In The News

Alexandria, VA  (November 29, 2011) – Spring Hills Senior Communities today announced the installation of WellAWARE Systems at Spring Hills Mount Vernon, to drastically increase the care offered to residents.

Read the full article here.

Washington, DC (October 20, 2011) – Cecelia Kelly was named the winner of the 2nd Annual Dorland Health People Awards (www.dorlandhealth.com/peopleawards/2011- finalists/) for her work as Director of Resident Care for Spring Hills Senior Communities, Mount Vernon. She was awarded the honor after being nominated among nine outstanding professionals in the field for the Clinical Nurse – Leadership Award.

Read the full article here: Cecelia Kelly of Spring Hills Senior Communities Wins the Dorland Health People Award!

NOF is proud to be partnering with Spring Hills through the Generations of Strength Campaign to establish NOF Support Groups at their sites across the country. Spring Hills Senior Communities manages innovative and distinctive senior living where residents live each day to its fullest. They accomplish this in a supportive home‐like environment with a fresh approach to assisted living or in their own home, with the same Caring with Commitment of Quality through Spring Hills Home Care Services.

In addition to providing a venue where patients can share information and provide support to one another, the Spring Hill Support Groups will plan community fundraisers benefiting NOF. We also look forward to working with Spring Hills Hunters Creek to host a Pearls of Strength® Salon Series event in Orlando, Florida next year to share information and resources with residents and their families.

NOF currently has 56 active Support Groups in 26 states across the country (including the District of Columbia). We aim to increase this number by 25 percent over the next 5 years, so this new partnership with Spring Hills is very exciting!

Read the whole article here: Generations of Strength

Residents and Local Girl Scouts Team up to Plant Community Gardens

Spring Hills Hunters Creek and Chef Craig King are teaming up to establish a new benchmark in senior living through community gardens. Led by Chef King, seniors at Spring Hills Hunters Creek worked alongside local youth to teach them the value of real food and the process of cultivation. More than 50 seniors and Troop 2052 of the Girl Scouts joined forces to plant carrots, cabbage, kale, onions, spinach, tomatoes, green beans, celery and lettuce and herbs like basil, thyme and chives.

The organic, community garden will provide a healthier lifestyle for Spring Hills Hunters Creek's seniors. Once the plants have matured, Spring Hills Senior Communities will use the food as it prepares meals for its residents. The organic food that is farmed will be part of the Signature Dining program that will be introduced later this year. Spring Hills Senior Communities believes in a holistic approach, promoting wellness from within and providing better nutrition as a means to enhance one's inner spirit, and Signature Dining is one component of this. Signature Dining reflects a broad range of menu items specially created to address the specific dietary needs of seniors.

"By creating this innovative project, Spring Hills Senior Communities is leading the way in the 'Green-Grey Revolution,' giving its residents the opportunity to educate the leaders of tomorrow in organic food systems and a renewed purpose for vitality," echoed Chef King, a pioneer in the natural foods movement and a long-time advocate of sustainable farming.
Spring Hills Hunters Creek and the girl scouts have formed a unique partnership that will continue in the future with the upkeep of the garden. Additionally, the lessons that the students are learning from gardening and, more importantly, from Spring Hills' seniors, will last with them long past their involvement with the project.

"Our seniors are imparting their wisdom on the local youth and teaching them about healthy eating. This partnership will continue in the future as the maintenance of the garden will depend on the contribution of our residents and the youth pitching in through 'Garden Days,'" said Spring Hills Hunters Creek's Executive Director Armando Cardenas.

Following the establishment of the organic, community garden, Spring Hills' residents, the girl scouts and their families all joined Chef Craig King for a healthy barbeque. Chef King served King Cole Slaw and salad to illustrate the kinds of meals that the chefs at Spring Hills Hunters Creek can create.

"We are delighted that we were able to give our girl scouts an opportunity to work alongside Chef King and Spring Hills Hunters Creek's residents; they have learned important lessons about farming and the value of real food," said Vicky Loyd, Merit Badge Counselor for Scout Troop 203.

Residents and Local Students Team up to Plant Community Gardens

Dayton, OH (June 15, 2010) – Spring Hills Singing Woods and Chef Craig King are teaming up to establish a new benchmark in senior living through community gardens. Led by Chef King, seniors at Spring Hills Singing Woods worked alongside local cub scouts to teach them the value of real food and the process of cultivation. More than 50 seniors and 10 young people joined forces to plant carrots, cabbage, kale, onions, spinach, tomatoes, green beans, celery and lettuce and herbs like basil, thyme and chives.

The organic, community garden will provide a healthier lifestyle for Spring Hills Singing Woods' seniors. Once the plants have matured, Spring Hills Senior Communities will use the food as it prepares meals for its residents. The organic food that is farmed will be part of the Signature Dining program that will be introduced later in the summer. Spring Hills Senior Communities believes in a holistic approach, promoting wellness from within and providing better nutrition as a means to enhance one's inner spirit, and Signature Dining is one component of this. Signature Dining reflects a broad range of menu items specially created to address the specific dietary needs of seniors.

"By creating this innovative project, Spring Hills Senior Communities is leading the way in the 'Green-Grey Revolution,' giving its residents the opportunity to educate the leaders of tomorrow in organic food systems and a renewed purpose for vitality," echoed Chef King, a pioneer in the natural foods movement and a long-time advocate of sustainable farming.
Spring Hills Singing Woods and Pack 55 of the Cub Scouts have formed a unique partnership that will continue in the future with the upkeep of the garden. Additionally, the lessons that the students are learning from gardening and, more importantly, from Spring Hills' seniors, will last with them long past their involvement with the project.

"Our seniors are imparting their wisdom on the local youth and teaching them about healthy eating. This partnership will continue in the future as the maintenance of the garden will depend on the contribution of our residents and the youth pitching in through 'Garden Days,'" said Spring Hills Singing Woods' Executive Director Heather Tussing.

Following the establishment of the organic, community garden, Spring Hills' residents, local cub scouts and their families all joined Chef Craig King for a healthy barbeque. Chef King served King Cole Slaw and salad to illustrate the kinds of meals that the chefs at Spring Hills Singing Woods can create.

"I am grateful to Chef King and Spring Hills Singing Woods for letting our boys work alongside their seniors to learn about farming and the value of real food," said Ryan Stark, leader of Pack 55 of the Cub Scouts.

Spring Hills Senior Communities offers a distinctive and innovative approach to assisted living. We are committed to our Signature Touches philosophies offering services that are designed to meet the needs and preferences of our residents. In our communities, personal choice is top priority, which is exemplified by recreational programs led by professionals to our focused approach on care preferences. We dedicate ourselves to respecting our residents as individuals as they enjoy life in one of our seven communities located in NJ, VA, OH and FL. For more information about our commitment to senior living, visit us at www.spring-hills.com.

It is very important for senior citizens to pay attention to both their bodies and minds as they continue to grow older. This article looks at a few simple exercises to keep your mind and body in peak condition.

Source: buzzle.com

The term 'senior citizen' was coined in the year 1938. In the United States, any elderly person who is 67 years and above is regarded as a senior citizen. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, only 32% of American senior citizens exercise on a daily basis.

Senior citizens are prone to fall prey to various health hazards. Common senior health problems include obesity, acid indigestion, muscle weakness, stroke, panic attack, heartburn, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. A good way to fight against these is to take up some physical exercises. Exercises promote one's health and assist in living life with full zeal and enthusiasm.

Despite knowing the fact that exercise is the prime element to keep the body fit; most senior citizens fail to take it up. They become lethargic as they grow old and this leads to inactivity. Due to this inactivity, senior citizens may suffer from failure of immune tolerance, diminishing overall body strength, flexibility and mental equilibrium, which are recognized as some of the important factors of healthy body and mind.

