing such reassuring words will help.• Tell them it’s all right. Don’t blame them for theirdepression, nor let them blame themselves. Tellthem that it’s OK not to feel OK all the time.• Share small gifts. Bring a treat or some flowers, orsend a card letting them know you’re thinking ofthem. A small gesture can mean a lot to someonewho’s depressed.

HEALTH WATCH


MONEY MATTERS

Save money on energy costsEnergy costs money, and the more you use, the moreyou’ll pay. You can cut back on energy waste withthese tips from the Newscenter website:• Watch your electronics. TVs, computers, and other devices consume energy whenever they’re plugged in, even if they’re not turned on. Plug them into power strips that you can turn off completely at night, when you’re out of town, or whenever you’re not using them for a long time.

• Change your furnace filter regularly. If you have a furnace, make sure to switch out the filter every 30 days. Dirty filters force your furnace to work harder to produce heat, driving costs up.• Check your thermostat. Keep the temperature at 68 degrees during the day, and turn it down to 55 at night. Buy a thermo-stat you can program to do this automatically, or one you can set using your smartphone.• Use your microwave. It’s more efficient than the stove or your oven.• Let your washer help dry your clothes. Use an extra spin cycle to draw out moisture from your clothes after washing. Remember to clean the lint filter in your dryer to help your clothes dry more efficiently.

Curb the impulse to buyImpulse buying can be disastrous to your budget. It can be hard to resist the urge, but you’ll be better off in the long run if you learn how to control your desire to splurge. Here’s some advice from the U.S. News & World Report website:• Delay. Resolve to wait at least 24 hours before buying the object of your desire. You’ll often find that after a good night’s sleep, you don’t really want that expensive bauble you sawyesterday.

• Avoid your favorite stores. Identify stores (and online shop-ping sites) where you have trouble resisting the merchandise. Don’t visit them unless you’re sure you can really afford to buysomething.

• Remember past mistakes. Impulse buying frequently leads to regrets later. Before whipping out your credit card, think back to the last time you purchased something that you later realized was a bad decision. This can help you put your im-pulse into perspective and stop you from buying an item you don’t really want or need.

Three money managementlessons for the youngSuppose you’re just starting out—or you know a young adult trying to get a foothold on financial security. Here’s some ad-vice from the CNN Money website on starting off right:

• Learn to budget. Get in the habit of keeping trackof your spending so you know how much money you need to live and how much you can save for the future. Learn to distinguish between necessities, such as groceries and rent, and luxuries like eating out or going to the movies. Knowing where your money is going can help you stay afloat.

• Set financial goals. Whether you’re saving for a car, a vaca-tion, or even your retirement—it’s never too early—have some clear, specific goals for setting aside a certain amount of money every month. Once you get into the habit, saving money will be easy.

• Educate yourself. Learn about interest rates, investing, and other financial concepts. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to protect yourself in an uncertain future.

Quotes“Don’t tell me what you value; show me yourbudget, and I’ll tell you what you value.”—Joe Biden


GRINS & GIGGLES

Vet bill“It’s my Kirby,” cried Mr. Wilson to the veterinarian.“Something is terribly wrong. He hasn’t made a soundall day.”

The vet used his stethoscope to listen for the heartbeat of the lifeless duck on the examination table.“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Mr. Wilson, butKirby is dead.”

“How can you be sure?” the old man asked.“Shouldn’t you take some blood, or do some sort oftest? Isn’t it possible that Kirby is in a coma or just in adeep, deep sleep?”

“You’re right,” the vet said. He stepped out of theroom and returned moments later with a Labradorretriever. The dog stood on its hind legs with its frontpaws on the examination table. The Lab sniffed theduck, nudging it gently with his nose. The duck wasunresponsive, and the dog sat on its haunches andbegan to whimper.

The vet walked the dog out of the room andreturned carrying an orange and white tabby cat. Heplaced the cat on the table next to the duck. The cattapped the duck’s head three quick times. When theduck didn’t stir, the cat meowed, jumped down fromthe table, and walked out of the room.

“I’m really sorry, Mr. Wilson,” the vet said. “Kirbyis no longer with us.”

Mr. Wilson wiped a tear from his eye and thenwalked to the front desk to check out. When he saw hisbill, he began to protest. “Is this for real—$180 just togive me the sad news that my Kirby is gone?”

“I actually waived my fee for today, Mr. Wilson,”the vet replied, adding, “but I have to charge you forthe Lab report and the cat scan.”

VerificationThe tax auditor called the vicar of a church. “I’m contacting you to confirm that the church received a $10,000 donation from a parishioner by the name of Tony Smith.”

“Tony Smith, you say?” the vicar replied. “I’ll have to consult our bank records, but I can assure you that if we haven’t received a donation from him yet, we will by the end of the day.”

Team effortA motorist stuck in a ditch received help from a farmer walking down the road with an old horse.

“Just give me a minute, and old Billy will get you pulled out of there,” the farmer said as he hitched the car to the horse. He then began to shout, “Pull, Chuck! Pull, Willow! Pull, Stanley!”Nothing happened.

Finally, the farmer said, “Pull, Billy!” The horse took a few steps forward and pulled the car out of the ditch.The driver thanked the farmer for his help and then asked why the farmer called out all of the other names before he called on Billy.

“Billy is blind and a bit set in his ways,” the farmer said. “If he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t have even tried.”

Quotes“A day without laughter is a day wasted.”—Charlie Chaplin

“Remember, today is the tomorrow you worriedabout yesterday.”—Dale Carnegie


16 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545

Health CornerWITH CARA ZECHELLO

DODGE PARK REST HOME REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Beta-Glucans…What are they and what benefits do they provide?

