FEBRUARY 1, 2021 | ISSUE no 2
with gratitude to our greenfield frontline heroes
greenfield
dedicated to greenfield's frontline heroes
Copyright 2021, Greenfield Senior Living, All rights reserved
"It is my hope that this monthly publication will help to educate and raise awareness in regards to the many challenges associated with senior life. It will also serve as a useful resource—one that can be utilized in order to improve the quality of life—both for ourselves and those we love." Matt Peponis, CEO
 Greenfield Senior Living
greenfield the magazine
. making aging positive
. greenfield's care options
. the ballad of a deer, a forest & ms. luck
. GSL Perkiomen receives its first round of vaccinations
. understanding schizophrenia
. the art & science of mindful meditation
. greenfield: active & engaged
. contact us
. mission & values
5
. robin williams & his struggle with lewy body dementia message
. photo of the month
. the communities of greenfield
. causes & symptoms of lewy body dementia
contents
. spotsylvania: from dietary to culinary
.
. a tribute to greenfield's frontline heroes
. some "bear necessities" at woodstock
senior living
mission & values We want Greenfield Senior Living to become a model for what’s possible in senior living. To combine all the comforts of home with the services, accessibility, and expertise of highly trained staff who love what they do. A staff who are proud to make your family our family. "I entered this profession because it provided a unique opportunity—one that would allow me to make a difference to the quality of peoples lives through the transformation and elevation of the senior living experience.†—Matt Peponis, CEO
Greenfield Senior Living the opportunity to make a difference We feel deeply privileged to be able to go to work every day and seize the opportunity to transform the senior living experience. We’re here because there’s nowhere else we’d rather be, and we want our residents to feel the same. ensuring diginity & self expression Freedom to choose. Freedom from any form of abuse or exploitation. Freedom of knowing you’ll be treated with respect and dignity, always. Freedom to continue to pursue the lifestyle and dreams that have imbued your life with purpose over decades, not ready to stop any time soon. That’s the freedom our elders are entitled to—and nothing less. responsibility We show up every day ready to fulfill our mission, ready to ensure that our communities are full of life, full of living. Ready to spring to action whenever our residents need us. Ready to open our hearts to every senior who comes to stay with us, every senior who joins our tight-knit family. integrity Simply put: without integrity, nothing works. Everyone who works at Greenfield feels a calling to our mission. You can feel it in the hallways, in the gardens, in the common areas—everywhere staff and residents spend time enjoying each other’s company. Each of us live our calling with authenticity, and an individual drive to work toward a common purpose—bigger than any one of us, bigger than all of us.
Robin Williams and family at Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets, NY 11/10/2002
Lewy body dementia is a degenerative neurological disorder, which, at the time of Williams’s death, had gone undetected by every doctor he had attended. The disease, which attacks the brain, left Williams prone to delusions, anxiety and tremors. Shawn Levy, who directed Williams in the Night at the Museum trilogy, recalls that the increasingly panicked star hid a shaking arm and had trouble remembering his lines while shooting the final installment, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. “When Robin would call me at 10 at night, at two in the morning, at four in the morning, saying, ‘Is it usable? Is any of this usable? Do I suck? What’s going on?’†says Levy. lines while shooting the final installment, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Schneider Williams’s appointment with the coroner was in October 2014, some months after the star took his own life on August 11th. In the days after his suicide, various unsavoury narratives emerged. Wildly speculative media reports suggested addiction or depression. Some pointed to the recent cancellation of his CBS sitcom The Crazy Ones and his waning box office appeal. Under the headline “Inside the Haunted Dark Side of America’s Funniest Manâ€, the National Enquirer suggested that Williams had never recovered from the death of his friend, John Belushi, and was “wrecked by years of drug and alcohol abuseâ€. “You have this guy who is infinitely funny and infinitely clever and infinitely quick and smart and all of a sudden he’s just gone,†says Tylor Norwood, director of Robin’s Wish. “So after he passes, everybody in the media is sort of guessing as to what it could be. Maybe he was depressed? Maybe he was on drugs? Maybe he ran out of money. And none of that was true. I don’t think people in the media were out to destroy Robin Williams’s legacy. They had a job to do. And you’ll always find a friend of a friend of a friend who will say money troubles or depression. “The media couldn’t know the truth if Robin himself didn’t know. Ted Turner, the great industrialist and media magnet, has Lewy body dementia. He had the experience of going around telling people: this is what’s gonna be happening to me. He’s in the late stages of it now and it’s very sad for the family. But on some level, it’s manageable if you know what the thing is. Robin never had that. Only he and his wife had the sense that something was deeply wrong but she didn’t even get the name of it until the autopsy.†At the time of his suicide, Williams had received a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. He was told the condition was early and mild. But he knew that could not account for the symptoms he was experiencing. He asked his doctor, “Do I have Alzheimer’s? Do I have dementia? Am I schizophrenic?†“Lewy body dementia is a devastating illness,†explains Prof Bruce Miller, director of Memory and Ageing Centre at the University of California, San Francisco and one of the scientific contributors to Robin’s Wish. “It’s a killer. It’s fast. It’s progressive. Looking at how Robin’s brain had been affected I realised that this was about as devastating a form of Lewy body dementia as I had ever seen. Almost no area was left unaffected. It really amazed me that Robin could walk or move at all.†Robin’s Wish brings together 17 of Williams’ friends and colleagues – plus medical experts – to talk about the comedian’s decline. Many of them are speaking about his symptoms and difficulties for the first time. “I felt like I was being loyal to him by not speaking about the struggles that we saw,†says Shawn Levy. “That it wasn’t anyone’s business. Robin was at the mercy of something that [he] could not control. And, even worse than not being able to control it, not even knowing about it.