The main objectives of exercise are to:

• Promote health
• Strengthen muscles
• Improve cardiovascular organization
• Elevate athletic skills
• Prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease
• Make the body flexible

To gain a healthy body, senior citizens should adopt some healthy habits, which can make them happier as well as healthier. They should follow some senior exercise programs that help in maintaining physical, mental as well as emotional balance. Senior citizens can start with some simple exercises to cope with various problems such as stress, anxiety and other health diseases. These simple exercises include:

Walking: To get started, walking is the best primary exercise that senior citizens should opt for. Walking on a regular basis in the morning and evening can keep one fit and healthy. A senior citizen should walk according to his/her capability. This can reduce the extra fats of the body, make the body flexible and can uplift one's spirit.

Yoga: Yoga is a form of traditional Indian exercise, introduced to America by Swami Vivekananda. It has a healing effect on one's soul. It includes breathing exercises and meditations that have been practiced since ancient days. Yoga plays a vital role in keeping a balance between body, mind and spirit. This can help senior citizens in reducing stress, high blood pressure, blood glucose level and blood sugar level. It promotes elasticity of body and provides relaxation.

Swimming: Swimming is another form of exercise that cures many health related diseases in senior citizens. It has some benefits such as reducing stress, muscle pain and helps keep one fit.

Lightweight exercises or training: Senior citizens may also practice light weight lifting with the help of light weight dumbbells. This will help enhance liveliness and improve metabolism.

Besides, senior citizens can do various other physical exercises, which include aerobics, muscle flexibility and endurance exercises.

Aerobic Exercises: Aerobic exercises are rhythmic by nature and warm up the body. While doing these exercises, a senior citizen involves in physical activities like jumping, dancing according to steps to tone up the body muscles. These strengthen the respiration process, provide sufficient oxygen, improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, reduce rapid palpitation and help improve mental health.

Muscle flexibility exercises: As senior citizens grow old, their muscles tighten and their range of motion decreases. Therefore, to preserve their range of motion, maintain youthful flexibility and relax their mind, muscle flexibility exercises are very effective. Muscle flexibility exercises involve stretching slowly without bouncing. While maintaining normal breathing during each movement, attention should be paid to the muscles that are stretched. This will help the senior citizens to relax their body as well as mind.

Endurance exercises: Some endurance exercises like riding, stair stepping, walking and swimming can improve the endurance level of senior citizens. They can gradually increase the duration of these exercises according to their level of tolerance. While doing these exercises, one should start slowly but plan to work a little faster as time passes by.

Some Points to Remember:

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes on a regular basis
• Start slowly and increase activity gradually
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, while exercising
• Test blood glucose level
• Consult a physician before starting any exercise regimen

These tips will help in fulfilling all the objectives of exercise and provide an all-round development of body, mind and soul. Proper care of senior health, will also make life worthy of living.

Source: Mycentraljersey.com

Spring Hills Senior Communities announced on September 13 that two Somerset community members, Dawn Jasmine Ortiz and Margaret Mento, have been selected as recipients of the 2010 Champions for Seniors Award by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA). Somerset Mayor Brian Levine joined Spring Hills Senior Communities management, associates and residents in honoring the two during a celebration that also recognized the start of National Assisted Living Week.

In an effort to recognize the frontline heroes and champions of senior living, ALFA solicits nominations from ALFA member companies each year. More than 900 nominations were received this year and six were chosen to be publicly recognized as ALFA Champions. The staff at Spring Hills Somerset nominated Ortiz and Mento because their dedication to resident care best reflects Spring Hills Seniors Communities' mission of "Caring with a Commitment to Quality".

"We are thrilled that ALFA has recognized the great talent and character we have within our Somerset community by honoring Dawn and Marge as part of this year's Champions class," said Spring Hills Somerset's Executive Director Erio Rosario. "We could think of no better way to commence Senior Living Week than to honor two individuals that so closely reflect the spirit of this year's 'Living Life' theme."

Dawn Jasmine Ortiz is a wellness nurse LPN who has been on staff at Spring Hills Somerset since 2004. Her passion for working with seniors comes from the enjoyment she gets from helping others and being an advocate for her senior residents by providing care that upholds dignity on their behalf.

Margaret "Marge" Mento is a stand-out resident of five years at Spring Hills Somerset. Her commitment to resident advocacy is viewed as a barometer of satisfaction and acceptance of many of the activities and policies that are part of daily life in the Somerset community. Her volunteer work within her community as earned her the distinct nomination of "Resident Volunteer of the Year" from associates and residents.

Assisted Living Week runs from September 12 18 and this year's theme is "Living Life". There are activities hosted by the various Spring Hills Somerset departments held throughout the week, including ones focused on music and visual arts, nutrition, physical activity and crafts.

For full release click here.

Source: assistedlivinghomes.com

People have been trying to lure senior citizens into a variety of phone scams for the last decade, and recently police out of Texas are warning seniors to be aware of a scam that is going around lately. There have been various phone scams which involve a long lost family member, and the recent phone scam is a variation off of that concept. In the reported cases, individuals are calling up seniors and claiming that they are a distance family member from Mexico, and traveling soon to the United States and looking to visit. This appears to be a way for the scammer to build a rapport with the senior, so that they can then call back within a day and claim that they have been in a serious car crash in Mexico. The supposed car crash has landed the “family member” in jail and now the only way to get out is by paying off the police in Mexico, and the scammers have even had another individual hop on the phone to act as the cop and provide the information on where to send the money, in an attempt to make the call seem even more real.

Typically most elderly people will view this kind of call as a prank or harassment, and do not move forward to attempt to try and help the “family member” out, however some seniors have already lost money due to this phone scam. Therefore seniors and anyone who knows a senior living alone, should be aware of these types of phone scams so that they can avoid falling victim and losing their much needed money. Seniors should also make sure to reach out to real family members who they know and trust to better understand if someone really is in trouble, or if it is all a scam.

Source: brainready.com

The BrainReady Top 5 Brain Health Foods

Many of you have asked us for a simple list of the very best, proven natural foods & drinks for optimum brain (and body) health.

Ah, everyone loves lists these days, it seems. So while there are numerous natural foods, drinks, herbs and supplemental products that possess brain & body-enhancing properties, we've done the research for you and created a list of five all-natural, widely-available foods that we believe represent the BrainReady Top 5 Brain Health Foods in the world.

How did we pick? Our list is based a variety of factors, ranging from overall proven health benefits (through multiple peer-reviewed, valid scientific studies from around the world over many years), our own experience here at BrainReady using these foods regularly, general reports from consumers of these foods over the years, proven safety and lack of contradictions from these foods, and general availability/ease of incorporation of these foods by the most people in most countries.

It's important to keep in mind that just because we didn't include a food like Turmeric or Sage or Walnuts in our Top 5, this doesn't mean that those foods aren't incredibly brain and health-friendly too; it's just that the foods in our Top 5 have been demonstrated to possess more 'yes' counts across our range of criteria, particularly brain health benefits.

So without further adieu, here are the BrainReady Top 5 Brain Health Foods worth considering adding to your diet if you haven't already (of course, make sure you don't have any contradictions with any of these foods by consulting your health care provider first if you're not sure). These are not listed in order of priority, as all are beneficial in different ways and via different mechanisms:

1) Wild Salmon

Wild salmon is not only an incredible food for brain health, it qualifies as incredible across virtually every other health standard as well and is clearly one of the healthiest foods that one can eat. Period. Wild salmon (not farm-raised) in particular is a true brain food: one of the best sources of Essential Fatty Acids (such as the all-important Omega-3), a rich source of high-quality non-land animal protein, low saturated fat, generally among the lowest amounts of contaminants (such as mercury) among seafood, and other health properties -- wild salmon can help do everything from improve your brain matter, your mood, your synaptic connections, your arteries, reduce your risk of stroke and Dementia and Alzheimer's and much more.