Beta-glucans are carbohydrates, or sugars, found in the cell walls of some plants such as oats and barley. Beta-glucans are one form of fiber called soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is recommended by Registered Dietitians to help improve cholesterol levels. Scientific studies have examined the potential health benefits beta-glucans may have, particularly in the area of cholesterol and heart disease and diabetes.

Beta-glucans are also found in certain bacteria and fungi, including certain mushroom varieties. Researchers have been studying the positive effects of mushrooms on the immune system. As part of this physiology, research is also showing that beta-glucans have anti carcinogenic (cancer-preventing) activity.

Beta-glucans in oats is showing promise to significantly reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Because beta-glucans are a soluble fiber, they help slow down digestion in the intestines. This can be particularly beneficial for those with diabetes, as the slower carbohydrates are digested and broken down into glucose (sugar), the slower these sugars are absorbed, keeping blood sugar levels more stable. As beta-glucans travel through the digestive system they take cholesterol with it, keeping it from building up in the body which otherwise could end up contributing to clogged arteries.

Food labeling guidelines allow certain health claims to be used on food packaging. The effects the soluble fiber, including beta-glucans, has on cholesterol is one such allowance. Cereal advertisements, such as Cheerios commercials are using such health claim allowances to promote their food product.

Oats are an easy and delicious way to include beta-glucans into your diet. As a breakfast cereal, quick snack or even dessert such as a topping to an apple crisp, it’s a very versatile food. Add dried fruits to oatmeal to add even more nutrition. Sprinkle oat cereal on yogurt for a more satisfying and filling snack.

I will be available to meet with family member to address any concern or questions regarding dietary needs or special diet for their loved one. I can be reach at Dodge Park Rest Home number (508-853-8180).


Health CornerWITH CARA ZECHELLO

DODGE PARK REST HOME REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Beta-Glucans…What are they and what benefits do they provide?

Beta-glucans are carbohydrates, or sugars, found in the cell walls of some plants such as oats and barley. Beta-glucans are one form of fiber called soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is recommended by Registered Dietitians to help improve cholesterol levels. Scientific studies have examined the potential health benefits beta-glucans may have, particularly in the area of cholesterol and heart disease and diabetes.

Beta-glucans are also found in certain bacteria and fungi, including certain mushroom varieties. Researchers have been studying the positive effects of mushrooms on the immune system. As part of this physiology, research is also showing that beta-glucans have anti carcinogenic (cancer-preventing) activity.

Beta-glucans in oats is showing promise to significantly reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Because beta-glucans are a soluble fiber, they help slow down digestion in the intestines. This can be particularly beneficial for those with diabetes, as the slower carbohydrates are digested and broken down into glucose (sugar), the slower these sugars are absorbed, keeping blood sugar levels more stable. As beta-glucans travel through the digestive system they take cholesterol with it, keeping it from building up in the body which otherwise could end up contributing to clogged arteries.

Food labeling guidelines allow certain health claims to be used on food packaging. The effects the soluble fiber, including beta-glucans, has on cholesterol is one such allowance. Cereal advertisements, such as Cheerios commercials are using such health claim allowances to promote their food product.

Oats are an easy and delicious way to include beta-glucans into your diet. As a breakfast cereal, quick snack or even dessert such as a topping to an apple crisp, it’s a very versatile food. Add dried fruits to oatmeal to add even more nutrition. Sprinkle oat cereal on yogurt for a more satisfying and filling snack.

I will be available to meet with family member to address any concern or questions regarding dietary needs or special diet for their loved one. I can be reach at Dodge Park Rest Home number (508-853-8180).

When it Comes to Nutrition Ask the Experts

Ever feel like you are bombarded with conflicting nutrition messages at every turn? Nutrition-related information shows up everywhere including our email inboxes, newspaper headlines, the internet, supermar-ket tabloids, fashion magazines, and television talk shows just to name a few. It’s hard to know who to believe and who to turn to for accurate, helpful nutri-tion advice. A good place to start is with a Registered Dietitian. Unlike people that call themselves “nutri-tionists” or “nutrition experts,” a Registered Dietitian or RD is the expert in the nutrition field. RDs are trained nutrition professionals who have met the strict requirements set forth by the Commission for Dietetic Registration including a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university program, a 1200-hour experiential internship and successful performance on the RD examination. Even after the RD credentials are earned, continuing educational activities must be on-going to keep up with scientific advancements in the field. 75 hours must be completed every 5 years to keep licensed. Additionally, RDs must apply for and fulfill requirements for state licensure.

Diet trends or fad diets are constantly bombarding us with promises of amazing weight loss results. These diet trends are often contradictory from the last diet trend. For example, one day we’re told to eat low pro-tein and the next day it’s all about eating high protein. At the end of the day, most of these “diets”, while they may appear effective with weight loss aren’t a good longterm solution and have no scientific evidence to back up any health claims. RDs know that any diets that eliminate entire food groups are not appropriate for sustaining a healthy life. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The human body requires a vari-ety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrate, fat and water.

When it comes to weight management, there are no magic solutions. A healthy eating pattern that includes variety from all food groups and moderate amounts of fats and sugars and regular exercise each day are key ingredients to living a healthy life. Start the day with a healthy breakfast. Skipping breakfast or any other meal is not recommended for an efficient metabolism. Add lean protein sources to each meal and when it comes to dairy foods, choose low fat varieties such as 1% milk. A healthy body needs 25-30 grams or more of fiber each day. Fiber is found in whole grains such as whole wheat breads and cereals and fresh fruits and vege-tables. Fiber helps you feel fuller longer and studies have shown that those that eat more fiber tend to be able to control their calorie intake better. When using fats either during the cooking process or as flavorings, choose heart healthier fats such as olive oil or canola oil but use less of them as all fats contribute significant calories so while your heart will thank you, your waist-line won’t know the difference. Other important nutri-tion advice is to eat less processed foods that contain a high amount of artificial ingredients and additives such as food colorings and preservatives. Also, eat less sugar. A great way to start on a weight management diet plan is to choose beverages without sugar such as sodas and fruit punch. The human body contains a high percent-age of water thus stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water each day.

