Comfort Objects Help Calm Long-Term Care Residents

Written by: Sydney Clevenger November 22, 2023

Everyone needs a little comfort now and then.

That’s why many elements of our robust Life Enrichment program for residents in long-term care involve activities that evoke strong memories. Activities that residents in long-term care enjoyed in their lives previously—arranging flowers, painting, planting, cooking—all are strategically incorporated into our model program. Such activities are especially important for residents with dementia, or in the middle to late stages of Alzheimer’s.

To help elders who have a strong need to nurture, staff in Robison Jewish Health Center/Harold Schnitzer Center for Living often offer comfort objects like stuffed kittens and soft smiling baby dolls.

“For residents who are upset or wandering, the kitties and babies are what we call an intervention to soothe and comfort,” said Justine May, social service coordinator. “The look of relief on our residents’ faces when we offer the babies or kitties for comfort is noticeable.

“I think nurturing and mothering and loving is so natural that the babies and kitties help a lot of residents.”

Resident, Gwen, for example, had to leave her beloved cat behind when she moved to long-term care. “The companionship that she’d always had from her kitty at home made it a natural for her to love her stuffed kitty,” said Justine. Gwen used to take her kitty to activities; now she can often be found with her baby doll.

Comfort objects help residents communicate affection, and “give us another way to interact with residents,” said Justine. “The comfort objects are a topic of conversation we can use to elicit memories.

“We are happy the comfort objects are handy whenever residents need them.”

Andrea “Andy” Staggs

Written by: Sydney Clevenger October 20, 2023

She Knows Food

If you want to know what and where to eat, ask Andrea “Andy” Staggs. The executive chef and director of culinary services at Rose Schnitzer Manor Assisted Living has been in the food and restaurant business for 36 years, so she’s always ready for such questions.

“My favorite foods at Rose Schnitzer Manor are the salmon burger, brisket, and mushroom schnitzel,” shares Andy. “I’m always happy when those items are on the menu.

“If we’re going out, my favorite food truck is Sunita’s [on SW 91^st Avenue behind the Shell gas station across from Jesuit High School]. If I want Thai, that’s where I go. My favorite restaurant is Acorn and Oak in Camas. They’re absolutely amazing. Besides the fact that they’re located right on the lake with a gorgeous view, I love their concept where you can eat and also buy flower arrangements, or have them delivered to your table. The food is farm to table, organic, with a small menu and seasonal.”

Andy, nicknamed after her grandfather, grew up in Texas, where her father was in the military stationed at various points in San Antonio, Holland, and Austin.

When Andy was 22, she moved to Las Vegas, and spent the next 26 years there as a compliance officer for a gaming company, while studying for her bachelor of science in food science, and associate’s degree in hospitality, at Le Cordon Bleu. Having worked at McDonald’s since she was 16—all the way from drive-thru to grill to store area representative—Andy learned the importance of food consistency and efficiency.

She next took those skills to a high-end Vietnamese French restaurant with meals starting at $200 a person for entrees alone, as a line cook, executive chef, and then director of operations. Later, she led a Hawaiian-Japanese restaurant, and then a Mexican restaurant that won Taco Wars on the Food Channel and other local competitions.

While at the Mexican restaurant, Adolfo “Duke” Valenzuela applied as a server. Andy said the two had a great interview, and Duke was hired, but there weren’t any additional sparks for years until both were out of relationships.

“We’ve been together 10 years now,” said Andy.

“I never thought I would work outside of restaurants, but there is something so much more fulfilling about having the ‘same customers’ all day, every day, versus your regulars that come in a couple of times a week.”

In 2018, Andy and Duke moved to Sanger, California, Duke’s hometown outside of Fresno, to open their own fusion café. A year later, when the building their cafe was in sold, Andy began looking for work elsewhere.

“I came up to Cedar Sinai Park and interviewed twice,” she said. “I was offered the position of dining room manager, we moved here January 6, and I started the job on January 7. And then the pandemic began March 11.” When the executive chef position opened a year later, Andy was selected for the role.

“I love it, even with all the chaos of Covid and staffing crises,” she said. “I never thought I would work outside of restaurants, but there is something so much more fulfilling about having the ‘same customers’ all day, every day, versus your regulars that come in a couple of times a week.

“Getting to know people on a different level makes all the difference.”