It's also important to know that only WILD salmon has been shown to contain the highest levels of the good stuff that your brain & body crave...as wild-caught fish grow and evolve their muscles, tissues and fat levels the hard way, fighting for survival of the fittest in the oceans and rivers. By contrast, many or most farm-raised salmon exist in a locked-up, artificial and sometimes contaminated environment and thus have to be fed food (or worse, color added later just before going to market!) to make them LOOK orange and healthy instead of white and sickly. Ewww!

While there ARE some good sustainable, eco-friendly, health-focused farmed salmon operations out there, I'll take my salmon fresh and wild and naturally orange in color, thank you...as long as wild salmon remains a mostly non-endangered fish species (particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska). Even if it costs more. Your brain and body are worth it.

2) Cacao Beans

Wait, you mean chocolate, right? Hurray! I've been looking for an excuse to hit that vending machine and grab a candy bar...it has chocolate in it, so now it's actually healthy, right?

WRONG. Well, mostly wrong: what's healthy is the cacao bean, minimally processed. This amazing, hedonistic bean is one of the world's longest-revered foods (think 'time of the Aztecs' old) and has in recent years been shown to be a veritable powerhouse of cognitive enhancement, mood and bliss-enhancement (thanks in part to the Theobromine in cacao), antioxidants, flavonoids, catechins and many other brain & body-enhancing elements. In fact, chocolate has been very recently cited by some top health professionals and researchers to be THE single most exciting health food, and as more research continues to pour in, the more true this appears to be.

How is this possible, something that only recently was thought of as an unhealthy, dangerous, guilty indulgence...a sign of dietary decadence, now being hailed as beneficial to everything from brain health to skin elasticity to cardiovascular health to anti-cancer and pretty much everything in between? It's simple: chocolate does not equal cacao bean, nor vice-versa; most candy and chocolate bars contain not only low levels of cacao bean compared to other unhealthy ingredients such as sugars, milk fat, artificial flavorings and so on, but the quality and processing of the cacao used in these products is often of low health benefits due to everything from alkalization (e.g. "Dutch process cocoa") to refining and processing and over-roasting the healthy elements right out of the beans.

So if you want the real stuff, the best bet is to either use minimally-processed cocoa to ensure that the health properties are retained, or, second best, choose only high cacao percentage dark chocolate bars (typically at least 75% cacao content or higher, but we suggest 85% or higher), also from a high-quality provider.

Here at BrainReady, we've found it easiest to just mix a large spoonful of 100% organic cocoa powder with a bit of espresso, organic unsweetened soy milk and some cinnamon, even a sprinkle of cayenne red pepper...yes, cayenne pepper!) in the morning (and sometimes again in the afternoon) to make a drink not unlike what the ancient Aztecs used to make: it's one tasty, brain & body-fueling drink that gives you your pure cacao bean dose without the sugars and milk fat, you get your protein from the soy milk, brain-enhancing (and blood sugar-stabilizing) cinnamon, a little brain-enhancing caffeine from the espresso and theobromine (plus more) from the chocolate, and a digestion, brain-enhancing and respiratory-enhancing kick from the cayenne pepper. No sweetener needed (sweet is overrated these days...but we'll save that topic for another BrainReady feature).

All that in one tasty drink that really gets you going!

In summary, yes: chocolate is a brain health food. Or more specifically, the cacao bean is a true brain health and body health food. And worth considering adding to your diet (barring any allergies to chocolate or contradictions, of course).

3) Matcha (stone-ground Gyokuru green tea powder)

So those green tea bags at the office water cooler aren't the ultimate form of green tea? Do I need something better? What brand of tea bags ARE better?

Oh dear. Where to begin. If you're used to getting your tea from tea bags, you'll need to put aside notions of brands, tea bags, and tea in general for a moment and take a big step back: as we discussed in our BrainReady health feature on the health benefits of Matcha, Matcha -- which is the finely-ground powder of the highest-quality, most revered part of the shade-grown green tea-plant (Gyokuru leaves...the very top part of the shade-grown green tea-plant then dried to become"Tencha") carefully grown, selected, dried, stone-ground, processed and prepared according to an ancient Japanese tradition, is not your average green tea. Nor does it come in tea bags. Nor do you brew it, boil it, or consume the watery extract from leaves.

When you drink real stone-ground Japanese Matcha, you're not only drinking the arguably highest-quality, most carefully cultivated green tea variety, you're actually consuming it all -- you're eating the whole thing, you're drinking the green tea leaf itself, whole, in powdered form mixed with hot (but not boiling!) water. The powder itself is so rich in chlorophyl (from the shade growing) that it's literally bright green, and when mixed with water it becomes a rich, bitter-sweet, Kermit-colored concoction whose effects you can actually FEEL almost immediately after drinking a cup (or small bowl, if doing it the traditional Japanese way) of it.

Perhaps best known as the traditional, ceremonial drink tightly interwoven with the Buddhist ceremonies and tradition, Matcha's unique effects on the brain were a perfect fit for those monks in Japan preparing to endure 12-hour straight meditation sessions: calming and focusing while stimulating at the same time, it's no wonder that Matcha became integrated into the monks' meditative practices (thanks in large part to the amino acid L-Theanine).

And when you drink real Matcha yourself, you too will...understand.

But as Matcha has become more known (and researched) in the West recently, even more exciting are the health properties being discovered and reported (and yes, now marketed as buzzwords by tea companies..have you seen that EGCG commercial for a bottled green tea maker?). You've probably already heard about many of the health benefits of green tea in general, so imagine those benefits amplified exponentially (up to 10x or more!) in the case of Matcha...as you're drinking an extremely concentrated, ultra-high quality form, straight. Antioxidants, catechins, vitamins such as C and A, even Fluoride. And the meditatively calming yet focusing effects of L-Theanine.

But perhaps best known is EGCG: Epigallocatechin Gallate, a compound found uniquely in green teas which has been shown to possess almost unbelievable anti-cancer, anti-aging and overall health benefits...so much so that 'EGCG' has become a health marketing buzzword for tea companies. Here's where Matcha is really unprecedented: Matcha contains exponentially higher amounts of EGCG than regular brewed green tea (including high-quality fresh Sencha green tea). Matcha also has over 33 times the antioxidant levels of antioxidant powerhouse blueberries(!)...hard to believe, but real.

So if you're looking for a great way to get a veritable blast of antioxidants (not to mention EGCG, vitamins, minerals, etc.), boost your brain with Zen-like concentration and physical benefits, it's hard to beat Matcha. And you can't get that with a tea bag.

A word of warning: not all Matcha is created equal! There are many non-Japanese (as well as Japanese) products out there called 'Matcha' that are often nothing more than powdered low-quality green tea, or worse, a mixture of ingredients with artificial green coloring(!). The stone grinding method is also very important, as low-quality Matcha is sometimes 'exploded' instead of stone-ground, reducing the health properties.

4) Acai berries & Blueberries (tie)

We recently reported on the comprehensive health benefits from the highly unusual South American native berry called Acai...a berry that possesses not only all of the antioxidant, vitamin and brain benefits of other purple berries such as blueberries and blackberries but also (oddly, for a berry) contains Essential Fatty Acids like Omega-3's like salmon, and is even high in protein.

Sounds like  a true superfood, right? It is. With proven ORAC antioxidant levels higher than any other berry ever tested, Acai's unique combination of health properties make it a true superfood for brain and body. Of course, we're talking about fresh Acai berries here...not some local generic health food shop pills claiming to contain Acai. And that's where the challenge can come in (hence our research and report on the best Acai products that we published recently), as Acai needs to be quickly processed (flash-freeze dried, flash-frozen, etc.) and maintained and processed if you're to get the full benefits of this berry outside of South America.

Fortunately, companies like Sambazon and Bolthouse have created amazing local growing and processing facilities to do exactly that, and we can now buy great Acai in various forms in the U.S., Australia, Europe and beyond these days.

