WINTER 2023 NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 1, 2023
Letter from Our Executive Director
As we welcome 2023, I want to pause and thank the Camargo team for the success of the past year. I know that every Director is dedicated to providing the Residents of Camargo with the very best that Traditions has to offer.

I want to remind everyone to stay safe, always, but especially during the winter months of snow and cold. Wear layers, watch for slick patches on the walkway or road, and keep your cell phone charged with a list of emergency numbers handy.
We look forward to Spring and warmer weather when our Camargo family of residents and staff can gather outside, and celebrate with each other.

Best wishes,

Brian Wurster
Executive Director
MEET OUR ACTIVITY DEPARTMENT
Jamie Ervin: Jamie started as Activity Director at Traditions at Camargo on December 13, 2021. She has been doing activities with seniors for nearly 20 years. She is a certified Activity Director, specializing in Memory Care. She wanted to work at Traditions at Camargo because she liked the look of the building and the city of Madeira. The best part of her day is definitely the resident engagement opportunities. She enjoys being able to offer activities with meaning to the residents and seeing the joy and fulfillment when they take part in those activities. Activities she enjoys include bingo, arts and crafts, and educational activities. When she is at home, she enjoys crocheting, reading, spending time with her family, and watching movies.

Chayla White: Chayla started working at Traditions at Camargo as an Activity Assistant on April 6, 2022. She did not have experience doing activities with seniors, but has eagerly learned and made the activities her own. She most enjoys bingo, exercise, and trivia. She wanted to work at Traditions at Camargo because it is the best place for her to work closely with the residents. The best part of Chayla’s day is putting a smile on the residents’ faces. When not working, she enjoys doing crossword puzzles, word searches and meal prep.
Kalli Richmond: Kalli began her career at Traditions at Camargo as an Activity Assistant on December 16, 2022. She is highly motivated, with previous experience taking residents on outings, or doing crafts, painting, puzzles, etc. with them. She found out about the job opening through her cousin, a nurse at Traditions at Camargo. Her interest was peaked, and she applied. From her first day, Kalli has enjoyed getting to know the residents. She finds great pleasure in making a resident feel extra special by decorating his/her room door for the resident’s birthday. She enjoys activities specific to and decorating for special holidays. When not working, Kalli likes spending time with her family, doing arts and crafts, singing, and playing such instruments as the drums, guitar, and piano.

Julee Thabata: Julee began working as an Activity Assistant at Traditions at Camargo on December 1, 2022. She has worked in activity departments previously, and she brings this experience to her role. She enjoys leading outings and entertainment that is scheduled. Julee is very good at getting residents involved in community activities. The best part of her day is when she makes residents smile or laugh. Julee enjoys walking in different parks and watching movies and television shows.
FIT MINDS
Camargo Memory Care has jumped into 2023 with our new Fit Minds program. We have recently added Fit Minds to our daily Memory Care routine. We believe in exercising our muscles and minds. Memory Care residents continue to take daily walks combined with reminiscing in addition to morning exercise.

Fit Minds can be life changing with increased mental stimulation. Cognitive stimulation is an evidence-based intervention that supports what research tells us about the brain’s ability to build resilience and create new neuron pathways. Fit Minds provides mental stimulation, in group and individualized programs for seniors and senior living communities.

Fit Minds exercises five key areas of cognition:
  1. Language and Music
  2. Visual/Spatial Orientation
  3. Memory
  4. Critical Thinking
  5. Computation

75% of participants see a positive increase in their cognitive scores after only 8 weeks. Why is improving your cognition important?

“Cognitive stimulation has also been shown to be an effective habit for preserving cognitive degeneration. Low education is a risk factor for dementia and degenerative disease, so stimulating the brain can be helpful in minimizing the risks of cognitive impairment and degenerative diseases.”

Robin Bush
Memory Care Director
CULINARY SPOTLIGHT
Hello, my name is Dan Schiferl. I am the Culinary Director at the Camargo location for Traditions. I have been at this community since August of 2022. It has been a challenging and very rewarding experience. I enjoy meeting and interacting with fellow employees and residents.