†David E Kelly, Chicago Hope and Big Little Lies creator, says: “I think it’s important that the truth come out because there are so many affirmative things that Robin stood for and we want to believe in all of them. We want to believe in him. And there’s a danger that his suicide could occasion people to think: oh, well, he wasn’t what we thought he was. We didn’t know him after all. But we did.†The Williams who emerges in Robin’s Wish is a warm, brilliant, generous soul who was quick to rush to the side of his college chum Christopher Reeve when the Superman star suffered a spinal cord injury after a horse riding accident. “He was the first person to show up when I was really in trouble,†Reeve told an interviewer before his death in 2004. “He came here one afternoon and thank God there is a seatbelt in this chair because I would have fallen out laughing.†There are some lovely moments against the greater tragedy that frames Robin’s Wish. We watch Williams improvising for the role of the Genie in Aladdin and putting the same energy and wit into weekly improv night at his local comedy club. Tellingly, he didn’t live in Hollywood, but in Marin County where he loved to go visiting neighbours and cycling with friends, a pastime he took up after the death of John Belushi. He met his wife Susan at an Apple store; he surprised her by turning up at her next 12-step programme meeting. He loved entertaining US troops and visited Afghanistan and Iraq many times. It’s a life and legacy, Norwood notes, that should not be overshadowed by his death. “When I was interviewing people for the film I’d ask when was the last time we put on one of his movies,†says the director. “And they would say three years ago or four years ago. Usually whatever that number was lined up perfectly with when he died. People who had this idea that they can’t go back there. That it felt weird. They had this assumption that maybe Robin wasn’t as good as the things he created. That maybe there was this darker side to him. “That’s a narrative I think we like to put onto comedians. They’re like sad clowns in their personal lives. They’re distraught and they struggle but on stage they come to life. But that wasn’t true for Robin. There are the Chris Farrellys and John Belushis of the world. He wasn’t one of those guys. He wasn’t just this wild and crazy comedian. He had a deep connection to the soul and an ability to transmute that to us as an audience. I hope that when people see this film, that as soon as the credits are rolling, they put on Mrs Doubtfire or Hook or Good Will Hunting.†Robin’s Wish is on digital and on demand from January 4th. We would like to express our thanks to The Irish Times and Tara Brady for giving us permission to republish this article. https://www.irishtimes.com/
by Tara Brady The Irish Times
"Maybe he was depressed? Maybe he was on drugs? Maybe he ran out of money. And none of that was true."
In Robin’s Wish, a documentary about the last days of Robin Williams, the comedian’s widow, Susan Schneider Williams, recalls the moment when she was called in to go over the coroner’s report on her husband’s death. “There were no surprises about what was in his toxicology,†says Schneider Williams. “I knew my honey was clean and sober, they sat me down and said, essentially, Robin died of diffuse Lewy body dementia. They started to talk about neurodegeneration. He wasn’t in his right mind. [The coroner] described how these Lewy bodies were in nearly every region of his brain. It makes sense why he was experiencing what he was experiencing. Cognitive [function]. Moods. Movement. Depression. Fear. Anxiety. Hallucinations. Delusional thinking. Major sleep disorders. Paranoia. They were all affected. I remember walking out of that facility down the steps and feeling: now I have the name of it.â€
The last days of Robin Williams
"Robin was at the mercy of something that [he] could not control. And, even worse than not being able to control it, not even knowing about it."
robin's wish his life and death struggle with lewy body dementia
lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia, also known as dementia with Lewy bodies, is the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's disease dementia. Protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, develop in nerve cells in the brain regions involved in thinking, memory and movement (motor control). This protein is also associated with Parkinson's disease. Lewy body dementia causes a progressive decline in mental abilities and may experience visual hallucinations and changes in alertness and attention. Other effects include Parkinson's disease-like symptoms, such as rigid muscles, slow movement and tremors.
symptoms Visual hallucinations. Hallucinations may be one of the first symptoms, and they often recur. They may include seeing shapes, animals or people that aren't there. Sound (auditory), smell (olfactory) or touch (tactile) hallucinations are possible. Movement disorders. Signs of Parkinson's disease (parkinsonian signs), such as slowed movement, rigid muscles, tremors or a shuffling walk, are indicators of the condition. Poor regulation of body functions (autonomic nervous system). Blood pressure, pulse, sweating and the digestive process are regulated by a part of the nervous system that is often affected by Lewy body dementia. This can result in dizziness, falls and bowel issues such as constipation. Cognitive problems. People may experience cognitive problems similar to those of Alzheimer's disease, such as confusion, poor attention, and memory loss. Sleep difficulties. Individuals who have rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which can cause them to physically act out on their dreams while sleeping, could possibly be afflicted. Fluctuating attention. Episodes of drowsiness, long periods of staring into space, long naps during the day or disorganized speech are possible symptoms. Depression. People may also experience depression at some point during the course of the illness. Apathy. Finally, this form of demetia can also cauase a reduction in motivation. Source: The Mayo Clinic
At Greenfield, we place a huge emphasis on our residents remaining active and engaged. In some cases, our communities have a tendency to get creative in the ways they implement our policy!
Anyone reading this article, will immediately see that the residents at Greenfield Senior Living of Spotsylvania are not to be trifled with. After tiring in regards to the balloons, they moved onto staff members! However, the lone volunteer did have a stipulation in regards to his participation.
active & engaged
greenfield senior living spotsylvania
thank you to greenfield's frontline heroes
The staff at Greenfield Senior Living has been working tirelessly for almost a year, in service to the residents in their care. It has been a period of extreme challenge and their selfless devotion to their profession is a testament to what amazing people they are!