Then there's blueberries: it didn't seem fair to leave this time-honored, well-researched superfood off the list, particularly given its reputation as the 'brain berry' and its wide availability in fresh, original form (compared to Acai). And given how relatively easy it is to add blueberries to your daily diet, the combination of proven health benefits with ready availability make it a no-brainer to consider eating blueberries daily if possible. Think about it: what would your brain health, brain abilities, disease/risk profile, and overall health be like 5 or 10 or 20 years from now if you consumed blueberries every day? Exactly...

5) Coffee beans

Ah, coffee. So popular, so ubiquitous, yet still so surprisingly misunderstood when it comes to "healthy or not". How can this be?

You'd think that virtually everyone would be an expert on coffee these days, given the explosion of coffee chains like Starbucks over the last decade. Perhaps it's because the situation is much like chocolate: the coffee bean, much like the cacao bean, is incredibly rich with antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Fresh-ground gently roasted coffee bean powder (again, like with cacao) has numerous brain and body health benefits...yes, including the caffeine content which has recently been shown to be GOOD for the brain, not bad, and particularly in the area of antioxidants. Regular coffee consumption has been shown to actually reduce the risk of mental decline and diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer's, and has also recently been found to be (shockingly) the "#1 source of antioxidants in the average American diet"...showing at once how health food-deprived the average diet continues to be while illustrating the surprising health benefits of something as common as coffee.

So where's the controversy and confusion? The problem comes in when coffee is combined with other unhealthy things, as is so commonly done: triple-carmel-double-whip-chocolate-creme-mocha-blast-freeze drinks, weak over-extracted brewed cheap poor quality coffee, coffee loaded up with artificial cream and sweeteners, you know the drill. Compare such carb, chemical and fat-laden concoctions with, say, a high-quality organic coffee freshly ground into an Espresso-grade powder and served as a couple shots of fresh espresso, straight? No comparison. This should be obvious, but surprisingly, many or even most people still don't get it.

Equally odd is that for many people, coffee is still viewed as a 'vice', something bad for you, something 'naughty' that should be avoided...as if it were akin to smoking cigarettes or pounding shots of tequila. The origin of this bizarre thinking comes partially from the effects of the caffeine (and other elements) which contribute to the stimulating effects of drinking coffee, and yes, for some people, coffee is contraindicated due to sensitivity to caffeine or gastrointestinal effects that coffee can sometimes produce.

But generally speaking, the coffee bean is a safe, true superfood. And when properly consumed in ideal forms (such as pure Espresso), it's one uniquely enjoyable beverage that also packs a host of brain and health-friendly properties to boot!

So there you have it: a simple list of 5 brain health (and overall healthy) foods to consider adding to your diet (barring any allergies or contradictions) if you're interested in optimum brain health, overall health and longevity, and optimal aging.

It's important to note however that none of these foods nor any other food, drink, supplement or drug is a "wonder drug" that will produce miracles, especially overnight. There's no magic cure or wonder drug or superfood panacea that one should consume at the expense of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, nor should you have unrealistic expectations around what any one of food can do for you. Rather, the foods cited here (like other healthy foods) are foods which have been shown to be particularly, often uniquely, beneficial when consumed consistently in moderation over time along with the rest of a healthy diet. And given that science is still in the comparative early days of understanding the complex mechanisms by which foods and nutrients affect the brain and body, it is likely that the subtle, complex interactions and combinations between several healthy food sources, combined with other healthy lifestyle practices such as exercise/healthy social interaction/genetic disposition and other factors, all work synergistically together to "balance the odds" in favor of (or against, if your diet is poor) optimum health.

Therefore, it's not enough to think "okay, I've added Matcha to my diet...I'm done!". That's why we here at BrainReady try to incorporate all of these five brain-friendly foods into the daily diet, along with other healthy foods and in combination with brain exercises, physical exercise, and overall well-being practices.

Nonetheless, these 5 foods are a great way to get started if you're interested in keeping your brain and body healthy as you age, and yes...one or more of them just might make that critical difference in your current and future health. So why not tip the scale in your favor, and feel great while doing it?

More and more working adults are becoming caregivers for their aging parents. In the Morris County area, there are a high percentage of adults who are caregivers to their parents. Read more below to find out more about this growing number.

Source: Dailyrecord.com

More than one-quarter of Morris County adults are providing unpaid care for a parent, sibling or child with significant health issues, filling a gap in the nation's health care system that allows the infirm to remain at home.

Of 369,891 people over the age of 18, the Morris County freeholders were told Monday, 106,000, or 28.6 percent, identified themselves as a caregiver for a family member.

Family caregivers nationwide provide services worth $375 billion, or more than the cost of Medicaid, said Carol DeGraw, manager of community impact for the United Way of Morris County.

The United Way has joined with the Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans to support the Caregivers Coalition, which offers support services and provides a network of agencies to give caregivers the help they need to cope with the needs of their family members. The coalition was founded in 2005 by United Way.

The freeholders honored the effort Monday with a proclamation celebrating Family Caregiver's Month.

"Caregivers serve seniors, the disabled and others," said Mary Jo Buchanan, Morris County's human services director. "The United Way have provided vital leadership in the formation of the coalition with the help of Theresa Davis. Many in this room could be in this situation."

Davis, director of the county division on aging, said the national health system can't care for everyone, so it falls to family members to fill the gap. Providing that service can be lonely, stressful and costly, she said.

Filling that gap has a cost, DeGraw said. An average caregiver could lose up to $649,000 in wages, benefits and pension earnings in a lifetime, she said.

Davis said a typical caregiver is a working adult child whose aging and infirm parents require extensive nursing and medical care. Very often the care means lost work hours and additional stress and health problems for the caregiver, she said.

The impact of the stress and time of the care has been identified as a national health issue, Davis said.

The Caregiver's Coalition provides a place that listens to caregivers, DeGraw said. The United Way has a caregiver coordinator, Lori Rubin, to help sort out the programs and information for caregivers.

The county division on aging has added a caregiver coordinator to make connections between government systems serving veterans, seniors and the disabled to find the resources the families need.

For information, visit www.LiveUnitedMorris.org or call 973-993-1160, ext. 139, or the county office on aging at 973-285-6858.

Source: Courier Post Online

CHERRY HILL — Thirty years ago the Sheraton Poste was a posh hotel and conference center that added some glam to the then-sleepy east side of Cherry Hill. The landmark evolved into a Clarion Hotel with a signature restaurant before hitting bottom briefly as a shelter for homeless people who were being evicted from a tent city in Camden.

Again, it is in the midst of an extreme makeover.

The original one-bedroom hotel rooms are being sliced and diced into 130 apartments for assisted living, the fastest-growing segment of long-term care for seniors in the country. The swimming pool that dominated the Sheraton's central courtyard is packed with soil and ready for planting vegetables and flowers.

"The bar stays," says Alexander C. Markowits, CEO of Spring Hills, LLC, about the massive bar at the former Elephant and Castle. "We'll put stools here for people who want a quick meal," he explained on a recent tour of the building. "We'll keep most of the former restaurant intact because our dining room will be open all the time. Residents can order what they want, when they want it." The complex will not provide alcohol, but staff is not adverse to storing and serving wine bought by residents.

Markowits bought the vacant building and seven acres of ground on Route 70 at Frontage Road for $6.7 million in January from Philadelphia Growth Properties, which also owns the Holiday Inn Express also on Route 70. He expects to spend approximately $4 million turning it into a luxury residence with cove mouldings, marble floors, tile baths and sleek kitchens. In addition to meals, housekeeping, laundry services and social activities -- standard in the industry -- Spring Hills will offer valet parking, an in-house manicurist and a 50-seat movie theater.