I will be available to meet with family members to address any concerns or questions regarding dietary needs or special diets for their loved one. I can be reached at Dodge Park Rest Home (508)-853-8180.


Fascinating Facts AboutEarth DayEvery year on April 22, trees are planted, litter is cleaned up, and awareness for the issues plaguing the planet are raised. In honor of the holiday, now in its 48th year, we’ve gathered together some fascinating facts about Earth Day.

Earth Day was created through the tireless efforts of Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson.Senator Gaylord Nelson arrived in Washington in 1963 looking to make the fledgling conservation movement, sparked in part by Rachel Carson’s New York Times Bestseller Silent Spring, a part of the national discourse. After witnessing the aftermath of an oil spill in Cali-fornia in 1969, Nelson doubled down on his commit-ment to raising environmental awareness. Drawing inspiration from the energetic anti-war movement of the time, he enlisted support from both sides of the political spectrum, and on April 22, 1970, Earth Day was born.

The first Earth Day saw 20 million Americans take to the streets.The first Earth Day marked a strange combination of boisterous rallies and sober reflection on the state of the planet. Protests, demonstrations, fundraisers, na-ture walks, speeches, concerts, and every sort of civic gathering imaginable took place at colleges, VFW halls, public squares, and parks across the United States on April 22, 1970. Environmental crusaders found them-selves thrust into the limelight, and pop culture icons like poet Allen Ginsberg were asked to speak on behalf of Mother Earth. Some of the more colorful displays of the day included mock trials for polluting objects, like an old Chevrolet, which was sentenced to death bysledgehammer. (The car ultimately survived the beat-ing and was donated to an art class.) In New York City,

Earth Day celebrations effectively shut down parts of the city. Twenty thousand people packed into Union Square to see Paul Newman and hear a speech by May-or John Lindsay, who arrived on an electric bus.

Earth Day sparked an unpresedented slate of environmental legislation.With bipartisan support in Congress and thousands of civic demonstrations across the country, support for environmental reform in 1970 was undeniable. According to the EPA, “Public opinion polls indicate that a permanent change in national priorities followed Earth Day 1970. When polled in May 1971, 25 percent of the U.S. public declared protecting the environment to be an important goal, a 2500 percent increase over 1969.” The 1970s saw the passage of the most com-prehensive environmental legislation in U.S. history, including the Clean Air Act, the Water QualityImprovement Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Surface Min-ing Control and Reclamation Act. In addition, just 8 months after the first Earth Day, Richard Nixon ap-proved the creation of a new organization taskedwith monitoring the nation’s natural assets: the Envi-ronmental Protection Agency.

In preperation for Earth Day’s 50th anniversary in 2020, a new environmental theme will be announced every year for the next five years.For Earth Day 2016, the environmental theme of choice was trees. The Earth Day Network has an-nounced the ambitious plan to plant 7.8 billion trees over the next five years. Trees are essential tools inthe fight for a cleaner, sustainable environment. Ac-cording to the Earth Day Network, in one year a single acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of car-bon dioxide produced by driving the average consum-er car 26,000 miles. Nearly 8 billion may seem likea daunting number, but similarly ambitious plantings have been undertaken in the past. Earth Day 2011 saw the planting of over a million new trees in Afghanistan.

The theme for Earth Day 2017 is Environmental and Climate Literacy and seeks to increase knowledge amongst voters and work to advocate for climate laws and policies that will accelerate green technology, jobs, and environmental protection.


Stained Glass Planet EarthGive out 2 shades of green and blue to work with.

Start having your residents tear the tissue paper into small pieces – the smaller the better!

Tear off a piece of wax paper that is double the width that your project will be. Spread glue on one half of the waxed paper. You don’t need a lot of glue – just spread it nice and thin.

Spread glue on the other half of the wax paper and fold over the top of the tissue paper. Smooth out the surface and allow to dry.

Using a bowl or plate (whatever you have really) cut out a circle from a piece of paper that will be used as Earth’s border. Using a slightly smaller circle, cut out the inside leav-ing yourself with a thin circle.

Apply a thin line of glue to the circle and glue it on to your Stained Glass Earth.

Trim up the edges so it looks nice and neat (well, mostly nice and neat!)

You can punch a hole in it to hang it up or just tape it to a window or door. Let the light shine inand it looks so pretty!

ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA ACTIVITIES

Coasters with Pressed Flowers CraftSupplies•Pressed Flowers and Leaves•Plain Vinyl Placemats in a Natural Color•Rope or Twine (from the Hardware Store)•Scissors•Small Bowl or Large Glass (to trace around -- about 4” circle)•Tacky Glue•Toothpicks•Low Temp Hot Glue Gun•Clear Contact Paper•Felt•Pen or Marker1. Press flowers and leaves traditionally or with the Microwave Flower Press.2. Using a small bowl or large glass, trace four 4” circles on the back of your vinyl placemat. Cut them out.3. Cut matching circles of felt and use tacky glue to cover the bottoms of your vinyl circles. Turn over.4. Arrange pressed leaves and flower on the right sides of the vinyl. Apply tiny dabs of glue with a toothpick to keep the flowers in place.5. Cover the coasters with clear contact paper. Trim to the size of your coasters. Use a hot glue gun to make attach rope or twine all around the outside edge of each coaster.


