Your Monthly News & Updates - February 2019
Upcoming Events
Dear McLean Community.... 

Please click the link below to view the February letter from Lisa Clark and Carlene Rhea.

 
 

This Month's Events

Click the link below to view the February Calendar!

 
 

Family Council Meeting
 
Please join us for our next Family Council Meeting. 

Thursday, February 28th
1:00 pm
Abernethy Private Dining Room

Topics will include: Construction Updates; Making Dreams Come True Program; Family Education Update; Being Survey Ready; Viewing of the Latest McLean Video!

We look forward to seeing you there! Please RSVP to Jennifer Bryant, 860-658-3705
 
 

Making Dreams Come True
An exciting new oppportunity for residents

We would love to have your help...
 
Does your mom, dad or loved one, living here at McLean, have a special wish they would like to have fulfilled? Have they always wanted to take a special trip; have they always wanted to return to the town or home where they grew up; maybe they would like to go see their favorite sports team, or maybe work with a baker for a day?
 
Beginning in February, the Life Enrichment staff will start meeting with all of our residents, both in assisted living and skilled nursing care, to discover what special wish or wishes they might have. Some of our residents cannot express themselves verbally so we would love to hear from you with any wishes they would have.

Please see the attached link for the complete details of this exciting new program and how your loved one can participate in it!

 

Flu Season Reminders
 
The flu season is here. We would like to remind everyone to please delay your visit to McLean if you are not feeling well, for the safety of our residents. You can spread the virus to people around you even before you know you have the flu. 
 
Your best protection against the flu is to get vaccinated, in addition to practicing good hand hygiene.  
 
If anyone on our campus does come down with the flu, visitors who are not vaccinated will be asked to wear a mask.
 
Recognize the early signs: 
  • Sudden onset of fever (although some patients with a positive flu swabs occasionally do not have a fever) 
  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny Nose
  • Muscle Aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
Thank you for your cooperation!
Your Opinion Matters

Please feel free to share any concerns, ideas, opinions or grievances you have with us at all times. We value your input and want to address it immediately.

Call Carlene at 860-658-3915 or leave an anonymous note in the box in the Living Room.
 
Thank you!
Keep Your Brain Healthy and Active

Join us for a free, five-week educational series, presented by Patty O'Brian, CDP and Michelle Wyman, LSW, CDP,
Dementia Specialists, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.

Monday Evenings, March 4  - April 1
6:00- 7:00 pm
The Burkholder Community Center
Registration is Required. Seating is Limited. Please call 860-658-3723.

A light dinner will be provided.  
Participants are encouraged to attend each session.
Please see the attached link for more details on this program.

Join Us for the Next Event in Our Partnership Series with Hartford Hospital:

 
Dinner With the Doc: Congenital Heart Conditions and Keeping a Healthy Heart

Presented by : Francis John Kiernan, MD, of Hartford Hospital, and Co-Director of the Structural Heart Program, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group

February 21st
6:00 pm
Hop Meadow Country Club, Simsbury

Registration is required; Seating is Limited.
A light dinner will be provided.

Please call 1-855-442-4373
Save the Date!
 
Enjoy an evening of fun and help support the McLean Auxiliary!  
 
March 12th  
5:00 - 9:00 PM
The Flatbread Company in the Shoppes at Farmington Valley, Canton  
 
$1.75 of every small and $3.50 of every large flatbread purchased will go directly to the McLean Residents Personal Needs Fund !
 
 
Winter Weather Safety  
Risk of Cold Exposure and Icy Conditions
 
As the temperature drops and wind increases, be mindful that heat leaves your body more rapidly, and we are more susceptible to serious health conditions.
 
Be cautious as you plan your day in these frigid temperatures:
 
Dress for the Weather 
  • Dress in layers, careful not to leave any skin exposed. Wear a water- resistant layer on the outside and make sure the cuffs of your sleeves fit closely.
  • Stay dry - clothing that is wet from water/ice, gasoline or alcohol (that may result from de-icing or snowblowers) chill the body rapidly.
 
Avoid Exertion
  • Cold weather puts extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Always following your doctor's advice. If you must work outside, dress warmly and work slowly. Don't ignore shivering - it is the body's initial warning to go inside.
 
Plan Your Travel Plans
  • Listen to news reports before you venture out.
  • Let someone know where you will be traveling and what your expected arrival time is.
  • Pack weather-appropriate clothing in your car, in case you break down. Stock winter emergency supplies in your car and never use water to clear ice on your windows.
  • Always avoid walking or traveling on ice.
 Be safe and enjoy the New England Winter! 
Community Cafe

 
The Community Cafe at McLean is held once a month in the Health Center Koopman Room, for caregivers and their loved ones with early stage  Alzheimer's or Dementia. Based on the "Memory Cafe" concept originally developed in the Netherlands, it provides a safe environment for this group to come together for social interaction, engagement and friendly support.

The next group will be held on:

Saturday, February 9th
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Koopman Room

Please call 860-658-3941 to register.
 
 
Adaptive Clothing for Seniors
 
We are happy to share the following web site with our families.  Adaptive clothing from this company has been met with rave reviews!  Perhaps this is something you might consider for your family member.
 
 
 

From the Development Office 
 
 
Of course we know that love is much more than the cards, chocolates and the commercialization associated with Valentine's Day. Your giving to your favorite charities is an act of kindness that 
ripples out to help and heal many.
 
 
Consider designating your favorite charity as a beneficiary of 5% or more of your retirement savings or life insurance. Give appreciated stock to your favorite charity. If you would like more information on how to leave your favorite charity in your will, feel free to contact the development staff or your financial advisor.
 
 
Vickie Dirienzo, CFRE, McLean Development Office  
860-658-3702  
Vickie.Dirienzo@McLeanCare.org 
 
 
McLean Auxiliary Update
 
Please make a note of the activities and dates below!
 

Angel Hearts - Once again, the Auxiliary will be coordinating small gifts for each Health Center resident for Valentine's Day. Hearts are currently hanging on the Angel Heart Tree in the lobby. Each lists a specific request for one of our residents. Feel free to take a heart and purchase a small gift (approximate value of $5) for one of our residents. Return the gift to the reception desk no later
than Monday, February 11th, so the gifts can be prepared for distribution on Valentine's Day.

If you would like to help in the distribution, you are welcome to join Auxiliary members on Thursday, February 14 at 10:00 in the Brown-Sargent Room in the lower level of the Health Center.

SAVE THE DATE:

Fundraiser at Flatbreads! - The Auxiliary will be holding a fundraiser on Tuesday evening, March 12 from 5-9 PM at The Flatbread Company in the Shoppes at Farmington Valley, Canton. A portion of all flatbread (pizza) sales will go directly to the Auxiliary. Come enjoy a delicious meal and check out the raffle baskets!

McLean |  860-658-3700 | McLeanCare.org
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