The complex is slated to open sometime in late August or early fall, with rates ranging from $4,500 a month for a studio to $7,500 for two bedrooms, plus fees for extra personal care as it is needed. Statewide, the average range for private pay in assisted living is $3,100 to 6,000, according to the Health Care Association of New Jersey, a membership trade group. "Spring Hills is a quality operation," said township spokesman Dan Keashen. "We're excited the building is getting a new life." The resuscitated building will also generate at least 100 full-time jobs.

Based in Edison, Spring Hills operates two assisted-living communities in New Jersey and five throughout Florida, Ohio and Virginia. The company employs about 2,000 people. Markowits is expanding into South Jersey while other builders hold back because he can afford to take advantage of lower real estate and construction costs. His business model includes providing health care to seniors living at home, which ultimately helps funnel residents into his assisted-living communities. He has high hopes for the home health care division, which he said could generate another 200 jobs.

You can't just build and expect them to come," he explained. "You have to build a brand that is known for quality and service." New Jersey has 215 licensed assisted-living facilities, including 29 in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties. About 75 percent are owned by private, for-profit companies. All are required to accept at least 10 percent Medicaid patients, but not necessarily going in.

More exclusive centers -- such as Spring Hills, Brandywine and Sunrise Seniors -- are likely to meet that quota after residents have spent down their assets. Only three in Camden County accept a mix of private pay and what is called "Medicaid direct," which means seniors with no resources other than Medicaid are admitted. "I wish people with limited resources had more choices," said Alicia Kagan, Camden County's coordinator of long-term care for seniors and the disabled. "Most of our calls come from people who are lucky if they have $1,000 left in the bank. They don't need valet parking because they don't have cars." For now waiting lists for private paying or Medicaid residents are rare in South Jersey assisted-living facilities, but that is expected to change as baby boomers age out of their own homes.

Assisted living is a relatively new concept. The first opened in Toms River in 1993. Since then, 215 have been built in New Jersey. More than 20,000 people spent time in an assisted-living complex last year, according to Daniel Emmer, spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The state has authorized building another 7,000 beds but the recession has put the brakes on the building boom.

"Demand is down," said Paul Langevin, CEO of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, who is convinced the tide will turn. "Since 2008, people have seen their 401(k) retirement accounts shrink, so they are more likely to remain in their homes longer." State and federal governments also are expanding coverage of in-home care because it's cheaper than going elsewhere. Regulations are changing so rapidly with regard to long-term care it is difficult to predict how services will be paid for in the near future, said the health care lobbyist.

"People in nursing homes today were in hospitals 15 years ago," Langevin said. "And those in assisted living now would have been in nursing homes. Get rid of the word "nursing home' and you get rid of the stigma. "People are living longer and staying healthy longer, but at some point the majority will need more help."

The average age for nursing home and assisted-living residents is 85, the same for both facilities, said Langevin. Beatrice Bruno moved out of a senior citizen complex in Gloucester Township in March and into Spring Oak, a privately owned assisted-living facility in Berlin Township that accepts private pay and Medicaid direct patients. A widow for 27 years, she was happy to decorate her new studio apartment with her own belongings and happy to leave her vacuum cleaner and laundry basket behind.

"It was time for me come here," said the 93-year-old, who has dinner with her son and his family every Sunday in Glassboro. "I had several falls and surgeries for broken bones. The transition was smooth. I've made some friends and I feel secure." Under the current system, money buys luxury. It also allows wealthy residents to subsidize costs for a small percentage of Medicaid patients. "Assisted living is a highly competitive, capital intensive business," Langevin said. "Those that succeed integrate themselves into the community with at-home care and they strive to give people back their independence. They allow pets and they offer lots of choices of good food round the clock.

"When the government is paying, you do what you're told. When you're paying, you demand satisfaction."

Reach Eileen Stilwell at (856) 486-2464 or estilwell@gannett.com

ORLANDO, Fla. - Music has power. It's also linked to our memory. New studies show that music can treat and even help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

When the music starts playing, the 20 memory care residents at Spring Hills Hunters Creek get their feet tapping and their brains working.

These Alzheimer's patients may not remember a conversation they just had, or what they had for breakfast, but they can remember every word of a favorite song.

Music therapist Megan Coke uses songs they know and respond to. Music therapy may not cure the disease, but it keeps Alzheimer's patients in the present while still holding onto the past.

"They're here in the moment,” says Coke. “They're picking songs, interacting with me, interacting with each other, which sometimes in the later stages of Alzheimer’s that interaction severely starts to diminish. They don't where they are. They can be very confused, and can think they need to be somewhere else."

"There’s not one magic pill, no one magic bullet for Alzheimer’s,” says Richard Isaacson, M.D., a neurologist and professor and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.  “There's treatment or prevention."

Dr. Isaacson wrote the book, Treating Alzheimer's, Preventing Alzheimer's. He says a combination of things, including music, stimulates the mind and exercises the memory.

"There’s a variety of research out there that shows music therapy will not only help anxiety, help depression, help memory recall of spoken lyrics, but also help caregiver burden, and finally we now know it will influence chemicals in the blood stream," explains Dr. Isaacson. Just by looking at these Alzheimer’s patients, it's easy to see the music sparks something.

"It keeps them with their family and with us a little bit longer,” says Coke. “Those memories stay vivid just a little bit longer through the music."

Alzheimer's disease and prevention was the main topic at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine Conference recently in Orlando.

Other recent studies show fasting for 12 to 14 hours may help memory. It causes the body to produce a chemical that acts like a quick energy source for the brain.

Read more: http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/health/041411-singing-away-alzheimers-disease##>#ixzz1TL2qWe9r

Edison, NJ (March 13, 2011) -- Spring Hills Senior Communities announced today that associate Lesa Scott, VP of Resident Services and Program Development was named a winner in the first annual Dorland Health Silver Crown Awards in the Clinical Nurse Category on March 8.

The award, issued by healthcare industry media publisher Dorland Health, seeks to commend professionals and organizations that provide exemplary services, products and information to the over-55 population.

Scott was selected in the Awards Luncheon among four finalists. Additional awards were given in categories such as Alzheimer's Care, Case/Care Management Program and Fall Prevention program, among others.

"It is my privilege to congratulate Lesa, who has been named in the Clinical Nurse category," Elena Ortiz, VP of Operations, said. "The awards program was designed to recognize professionals who provide exceptional service, which Lesa continues to do daily."

Scott began her career in assisted living in 2002 and has been a registered nurse for 18 years, where she began in the emergency rooms of Brooklyn, NY. Beginning as Spring Hills' Director of Resident Care, she moved through the ranks to serve as both Director of the communities' Nursing Department and Director of Compliance and Clinical Services.

Scott said she derives personal pleasure from her work with senior citizens at Spring Hills.

"There is no greater joy in this world than either giving of life or preserving it in the most dignified way," she said. "You get smiles daily and hugs continuously."

A list of additional finalists can be found at http://dorlandhealth.com/silver-crown-awards/

SOMERSET, NJ (December 10, 2010) - Local resident Helen Wesolvski celebrated her 100th birthday. Ms. Wesolvski, who currently lives at Spring Hills Somerset, was born in 1910 and spent most of her life in South Orange, NJ.Ms. Wesolvski was joined in celebrating with her family and friends, including her niece Jaclyn, grand-nephew Fred, grand-nieces Cathy and Maureen, her great-grand-nephew Nicholas, and great-grand-niece Shelby. The party's theme was 'Let It Snow!' Ms. Wesolvski and her friends all wore white and the decor in the dining room featured snowflakes, white streamers, and white balloons. In keeping with the theme, guests enjoyed snowball cookies, popcorn, and a large white birthday cake.

Helen is such a special person and we are thrilled to share this momentous day with her and her family, stated Erio Rosario, executive director at Spring Hills Somerset. He continued, She is a treasured member of our community and we look forward to sharing many more fun events with her.

Ms. Wesolvski's family joined her as she blew out all 100 candles on her birthday cake. She remains active, and enjoys sitting in the sun and reminiscing about her late husband, Walter, and the annual beach vacations she took for most of her life. She looks forward to celebrating her 101st birthday next year.

