Whitney Center News | Senior Living in Hamden, CT

Thriving at Work – and at Home: Meet Ann Sertl

By | Blog

Studies show that nearly 90% of retirees want to stay in their homes as they age. “Sure, when you’re vital and active of course you can’t imagine living anywhere but home,” says Ann Sertl, Membership Advisor for Whitney Center’s Thrive at Home program. “But while you may be enjoying your home, community, and independence now, chances are you have concerns about what tomorrow might bring. What happens if you or your spouse becomes ill or disabled? How would it affect your life? What about your finances?”

Ann says the answers to those questions and concerns can be found in Whitney Center’s Thrive at Home program. Thrive at Home is an innovative option giving area seniors access to the care and services they need at home. “Think of Thrive at Home as life care at home,” says Ann. “It’s like a long-term care insurance policy. It’s ideal for those who are not yet ready or cannot yet move into a Life Plan community – but who like the idea of guaranteed access to care at a predictable price.”

In exchange for an entry fee and ongoing monthly fees, Thrive at Home services include many of the same services offered at Whitney Center: care management and coordination, routine home maintenance, in-home caregivers that provide the supportive assisted living and skilled nursing care services, transportation, meals, and social and wellness programs. “Our goal is to maintain a person’s ability to remain at home,” says Ann, “but if and when a participant in Thrive at Home becomes ready to move to Whitney Center, he or she gains automatic priority access to our community.”

As with a Life Care contract with Whitney Center, Thrive at Home monthly fees will not increase if a new level of care is needed. “You buy into Thrive at Home membership before you need service,” says Ann. “The very day a member needs help, we start whether it’s homecare, nursing care, or both. We can provide as little as one hour of care/service per day to up to around-the-clock care. And, we can provide care for the rest of a member’s life.”

Ann joined the Thrive at Home team just three months ago but has more than 15 years of experience in senior living marketing life plan communities. “What I love about this job,” she says, “is that it offers seniors the best of both worlds: I get to help people remain in their homes while giving them access to Whitney Center’s high-quality services and possibly our wonderful community.”

Whitney Center is Ann’s first experience working for a non-profit organization, and she says she is amazed by the difference. “I love the focus on mission,” says Ann. “Whitney Center’s commitment to seniors is real. Everyone here lives the Whitney Center vision and philosophy, and it shows in the lifestyle, services, and care we offer and in the feedback we receive from residents.”

When Ann isn’t helping area seniors “thrive at home,” she’s either in her office with her office mate, Boo (a 25-pound rescue pup), at home cooking or gardening, riding her bike or relaxing on the beach. She has four adult children, but what she’s most excited about: she’ll become a first-time grandmother this summer!

For more information on Whitney Center’s Thrive at Home program, visit www.whitneycenter.com.

Celebrating Forty Years of the Arts

By | Blog

Anyone who’s heard a moving piece of music, seen a spectacular theatrical performance or taken in a breathtaking display of artwork understands that culture and the arts are intrinsically valuable to all of us. They enrich our lives in so many ways, allowing us to experience new things, connect us to each other and provide us with the means to express ourselves in different ways.

“Over the past 40 years, Whitney Center has seen how the arts help individuals of all ages thrive, express, connect and experience,” says Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT. “Our connections to the humanities, arts and education are an integral part of our community’s culture, and we strive to provide opportunities for residents to engage in, create and enjoy the arts in whatever way they want.”

Perhaps the most obvious example of art and culture takes place at the Cultural Arts Center at Whitney Center, which hosts performances and lectures throughout the year. The Center also houses Perspectives: The Gallery, an art gallery that is open to the public three days a week. The gallery, which was completed in 2011, features two defined sections that boast exhibits of original artwork from Whitney Center residents as well as exhibitions curated by the Arts Council of Greater New Haven.

“We are proud to be recognized as a center for the arts and humanities in Hamden, and pleased that we’re able to provide artistic inspiration both on and off campus for our residents and for the community at large,” says Michael.