Easter Basket CupcakesMakes 24 cupcakes

• 24 sugar ice cream cones• 1 package (2-layer size) white cake mix• 1 teaspoon Yellow Food Color• 1/2 teaspoon Pure Lemon Extract• 1 container (16 ounces) vanilla frosting• Assorted Food Colors & Egg Dye• 24 pieces red string licorice, 4-inch lengths• 1 cup flaked coconut• 72 Jelly beans

Preperation• Preheat oven to 350°F. Trim off the bottom 2 to 3 inches of the ice cream cones. Wrap bottom of cones in small pieces of greased foil. Place cones inmuffin pans sprayed with no stick cooking spray. (Cones should be slightly taller than muffin cups.) Set aside.• Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding yellow food color and lemon extract. Pour batter into cones. Bake as directed on package for cup-cakes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack. Remove any excess cake from bottom of cones.• Tint frosting with desired food colors. Frost cupcakes. Attached string licorice for the basket handles. Decorate cupcakes with coconut and jelly beans.

Pigs-in-a-Blanket Yield: 18April 24th is National Pigs-in-a-blanket day

• 2 cups all-purpose flour• 1 tablespoon sugar• 2 teaspoons baking powder• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese• 3/4 cup buttermilk• 18 miniature hot dogs

Directions:Heat the over to 400ºF. Grease a large baking sheet. Sift the dry ingredients (flour through salt) into a mixing bowl (or dump them in one at a time, whatever).2. Rub the butter pieces into the dry ingredientsuntil mixture is crumbly. Stir in cheese until evenly distributed.3. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the but-termilk. Stir well with a wooden spoon. Let the dough sit for 3 minutes.4. Sprinkle the dough with flour and stir once or twice then turn out onto a well floured counter.5. With floured hands, pat the dough into a 15 by 7 inch rectangle, trimming the sides if necessary to get a true rectangle. (Handle the dough as little as possiblefor tenderness, yeah right).6. Using a pizza cutter, slice the rectangle into thirds horizontally then slice each third into thirds vertically, this will give you 9 small rectangles. Slice each rectan-gle diagonally into two thin triangles.7. One at a time, roll up the sausages in the triangles. Place pointy side down on greased cookie sheet.8. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on the sheet for 3 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.

NOTE: A much easier way to make pigs-in-ablanketis to use a can of Pillsbury crescent rolls. Just roll up the hotdogs in a crescent roll and pop them in the oven.

EASY EATS




SUMMER BBQS ARE BACK!!!

FRIENDS & FAMILY ARE WELCOME. COME & HAVE FUN!

DODGE PARK & the OASIS

HOSTED BY BEN & MICHA

Join Us on the Outdoor Patio for our Summer BBQsFeaturing Live Entertainment, Dinner and Dessert.

ENJOY A RELAXING& FUN EVENING!

DODGE PARKJune 13July 11Aug 8

Sept 12

OASISJune 20July 18Aug 15Sept 19

Thursdays 5:30 - 7:00

SAVE THE DATES!!!


Around Dodge Park & Oasis










The Oasis at Dodge Park isLooking for the Best!

•Caregivers 3-11, 11-7 shifts•Housekeeping

•Activity Personnel•LPN for 3pm-11pm shift

All positions are full time or part time. If you have a big heart for the elderly, and want to be part of our great team, please email your resume to

[email protected]


Schedule a no-obligation tour and receive our FREE book

Your Loved Ones Deserve the Best

Worcester’s Premier Senior Residential Care Facility

• Safe, secure, state-of-the-art facility

• Personalized wellness plans with medication management

• 24 hour RN & Medical Director

• Scratch-made meals

• Assistance with dressing, bathing & grooming

• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

• Beauty salon, spa, library

• Residency rates never go up

• Fully licensed by the State of Massachusetts

• Private rooms available

• Daily activities programs

The Oasis at Dodge Park is more affordable than you think and provides a higher level of care than traditional assisted living.(508) 853-8180 • OasisAtDodgePark.com


Premier Residential Care Facility For Seniors

One of life’s greatest challenges is deciding when a loved one is no longer capable of living independently.

At Dodge Park Rest Home and the Oasis at Dodge Park, we provide seniors two options for senior residential care.

At Dodge Park Rest Home your loved one is cared for in a unique, home-like setting with custom services tailored to maximize

their physical and cognitive well being. • Memory impaired program• Complete medication management• 24 hour RN and Medical Director• Daily therapeutic bath/shower• Activity program 7 days a week

• Special diet accommodations• All inclusive - All included program• Post hospital / Rehab / Surgery care• Your loved one can stay even if your

money runs out!

REST HOME

Caring for our Community

DODGE PARK

YEARSCELEBRATING

101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA • DodgePark.com • 508-853-8180

Schedule a Tour & See Why We’re

#1 On Caring.com in MA 5 YEARS IN A ROW

Schedule a Tour& See Why We’re

#1 on Caring.com in MA


Sunday M

onday Tuesday

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Good Friday

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Easter Sunday

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Earth Day

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Arbor Day

27

28

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30

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9:30 D

aily Chronicle

10:00 Rosary 10:30 C

atholic Mass

11:00 Stretch with Paula

1:30 Art Therapy

3:00 Monday M

emory M

agic Therapeutic C

oloring 4:00 All About April Fools 7:00 M

usical Mem

ories

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Tranquility Tuesday 10:30 Tai C

hi 11:15 M

usic & Rhythm

2:00 Bingo w

ith Friends D

iscovery Group

3:00 Parachute Gam

e 7:00 C

hicken Soup for the Soul Stories

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 M

ove & Groove

10:30 Let the Good Tim

es R

oll 11:30 H

eart to Hearts

2:30 Exercise with Paula

3:30 Hot Topics

4:30 Circle G

ames

7:00 Poetry Reading

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 G

ame C

ircle 11:00 Yoga w

ith Sharon 2:00 Your Inner A

rtist w

ith Hector

3:00 The Gentlem

ens Club

4:00 Trivia Time

4:30 Re-m

emory G

ame

7:00 Broadway Bound

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Friday Funnies 11:00 D

rum C

ircle w/D

avid 11:30 Shabbat Service 2:00 Fancy Fingers 3:00 H

appy Hour! 4:00 Tell M

e About It 7:00 Entertainm

ent: M

arie Pascale

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 A

erobics with Jorge

11:00 Sentimental Singing

2:00 Oasis Easter Egg H

unt and Fam

ily Fun Day

4:00 Story and Discussion

Rem

iniscing 6:30 Entertainm

ent: John G

rundstrom

9:30 D

aily Chronicle

10:00 Aerobics w

ith Jorge 11:00 N

ever Have I Ever

11:30 Gam

e Circle

2:30 Entertainment:

Bill M

cCarthy

4:00 Inspirational Stories and Songs 7:00 M

editation & Relaxation

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Rosary 10:30 C

atholic Mass


1:30 Art Therapy

3:00 Monday M

emory M

agic Therapeutic C

oloring 4:00 Eat, W

ear or Drive

7:00 Musical M

emories

Red Sox Spirit D

ay! 10:00 R

ed Sox Facts & Fun 10:30 Tai C

hi 11:15 Baseball Toss 2:00 R

ed Sox Opening D

ay G

ame &

Party 4:30 W

ho’s on First 7:00 Baseball Them

e TV or M

ovie

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 M

ove & Groove


es R

oll 11:30 H

eart to Hearts


3:30 Hot Topics

4:30 Circle G

ames

7:00 Poetry Reading

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 G

ame C

ircle 11:00 Yoga w


rtist w

ith Hector

3:00 The Gentlem

ens Club

4:00 Trivia Time

4:30 Re-m

emory G

ame

7:00 Broadway Bound

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Friday Funnies 11:00 D

rum C

ircle w/D

avid 11:30 Shabbat Service 2:00 D

evin Ferreira 3:00 Sip &

Scoop Social! 4:00 Tell M


ent: M

arie Pascale

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 A

erobics with Jorge


2:30 Gam

e Circle


Rem


ent: D

uane Sullivan 7:30 Saturday N

ight Movie

9:30 D

aily Chronicle

10:00 Aerobics w

ith Jorge 11:00 N

ever Have I Ever

11:30 Gam

e Circle

2:30 Entertainment:

Jesse Luke 4:00 Inspirational Stories and Songs 7:00 M


9:30 Daily C


atholic Mass


1:30 Art Therapy

3:00 Monday M

emory M

agic Therapeutic C

oloring 4:00 Eat, W

ear or Drive

7:00 Musical M

emories

National W

ear Your PJ’s To W

ork Day

10:00 Tranquility Tuesday 10:30 Tai C

hi 11:15 M

usic & Rhythm

2:00 Bingo w

ith Friends D

iscovery Group

3:00 Parachute Gam

e 7:00 C

hicken Soup for the Soul Stories

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 M

ove & Groove


es R

oll 11:30 H

eart to Hearts

2:30 Entertainment:

Shawn Taylor

3:30 Hot Topics

4:30 Circle G

ames

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 G

ame C

ircle 11:00 Yoga w


rtist w

ith Hector

3:00 The Gentlem

ens Club

4:00 Trivia Time

4:30 Re-m

emory G

ame

7:00 Broadway Bound

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Bunny Funnies 11:00 D

rum C

ircle w/D

avid 11:30 Shabbat Service 2:00 Easter C

ard Gam

e 3:00 H

appy Hour! 4:00 Tell M


ent: M

arie Pascale

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 A

erobics with Jorge


2:30 Gam

e Circle

3:30 History of Easter

Rem


ent: Sandy R

obinson 7:30 Saturday N

ight Movie

9:30 D

aily Chronicle

10:00 Aerobics w

ith Jorge 11:00 Easter Scriptures 11:30 G

ame C

ircle 2:30 Entertainm

ent: D

ave Cuddy 4:00 Inspirational Stories and Songs 7:00 M

ovie: Easter Parade

9:30 Daily C


atholic Mass


1:30 Art Therapy

3:00 Earth Day Them

ed Fam

ily Feud 4:00 Earth D

ay Program

7:00 Musical M

emories

9:30 Daily C


hi 11:15 M

usic & Rhythm

2:30 Entertainm

ent: C

atherine Boisvert 3:00 Parachute G

ame

7:00 Chicken Soup for the

Soul Stories

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 M

ove & Groove


es R

oll 11:15 R

esident Council 11:30 H

eart to Hearts


3:30 Hot Topics

4:30 Circle G

ames

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 G

ame C

ircle 11:00 Yoga w


rtist w

ith Hector

3:00 The Gentlem

ens Club

4:00 Trivia Time

4:30 Re-m

emory G

ame

7:00 Broadway Bound

National Superhero D

ay 10:00 Superhero Stretch 11:00 D

rum C

ircle w/D

avid 11:30 Shabbat Service 2:00 Superhero Trivia 3:00 Superhero Social! 4:00 W

hat Would A

Superhero Do?

7:00 Marie Pascale

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 A

erobics with Jorge


2:30 Gam

e Circle


Rem


ent: Sean Fullerton

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 A

erobics with Jorge

11:00 Never H

ave I Ever 11:30 G

ame C


ent: Paul B

elanger 4:00 Inspirational Stories and Songs 7:00 M


9:30 Daily C


atholic Mass


1:30 Art Therapy

3:00 Monday M

emory M

agic Therapeutic C

oloring 4:00 Eat, W

ear or Drive

7:00 Musical M

emories

9:30 Daily C


hi 11:15 M

usic & Rhythm

2:30 B

irthday Party with

Alexandria B

ianco 3:00 Parachute G

ame


Soul Stories

O

asis at Dodge Park

Oasis at D

odge Park 102 Randolph R

oad Worcester, M

A 01606 Erin Lem

oine, Activity D

irector 508-853-8180 Calendar is subject to change.