Vernee Redd started with Greenfield of Williamsburg as a housekeeper in April 2018. During that time, her job performance was constantly praised by residents, families, and staff. While preforming her housekeeping duties, Vernee displayed a passion for caring for residents. Several residents indicated that she went out of her way to help them. No matter how simple or complex the task, she was always unfailingly cheerful, upbeat, and positive. With the encouragement of residents and staff, Vernee decided to pursue her newly found passion of caring for the elderly. She transitioned into her current role as care manage, after completing school in June 2019. Teammates describe Vernee as organized and efficient, and they were impressed with how much she was able to accomplish within a day. They also expressed how much they appreciate the leadership role Vernee assumes, especially when the team seems to be struggling. Vernee continues to show passion and dedication, as she carries out her duties flawlessly—and even more so when working with residents with Dementia. Indeed, her dedication to work, her desire to experiment and find new ways of achieving goals, her thinking outside of the box and personal involvement, are all commendable. Paula Hendricks LALA, LPN, CDP
 Executive Director
 Greenfield Senior Living of Williamsburg
shelby chadwick med tech greenfield senior living perkiomen
Shelby is an outstanding employee and we are both lucky and grateful that she is with us. When asked about her experience with regards to working for Greenfield, she expressed, “I 've got to say, I love and respect the team of girls I work with. With the scary times and struggles we are going through, and the future still unknown, I couldn’t have wished for a better team. We spend A LOT of time at work and it’s easy for me to say that my so called “co-workers†are both my lifeline and family—nothing less. When things get tough—when it’s literally life and death on the line, these girls would go above and beyond for the residents, and do so without a moment’s hesitation. No questions asked. Everyone is scared. Everyone has something or someone at risk—but above ALL else, no matter if it’s a nurse , CNA, care manager, med tech—whoever and whatever we are, we’re here to serve and protect what’s ours, and that’s our beloved residents.†Brian a. Clark Executive Director Kiersten Rivel Community Relations Director Greenfield Senior Living of Perkiomen
vernee redd care manager greenfield senior living williamsburg
jackie nathaniel senior health care coordinator greenfield senior living strasburg
Meta is one of my closest friends. She's caring, passionate, honest and a hard working person. She would give the shirt off her back for someone in need and sacrifices personal time with her family in order to support her community, In addition to helping others, she has also given up time for me—assisting me through a very difficult period of my life. She has always been there—day or night, and would drop what she was doing, in order to support me. Not only is she an amazing person, but she is also a great Executive Director and nurse—and leads with a positive approach. She runs a tight ship, but likes to have fun while doing it. She is always laughing, smiling and surprising the staff. Truly, it is wonderful to have person around who elicits so much joy. Although, just like many of us, she's had personal challenges of her own, she's always remained on top of her job—ensuring that both her community and residents are provided for. Meta is truly a great person and friend. Thank you for being in my life! Jennifer George Regional Business Office Manager Greenfield Reflections of Woodstock
samantha hunt resident care coordinator greenfield reflections strasburg
I would like to recognize, Jackie Nathaniel. She has worked with us faithfully, for several years now. During this time, she’s been through several promotions and has come far—from a direct care aid, all the way to our Senior Health Care Coordinator! She has worked countless hours, to ensure the health and safety of our residents. She’s done this both prior to, and during the pandemic. Jackie isn’t only an asset in Strasburg Assisted Living, but also across the entire valley! She’s stayed in our buildings several times, to ensure she keeps up with her work obligations—thus, sacrificing her own personal life, for the greater good of the residents in her care. She has plunged head first into different communities, where COVID exposure was almost certain, without any regard to her personal health. We are lucky to have her as part of our team. Sam Chapman Regional Director of Maintenance Greenfield Senior Living of Strasburg
meta patton executive director greenfield reflections woodstock
Samantha is always willing to help others. Having worked closely with her during these recent trying times, she has always done whatever was needed, in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents in her care. Additionally, she often offers to assist with other duties, even though it’s not required of her—as well as helping with scheduling and coverage for several other buildings. She is always willing to help with questions relating to employee matters and takes time to always listen and lend a hand—with a smile! Jacqueline Nathaniel, RN Senior Healthcare Coordinator Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg
jessica lewis care manager greenfield senior living spotsylvania
Jessica has been a Care Manager with Greenfield Senior Living of Spotsylvania for only few months. She began her career in healthcare in 2010, working with direct care, in home health. Inspired and enthused by the work she was doing, she chose to go to school and complete her certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA). When asked about her choice of profession, she expressed, “ I don’t know if I chose healthcare or healthcare chose me. I grew up in and out of hospitals since birth. I was born blue, due to Congenital Heart Defects, so naturally the health field was my career choiceâ€. Jessica has a condition called Townes-Brock Syndrome. It’s a rare genetic disorder that is caused by mutations in the SALL1 gene and can affect the following (but not limited to), hands, ears, heart, kidney and feet. Even with the challenges she has faced, she has been an extraordinary member of our team—picking up extra projects and bringing smiles to the faces of our residents here in Spotsylvania. We are so lucky to have her! Thank you! Christina Cidoni, LPN Executive Director, Greenfield Senior Living of Spotsylvania
Each month, we select a picture that captures a moment in time—a window into the lives of our residents, not only to honor them, but also to be a celebration of the amazing people they are. We are truly blessed that they have placed their trust in us and it is our pleasure to care for them! This wonderful picture of Sheila Jeziorski, a retired RN, was taken by the programming director of Greenfield Reflections of Woodstock, Amanda K. Yonts.