The Arts & Aging

The art realm, specifically as it relates to aging, has grown quite a bit over the past 10 years thanks to dedicated efforts from nonprofits and foundations. These efforts have focused on three specific aspects:

  • Integrating the arts into health care settings
  • Providing opportunities to participate in the arts or skill-build, no matter how young or old a person is
  • Creating communities that use design and art to develop accessible, engaging spaces for people of all ages and abilities

This focus on aging and the arts is still fairly new. Although there have been many studies done on the therapeutic benefits of art and music in a health care setting, there has been less actual research on the effect of arts and culture in general for seniors. There has been anecdotal research that shows how participants in the art experience lower rates of depression and loneliness, have a greater sense of self-worth and are more dextrous, both physically and mentally. In order to fully embrace the importance of these fields when it comes to aging, more research will need to be done to see what global effects they have.

“As people are living longer and experiencing longer retirements, this generation of senior Americans have unique opportunities,” says Michael. “Not only do individuals get the opportunity to try their hand at new arts in their golden years, but professionals in the arts – musicians, singers, actors – can continue to refine, hone and expand their craft as they age, bringing knowledge and value to the community at large. At Whitney Center, we say that your life is a work of art, and we strive to make that come true in every way possible.”

If you’d like to learn more about Whitney Center and how our retirement community can help make your life a work of art, contact us today. We look forward to discussing how you can begin enjoying the benefits of our Life Care Community.

Discover Excellence in Senior Living.

At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where residents do what they love. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care community, offering not just an unparalleled Independent living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including Assisted living, Rehabilitation, Skilled nursing care and Memory care. Whitney Center even offers a home-based long-term care program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.

Choice. Freedom. Opportunity.

We believe that remaining engaged and striving for excellence builds a more meaningful life. That’s why residents experience a host of services and amenities, events and cultural opportunities and wellness programs designed to foster endless growth and personalized living. Backed by our first-rate hospitality and philosophy of continuous improvement, our residents are free to travel, learn, volunteer, set new goals and create the life they want to live.

Come Here to Thrive.

At Whitney Center, residents live in the midst of cultural arts and education and dignified connections to the greater community. Seniors thrive in pursuit of what brings them joy, with unlimited opportunities to create and contribute. And, with the confidence in quality care services available on site if health needs ever change, Whitney Center makes it possible for seniors to continue enjoying the freedom to embrace life at its fullest.

Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care community!

Why the Humanities Enhance a Senior’s Quality of Life

By | Blog

What is it about the humanities that draws us all – young, old and in-between? From the time we are very tiny to advanced age, there is a drive in each human to create, to participate and enjoy the arts. Why is this, and why does it have such amazing benefits for our quality of life?

“The humanities play a vital role throughout our lives in helping us be well-rounded individuals,” says Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT. “They help us broaden our intellect, teach us to communicate, and improve our quality of life in so many ways. At Whitney Center, the connection to the humanities, arts and cross-cultural education is part of our community’s DNA, which is why we take pride in hosting lectures, performances and artwork at our Cultural Arts Center. We believe that striving for excellence and remaining engaged builds a more meaningful life, which is why we include cultural opportunities and events in the host of programs available to our residents.”

The Evidence for Humanities as Part of Senior Programming

What does art have to do with aging well? According to Barbara Bagan, PhD, ATR-BC, Professor of Expressive Arts Therapy at Ottawa University in Phoenix, AZ:

“Throughout history, artists have known that art benefits for both the creator and viewer. Current studies in the fields of art therapy, music therapy and other creative modalities confirm that art can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing. We know that, in general, exercising our creative selves enhances quality of life and nurtures overall well-being. We all are creative – not just a select few.”

There are plenty of anecdotal stories that highlight the benefits of older adults engaging in the arts. But what about actual scientific evidence? While there hasn’t been an inordinate amount of research into the topic, there have been some studies done showing that, yes, the arts are good for us no matter how old we are.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Aging Studies identified six features of healthy, successful aging:

  • Interactions with others
  • A sense of purpose
  • Personal growth
  • Autonomy
  • Self-acceptance

Activities that involve the humanities and the arts – like theatre, writing, painting and more –encourage a number of these features.