For full article, click here.

Somerset, NJ (November 16, 2010) – Spring Hills Senior Communities honored its residents who are veterans, as well as residents' deceased spouses who were veterans, at its annual Veteran's Day ceremony on Sunday, November 14, 2010. More than 35 residents, their families and local citizens attended the event held at the Spring Hills' property on 473 DeMott Lane.

"We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to honor our Spring Hills veterans," saidSpring Hills Somerset's Executive Director Erio Rosario. "The involvement of so many community leaders and friends made our annual ceremony a truly memorable event."

Residents honored included John Anello, Howard Courtney, Ronald Gaille, Elenore Gridley, Eileen Healy, Arthur Hershkowit, Edward Hogan, Victor Kizewinski, Tony Mento, William Miller, Axel Munck, Arthur Napeltano, Irene O'Hara, Chester Pogorzelski, Joan Roberts, George Stevens, Terrence Simmons and Chester Wetzel.

The commemoration also included remarks from veteran and former Franklin Township Councilman Gene Unger, as well as from Rev. Vernard Bennett, of Community Baptist Church, and Russ Demkowitz, deacon at St. Matthias Catholic Church. In addition, there was a presentation of colors conducted by the Franklin High School JROTC and a Semper Fi Displays owner Michael Waluk featured a display of more than 25 military uniforms and medals from various wars. The event culminated with a clarinet/flute duet of patriotic music performed by Robert Porecca and Brett Fitzgerald.

Spring Hills Senior Communities Somerset, which provides personalized assisted living in Central New Jersey, is well-known in the surrounding area for the exceptional lifestyle, services and holistic care approach it provides to residents.

Spring Hills Senior Communities offers a distinctive and innovative approach to assisted living. We are committed to our Signature Living philosophies offering services that are designed to meet the needs and preferences of our residents. In our communities, personal choice is top priority, which is exemplified by recreational programs led by professionals to our focused approach on care preferences. We dedicate ourselves to respecting our residents as individuals as they enjoy life in one of our seven communities located in NJ, VA, OH and FL. For more information about our commitment to senior living, visit us at www.spring-hills.com.

For PDF Version click here.

Media coverage: ConnectionNewspapers.com

Residents and associates from Mt. Vernon community took part in annual event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care.

Mt. Vernon, VA (October 14, 2010) – Spring Hills Senior Communities in Mt. Vernon participated in the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk, a national event aimed at raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. The Mount Vernon Assisted Living and Memory Care Community built a motivated team of eight – comprised of both associates and residents – to take part in their local Memory Walk held Sept. 26 at the Reston Town Center in Reston, VA.

Resident walkers Lucille McGary, Edward Faulstick, June Schaeffer and Jackie Burns were joined by Executive Director Robinette Todd, Director of Recreational Services Krista Wells, Recreation Assistant Ophelia White and Recreation Assistant Amy Edmondson. The team raised $1,075 dollars for the Alzheimer's Association.

Retiree June Schaeffer and her family participated in the walk in memory of her husband, Eugene, who passed away from Alzheimer's. Eugene was a resident of Spring Cottage,Spring Hills Mount Vernon Assisted Living's secure memory care unit for residents with late-stage Alzheimer's and dementia. June feels that Alzheimer's is a hidden disease and that walking in the Memory Walk was her way of paying tribute to her late husband while building recognition for the prevalent disease.

"My family and I are unfortunately not the only ones that have lost someone to this terrible disease," said Schaeffer. "It's about time we find a way to treat it successfully and I hope that the funds raised by this walk and all others will help us to do so."

The evening event featured a speaking program, one-mile team and individual walk and a candlelight rally. The event held in Reston is one of 19 Memory Walk events scheduled to take place in Virginia throughout 2010.

"We are pleased that our Spring Hills Mount Vernon Community was able to give back to such an important cause as Alzheimer's by participating in this Memory Walk," said Robinette Todd. "The funds generated by this walk will help the Alzheimer's Association fund research and care that benefits everyone afflicted with this disease, including some of our Spring Hills Senior Communities residents and their families."

Spring Hills Mount Vernon, which provides personalized assisted living and memory care in Northern Virginia, is well-known in the surrounding area for the exceptional lifestyle, services and holistic care approach it provides to residents. Spring Hills Mount Vernon senior living community is one of the few communities in Virginia that holds a two-year assisted living license.

Spring Hills Senior Communities offers a distinctive and innovative approach to assisted living. We are committed to our Signature Living philosophies offering services that are designed to meet the needs and preferences of our residents. In our communities, personal choice is top priority, which is exemplified by recreational programs led by professionals to our focused approach on care preferences. We dedicate ourselves to respecting our residents as individuals as they enjoy life in one of our seven communities located in NJ, VA, OH and FL. For more information about our commitment to senior living, visit us at www.spring-hills.com.

For full PDF version, click here.

Spring Hills Middletown is sixth community to offer program for residents.

Middletown, OH (September 24, 2010) – This week Spring Hills Middletown rolled out its upscale Signature Touches program, aimed at further differentiating the community's dedication to personalized assisted living care. Spring Hills Somerset, NJ, Morristown, NJ, Lake Mary, FL, Singing Woods, OH and Spring Hills Mount Vernon, VA, have already launched Signature Touches, and due to great success, the program is now being added to the Middletown community.

Signature Touches reflects Spring Hills Senior Communities' desire to enhance the lives of its residents through a holistic approach, specifically focused on mind, body and spirit.Signature Touches consists of three Signature Touches – a Resident Concierge, Signature Dining and a Signature Recreational Program.

The first Signature Touch is the addition of a resident concierge who is on premises to assist residents and their families. From food favorites to hobbies, the Resident Concierge creates meaningful opportunities to live with dignity and independence. Carol Waggoner will serve as resident concierge for the Middletown community.
"I'm looking forward to coordinating services for our residents and their families and ensuring that our residents receive a fully individualized experience at Spring Hills Middletown," said Waggoner.

The second Signature Touch is Signature Dining; as a part of this, residents are served 9 different choices every day in a restaurant-style format. These options include a variety of hot and cold appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and main dishes. The community works with a professional chef who understands the specific dietary needs of seniors and creates meals to fit those needs.

Another component of the Signature Touches philosophy is the recreational program which is also tailored to residents' individual interests. The Signature Recreational program finds ways to ensure individuals are able to maintain interests that they held before moving to an assisted living community, as well as new interests.

Middletown is the sixth Spring Hills Senior Living community to employ a full-time resident concierge. The first was done at the Somerset, NJ, location that provided a resident concierge through a pilot program that ran from November 2009 to March 2010. Since then, a resident concierge has been added to the Mount Vernon, VA, Morristown, NJ,Lake Mary, FL, and Singing Woods, OH communities.

"Our resident concierges in each of these locations have been responsible for enhancing our residents' experiences and we are excited to now offer one to our Middletown community," said Alex Markowits, President/CEO. "The Resident Concierge helps our associates throughout the community understand a resident's preferences – from the mundane such as how a resident likes their coffee to the critical such as the manner in which they should take their prescriptions."

Spring Hills Senior Communities ensures that Signature Touches benefits the residents more than just superficially. Spring Hills Senior Communities has a measurement system in place that gauges a resident's happiness and contentment upon arrival and then follows up and measures their happiness and contentment after living at the community, according to the Signature Touches philosophy.

For PDF version, click here.

Event honored Assisted Living Federation of America Champion Award Winners.

Kicked Off National Assisted Living Week

Somerset, NJ (September 13, 2010) – Spring Hills Senior Communities announced today that two Somerset community members, Dawn Jasmine Ortiz and Margaret Mento, have been selected as recipients of the 2010 Champions for Seniors Award by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA). Somerset Mayor Brian Levine joined Spring Hills Senior Communities management, associates and residents in honoring the two during a celebration that also recognized the start of National Assisted Living Week.

