CANTATA BEST LIFE I Used To Be Afraid of The Boogie Man! - Cantata Senior Living
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CANTATA BEST LIFE
I Used To Be Afraid of The Boogie Man!
Facing new fears head-on as we age
Things were certainly simpler back when we were young-
er, even our fears. Heck, we even called it entertainment
back then as we headed off to the movies or flipped on Inside This Issue
“Creature Features” on our black and white TVs. We
always knew that if things became too much to handle; we • Lifelong Learning
could quickly shield our eyes, dive back under the blanket
or simply shut off the TV. Out of sight, out of mind, right? • Aging with “Grace”
As we age, our perspective, worries, understanding, pri-
orities and fears change over time (as with many other • Cantata Hits the Road
things). Past fears have been overcome only to be replaced
with new ones. • Sharing Caregivers to Drive
Costs Down
continued on next page
• Spring Maintenance Checklist
8700 West 31st Street
Brookfield, IL 60513
708-485-1155 • cantata.org
I Used To Be Afraid of The Boogie Man!
continued from cover
We recently asked the audience at our Best Life Breakfast as to why this may be declining. Unfortunately, no one
Club what they were most afraid of. Their choices below has the definitive understanding of why, when, and how
are shown in descending order: quickly this cognitive loss may occur.
If forced to pick one, I am most afraid of? Take the offensive by finalizing legal directives, identify-
A. Declining Health – 48% ing your support team (power of attorney designations,
etc.) and having tough life ending discussions with loved
B. Memory Loss – 26%
ones. Let them know now what your wishes are - should
C. Falling - 20% something happen in the future. Then, enjoy each and
D. Running Out of Money – 6% every moment you have today!
E. Dying – 0% Cantata has supported people with mild to moderate
Studies continue to track the fact that fears actually do memory care needs since 1920 and still provides support
change as you age. today both on and off campus. If you have questions or
concerns don’t hesitate to call us.
As we age, we produce much less adrenaline, so we are
less likely to experience racing hearts and dizziness. This Falling
means the intense fears we may have experienced in youth Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most
no longer trouble us as much. However, older people often common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admis-
experience a greater sense of vulnerability, so things like sions among older adults. I’m scarred now after hearing
heights or big crowds become more of an issue. that stat, but there are four responses to help you start
It is difficult not to allow the realities of aging affect our whistling a happy tune, as Julie Andrews would say.
fears as we grow older. We have seen family members and • Have your health care provider review your medi-
friends deal with the challenges of aging. We know from cines.
experience what Bette Davis famously pronounced, “Old • Surprise, surprise… begin a regular exercise program.
age ain’t no place for sissies.” Our own personal aging Cantata offers balance assessments and other pro-
experience has yet to unfold leading to anxiety and fear grams to help decrease fall risks and improve your
about the unknown. confidence.
But don’t pull the covers up over your head just yet! Let’s • Have your vision checked on a regular basis.
explore what we can do to age successfully. • Make your home safer by eliminating potential trip
hazards.
For the top three fears previously noted at our Breakfast
These three fears are very real for many older adults. They
Club, the solution can be summed up in two words, “be
may not ever go away, but you do have the ability to face
proactive”.
them head on. Be proactive!
Declining Health
If we know anything here at Cantata, we understand that
everyone ages down their own unique path. In the spirit Celebrate Aging Well Month
of being proactive, you need to be the one who is the most
educated on what your path truly looks like. Am I eating
well? Am I exercising? Am I getting the rest I need? Tai Chi at Cantata!
When given advice from professionals (doctors, pharma- Join us as we celebrate Aging Well Month by
cists, therapists, social workers, etc.), are you asking them
attending a fun (and free) Tai Chi class with
to explain why they are suggesting specific solutions for
you and how they feel this will improve your health? You exercise instructor Thomas Tinsley. Afterwards,
need to be disciplined in your approach and actually do enjoy a tasty snack, socialize, and take
the things you know you should be doing to keep yourself advantage of the opportunity to tour campus
as healthy as possible. and learn more about our organization’s
Memory Loss offerings.
Studies are indicating that diet and exercise are the
two most important things you can do to help face this Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 at 10:30am
fear head on. The prevalence of dementia has actually Cantata Campus, Living Room
dropped from 12% to 9% from 2000 to 2012. Changes in Please RSVP at 708-485-1155
diet and exercise are two of the biggest factors identified
Long-time Brookfield Resident Wins
Cantata’s Great Cookie Bake Off
Alice Darwin, Brookfield resident of nearly 55 years, was beyond surprised (and
ecstatic) to hear that she won Cantata’s Great Holiday Cookie Bake Off with
her award-winning recipe, Peanut Butter Blossoms. Peanut butter and choc-
olate together never sounded so good, sorry Reese’s! This festive fundraising
event took place on December 15th at Cantata’s campus and was such a huge
success that Cantata plans on having the 2nd annual event next December!
Cookie recipes were scouted from all over Cantata’s campus and community
and the top 13 were chosen to complete the classic Baker’s Dozen. Our Master
Baker’s (Cantata’s Hospitality Kitchen) did a wonderful job recreating each
recipe for the tasty event, where guests were able to purchase tickets to vote on
which cookies they liked the best. They were also able to purchase all 13 cook-
ies to go! All proceeds from the event benefitted Cantata’s Best Life Foundation,
which continually looks for new and innovative ways to improve the lives of
older adults in and around the Brookfield area.