Next Avenue, a research-focused art blog, conducted a study of literature and studies, and discovered that “the most compelling evidence of the value of the arts revolves around improving the lives of older adults.” In other words, there is substantial evidence that participatory arts like writing, drawing, painting and the like can help maintain the health and quality of life of seniors.

The study goes on to state: “While extending the so-called “golden years” can be a blessing, challenges include deteriorating health, social isolation, loss of loved ones and life transitions. Fortunately, research shows that arts-related interventions can help (in some cases, more so than traditional Western medicine). In particular, there is substantial causal evidence that participatory arts activities help to maintain the health and quality of life of older adults.”

Benefits of the Humanities on Healthy Aging

Here are just some of the findings and evidence that supports the theory that the humanities play an important part in maintaining a high quality of life as we age:

  • Singing can improve mental health and improve self-esteem
  • Dancing helps boost motor skills and cognition
  • Playing a musical instrument has many positive effects, including reducing the risk of dementia
  • The visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpting) increase one’s social engagement, self-esteem and psychological health
  • Practicing in some form of art helps individuals relax and gain a sense of control
  • Individuals who participate in the arts and humanities show reduced signs of depression and anxiety, improved cognition, increased self-esteem and reduced boredom
  • Seniors who participate in the arts report a stronger sense of identity

“When older adults pursue activities that are based in meaning, purpose, and honesty, they can attain … wisdom and integrity,” writes Dr. Bagan. “Therapeutic art experiences can supply meaning and purpose to the lives of older adults in supportive, non-threatening ways.”

She reports that research into neurological pathways show that making art can produce new neural pathways and stronger connections, improving cognitive functions. Even viewing art causes the brain to reshape, restructure and adapt, thus expanding an individual’s potential to increase cognition and brain function.

According to Bruce Miller, MD, a behavioral neurologist at University of California, San Francisco, creative abilities don’t have to deteriorate as our brains age. Far from it, in fact. The aging brain responds excellently to art and the humanities and allows the entire brain to function in tandem. Creativity is a skill that is built throughout a lifetime, and using this ability in our senior years is the culmination of our knowledge, life experiences and outlook.

“At Whitney Center, we work together to promote independence and well-being in a vibrant cultural atmosphere,” says Michael Rambarose. “Everything from amenities and services to programming, events and a focus on everyday wellness is designed so that residents can keep doing what they love – and discover new ways to grow and find personal fulfillment.

If you’d like to learn more about Whitney Center and how we can help you live a stress-free retirement lifestyle, contact us today. We look forward to discussing how you can begin enjoying the benefits of our Life Care Community.

Discover Excellence in Senior Living.

At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where residents do what they love. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care community, offering not just an unparalleled independent living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing care and memory care. Whitney Center even offers a home-based long-term care program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.

Choice. Freedom. Opportunity.

We believe that remaining engaged and striving for excellence builds a more meaningful life. That’s why residents experience a host of services and amenities, events and cultural opportunities and wellness programs designed to foster endless growth and personalized living. Backed by our first-rate hospitality and philosophy of continuous improvement, our residents are free to travel, learn, volunteer, set new goals and create the life they want to live.

Come Here to Thrive.

At Whitney Center, residents live in the midst of cultural arts and education and dignified connections to the greater community. Seniors thrive in pursuit of what brings them joy, with unlimited opportunities to create and contribute. And, with the confidence in quality care services available on site if health needs ever change, Whitney Center makes it possible for seniors to continue enjoying the freedom to embrace life at its fullest.

Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care community!

“Take Two and Call Me in the Morning:” The Whitney Center Prescription for a Stress-Free Retirement Lifestyle

By | Blog

Raise your hand if you enjoy being stressed. No? No one? Stress is one of those things that nobody enjoys, but everyone experiences in some form or another. According to the most recent study from American Institute of Stress, 77 percent of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. Since “job pressure” is far and away the biggest cause of stress for most Americans, you would think that retirees would be some of the least stressed individuals out there.

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