In an effort to recognize the frontline heroes and champions of senior living, ALFA solicits nominations from ALFA member companies each year. More than 900 nominations were received this year and six were chosen to be publicly recognized as ALFA Champions. The staff at Spring Hills Somerset nominated Ortiz and Mento because their dedication to resident care best reflects Spring Hills Seniors Communities' mission of "Caring with a Commitment to Quality".

"We are thrilled that ALFA has recognized the great talent and character we have within our Somerset community by honoring Dawn and Marge as part of this year's Champions class," said Spring Hills Somerset's Executive Director Erio Rosario. "We could think of no better way to commence Senior Living Week than to honor two individuals that so closely reflect the spirit of this year's 'Living Life' theme."

Dawn Jasmine Ortiz is a wellness nurse LPN who has been on staff at Spring Hills Somerset since 2004. Her passion for working with seniors comes from the enjoyment she gets from helping others and being an advocate for her senior residents by providing care that upholds dignity on their behalf.

Margaret "Marge" Mento is a stand-out resident of five years at Spring Hills Somerset. Her commitment to resident advocacy is viewed as a barometer of satisfaction and acceptance of many of the activities and policies that are part of daily life in the Somerset community. Her volunteer work within her community as earned her the distinct nomination of "Resident Volunteer of the Year" from associates and residents.

Assisted Living Week runs from September 12 – 18 and this year's theme is "Living Life". There are activities hosted by the various Spring Hills Somerset departments held throughout the week, including ones focused on music and visual arts, nutrition, physical activity and crafts.

Spring Hills Senior Communities offers a distinctive and innovative approach to assisted living. We are committed to our Signature Touches philosophies offering services that are designed to meet the needs and preferences of our residents. In our communities, personal choice is top priority, which is exemplified by recreational programs led by professionals to our focused approach on care preferences. We dedicate ourselves to respecting our residents as individuals as they enjoy life in one of our seven communities located in NJ, VA, OH and FL. For more information about our commitment to senior living, visit us at www.spring-hills.com.

Shining Stars among our Associates and Residents.

Director of Resident Care Best Practice Awarded - Spring Hills Senior Communities Directors of Resident Care were challenged to submit a Best Practice for each of their respective communities. While all of our Spring Hills DRC's are doing wonderful things to enhance the lives and well-being of our residents, only one could be awarded. This year, Barbara Brand, RN, BSN of Spring Hills Morristown, was recognized for her submission of her Resident Pain Management and Monitoring tool. This tool not only made certain that her residents' pain was assessed appropriately, but also addressed intervention, documentation, and re-evaluation of the resident for effectiveness of pain management. The resident Pain Management tool is user-friendly for both the nurses and medication aids in her community. Barbara's tool not only improved the care for the residents, but also proved to be a quality improvement initiative for the staff as well. Barbara Brand has been the Director of Resident Care for Spring Hills Morristown for over 6 years and continues to be a shining associate. Thank you and Congratulations on your Success!

NCANJ "Who's Who in New Jersey Long Term Care Facilities" - The "A Legend in our Midst" certificate was presented to resident Karen Newton of Spring Hills Morristown in 2009 by HCANJ because of her legendary contributions and achievements benefitting society. Congratulations Karen! We are very proud of you and thank you for your dedication!

Spring Hills Morristown and Chef Craig King are teaming up to establish a new benchmark in senior living through community gardens. Led by Chef King, seniors at Spring Hills Morristown worked alongside local youth to teach them the value of real food and the process of cultivation. More than 50 seniors and young people joined forces to plant carrots, cabbage, kale, onions, spinach, tomatoes, green beans, celery and lettuce and herbs like basil, thyme and chives.

The organic, community garden will provide a healthier lifestyle for Spring Hills Morristown's seniors. Once the plants have matured, Spring Hills Senior Communities will use the food as it prepares meals for its residents. The organic food that is farmed will be part of the Signature Dining program that will be introduced later this year. Spring Hills Senior Communities believes in a holistic approach, promoting wellness from within and providing better nutrition as a means to enhance one's inner spirit, and Signature Dining is one component of this. Signature Dining reflects a broad range of menu items specially created to address the specific dietary needs of seniors.

"By creating this innovative project, Spring Hills Senior Communities is leading the way in the 'Green-Grey Revolution,' giving its residents the opportunity to educate the leaders of tomorrow in organic food systems and a renewed purpose for vitality," echoed Chef King, a pioneer in the natural foods movement and a long-time advocate of sustainable farming.
Spring Hills Morristown and the local children have formed a unique partnership that will continue in the future with the upkeep of the garden. Additionally, the lessons that the students are learning from gardening and, more importantly, from Spring Hills' seniors, will last with them long past their involvement with the project.

"Our seniors are imparting their wisdom on the local youth and teaching them about healthy eating. This partnership will continue in the future as the maintenance of the garden will depend on the contribution of our residents and the youth pitching in through 'Garden Days,'" said Spring Hills Morristown's Executive Director Karen Griffiths.

Following the establishment of the organic, community garden, Spring Hills' residents, local children and their families all joined Chef Craig King for a healthy barbeque. Chef King served King Cole Slaw and salad to illustrate the kinds of meals that the chefs at Spring Hills Morristown can create.

"We are delighted that we were able to give the local children from the community an opportunity to work alongside Chef King and Spring Hills Morristown's residents; they have learned important lessons about farming and the value of real food," said Karen Griffiths.

Residents and Local Student-Athletes Team up to Plant Community Gardens

Franklin, OH (June 18, 2010) – Spring Hills Middletown and Chef Craig King are teaming up to establish a new benchmark in senior living through community gardens. Led by Chef King, seniors at Spring Hills Middletown worked alongside local baseball players to teach them the value of real food and the process of cultivation. More than 50 seniors and young people joined forces to plant carrots, cabbage, kale, onions, spinach, tomatoes, green beans, celery and lettuce and herbs like basil, thyme and chives.

The organic, community garden will provide a healthier lifestyle for Spring Hills Middletown's seniors. Once the plants have matured, Spring Hills Senior Communities will use the food as it prepares meals for its residents. The organic food that is farmed will be part of the Signature Dining program that will be introduced later this year. Spring Hills Senior Communities believes in a holistic approach, promoting wellness from within and providing better nutrition as a means to enhance one's inner spirit, and Signature Dining is one component of this. Signature Dining reflects a broad range of menu items specially created to address the specific dietary needs of seniors.

"By creating this innovative project, Spring Hills Senior Communities is leading the way in the 'Green-Grey Revolution,' giving its residents the opportunity to educate the leaders of tomorrow in organic food systems and a renewed purpose for vitality," echoed Chef King, a pioneer in the natural foods movement and a long-time advocate of sustainable farming.
Spring Hills Middletown and Northridge Heat Baseball have formed a unique partnership that will continue in the future with the upkeep of the garden. Additionally, the lessons that the students are learning from gardening and, more importantly, from Spring Hills' seniors, will last with them long past their involvement with the project.

"Our seniors are imparting their wisdom on the local youth and teaching them about healthy eating. This partnership will continue in the future as the maintenance of the garden will depend on the contribution of our residents and the youth pitching in through 'Garden Days,'" said Spring Hills Middletown's Executive Director Charlene Himes.

Following the establishment of the organic, community garden, Spring Hills' residents, local baseball players and their families all joined Chef Craig King for a healthy barbeque. Chef King served King Cole Slaw and salad to illustrate the kinds of meals that the chefs at Spring Hills Middletown can create.

"I am grateful to Chef King and Spring Hills Middletown for letting our boys work alongside their seniors to learn about farming and the value of real food," said Brian Banks, founder of Northridge Heat Baseball.