The residents here offer a lot of input on food, and Andy joins the Food Committee bi-weekly to listen, and try to implement changes.

“If I were running my own place, it would be my menu, the way I envision it, and if you want to come eat and pay for the food, that’s up to you. But here, it’s the atmosphere of making sure that we’re offering items that the residents truly love, not just feeding my ego, or the cook’s ego, or whatever we want on the menu.

“There’s a little less flexibility, but I like the approach because it gives us a broader area to work with in terms of menu choices, and we try to stay current with the seasons in whatever we’re offering. I think our food is good quality and, obviously, certified kosher.

What’s the most popular resident meal?

“Meatloaf,” said Andy. “And we actually do a five-week rotation, meaning it’s on the menu three times in five weeks because the residents love it that much.

“Outside of comfort foods, fish tacos are always popular, as well as our salads, especially the strawberry spinach goat cheese salad for lunch, and then the Chinese chicken salad at dinner about which the residents rave.”

Andy noted that portion sizes are considered to reduce waste. “We try to make a point of recycling whatever we can, too. So, when we have leftover rice at the end of the meal, it goes straight into the freezer for veggie burgers; we have a whole system to avoid waste.

“Our staff takes seriously the quality of product for the residents, and their relationships with the residents, even from the back of the house. We have residents that come and visit staff to make sure that they are remembered, and to put a face to their orders, so it’s a good relationship between all of them.”

A typical day has Andy running to and from meetings, catching up with residents, checking in with staff, and researching recipes. But she can also be found in the kitchen cooking, or serving residents in the dining room.

“I was awakened at 6:30 on a recent Sunday because there was no cook for breakfast,” said Andy. “I brushed my teeth and threw on some clothes, and came flying in here, with the wrong shoes. I got here a few minutes before seven, and my baker had set up the line for me to save the day. And we were able to open the dining room on time at 7 a.m.

“It was actually a lot of fun, even though it was exhausting and not planned.”

Andy said her favorite part of being executive chef is working with the staff, and on menu development.

“I love creating the menus, whether it’s the weekly menus, or for our special events. I love creating something everyone can enjoy and remember in a positive way.”

Positive is an important word for Andy, who says she learned optimism from her mother, and she tries to keep the atmosphere light and upbeat, empathizing with staff when needed, and remaining understanding. Sixteen-month-old chihuahua Lucy comes to work with Andy every morning, and is a support animal for her team.

When Andy is not working on the weekends, she said Sundays are for chores and food prep at home, and then she and Duke and Lucy take a drive and find a nice restaurant to enjoy.

“I love it here at Cedar Sinai Park,” said Andy. “Being able to provide really great service is the job I’ve been after all along.”

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The Unexpected Costs of Senior Living

Written by: Sydney Clevenger October 19, 2023

By Sydney Clevenger, with research by Arlene Layton

When searching for senior living, it’s important to consider potential costs beyond what’s quoted up front for rent. Many communities charge extra for health care, amenities like parking and package delivery, and even administrative services that seniors are used to receiving at no cost.

“Since every community handles amenities differently, we recommend that seniors touring independent and assisted living keep a check list of services that are critical to their day-to-day lifestyle so they know what to expect with cost before they put down a deposit,” said Rose Schnitzer Manor Assisted Living Building Services Director Tammy Heard. “So often we hear from residents about previous living experiences where they were shocked at all of the other costs added to the base monthly fee.”

That was the experience of Ann, who moved to a facility for its close-in parking, access to a full kitchen, and in-room washer and dryer unit.

“Parking close to the front door was important to me, so I was happy to pay extra for parking,” said Ann. “I was excited to have my own washer and dryer in my unit, but when they needed repair, I had to pay for the maintenance, which I didn’t know ahead of time.” As for the kitchen, Ann said she ended up needing room service more often than not, and was unaware that such a service would be extra.

Ann said she wished she’d asked about additional costs, like package delivery, which turned out to be $5 at minimum per package, and the availability of amenities like added storage, which was touted, but turned out to be unavailable due to a long wait list. There were also fees for administrative services like faxes and copying.

“If I was going to move again, I’d find out what incidental costs would be, and ask more questions,” she said.

Pete lived at a new facility in Seattle, with his wife, Jan, and was also struck by the hidden costs.

“The cost at our new place was 15 to 20 percent higher than other communities,” he said. “It was very expensive to rent monthly because it was new.