photo of the month
Sheila Jeziorski taken byAmanda K.Yonts Programming Director Greenfield Reflections of Woodstock
making aging positive
meaning & purpose the benefits
longevity and the importance of maintaining a sense of meaning and purpose by Timothy G. Chittenden, B.Sc. Director, White Raven Publishing LTD When I was younger, there were many days in which I would ponder the age old dilemma surrounding the meaning of life. However, as the years passed, I slowly came to the conclusion that I had no choice, but to make peace with the mystery. It was something I would probably never truly understand. Although things, more philosophical in nature, may have alluded me, it did not negate the importance of me assigning my own sense of meaning and purpose to the life I was living. In fact, it was essential, if I was to feel any sense of fulfillment. Over the past 100 years, advancement in healthcare has increased human life expectancy by almost 30 years. However, although we have been afforded a new stage of life, many have been left with a number of challenges in regards to what to do with it. We attribute meaning and purpose to our lives in a variety of ways—anything from the relationships we engage in, to the raising of families and the work we do. However, there comes a time in which our children leave home, we retire from our professions and disabilities may reduce our ability to take part in meaningful activities. Additionally, the ramifications of these things can be further exasperated because we live in a culture that routinely delivers ageist messages—insinuating that older adults aren’t as important or valuable. Regrettably, ageism is more pervasive in our society than negative stereotypes based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. These negative attitudes blind us to the fact that millions of people over 60 are active, fit, functional, experienced, and capable. They want to contribute and remain engaged. However, society has not created the roles, social structures and institutions in order to utilize its success in regards to its advancements in healthcare—leaving many with intense feelings of irrelevancy. There have been numerous studies which confirm that having a sense of meaning and purpose can impact our health in a positive way, protecting against Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular problems, disabilities and impairment. Research has also demonstrated a strong correlation between a person’s sense of purpose and the rate at which they age. One study in 2017, by Eric S. Kim, PhD. found that elders with a sense of purpose tended to have better physical function, such as stronger grips and faster walking speeds—all of which are indicators of aging. Overall, seniors with purpose have been shown to be happier, take better care of themselves and lead healthier lifestyles. They sleep better and are more adept at handling stress. Additionally, since they are more engaged, it helps to preserve cognitive function and their overall physical well-being. Although the mindset of society, in regards to aging, has struggled to keep up with the life extending advancements in the medical field, there are still options available to us. We—as individuals, have the ability to take the initiative and be proactive in regards to reinventing our approach to life as we grow older. On the following page, I will offer some suggestions—activites we can engage in—that could possibly illicit a deeper sense of meaning and purpose as we enter our "golden years".
A longer life. Research conducted at the University College London, found that people who reported frequent feelings of a worthwhile life, were 30 percent less likely to die over the course of the study. A healthier brain. Studies have confirmed that people who said their lives had meaning were less likely to suffer brain damage from a stroke. Additionally, Patricia Boyle, Rush University noted that purpose in life has the ability to protect people against dementia. It does so, by building a stronger cognitive reserve—the extra brain connections that delay the signs of dementia. A stronger heart. Researchers at Mt. Sinai St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital found that people who reported feeling useful to others tend to have better heart health. More years of independence. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that people who felt a sense of purpose in life, were more likely to retain good physical function and independence, as demonstrated by walking speed and grip strength. Better sleep. In 2017, Northwestern University published research showing that purpose in life improves overall sleep patterns and lowers the risk of disorders, such as insomnia. They recommended that purpose in life would be more advantageous than sleep medications.
Timothy G. Chittenden was born in the UK and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, at the University of Plymouth. He was first engaged by the British Ministry of Defense (MOD), to design selection tests for the British army, before emigrating to the US at the age of 26. During a span of three decades, he has been employed in a variety of fields, which include a number of years working as a teacher in a Special Education program, located in Los Angeles, CA. In 2008 he relocated to Santa Fe, NM in order to pursue a career as a Reiki Practitioner and Spiritual Counselor—before moving back to the UK in the summer of 2020. He is currently residing in London and is the Director of White Raven Publishing LTD.
"We are a species wired to feel needed, respected, and purposeful. The absence of those qualities is actually harmful to our health." —Linda P. Fried
Dean, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.
Betty Friedan, who trained as a social psychologist, researched the issue of aging late in her life, suggested that there is a “fountain of ageâ€â€”a period of renewal, growth, and experimentation based on a new freedom.
the "fountain of age"
Creative pursuits. Creativity is one of the fundamental aspects of being human. Arts, crafts, music, and writing are some of the obvious avenues, but you don't have to be an artist to be creative. The satisfaction of cooking a delicious meal or hobbies like gardening can also give you an outlet to express yourself. Memoir writing. Putting our life story on paper is a powerful tool for creating a sense of who we are. This can also be a good activity for people with dementia, who are often more able to access their earlier memories. A part-time job, if that’s feasible. Many seniors have eagerly retired, only to realize they miss the social opportunities and self-esteem that come from work. Inter-generational activities. The American Sociological Association reported that seniors who have adequate opportunity to offer advice and wisdom to younger people are much more likely to see their lives as highly meaningful. Look for opportunities at schools, day care centers, scout troops and other mentoring programs. Cultivate curiosity. What interests you that you'd like to know more about? What skills do you lack that you wish you could develop? It's never too late to learn something new! Educate yourself by reading a book, signing up for a class, attending a workshop, or searching online. Fun activities with peers. Engaging with others with similar interests can help bring a sense of purpose to life. What activities provide you with a sense of purpose? It could be playing games, baking, dancing, volunteering—you name it. Meaning-based gatherings. Look for clubs, book groups, faith community meetings, classes or support groups where participants can explore philosophical issues. In-person gatherings are best, but online opportunities abound, as well. Volunteering. There are numerous organizations that require help. Due to this, there are countless volunteer opportunities available for people of every age and ability. In fact, seniors today are even volunteering to help other seniors—and are gaining a sense of puprpose through lending a helping hand!
greenfield reflections woodstock
bear necessities
Although most of humanity has been dealing with a pandemic, life outside of our communities has been moving along—as if nothing is happening. As you can see in the photo's below, a baby bear is happily taking care of its "bear necessities", completely oblivious to the trials and tribulations of the world around it! I know that we are told not to feed bears, but what do you do when they decide to simply help themselves at the bird feeder?
from dietary to culinary
nicole parsons-taylor, executive chef greenfield senior living of spotsylvania
nicole parsons-taylor executive chef greenfield senior living spotsylvania
Greenfield Senior Living in Spotsylvania has pushed their team to go beyond typical. Under the direction of Executive Chef Nicole Parsons-Taylor, a former CNA turned chef, our team of Sou Chefs, Prep Cooks, Servers, and Dishwashers all pull together to create banquet style meals—with stunning plating, amazing flavors, and vibrant colors. With a second dining room set to open in February, Nicole hopes to treat the two as alternative restaurant concepts. The idea is to have one dining room, warm and well travelled, offering décor found from around the world—showcasing the cultures that make our food exciting. The other, “a bright and beautiful garden concept allowing the diner to enjoy the peace that nature brings.†All of these exciting events, come only a few short weeks after demonstrating her teams finesse with buffet after buffet, during our holiday season. If those presentations are a sign of what’s to come, I cannot wait to get into the dining room. Christina Cidoni, LPN Executive Director Greenfield Senior Living
Vincent Cidoni Cook intern, Server, utility
alone we can do so little; together we can do so much – Helen Keller
Sallie Parker Server, Utility
Scott Walcott Sous-Chef, Servsafe Proctor
N. Parsons-Taylor Chef, Dining Services Director
by Dr. Jeremy S. Leach, Ph.D., MBA Vice President, Greenfield Senior Living
understanding schizophrenia
Assisted living facilities, as long-term care providers extend the provision of care across physical, psychological, and socio-emotional domains. The levels of care provided are ultimately influenced by deficiencies in these areas. Either independent of or accompanying a form of dementia and or an array of physical maladies, residents can also seek placement who have diagnoses within the realm of Severe Mental Illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a nebulous diagnosis - a patchwork of symptoms of interactive origin with an extensive history. The evolution of the analysis of mental abnormalities experienced a refined, scientific review in the late 19th century as awareness of the conditions aligned with the introduction of modern diagnostic criteria. Dr. Emil Kreapelin, during this period, presented the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders as a tool for classification. Within which, the malady ‘dementia praecox’ was initially noted as demonstrating symptoms consistent with a contemporary schizophrenia rendering. Symptoms of a positive and negative nature were offered in 1911 by psychiatrist, Eugen Bleuler, who developed the term ‘schizophrenia’ – schizo (split) and phrene (mind) – a name change from that of Kreapelin to mitigate public confusion regarding the nature of and demographics affected by the illness. As opposed to the three original categories proposed by Kraepelin, the DSM-IV indicates five types of schizophrenia, to include undifferentiated, residual, paranoid, catatonic, and disorganized, with researchers continuing to employ these and other systems to identify with greater certainty the severity, propensity for recurrence, and progression of clinical symptoms to determine the genesis of the disorder. Schizophrenia is generally characterized as an individual inability to delineate reality from fictitious generations of the imagination. While the diagnosis exceeds 1% of the world’s cross-cultural population, the demographic segment of onset is smaller still, with symptoms of the disease typically manifesting during the latter stage of adolescence through mid-adulthood. Schizophrenia, as an economically debilitating and socially isolating condition, has perplexed yet bonded neuroscientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists through their common search for a more profound understanding of the mechanisms of processing and filtering the brain utilizes to compartmentalize information obtained internally and externally. The psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia often include delusions and auditory hallucinations as result of the impaired cognition. Schizophrenia, as indicated by Emil Kraeplin, was best classified as an organic brain disease. Lower than normal IQ is a generalized impairment associated with schizophrenia, in addition to deficits in spatial working memory, abstraction, attention, and executive function. Reductions in the volume of cortical gray matter in the temporal and prefrontal cortices have also been viewed as a biological schizophrenia marker and may also indicate a cortical structure neuropathological abnormality. Schizophrenia appears to be heritable, as empirical evidence endorses. Those individuals who possess a biological link to a schizophrenia patient have a greater developmental disposition in comparison to those unrelated, with chromosomes thirteen and fifteen viewed as potential associative markers for the disease. With hundreds of genes associated with the affected regions of each chromosome, researchers have had difficulty in isolating those with a direct contribution, but generally do agree that the familial patterns of schizophrenia are not supported by a single gene hypothesis. Ethnic groups affected by schizophrenia may have a combination of different genes contributing to the condition, with European-American families demonstrating a correlation under the two-chromosome theory. Researchers have also employed a multi-factorial genetic model to explain schizophrenia’s genetic contributions, wherein environmental factors and the addictive effect of multiple genes collude surpassing a perilous threshold causing the development of the disorder. Distinct gender differences have been noted clinically, with regards to the severity of the illness, manner of cognitive deficits, and prominence of negative symptoms in early onset more closely associated with males than females. Male schizophrenia groups are noted as possessing stronger evidence of structural abnormalities, temporal lobe shape, ventricular enlargements, and alterations in callosal. The important variables of gender and age are therefore worthy of consideration when evaluating the structural brain deficiencies of schizophrenia patients and their biological lineage against normal controls. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are often employed to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, with the absence of antipsychotic medications eliciting incoherence, delusions, and hallucinations. Negative symptoms can see minimal change even after the introduction of antipsychotic medications; however, positive symptoms are often abated. In either case, 30% of patients receiving pharmaceutical therapy experience no change in symptomatic activity, with potential side effects noted for prolonged use through the involuntary movements associated with tardive dyskinesia, or Parkinsonism; side effects have been significantly reduced through medical advancement. Atypical neuroleptics, clozapine and risperidone, medications with minimal side effects, have been known to alleviate many of schizophrenia’s negative symptoms. Sertindole and Olanzapine (Zyprexa) are newer medications introduced for symptom management. Clozapine has been noted to block dopamine and serotonin receptors, reduce the tendency for extrapyramidal side effects, and offer potential success in managing the symptoms of patients who have a history of not performing well on other medications. Through dopamine and serotonin antagonism, risperidone has been noted for progressive results in the management of positive and negative symptoms, with weight gain a perceptual disadvantage. Both environmental risk factors and genetics contribute to the development and incidence of schizophrenia; however, the level of interaction among these factors is less known. Status groups relative to environmental exposures, birthing complications, and genetic predisposition have been noted a biological alteration stimulating the mental processing of inputs and behavioral outputs. As with any other long-term illness, profoundly negative impacts can be felt within the communities, families, and individual lives of schizophrenics. Pharmaceutical intervention has been noted as successful in managing the positive and negative symptoms of the diagnosis, with lack of insight and awareness leading many afflicted by the illness to discontinue taking medication (Anosognosia) thereby prompting physical and cognitive deterioration. Appropriate treatment and advances in medical science offer continued hope of constructive outcomes for those living with schizophrenia, with ever-expanding research working toward finite preemptive markers to alleviate the prospect of epidemiology behind the illness.