Spring Hills Senior Communities offers a distinctive and innovative approach to assisted living. We are committed to our Signature Touches philosophies offering services that are designed to meet the needs and preferences of our residents. In our communities, personal choice is top priority, which is exemplified by recreational programs led by professionals to our focused approach on care preferences. We dedicate ourselves to respecting our residents as individuals as they enjoy life in one of our seven communities located in NJ, VA, OH and FL.

Residents and Local Students Team up to Plant Community Gardens

Alexandria, VA (May 8, 2010) – Spring Hills Senior Communities Mount Vernon and Chef Craig King are teaming up to establish a new benchmark in senior living through community gardens. Led by Chef King, seniors at the Mount Vernon community worked alongside Riverside Elementary students to teach them the value of real food and the process of cultivation. More than 50 seniors and 20 young people joined forces to plant carrots, cabbage, kale, onions, spinach, tomatoes, green beans, celery and lettuce and herbs like basil, thyme and chives.

The organic, community garden will provide a healthier lifestyle for Mount Vernon's seniors. Once the plants have matured, will use the food as it prepares meals for it Spring Hills Seniors Communities Mount Vernon's residents. The organic food that is farmed will be part of the Signature Dining program. Spring Hills Senior Communities believe in a holistic approach, promoting wellness from within and providing better nutrition as a means to enhance one's inner spirit, and Signature Dining is one component of this. Signature Dining reflects a broad range of menu items specially created to address the specific dietary needs of seniors.

"By creating this innovative project, Spring Hills Senior Communities is leading the fray in the 'Green-Grey Revolution,' giving its residents the opportunity to educate the leaders of tomorrow in organic food systems and a renewed purpose for vitality," echoed Chef King, a pioneer in the natural foods movement and a long-time advocate of sustainable farming.
Spring Hills Senior Communities Mount Vernon and Riverside Elementary School have formed a unique partnership that will continue in the future with the upkeep of the garden. Additionally, the lessons that the students are learning from gardening and, more importantly, Mount Vernon's seniors, will last with them long past their involvement with the project.

"Our seniors are imparting their wisdom on the local youth and teaching them about healthy eating. This partnership will continue in the future as the maintenance of the garden will depend on the contribution of our residents and the youth pitching in through 'Garden Days,'" said Spring Hills Senior Communities Mount Vernon's Executive Director Robinette Todd.

Following the establishment of the organic, community garden, Spring Hills residents, Riverside Elementary students and their families all joined Chef Craig King for a healthy barbeque. Chef King served King Cole Slaw and salad to illustrate the kinds of meals that the chefs at Spring Hills Senior Communities Mount Vernon can create.

"I am grateful to Chef King and Spring Hills Mount Vernon for letting our students work alongside their seniors and learn about farming and the value of real food," said Sarah Riechers from Riverside Elementary School.

Spring Hills Senior Communities offers a distinctive and innovative approach to assisted living. We are committed to our Signature Touches philosophies offering services that are designed to meet the needs and preferences of our residents. In our communities, personal choice is top priority, which is exemplified by recreational programs led by professionals to our focused approach on care preferences. We dedicate ourselves to respecting our residents as individuals as they enjoy life in one of our seven communities located in NJ, VA, OH and FL. For more information about our commitment to senior living, visit us at www.spring-hills.com.

We all work hard to attain a comfortable place in which to live. It is one of the basic needs of our lives. And invariably as we settle into these places, create memories and watch our families grow, it becomes more than a dwelling. It becomes a home.

Many senior citizens, as they grow older and are forced to assess their living situations, struggle with the idea of leaving their homes when unexpected events require a change in residence.

As part of a generation that has lived through the Great Depression, survived several wars and worked much of their lives to provide for their families in securing a place to live, it is no surprise that many seniors would prefer to stay in their homes for the duration of their lives.

As these people unfortunately survive their friends, siblings and sometimes even their children, they are often left with a home they can no longer afford to manage or maintain. Sometimes a serious health condition arises during which it is determined that it's no longer safe to live alone. The idea of transitioning to a new residence can be extremely difficult for seniors whom have worked and saved much of their lives in order to live in a comfortable home. It can also prove more stressful for those already experiencing difficulty from other unavoidable life events.

Spring Hills Senior Communities recognizes and understands the life-changing nature of this situation and how it can be taxing on both seniors and their families. In addressing this issue, they have developed a simple solution: the Resident Concierge.

Beginning with the Community Relations Counselor, the first person to meet and interact with seniors and their families, the entire transition of care is designed to provide a one-on-one approach in learning of the resident's needs and appropriately addressing them. The Community Relations Counselor works to make the best decisions for a resident's transition, with consideration to both the individual as well as their surrounding family. The very next person the senior and their family will meet is the Resident Concierge.

Once the decision to join the community is finalized, the Resident Concierge strives to provide a familiar face, ensuring a smooth transition into the new community. A recognizable concierge can often make all the difference for a senior accomplishing the daunting task of relocating into a new home and can help them navigate this sometimes frightening experience.

A pre-care conference, attended by all management staff at the community, is next held in order to provide the "WOW moment" that Spring Hills believes each resident is entitled to. The Resident Concierge position dramatically increases the opportunity for a resident to be pleased with their new home.

James Tavormina, Resident Concierge at Spring Hills' Morristown, New Jersey location since August of 2010, outlines the importance of the Wow Moment when welcoming seniors to the Spring Hills family.

"It is something we acquire or create as a welcome gift that incorporates a residents' life before they came to the community, or even a current liking," he says. "Many days I get to create a unique Wow Moment for members of our community."

Tavormina adds that the position allows him to become intimately aware of each of the residents' personal needs in terms of their transition -- down to the time of day they like to take a bath or shower, whether or not they prefer bar or liquid soap or how a resident may like his or her hair styled. It all culminates into what Spring Hills refers to as an Individualized Service Plan.

"All of these details are extremely important to maintaining the resident's dignity," he says. "And it also stresses to the residents and their families that our staff will go above and beyond in order to satisfy their needs."

The position also allows him to keep residents abreast of all the services available to them, such as the new "Signature Living" program, which provides a unique, resident specific approach to a total well-being by encouraging health, wellness and peace of mind. All this and more is included in the 30-day follow-up for each new resident, performed by the concierge, he says.

The introduction of the Resident Concierge position has proven successful for addressing resident needs, increasing overall service satisfaction by 10 percent at the Spring Hills Somerset location in New Jersey. Similar to a customer service professional in other settings, the position takes into account the new resident, their family and everything in between. The concierge works to keep open lines of communication between all parties so a resident can address concerns as well as realize their personal assisted living goals.

With the attention to detail and the enhancement of overall community care, the new Resident Concierge position truly adds something to the Spring Hills experience rarely found elsewhere. Many other communities may require management staff to attend workshops engage in more extensive training, but the dedicated position at Spring Hills ensures a low-stress relocation for new residents and their supporting families.

Attention to Detail

Scott Weiss, Director of Program Management for Spring Hills Senior Communities comments on the importance of the initial transition for seniors moving into a new home.

"Residents are wowed from the moment they walk in the community and see the attention to detail that was put into the transition to their new home."

Change is difficult at any age and with many assisted living communities known to be short-staffed, grappling with a tight budget or simply unable to go above and beyond for each resident, the Resident Concierge at Spring Hills certainly provides something new and genuine in an undoubtedly difficult time for many senior citizens.

"Being the person to help them through their first 30 days and to acquaint them with other residents and services offered is always special," Tavormina says. "When you become that person for them to rely on, it becomes easier and eventually the resident will bloom into an active, happy and independent person."

Source: Morristown.injersey.com

Ruth Griffiths, who lives in Spring Hills, an assisted-living center in Morristown, and her granddaughter, Ayna, at left, planted vegetables in a garden that will feed the center's residents. More than 50 seniors and young people joined forces to plant carrots, cabbage, kale, onions, spinach, tomatoes, green beans, celery and lettuce and herbs like basil, thyme and chives. Following the gardening, everyone joined Chef Craig King for a barbecue.