“And then after two years, it was obvious my wife needed more health assistance, and we had to go to an outside agency to find help on our own because there were no nurses on staff, which we didn’t know about ahead of time. They were also having trouble with staffing minimum wage jobs, and staff wasn’t always handy to help with even small tasks.

“The extra fees to pay for health care added up,” added Pete, who said those inquiring about senior living should think carefully about future needs, and what they might cost, as well as current ones. He added that senior living homes often have a buy-in, which is another financial piece about which to inquire.

“When we decided to move to Portland, we looked at several places, but chose [one with many amenities included],” said Pete. “I feel very strongly it is the best choice we could have made.”

Leanna Anderson

Written by: Sydney Clevenger October 10, 2023

She Cares for Others

Hearing receptionist Leanna Anderson speak fondly of her parents, one knows immediately what draws her to Rose Schnitzer Manor Assisted Living.

“I like meeting people,” she said, while on a “break” from the front desk, thanks to daughter, Deanna McCracken, who’s covering reception duties. “I’m constantly greeting people, and getting up to help, and listening to people’s stories.

“I love the different personalities, and family connections, and different backgrounds. Knowing the history that our residents have in terms of the war and Holocaust is interesting, and everyone who lives here is unique.

“I want people to know that I care about them.”

Leanna spent the first five years of her childhood in Wichita, Kansas, where her father was an electrician for Boeing. The family then lived in Texas for a year, and went on to Louisiana for another seven years, until her father selected Washington state for his next transfer.

“We moved to the Seattle area in 1966,” said Leanna. “I was 12.”

Leanna said she had a “great childhood and wouldn’t change a thing.” She was close to both parents, spending time with her outdoorsman dad fishing at lily-padded lakes for crappie, and riding the bus with her mom for dinner and shopping in the city while her dad worked the swing shift.

“I like talking about my folks,” said Leanna. “They were great parents. We were all so close, and we had so much fun, especially with the other Boeing families, camping and celebrating holidays together.”

Leanna lived at home until she married at age 23. Deanna arrived first, with son, Darren following two years later.

Leanna worked in administrative positions for Boeing, and for several attorneys, and in 1999, she began working at Intel in Lacey, Wash. After her father died in 2001, and it looked like the Lacey office might close permanently, Leanna transferred to the Hillsboro office in 2004, with Deanna and her mother, Glenna Mae, in tow.

Sadly, Glenna Mae died shortly after the family’s move to Portland. Deanna lives with Leanna, and Darren lives in North Dakota with his wife, and daughter.

“I like talking about my folks. They were great parents. We were all so close, and we had so much fun, especially with the other Boeing families, camping and celebrating holidays together.”

Leanna retired from Intel in 2016 after 17 years, and was looking for a position “less stressful” than working in administration for a large company. She laughingly describes Rose Schnitzer Manor as a “different kind of stress.”

“It is not quiet or slow here!” she said.

Deanna joined Leanna on campus about four years ago and is able to back up her mom on the desk, unless she is out driving or delivering packages.

Not only does Leanna know the names of residents and family members, but she has many of the residents’ room numbers memorized, too.

“I never really had a job where I had to learn so many names and phone numbers and apartments and everything at once,” she said. “But I think the variety of work I’ve done has helped.

“And I’ve always had a good memory, and been a good speller.”

Leanna describes herself as caring, punctual, and organized. “I’d rather get some place and sit 30 minutes and wait ‘til the time than to be a minute late. And, I have to have my desk so I know where things are located and they’re not all over the place.”

Leanna arrives about 7:30 in the morning, and boots up all the machines, and begins answering the phones at 8, all while greeting residents and visitors and answering questions, giving directions, and helping to make copies, log medications, and coordinate package delivery. She coordinates a resident phone book monthly, and updates resident photos on the community bulletin board.

“We also help health services [with record keeping] when we can,” she said. “It’s just a big variety.”

Leanna has a very full schedule from Monday through Friday, and recently has worked some Saturday shifts, too. But when she’s not working, she enjoys being outside vacationing near water, gardening, or trying new restaurants with Deanna. Despite some eye rolling over the tidiness of their shared house—Leanna appreciates her daughter always having her back.

“She does an awful lot for me,” said Leanna. “When I’ve been sick, she’s always right there. She does the shopping on Saturdays, and I do the cooking on Sundays.