Sunday M

onday Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday Friday

Saturday

1

All Fools’ Day

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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12

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3:30 The Sunday Crossw

ord 6:30 H

and Massage & M

usic 7:00 Sunday N

ight at the M

ovies

Palm

Sunday

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Good Friday

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21

Easter Sunday

22

Earth Day

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26

Arbor Day

27

28

29

30

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9:30 D

aily Chronicle

10:45 Zumba G

old 11:15 C

atholic Mass

2:30 All About April Fools 3:00 A

rt Therapy 4:00 Ball G

ame


Soul Stories 7:30 C

lassic TV

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 W

hite Board Gam

es 11:15 Tai C

hi 2:30 M

usic Circle w

/David


es Roll

4:00 Sing-A-Long 6:30 R

eading Roundtable

Poetry Reading

7:00 Movie C

hoice

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 W

orkout Wednesday

with H

ayden 11:00 The M

ystery Box 2:30 Bingo w

ith Friends Table Top Tim

e 3:00 C

offee Social 4:00 Sentim

ental Singing 7:00 M

arie Pascale

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Yoga w

ith Sharon 11:00 Parachute G

ame

2:30 Active Gam

e 3:15 Your Inner A

rtist with

Hector

3:30 The Gentlem

ens Club

Trivia Time

7:00 Broadway Bound

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Active G

ame

10:30 Congregational C

hurch Service 2:30 Friday Funnies 3:00 H

appy Hour! 3:30 M

anicures and Music

4:00 Musical M

emories

7:00 Friday Fun Flicks

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 M

usic & Rhythm

11:00 A

erobics with Jorge

2:30 Short Stories Poetry R

eadings 3:00 C

hris on the Piano 4:00 G

ame C


ent: Paul Belanger

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 R

osary/Meditation

11:00 Aerobics w

ith Jorge 2:30 Entertainm

ent: The M

ike & B

eth Show


ord 6:30 H

and Massage & M

usic 7:00 Sunday N

ight at the M

ovies

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Exercise w

ith Paula 11:15 C

atholic Mass

2:30 Active Gam

e 3:00 A


ame


Soul Stories 7:30 C

lassic TV

Red Sox Spirit D

ay! 9:30 R

ed Sox Trivia 10:15 Baseball Toss 11:15 Tai C

hi 2:00 R

ed Sox Opening D

ay G

ame &

Party!! 4:00 W

ho’s on First 7:00 Baseball Them

ed TV or M

ovie

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 W

orkout Wednesday

with H

ayden 11:00 The M



e 3:00 C



arie Pascale

9:30 Daily C



ame

2:30 Active Gam

e 3:15 Your Inner A

rtist with

Hector

3:30 The Gentlem

ens Club

Trivia Time

7:00 Broadway Bound

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 B

aking with Laura

10:30 Move and G

roove 11:00 D

evin Ferreira 2:30 Friday Funnies 3:00 Sip &

Scoop Social! 3:30 M

anicures and Music

4:00 Musical M

emories


9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 M

usic & Rhythm

11:00 A

erobics with Jorge

2:00 Dodge Easter Egg

Hunt &

Family Fun D

ay 3:00 C


ame C


ent: Ted Pow

ers

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 R

osary/Meditation

11:00 Aerobics w


ent: C

ameron Sutphin

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:45 Zum

ba Gold

11:15 Catholic M

ass 2:30 Active G

ame

3:00 Art Therapy

4:00 Ball Gam

e 7:00 C

hicken Soup for the Soul Stories 7:30 C

lassic TV

National W

ear Your PJ’s To W

ork Day

10:00 Charades

11:15 Tai Chi

2:30 Music C

ircle w/D

avid 3:30 Let the G

ood Times R

oll 4:00 Karaoke C

hallenge 6:30 R

eading Roundtable

Poetry Reading

7:00 Movie C

hoice

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 W

orkout Wednesday

with H

ayden 11:00 The M

ystery Box 2:30 B

irthday Party with

Bill M

cCarthy

3:00 Coffee Social


7:00 Marie Pascale

9:30 Daily C



ame

2:30 Active Gam

e 3:15 Your Inner A

rtist with

Hector

3:30 The Gentlem

ens Club

Trivia Time

7:00 Broadway Bound

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Active G

ame

10:30 Congregational C

hurch Service 2:30 Bunny Funnies 3:00 H

appy Hour! 3:30 M

anicures and Music

Easter Card G

ame


9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 M

usic & Rhythm

11:00 A

erobics with Jorge

2:30 History of Easter

Rem

iniscing 3:00 C


ame C


ent: H

eather Ralston

9:30 D

aily Chronicle

10:00 Rosary/M

editation 11:00 A

erobics with Jorge

2:30 Entertainment:

Bill M

cCarthy


ord 6:30 H

and Massage & M

usic 7:00 Sunday N

ight at the M

ovies

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 Exercise w

ith Paula 11:15 C

atholic Mass

2:30 Active Gam

e 3:00 A


ame


Soul Stories 7:30 C

lassic TV

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 W

hite Board Gam

es 11:15 Tai C

hi 2:30 M

usic Circle w

/David


es Roll


eading Roundtable

Poetry Reading

7:00 Movie C

hoice

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 W

orkout Wednesday

with H

ayden 11:00 The M



e 3:00 C



arie Pascale

9:30 Daily C


ith Sharon 11:15 R

esident Council 2:30 Active G

ame

3:15 Your Inner Artist w

ith H

ector 3:30 The G

entlemens C

lub Trivia Tim

e 7:00 Broadw

ay Bound

National Superhero D

ay 10:00 B

aking with Laura

10:30 Superhero Stretch 11:15 Superhero Trivia 2:30 W

hat Would A

Superhero Do?