it's arrived
our first round of vaccinations rondone
greenfield senior living perkiomen
COVID-19 rondone
The staff of Greenfield Senior Living of Perkiomen, and Executive Director, Brian Clark, have been working tirelessly over the past year to safeguard the lives of residents in their care. Without question, they are a beautiful representation of our ‘frontline heroes.’ This month, many of the residents and team members received their first round of the coronavirus vaccination. Even though there is uncertainty surrounding the course of the virus and available therapeutics, there was little debate at GSL Perkiomen concerning vaccination. It was a simple choice—one made to protect both themselves and those they love.
the ballad of a deer, a forest & ms. luck
Many people wonder what they can do to entertain themselves during a lockdown and worldwide pandemic. In the case of Ms. Luck, at Greenfield Senior Living of Spotsylvania, she took the opportunity to do a little hunting, after spotting a deer wandering through the forest located in the corner of the community dining room.
Jason, the deer, when questioned about his close call in the forest, made a brief statement. "We may need to consider running background checks on our residents. Ms. Luck hit me three times in the same spot!"
Jason W. Klein, Senior Recreation Director
"My profession? I'm sorry, but if I told you that I'd have to kill you. I'm sure you understand." Bernice Luck, resident
the art & science of mindful meditation
Aging comes with a multitude of losses and challenges. Memory loss accelerates, digestion and other body systems become finicky, new aches and pains seem to arise out of nowhere and moods may fluctuate at the drop of a hat. The good news is that there are actions we can take right now to make the goal of “aging gracefully†more attainable. Mindfulness meditation is one of those steps. Mindfulness meditation calms the mind from the anxiety of constant replay of past events and the uncertainty of future ones. It brings the mind instead to rest comfortably in the present moment. Mindfulness meditation comes with a wide range of physical, mental and emotional health benefits of particular interest to seniors. This may sound frivolous or even a bit weird to some. But the research suggests that developing the human capacity to observe ourselves and our surroundings non-judgmentally and with compassion has deep and nourishing effects on our well-being that ripple out into our daily lives and communities. Effects such as being better able to cope with the anxiety, stress and depression that often accompany memory loss and grief, a boost in immune system response, increased sleep quality, increased mental function, pain and blood pressure management, and improved circulation and digestion. Further, studies suggest that practicing mindfulness meditation actually changes brain structure. One study conducted by a research team at Harvard University used brain scans to determine that eight weeks of mindfulness training increased the thickness in part of the brain that controls learning, memory and emotion regulation and shrinkage in the part of the brain involved with experiencing emotions like fear, stress, and anxiety (PsychiatryRes Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 Jan 30). Participants in these studies have reported personal experience of increased sense of calm, self-confidence and mental focus. Benefits which are available to all who choose to make the practice of mindful meditation a part of their daily routine. Wondering how to get started? You do not have to have a teacher, or any experience at all to begin your meditation practice. You can begin as simply as sitting or lying comfortably in a space away from others, where you will not be disturbed. Turn off your phone! Allow yourself ten to fifteen minutes of relaxation, gently focusing on breathing in and breathing out. Focus on the movement of the air coming into your nose, flowing down to your lungs, and returning with a breath out through your mouth. As thoughts arise, just let them flow on past and return your focus to your breathing. Getting distracted when meditating is inevitable and one of the biggest worries for beginners. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time needed to enhance your practice. Guided meditations are a great way to begin experiencing the process. Many are presented at no charge through TV, podcasts, online and audio books. The only thing you have to do is listen and, to the best of your ability, stay focused. For example, a program called “Headspace†is a free guided meditation course that can be seen on Netflix or listened to on their podcast. “Insight Timer†and “Simple Habits†are other guided applications that I have tried and recommend. “Calm†is especially good for promoting sleep. Mindfulness meditation can be done anywhere that you can focus. Some people choose to meditate every morning, right after they wake up as it can help improve focus and clarity for the day ahead. Others choose to meditate right before they go to sleep, as it can promote relaxation and help you drift off easier. Whatever time you choose, try to meditate at the same time every day in order to build a habit. If you skip a day for whatever reason, don’t get down on yourself, just get back to the routine the next day. Even taking five minutes to stop throughout the day has amazing benefits of bringing peace and calm focus to the here and now, along with a multitude of health benefits, and is an achievement to be proud of.
Janeas Munden, RN Greenfield Senior Living G
our community our family our life
a picture says a thousand words
Over the next few pages, you will get a glimpse into the lives of our residents and what they have been up to within each of our communities, over the past month.
our communities
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Activity calendar February
Assisted Living Care Memory Care Accommodations
At Greenfield Reflections of Woodstock, we blend the historic charm of Woodstock with modern amenities, the highest standards of safety, and expert service from our Care Leaders and healthcare partners. We believe that the perfect environment for memory care and senior living goes much further than comfort and security. It’s also about creating beautiful surroundings, ample opportunities to experience nature and a place where you always feel like you’re surrounded by friends. The facility is state-of-the-art and represents a perfect balance of cutting edge research with time-tested Memory Care techniques. The result is a community that embraces the individuality of every resident and melds relaxation with fun, to make the golden years truly shine.
for details about our care options, click here)
learning new things, and exploring the town in a safe, comforting setting.
community members may have come here after experiencing cognitive decline, but that doesn’t mean that every day can’t be full of joy.
When you visit Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, you'll immediately see what we mean when we say we’re “transforming senior livingâ€. Care Leaders and seniors spontaneously burst into song, dance, and laughter. Residents excitedly chat about upcoming museum trips, picnics, and country rides. Our
Here in the gorgeous country setting of the Shenandoah Valley, you’ll find an approach to memory care that combines proven, innovative best practices with the loving hand of a staff that sees your family as our family. The result is a community of active, independent seniors making friends, When you visit Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, you immediately see what we mean when we say we’re “transforming senior livingâ€. Care Leaders and seniors spontaneously burst into song, dance, and laughter. Residents excitedly chat about upcoming museum trips, picnics, and country rides. Our community members may have come here after experiencing cognitive decline, but that doesn’t mean that every day can’t be full of joy.
greenfield reflections strasburg
At Greenfield of Woodstock, we know that providing the best care possible means going beyond mere best practices. It means putting love into everything we do—from the healthy, delicious meals we cook, to the potted plants and antiques we choose to decorate each room. Every decision we make takes into account the
What happens when you combine innovative research with time-tested best practices in senior care? A new kind of senior living, one that embraces the individuality of every resident—where you’ll find seniors from all walks of life, embracing each new day with spirit and excitement. From residents and staff at Greenfield are always finding new ways to express themselves as individuals, while bonding as a community at the same time. When you visit Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, you immediately see what we mean when we say we’re “transforming senior livingâ€. Care Leaders and seniors spontaneously burst into song, dance, and laughter. Residents excitedly chat about upcoming museum trips, picnics, and country rides. Our community members may have come here after experiencing cognitive decline, but that doesn’t mean that every day can’t be full of joy.
individual needs and passions of our residents.
4,500,000
Assisted Living Accommodations
greenfield senior living woodstock
museum outings to birthday blowouts, residents and staff at Greenfield are always finding new ways to express themselves as individuals—while bonding as a community at the same time.
Everyone who comes to work with us comes with purpose: to live the Greenfield mission and values and elevate the senior living experience. We train our Care Leaders on best practices, but some things can’t be taught: compassion, integrity, a passion for service and advocacy. These are the things we look for in every member of the Greenfield family, and it’s what makes us such a tight-knit community.
Assisted Living Care Accommodations
greenfield senior living strasburg
in every member of the Greenfield family, and it’s what makes us such a tight-knit community.
Here in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley, you’ll find seniors from all walks of life embracing each new day with spirit and excitement — from birthday blowouts to museum outings, residents and staff at Greenfield are always finding new ways to express themselves as individuals, while bonding as a community at the same time. residents and staff at Greenfield are always finding new ways to express themselves as individuals, while bonding as a community at the same time. When you visit Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, you immediately see what we mean when we say we’re “transforming senior livingâ€. Care Leaders and seniors spontaneously burst into song, dance, and laughter. Residents excitedly chat about upcoming museum trips, picnics, and country rides. Our community members may have come here after experiencing cognitive decline, but that doesn’t mean that every day can’t be full of joy.
bonding as a community at the same time.
Here in this award-winning community, you’ll find a new kind of senior living—one that enlivens the spirit, while nourishing the body. A community that encourages new adventures, friendships, and builds love into everything it does from day to day. Here, you will witness our residents finding new ways to express themselves as individuals, whilst enjoying the bonds that come from the close knit sense of community. When you visit Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, you immediately see what we mean when we say we’re “transforming senior livingâ€. Care Leaders and seniors spontaneously burst into song, dance, and laughter. Residents excitedly chat about upcoming museum trips, picnics, and country rides. Our community members may have come here after experiencing cognitive decline, but that doesn’t mean that every day can’t be full of joy.
From your first visit, it’s obvious why Greenfield of Williamsburg has been named Best of Senior Living, by SeniorAdvisor.com, two years in a row. Our residents are active, joyful, finding the magic in every moment. It starts with our passionate Care Leaders, who ensure your loved one receives the personalized care and comfort they need, while maintaining the independence and activity they crave.
From short-term retreats to memory care, our dedicated, hand-picked staff ensures everyone in our community enjoys a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle, according to their individual needs and wants—in an environment that combines the amenities and comforts of home, with the safety, security, and accessibility your loved one requires.
greenfield senior living williamsburg
outdoor activities, and manicures—seniors at Greenfield love packing their schedules full of activity—and look good doing it. Country music fans, history buffs, gardeners, and enthusiasts of all stripes can continue to pursue their passions in our bustling community.
Seniors with a love of life and a healthy appetite for fun have helped us create a warm, one-of-a-kind community—to meet new friends, bond over healthy, mouth-watering cuisine, and learn new things every day. From excursions on the town to historic landmarks (and even more historic shopping) to regular fitness classes, outdoor activities, and manicures, seniors at Greenfield love packing their schedules full of activity—and look good doing it. Country music fans, history buffs, gardeners, and enthusiasts of all stripes can continue to pursue their passions in our bustling community.
When you visit Greenfield, it doesn’t take long to see why we’ve been voted the Best Assisted Living by Caring.com, two years in a row. You feel it in the common areas, where seniors play games, catch up on sports, and share cherished memories with each other. You will witness it on the faces of loved ones’, faces when they see how active and fulfilled their parents and grandparents are. We’re proud to have created something truly magical in Fredericksburg, VA.residents and staff at Greenfield are always finding new ways to express themselves as individuals, while bonding as a community at the same time. When you visit Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, you immediately see what we mean when we say we’re “transforming senior livingâ€. Care Leaders and seniors spontaneously burst into song, dance, and laughter. Residents excitedly chat about upcoming museum trips, picnics, and country rides. Our community members may have come here after experiencing cognitive decline, but that doesn’t mean that every day can’t be full of joy.
when they see how active and fulfilled their parents and grandparents are. We’re proud to have created something truly magical in Fredericksburg, VA.