“I’m grateful for her. This is home.”

Our Torahs are Home!

Written by: Sydney Clevenger September 14, 2023

They’re back! Yes, after 2.5 years in Florida, the two Cedar Sinai Park Torahs out for repair are back on campus and ready to ring in 5784.

“The Torahs have had a wonderful vacation in Miami, and now they’re back!” said Eddy Shuldman, board trustee and spiritual life committee chairperson. “We are the people of the book. Our story as a people, and the guidelines for how we should live our lives, is contained within those scrolls. It’s hard to describe the emotions we feel welcoming our Torahs home again.”

Cedar Sinai Park’s three Torahs were inspected by a sofer for the first time in 2019, thanks to the generosity of Marcy Tonkin. Suffering from cracks and smudges, two of the Torahs were taken by plane for repair by Rabbi Menachem Bialo, who checked one Torah (without its staves), and packed the other Torah in his carry on bag.

Plans for Rabbi Bialo or another sofer to bring the repaired Torahs back to Oregon kept getting waylaid, primarily due to Covid, and so it was decided that the Torahs should be mailed back instead.

We are grateful to Rabbi Michael and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, and Aki and Devora Fleshler, who generously provided the postage to help us get our Torahs safely across the country!

One of the Torahs just repaired is a “vuv,” a 21-inch heavyweight Torah scroll written in a Good Bet Yoseph Sephard script approximately 50 to 60 years ago in Israel.

The other Torah repaired is our 16.25″ lightweight Torah scroll written in a Good Bet Yoseph script approximately 120 years ago in Germany.

“The Torahs needed repairs to fix cracking and faded letters, as well as “airing out” in a climate-controlled space,” said Eddy.

The Nudelman family generously donated one of the Torahs in 1997 in memory of Alysmae Nudelman, and “the fact that there are Nudelmans living with us now, makes the Torahs coming home even more special,” said Eddy.

The latter Torah, the smaller one, had to be reassembled upon arrival, since its staves were removed for the flight to Florida, and were still off for the trip home.

Staff and residents used sinew and instructions provided by Rabbi Bialo to re-attach the parchment to the stave through three small holes.

“My dad was a tailor,” said Eddy. “I should have been paying attention!”

Then, the group carefully rolled the Torah through the five books of the Old Testament to re-attach the stave similarly on the other end.

“What an experience!” said resident Jeanine. “This is an honor.”

Agreed resident Ruth: “Isn’t this something? This is so moving.”

Noted resident Eve: “I have read from Torahs that aren’t nearly as legible. I’m impressed with the writing. This is so readable.”

Finally, the group put the Torahs in their beautiful covers, and placed them back in the ark in Cogan Chapel.

“There’s something lovely about this gathering because it integrates the holiness of sacred work with having fun,” said Spiritual Life Director Cathy Zheutlin. “This experience is priceless.”

All are welcome to attend a special celebration/re-dedication of the two repaired Torahs, at a Saturday, October 7, Simchat Torah observance in Zidell Hall that begins at 7 p.m.

We still have one Torah on campus that needs repair! There is now a dedicated Torah/Judaica Fund to which people can contribute for the religious and spiritual upkeep of the Torahs and prayer books, through the Cedar Sinai Park Foundation.

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What to Consider in an Elder Community

Written by: Sydney Clevenger August 22, 2023

By Sydney Clevenger

First impressions count, and that’s an adage especially true when searching for an elder living community.

To truly recognize a community as home, there are several elements one should experience when first walking through the door of an elder living facility, said Cedar Sinai Park Community Program Director Jennifer Felberg.

The first perception, said Felberg, should be the environment.

“Many of our visitors to Rose Schnitzer Manor immediately comment on the lightness and brightness and homey-ness of our active assisted living community, which sets the tone for the rest of the experience,” she said. “You want an environment that’s uplifting and warm, with small and large spaces for privacy, comfort, and personalization.”

To be known, have a sense of well-being and fulfillment, and to have a voice are essential tenets at Rose Schnitzer Manor Assisted Living, and those values should be felt walking through every beautiful space, said Felberg.

“People in a tight-knit community know one another, and are known by others,” she said. “If I were looking for a promising elder living community, I’d observe whether the leadership is visible. I’d also pay attention to whether staff smile and greet each other, which indicates they know and support one another, and are integral members of our community.”

Knowing each person is a core value of the Pioneer Network, a New York -based advocacy group championing a culture of aging in which individual voices are heard and choices are respected, no matter the environment.

“You want to see that residents and their home are honored and respected,” said Felberg. “Our community of residents should always feel comfortable not only in the privacy of their apartment, but in all of the public spaces, as well.

“Is there somewhere folks can look out the window at the beautiful gardens, visit over a cup of coffee in a comfy chair, or do a puzzle?” asked Felberg. “Group activities are important, too, but a fully engaged life is demonstrated by how people are choosing to spend their unstructured time, or have opportunities for spontaneity.”

Felberg said communities should strive to ensure elders feel like they belong, and are developing meaningful relationships with the people sharing their living environment.

“Look for whether residents and caregivers also are developing joyful connections,” she said. “Connections are what creates a culture of community, and the importance of a community’s culture cannot be underscored enough.”

Noticing whether a community is welcoming and whether there are people of all colors and nationalities and religions is another view to take when touring a community.

Added Felberg: “A welcoming, diverse community with the Jewish values of love, honor, and respect are the backbone of our culture of community, and it is a difference you can feel.”

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Pets Bring Joy at Rose Schnitzer Manor Assisted Living

Written by: Sydney Clevenger August 9, 2023

By Sydney Clevenger, with research from Arlene Layton

When resident Elaine was looking for active assisted living, she was adamant that her poodle-mix, Nettie, was coming with her.

“I got Nettie when she was 10, and I’ve had her five years, so she’s 50,” said Elaine, of her apricot-colored fluffy friend.

Nettie often attends singing with the Mazel Tones, politely resting under Elaine’s chair, blinking sweetly at other residents and is unperturbed by the piano.

“She’s the only daughter I have,” said Elaine. “She is good company, and brings love to everyone here at Rose Schnitzer Manor.”

According to a recent study sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons, more than half of older adults (55%) reported having a pet. Pet owners said their pets help them enjoy life (88%), feel loved (86%), reduce stress (79%), provide a sense of purpose (73%), and help them stick to a routine (62%).

Respondents also reported that pets connect them with others, help them stay physically active, and help them cope with physical and emotional symptoms, including taking their mind off pain.

Resident Marie brought her seven-year-old adopted shelter cats, Cricket and Panda, to Rose Schnitzer Manor when she moved in, and said having pets was definitely a factor in her decision about where to live.

“It was definitely a benefit,” said Marie, with a laugh. I’m not sure which was more important: having the cats, or having intelligent people!”

Marie agrees that her animals help with socialization.

“My cats communicate with me, and they will tell me what they want and what they need. I was down on the first floor one day, and there was a whole group of people having a great conversation about my cat,” said Maire. “People also come up to my room to see the cats. The cats love to lay on the carpet and look out the window at the birds.”

Having a cherished pet should not be a barrier to moving to assisted living, said Rose Schnitzer Manor Administrator Rachael White.

“Elders should be assured that the right facility will welcome their pet,” she said. “At Rose Schnitzer Manor, we have 27 acres upon which residents can walk their pet, and we also allow pets in residents’ rooms. We even allow pet visitations if a resident is caring for someone else’s pet.”

Rachael added that pets become part of the community and are not only a comfort to residents, but also to the staff.

“Our team loves to hear the cats purr and to pet the dogs. It’s truly like being in the comfort of home.”

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The Joy of Downsizing

Written by: Sydney Clevenger July 27, 2023

We all have precious mementos and items collected over the years. How can we downsize to create a life with room for what matters?

Rose Schnitzer Manor Assisted Living presents Stephanie Brandt, marketing manager for Soft Landings Solutions for Seniors.

Stephanie will share steps for how to get started with downsizing, along with resources for donating and selling possessions, and relatable examples of seniors who have downsized.

Rabbi Barry Cohen Offers Connection, Support

Written by: Sydney Clevenger July 17, 2023

The Jewish community chaplain, Rabbi Barry Cohen, is going to be spending more time at Cedar Sinai Park!

“Before Covid, Rabbi Barry used to come to breakfast once a week to spend time with the residents and have conversations,” said Spiritual Life Coordinator Cathy Zheutlin. “Now that Covid is on the wane, he will be here for one-to-one visits throughout the campus every Monday. In addition to occasionally leading Shabbat and other holiday services, he’ll offer some educational opportunities.”