3:00 Superhero Social! 3:30 W

hat’s 7:00 Friday Fun Flicks

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 M

usic & Rhythm

11:00 A

erobics with Jorge

2:30 Short Stories Poetry R

eadings 3:00 C


ame C


ent: Johnny Vincent

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 R

osary/Meditation

11:00 Aerobics w


ent: D

elores Ofria


ord 6:30 H

and Massage & M

usic 7:00 Sunday N

ight at the M

ovies

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:45 Zum

ba Gold

11:15 Catholic M

ass 2:30 Active G

ame

3:00 Art Therapy

4:00 Ball Gam

e 7:00 C

hicken Soup for the Soul Stories 7:30 C

lassic TV

9:30 Daily C

hronicle 10:00 W

hite Board Gam

es 11:15 Tai C

hi 2:30 M

usic Circle w

/David


es Roll


eading Roundtable

Poetry Reading

7:00 Movie C

hoice

D

odge Park Rest H

ome and D

ay Club

Dodge Park R

est Hom

e & D

ay Club 101 R

andolph Road W

orcester, MA

01606 Erin Lemoine, A

ctivity Director 508-853-8180 X117 C

alendar is subject to change.


In this guide, you’ll learn:

èThe difference between and Rest Home & Assisted Living èThe difference between a Rest Home & Nursing Home

èThe qualities that define an exceptional Rest Home

èWhy you MUST visit a potential Rest Home

èWhat do look for during a Rest Home Tour èHelpful resources to help you in Massachusetts

Selecting a Rest Home For Your Loved OneA Guide For Family Members in Massachusetts

One of life’s greatest challenges is deciding when a loved one is no longer capable of living independently.

How do you choose the right place for your loved one? How do you know they will be safe, secure and live with dignity?

CLICK TO GET INSTANT ACCESS

GET INSTANT ACCESS TO THE GUIDE FOR FREEA $29 VALUE

https://dodgepark.com/choosing-a-residential-care-community/



©2013 Activity Director Today E-magazine - Page 14



By Jolene Ewert, Executive Director, A+ Activities

http://activityideas-ivil.tripod.com/aactivities





D X M G A R D E N I A L F V T

N M F N P L V R C X I R P H L

Y P T E D W T G E D F O H L V

R K O U M L F H O D R V L R K

G N X X L W R F K D N T G M Z

Y E M L J I F M W C L E N B A

W B R T V A P O V A J G V I L

I Q R A D O N M M L P B L A N

S P Y K N S R N Q I C O R H L

T H Z P R I V C K L N I R Y B

E B L M P R U L H G R J C A L

R J A Q W O L M A I K D F C T

I L E R F R P M S C D Z R I L

A Z L P X E N I M S A J M N P

E G A Q F H V K B V H Q Q T A

S T Z R S U N F L O W E R H N

O V A P F M M A R I G O L D S

R X Y M F G Q A I N U T E P Y



• Special trained direct care sta� – best in the industry• Luxurious accommodations / Homelike accomodations• Private rooms/Semi private rooms• Safe and secure 24/7• License as DCSU-Dementia Care Special Unit• RN/LPN 24/7 on site as well as DON• Activity program from 7am-11pm

Schedule a Tour and discover �e difference508-853-8180 dodgepark.com oasisatdodgepark.com

Dodge Park Rest Home and the Oasis at Dodge Park are for seniors who need help with their activities of daily living and want luxury, convenience, and peace of mind that a secure setting can provide. We provide services including the Adult Day Care, Respite Care, Home Care, Alzheimer, Dementia and Memory Care and our monthly free Support Group.

Two Communities—One Unique Mission

Peace of mind for your family EXTRAORDINARY ELDERLY CARE

We’re so passionate about cognitive care that we wrote a book on it. We have a copy for you when you visit.

Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 47 The Oasis at Dodge Park 102 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 3938 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545

Yes, we can help if your loved one: is diagnosed with dementia requires 2 person assist, or utilized wheelchair is frail and elderly, post rehab, surgery or stroke requires oxygen in the facility as a PRN or ongoing bases requires diabetic management via oral medication or injection requires medications for behavior or sundown syndromes has aggressive behavior to some extent requires a secure facility

SELECTING A REST HOME

FOR YOUR LOVED ONE

A Guide for Family Members

in Massachusetts

Dodge Park & the Oasis at Dodge Park 101 & 102 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 508-853-8180

FREE Caregivers Support Group for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregivers

The support group meeting is FREE and open to the communi-ty.The groups meet on the second Tuesday and third Wednesday of each month.

A light supper is provided and activity and supervi-sion for memory impaired individuals will be provid-ed for FREE by our Day Club personnel during the meeting.

Participation in a support group can be an empower-ing experience. The group is designed to help mem-bers feel better prepared to cope. Support group mem-bers report feeling less alone, more able to con-front their daily problems and more hopeful about their future.

The meetings take place at Dodge Park Rest Home at 101 Randolph Road, Worcester from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

We hope to see you �ere.

Revolutionary Alzheimer's and Dementia Residential Care Facility for the Elderly

Download our FREE Rest Home Guide for families in MA & a MUST USE checklist for any facility tour.

Download at dodgepark.com

SCHEDULE A TOURAnd see why we’re #1 on Caring.com

in Massachusetts 5 years in a row

A Higher Level of Care than Assisted Living and more affordable than a Nursing Home

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DODGE PARKREST HOME

The Bible presents growing old as a normal, natural part of life in this world. There is honor involved in the aging process, because growing old is normally accompanied by increased wisdom and experience. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31; see also Proverbs 20:29). God wants us to remember that life is short (James 4:14) and that the beauty of youth is soon gone (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 1:24).