From independent living to personal and memory care, our dedicated, hand-picked staff ensures everyone in our community enjoys a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle, according to their individual needs and wants. We apply the best research has to offer, with the loving hand of a community that truly cares—one that innovative healthcare and best practices with holistic modalities, like soothing yoga and aromatherapy.
plush comforts — Greenfield of Perkiomen Valley remains true to its roots as an active part of what makes Schwenksville, PA so special. From intergenerational activities with nearby daycare students, to holiday events with the Schwenksville Mom’s Club, Greenfield stirs warmth and nostalgia in anyone who loves this town.
Soak in the pastoral charm of Schwenksville, PA, just a stone’s throw from the picturesque Perkiomen Creek, while enjoying the best life has to offer in the comfort of our beautiful community. . Situated in a former schoolhouse—now renovated with modern upgrades and plush When you visit Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, you immediately see what we mean when we say we’re “transforming senior livingâ€. Care Leaders and seniors spontaneously burst into song, dance, and laughter. Residents excitedly chat about upcoming museum trips, picnics, and country rides. Our community members may have come here after experiencing cognitive decline, but that doesn’t mean that every day can’t be full of joy.
Personal Care Independent Living Memory Care Accommodations
combines innovative healthcare and best practices, with holistic modalities, like soothing yoga and aromatherapy.
Greenfield Senior Living offers a wide range of care options. These include, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Personal Care, and Memory Care, with a choice of private or shared accommodations.
greenfield senior living
our difference
Our mission is to transform and elevate the experience of senior living and to become a model for what is possible in regards to senior care. . Within our communities, we combine all the comforts of home, with the services, accessibility, and expertise of highly trained staff, who love what they do—and are proud to make your family our family.
care options
A professionally licensed Executive Director and Director of Nursing oversee the Direct Care Staff, who are licensed, certified, or registered—based upon their scope(s) of clinical contact. Many of these staff, once certified, are allowed by the state Department of Health Professions to order, catalog, and administer medications.
our executive directors
independent living
Come enjoy the versatility and freedom of independent living. . In spacious, beautifully furnished private apartments, residents can maintain the lifestyle they’re used to, the lifestyle they love—with customized care from our dedicated staff when they need it. . Our Independent Living option is for individuals who are able to manage their personal Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs include housekeeping, laundry service, etc.), without the need for any areas of supervision or medication management, independent living is the perfect option. However, the coverage of IADLs is more a luxury than necessity. Meals are prepared to meet all special whims and diets, fresh fruit is provided daily, a coffee bar is available, and housekeeping and laundry service are provided. These accommodations are unfurnished, which allow the residents to create an aesthetic with personal furnishings, that helps to create a sense of home.
Our Assisted Living and Personal Care option is the ideal solution for seniors who need some assistance with daily activities. Residents can reside in their own suites, enjoying their privacy and independence, while receiving the services they need from our well-trained and caring staff. . The Greenfield Senior Living assisted living/personal care programs involves the provision of functional assistance with (up to) all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs include bathing, dressing, transferring, etc.) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs include housekeeping, laundry service, etc.). A full slate of activities is offered, designed to touch the physical, psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral domains. Special diets (i.e., renal, diabetic, etc.) and textures (i.e., mechanical soft, puree, etc.) are provided. Elements of skilled care can be arranged, the costs of which are often covered by Medicare (i.e., physical and occupational therapy, home health, continual oxygen use, etc.). Hospice service can also be utilized for management of end-of-life care, various stimulation therapies, and assistance with the grieving process.
assisted living & personal care
memory care
At Greenfield, our specially trained teams, address the unique needs of those living with memory related problems, providing a safe and secure environment with stimulating activities that bring joy, dignity, and independence to each day. Seniors can enjoy personalized programming designed to engage the mind, body, and spirit, while experiencing freedom of movement in a safe, exit-controlled context—providing added peace of mind for you and your loved one. . Our emory Care Program, Reflections, incorporates the Montessori dementia caregiving framework set upon self-determination and meeting individuals at their functional level, through sensory-based programming. Activities are designed and implemented to meet all forms of dementia, in varying stages of envelopment (cognitive dim - mild to severe). The Reflections program can also include elements of assisted living/personal care.
"Our goal is not to simply meet industry standards, but to raise the bar!" —Matt Peponis, CEO
Greenfield Senior Living Inc.
accommodations
Greenfield Senior Living offers both respite and long-term stays, furnished and unfurnished rooms, and private or share accommodations. A copy of the Greenfield disclosure will clearly explain the pricing for each accommodation, care level, and length of stay. The combining of these elements is what establishes the total sum of the monthly rate.
striving for excellence
Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg
304 Bowman Mill Rd
Strasburg, VA 22657 Call us: (540) 465 5900 Greenfield Senior Living of Strasburg
14 Maynard Ln
Strasburg, VA 22657 Call us: (540) 465 9249 Greenfield Reflections of Woodstock
1222 Ox Road
Woodstock, VA 22664 Call us: (540) 459 2200 Greenfield Senior Living of Woodstock
935 Ox Road
Woodstock, VA 22664 Call us: (540) 459 2525 Greenfield Senior Living of Spotsylvania
9300 Onyx Ct
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Call us: (540) 891 5540 Greenfield Senior Living of Williamsburg
251 Patriot Ln
Williamsburg, VA 23185 Call us: (757) 220 4014 Greenfield Senior Living of Perkiomen
300 Perkiomen Ave
Schwenksville, PA 19473 Call us: (610) 287 1822
Greenfield Senior Living Inc. 125 North Washington Street Falls Church, VA 22046 Copyright 2021 Greenfield Senior Living, Inc. All rights reserved
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