Rabbi Barry grew up in Memphis, but was in the Midwest for school and much of his career. He and his family moved to Oregon in 2018, and Rabbi Barry joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland as its community chaplain.

Besides Cedar Sinai Park, Rabbi Barry visits seniors at 11 other retirement communities in the Portland area.

“A lot of people feel like they are on the outside looking in when they are Jewish living at a non-Jewish facility,” he said. “There are definitely times during the year when Jewish residents in non-Jewish facilities feel very lonely.

“In elder communities all across the city, people are really looking for connections. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the same or different religion, most elders are looking for someone to spend time with them.

“You never know what kind of interaction you’re going to have,” added Rabbi Barry. “Sometimes, it’s surface level, and other times it’s a very engaging conversation, and then once we have a personal connection, it can go deeper into the spiritual arena.”

“What I’m offering is support, where I’m present and actively listening, being as compassionate as possible.”

Robison Jewish Health Center/Harold Schnitzer Center for Living resident David Cohen (no relation to Rabbi Barry) said the Rabbi’s visits are wonderful. “I never really went to synagogue, but it’s nice to be able to talk to a rabbi,” he said.

“This is a good place,” said Rabbi Barry. “I like how it’s filled with a diversity of residents, but at the same time, you know you’re walking into a Jewish space.

“When you meet the residents and find out where they’re from, it doesn’t take long before you’ve made a connection. And then that connection leads to a conversation with someone else, and then that leads to a class you’re teaching on a Jewish topic or a worship service you’re leading, and the conversation goes from there.

“It’s hard to quantify, but when you walk into Rose Schnitzer Manor, it feels different here.”

The Importance of Socialization for Seniors

Written by: Sydney Clevenger June 23, 2023

Even for elders blessed with a large family providing regular support, peer to peer socialization is a critical aspect of senior health that many people overlook.

“Seniors living alone often struggle with depression,” said Deborah Elliott, longtime marketing consultant in the senior living industry. “We see this often when a spouse dies, and the isolation brought about by Covid did not help our aging parents feel connected if they were living at home alone.”

Senior living communities provide an opportunity for regular social interaction, as much or as little as seniors decide they want and need.

Elliott remembers a prospective resident who was in post-acute care at Robison Jewish Health Center after a significant cardiac event and was ready for discharge. She was advised not to go home by herself, and her family wanted her to have access to medical care around the clock, treatment they could not provide.

“She had a great big family, all living in the Portland area, really supportive, and they all brought her over to Rose Schnitzer Manor to meet with me,” said Elliott. “And after our tour, the mom said to me privately that she was not moving in. She said she’d stay for a month or two, and then she was going home.

“So, we made that ‘the plan.’ I told her she could drive the bus, so to speak, and make the decision regarding how long to stay with us. As long as the healthcare team was confident about her returning home to live on her own after a month or so, she could do so.

“The family did a great job decorating her apartment to make it feel like home and I saw her almost every day,” added Elliott.

“After a couple of months, I found her in the art studio painting. I reminded her that she had been with us for more than two months, and asked what happened to her going home.

“She looked at me and said, “I know. I really like it here. Is it okay if I stay?

“It reminded me that even though the resident had the support she needed from the health services team and her family, what was essential for her mental and emotional and spiritual well-being were the relationships that she forged while she was in assisted living.

“She was so busy meeting and helping others, that her kids couldn’t get her on the phone, which is exactly what they had wanted for her because she had been isolated and alone before her heart event.”

The lesson, said Elliott, is that elders need regular socialization with their peers, beyond the love and support of family or caregivers. Elders who have experienced the recent loss of a partner or friend, are especially susceptible to depression. Other signs of intense sadness that may need medical intervention include feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.

The need for socialization is one key indicator for seniors when they and their families are determining whether it’s time to move to assisted living.

Late-life depression affects about six million Americans ages 65 and older, according to WebMD, but only 10 percent receive treatment.

“Even in the most loving and attentive family, seniors can feel adrift and lonely if they do not have access to people their own age to whom they can relate and connect with day to day,” said Elliott. “It’s important to remember that depression in older people can be overlooked when dealing with the effects of many illnesses, disabilities, and medications.

“It’s important to be watchful of a sadness that lasts longer than usual, and to seek medical help if there are any doubts.”

Year: 2023