Jewish tradition emphasizes that taking care of a parent is a tremendous blessing and mitzvah. As the Talmud in Shabbat 127a says: “These are the fruits a person enjoys in this world, and continues to enjoy them in the World to Come. They are: honoring one’s parents…”

This is particularly true when the elderly have diminished physical and mental capacity, and are confronting their own mortality. But the task of taking care of them need not feel overwhelming.

Among the most disturbing aspects of growing old—especially in cultures that set a high value on rugged individualism— is the increasing frequency of senile dementia as human lifespan increases. It seems eminently unfair that people so afflicted should be robbed of their intellectual, emotional and social vitality while their physical bodies continue to survive. Alzheimer’s disease is a particularly difficult pill to swallow because the cause is unknown and it does not seem to be related to any particularly bad health habits. While progression of Alzheimer’s can be stalled, in part, by continued active involvement in mind-stimulating and physical activity, progression of the disease is nevertheless inexorable.

With Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia on the rise, finding quality care can be a challenge. Recognizing this challenge, The Dodge Park Rest Home and Oasis at Dodge Park developed a new program designed specifically to meet the needs of residents with memory loss. Based on years of experience caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents, Dodge Park and The Oasis at Dodge Park Programs partners with family members and care providers to develop a framework that supports the individual, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of memory impaired residents through Cognitive, Fitness and Wellness design.

While there is currently no cure for most progressive forms of dementia, it doesn’t mean we’re powerless against them. Mounting research is building an understanding that there may be ways to slow the progression and change the pathologies of many common dementias, giving those afflicted with them and their families the possibility of more precious, fulfilling moments together.

101-102 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606Tel: 508-853-8180 • Fax: 508-459-6176

Toll Free: 1-877-363-4775www.DodgePark.com

www.OasisAtDodgePark.com

2. Keeping ActiveMeaningful activities promote a sense of well being, provide enjoyment, maintain functioning levels and support independence. The daily program offers small and large group activities to appeal to each resident’s personal interests.

3. Worthy StaffTaking care of those with memory loss takes a special caregiver. The N’efesh to N’efesh Program staff is specially trained to work with residents to make their lives better by including activities and care that promote self-esteem, laughter, fun and enjoyment of everyday life. Caring for a family member with memory loss can be extremely difficult. In a community that serves residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia, the task of caring for a loved one is shared by many dedicated and highly-trained individuals. With the knowledge that a loved one is well taken care of, caregivers can enjoy more fulfilling time together.

N’efesh to N’efesh Community Included Amenities

• Licensed Nurse on-site 24 hours per day• Medical director, nurse practitioner and a geriatric psychiatrist weekly visit• Trained Resident Assistant staff on-site 24 hour per day• DON and ADON oversight and on-call support 24/7• Daily ADL assistant as needed• Registered Dietitian and social workers weekly visit• Three nutritious meals a day, plus snacks• Residential setting with secure access• Personalized Social Care Plan designed and regularly reviewed by interdisciplinary team in conference with resident and family members• Daily Personalized Activities Program from 6am to 11pm • Spiritual Enrichment Program• Religious services• Regular gatherings for family members of residents• Spacious, secure indoor and outdoor courtyard with walking path and patio• Daily housekeeping and laundry service• Beautiful, spacious rooms• All utilities including gas, electricity, water, sewer, and trash• Emergency call system• Satellite TV service and installation• Basic telephone service (local access)• Zen Spa

The N’efesh to N’efesh TM

Memory Care Program

N’fesh to N’fesh – from the Hebrew for

“soul to soul,” is Dodge Park and Oasis at Dodge Park

specially designed program to help individuals during all stages of dementia, helping to build and maintain cognitive ability. Based on research and

recent studies, the program is comprised of six pillars of activities in which memory

care residents and guests will participate.

For more information please click here

https://www.oasisatdodgepark.com/our-program/memory-care/

Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 49 The Oasis at Dodge Park 102 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 46

101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 102 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606

Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (598) 853-4545

Neighborhood Connection is now digital!Email [email protected] to get it delivered

to your inbox each month.

ADULT DAY CARECare for your parent or spouse while you’re

at work or just when you need a break.

––– The Most Affordable Program in Central MA –––

• Transportation available• Engage the mind, strengthen the body

and brighten the spirit• Regularly scheduled entertainment,

special events and outings

• Hot meals and snacks• Extended hours and weekends to fit

caregivers schedules• Available 7am - 7pm, seven days

a week - you choose the hours


Schedule a Tour & See Why We’re #1 On Caring.com in MA 5 YEARS IN A ROW

REST HOME


DODGE PARK

YEARSCELEBRATING

Call and schedule a FREE DAY

today! The Oasis at Dodge Park 102 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 46

101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 102 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606

Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (598) 853-4545

Neighborhood Connection is now digital!Email [email protected] to get it delivered

to your inbox each month.

ADULT DAY CARECare for your parent or spouse while you’re

at work or just when you need a break.

––– The Most Affordable Program in Central MA –––

• Transportation available• Engage the mind, strengthen the body

and brighten the spirit• Regularly scheduled entertainment,

special events and outings

• Hot meals and snacks• Extended hours and weekends to fit

caregivers schedules• Available 7am - 7pm, seven days

a week - you choose the hours


Schedule a Tour & See Why We’re #1 On Caring.com in MA 5 YEARS IN A ROW

REST HOME


DODGE PARK

YEARSCELEBRATING

Call and schedule a FREE DAY

today!

Schedule a Tour & See Why We’re

#1 on Caring.com in MA

Documents

Dodge Park and the Oasis at Dodge Park Community ... · 4/3/2019 · Happy Passover & Happy Easter. 22 Dodge Park Rest Home Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA