Dear McLean Community.... 

Safety in Winter Weather

 

You're Invited ...

Please join me for eggnog on Christmas Eve.

 

3:00 - 4:00 pm 

Fireside in the Health Center Living Room

 

- Lisa Clark 

Holiday Packages

With the holidays approaching, please remember to always include your Resident's name, on one line, on the packages you send! We often receive packages that just say McLean and searching for a packing slip or additional clues takes extra time in getting a package to your loved one. 

Many thanks!

It is often difficult to think of appropriate gifts for the elderly among us.  A few suggestions include:  gift cards to our hair salon or the Auxiliary Gift Shop! 

In our Assisted Living neighborhoods, new fluffy bath towels are so appreciated, as are new bed linens. 

Postage stamps are also a thoughtful gift for the card senders! 

 

  Link to Other Holiday Gift Giving Ideas

Flu Update

The Flu is on the rise in Connecticut (CT.gov). The best ways to defend against the virus are to get vaccinated and to practice good hand washing before and after meals and when taking care of others. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit to McLean, as the spread of any illness can make our residents sick

and more vulnerable to other illnesses.

Recently, the CDC estimated there were 80,000

flu-related deaths last year. In this study, 58% of reported hospitalizations

were people over age 65. Our immune systems weaken with age, and chronic

health problems like diabetes and heart disease can make flu complications

worse, and hospitalizations more likely. These statistics can be worrisome, especially if you and your loved ones are older.

Now is the time to take preventative steps to protect you and your loved ones from the flu. Vaccination combined with these suggestions and understanding the symptoms (details attached here), can keep everyone healthy this winter.

 

Renovation Update

We are now completing the room renovations in post-acute and in the Abernethy neighborhood and will begin updating the next group of heating and air conditioning units on Chapel Crossing and Skyview Terrace. New sliders, updated flooring and closets will also be installed in every room.

We have completed the update of our phone system and are making adjustments to the voicemail.

The Chapel assessment and plan of action is underway. We are collecting

recommendations and hope to address this in the upcoming year.

We are also reviewing proposed recommendations for the courtyard drainage

and will continue to update you on our pr ogress.

Support Groups for Families 

 

Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Group, led by Peggy Coburn, MPH, Administrator McLean Home Care & Hospice

Granby Senior Center, 15 N Granby Road, #C

Second Tuesday of each month

10:00-11:30 am

 

 

Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Group, led by Peggy Coburn, MPH, Administrator McLean Home Care & Hospice

Residence at Brookside, Avon, 117 Simsbury Road, Avon

Third Wednesday of each month

3:00-4:30 pm 

 

 

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group at McLean

75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, Burkholder Restaurant

First Monday of every month.

1:30 pm to 2:45 pm

 

Sponsored by The Alzheimer's Association, Connecticut Chapter, the support group at McLean offers a caring and understanding place where people touched by Alzheimer's can go to learn more about the disease, share caregiving ideas, express their feelings, hear about advances in research and advocacy, and help other caregivers who are in need.

Giving Alzheimer's Purpose (GAP) 

An Early Stage Social Engagement Program 

This program is funded by a grant to the Alzheimer's Association

and provides a way to get connected and socialize with

others who have early stage Alzheimer's or Dementia.

The first six-month session will led by McLean Campus Liaison Karen Morris, LCSW, and McLean Memory Care Volunteer Coordinator, Ann Pavano, and will be held the fourth Thursday of each month, from 1:30-3:00 pm in the Pfirman Dining Room. It will begin on January 24th.

 

Face to Face Phone Calls

Would you like to arrange for Face Time with your loved one at McLean? Is there a far off relative they would like to connect with?  Let us know so that we can help you. 

Please e-mail Stephen.Root@McLeanCare.org

or call Stephen at 860-658-2713 to schedule your call.

 

 

The Community Cafe at McLean is celebrating it's one year anniversary!

This program 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, December 8th

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Koopman Room

Please call 860-658-3941 to register.

 

Link to Additional Information on the Community Cafe 

 

 

Please make a note of the activities and dates below!

 

Gift Wrap - Auxiliary members will be available to wrap holiday gifts for residents on Wednesday, December 12, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in the Living Room. They will wrap any gift to or from a resident, or items purchased in the Gift Shop.   Stop by and offer your support - or get a gift wrapped.  

Christmas Floral Arranging with Residents - On Friday, December 21, Auxiliary members and friends will help residents create beautiful floral arrangements to decorate tables in the Dining Rooms for Christmas. Volunteers will gather in the Greenhouse at 10:15 am, and then go to one of the neighborhoods. The residents so enjoy touching, smelling and arranging the lovely flowers. You are encouraged to join in the fun!

Coming in January...

Angel Hearts - Once again, the Auxiliary will be coordinating small gifts for each Health Center resident for Valentine's Day. Watch for the Angel Hearts Tree in January, and then take a heart to get a small gift. More details will be coming in next month's newsletter. If your family member has a special gift request (approximate value of $5), make sure to let the staff in their neighborhood know so that the request can be put on your family member's heart!

 

Link to More on the McLean Auxiliary