Programs that I have initiated include meal specials from recipes brought forth by residents and afternoon baking circles. These were dessert items made by residents that were offered as snacks in the dining room. The desserts were well received and we hope to do more as time goes on.
We also offered a Halloween reception and a Family and Friends lunch buffet at Thanksgiving for all residents; both were a great success. As we move forward, we will have monthly get togethers utilizing both the activity and lounge areas.

I am also pleased to state that one of my associates, Nick Boberchmid, was named Employee of the Month for December. Congratulations, Nick!

Working here has been a great experience, and I am rewarded daily for the job my staff and I do.

Dan Schiferl
Culinary Director
HEALTH & WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT
With colder weather comes the time of year for cough and cold symptoms. This could lead to other illness such as Pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

Causes:
Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good. Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection.
To help prevent pneumonia:

Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu. Talk with your doctor about getting these shots. The vaccination guidelines have changed over time so make sure to review your vaccination status with your doctor even if you recall previously receiving a pneumonia vaccine.

Practice good hygiene. To protect yourself against respiratory infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia, wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.

Keep your immune system strong. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

Precious Oglesby
Wellness Director
SOCIALIZATION IS VITAL IN SENIOR LIVING
Socialization is a vital aspect of senior living communities. It is important for seniors to maintain social connections to promote healthy aging and overall well-being. Studies have shown that seniors who maintain strong social connections have a lower risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even mortality.

However, starting conversations with new people can be difficult, especially for seniors who may be dealing with physical or cognitive limitations. Here are a few tips to help start conversations with new people at Traditions at Camargo:

  1. Find common ground: Look for things you have in common with the other person, such as shared interests or experiences. This can be a great way to start a conversation and build a connection.
  2. Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking yes or no questions, try asking open-ended questions that allow the other person to share more about themselves. This can help encourage a more in-depth conversation.
  3. Listen actively: When the other person is speaking, give them your full attention and show that you are listening by making appropriate eye contact and responding to what they are saying.
  4. Be open and friendly: Smile, make friendly gestures, and be open to new conversations.
  5. Join a group or attend an activity: Joining a group that aligns with your interests can be a great way to meet new people with similar interests. Some examples include book clubs, card-playing groups, or exercise classes.

It is important to remember that starting a conversation is not always easy, but with a little effort and patience, residents can build strong connections with each other and enjoy the many benefits of socialization.
DID YOU KNOW?
Assisted Living – Memory Care Services may be Tax-Deductible.
Medical expenses can really add up. Did you know that there may be a way to write off those expenses at tax time?

Residents, family members, and others who pay for an individual’s care in an assisted living community can, in most cases, file the costs of assisted living as a tax-deductible medical expense.

Under HIPAA, expenses can be tax-deductible if such services are provided pursuant to a plan of care prescribed by a licensed health-care practitioner, and the personal care services are required by a person who:
  • Is unable to perform at least two activities of daily living, or
  • Has severe cognitive impairment and requires supervision to protect self and others from health and safety threats.

Under IRS rules Alzheimer’s is categorized as a severe cognitive impairment, and it therefore fully tax deductible as a medical expense.

Tax-Deduction for Medical Expenses Applies to:
  • The costs of diagnosis, cure mitigation, treatment, or prevention of the disease, and the cost for treatments affecting any part or function of the body.
  • The alleviation or prevention of a physical or mental defect or illness.

Includes:
  • The cost of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devises needed for these purposes.
  • Dental expenses
  • Premiums you pay for insurance that covers the expenses of medical care, and the amount you pay for transportation to get medical care.
  • Amounts paid for qualified long-term care services and limited amounts paid for any qualified long-term care insurance contract.

This is not tax advice, and you should contact your tax professional. You will need to provide your tax specialist with invoices regarding your healthcare expenses.

Kathy Yorio
Business Office Manager