Alice Darwin has been a huge supporter of Cantata for the past 20 years and
has benefitted from several of Cantata’s services including: Lifelong Learning,
Handyman, Cantata at Home’s Take2 program, and Rehab. Now, Alice enjoys
being an active and involved resident in Cantata’s Wye Valley’s Independent Living Building.
Alice really enjoyed the 1st Annual Cookie Bake Off and loved trying so many cookies! Several of her friends and family
attended the event to support her Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe but Alice advised them to vote for the cookies they
liked the best. In the end however, the Peanut Butter Blossom cookies were the overall fan favorites and won the title.
This recipe has been made in Alice’s home since her own children (now grown adults with kids of their own) were little.
She initially got the recipe from a Brookfield published cookbook but the cookies were very easy to make and her chil-
dren liked them, so she kept making them each year after. Cantata’s CEO and Foundation representative, John Larson,
along with Cantata’s Campus Director, Carol Ricken, presented Alice with the official award.
If you’re interested in learning more about Cantata’s Best Life Foundation or donating to help seniors in your area,
please visit cantatacares.org to learn more. Congratulations on your accomplishment, Alice!
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Now is the perfect time to spruce up for spring with our recommended home maintenance checklist.
Our Handyman Service is available to help you with any or all of the items listed below. It’s your home;
protect it, don’t neglect it!
FF Clean gutters and downspouts to remove any FF Clean your clothes dryer’s vent system
buildup of leaves and other debris FF Make sure all indoor and outdoor stairs are in
FF Survey roof and exterior walls for leaks, debris, good condition and well-lit
deterioration or other signs of damage FF Inspect your air conditioning system or window
FF Repair cracked, broken, or uneven driveways units
and walks FF Clean out the bathroom and kitchen cabinets,
FF Clean trim and siding to keep mold from disposing of expired food and medicine
growing FF Clear the chimney
FF Wash windows and check for holes FF Review stored items in garage and consider
FF Install or replace screens on doors and moving anything that is heat sensitive
windows FF Fertilize the lawn
FF Remove any fallen branches or debris from FF Air out patio furniture cushions and clean
year and trim overgrown vegetation furniture
FF Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide FF Check plumbing for leaks and replace old
detectors are working and installed on each caulk
floor FF Make sure stairs, doorways, garage path,
FF Inspect outside water connections like hoses and walkways are clear of debris
and sprinkler systems
Cantata Hits the Road We’ve all heard time and time again that eating healthy In fact, one in five older adults are socially isolated – that’s and staying physically active are important for one’s equivalent to smoking fifteen cigarettes a day (yikes)! We well-being and longevity, right? But what about exercising are so happy to collaborate with other organizations to our minds while engaging in social activities? Cantata’s bust through this troubling reality in hopes of maintain- Marketing Team created an incredible variety of fun and ing sharp minds for older Americans. By taking advantage informative event topics that we have previously presented of these social and learning opportunities, you’ll be able to on our campus – most notably at the Best Life Breakfast reap the benefits of better cognitive function, maintained Clubs. We have received such positive feedback on these positive emotional health, increased (and happier) longev- topics that we are hitting the road and coming to a senior ity, and so much more. gathering near you! These wide selections of topics can truly benefit anyone Did you know that well over 75% of Cantata’s services and the interactive element makes them even more worth- are actually offered out in the communities? At our Jan- while! If you have interest in attending any of the following uary “Ask the Audience” Breakfast Club, we discovered presentations or are looking for new presentations to hold that more than half of our attendees were involved in at at your organization’s next meeting, look no further than least three other seniors groups. By offering these topics Cantata. Please call 708-485-1155 for more information. at different senior meetups, we are hoping that more older adults continue to carry on their lifelong learning talents and are able to beat the statistics revolving around social isolation. The Golden Years A humorous take on the facts vs. fiction of aging and how to get the most out of your years by utilizing your mind, diet, and exercise! Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 at 1pm Mayfair Recreation 10835 Wakefield, Westchester, IL 60154 Trade, Trash, Treasure We’ll help you take back control of your home by giving helpful insight on how you can sort through many years of accumulation and eliminate clutter for good! Thursday, April 11th, 2019 at 10 am Aging Care Connections 111 W Harris Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 Aging in Place Determine the steps you can take to success¬fully age in place by acquiring tips and tools for home mainte¬nance, modifica- tions, and safety Thursday, April 18th at 1pm or 7pm Brookfield Public Library 3609 Grand Blvd, Brookfield, IL 60513 Finding Your Oomph What exactly is your “oomph?” Well, it’s the driving force that gets you out of bed each morn¬ing. Get your oomph back with some tips and tricks on how to live life to the fullest Tuesday, May 7th, 2019 at 2pm La Grange Public Library 10 W Cossitt Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 Come see us at the North Riverside Senior Fair on Thursday, May 16th at the Village Commons!
Sharing Caregivers to Drive Costs Down
profit margins back to the agencies continue to drop. The
client experience feels intrusive rather than fostering inde-
pendence. Bottom line, the industry is changing and we
all need to innovate in order to best meet the needs of our
clients, caregivers and organizations.”
Established in 1920, Cantata Adult Life Services (formerly
known as The British Home) is a single site, fee-for-ser-
vice Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in
Brookfield, IL. Our campus-based services include Inde-
pendent and Assisted Living, along with Skilled Medicare
Beds. In 1998, Cantata Home Services launched and
includes Handyman, Home care, and Home Nursing ser-
vices. Currently, 75% of our total services take place off
campus in the surrounding communities.
Cantata’s service area is approximately six square miles
around the Brookfield campus. By eliminating the tradi-
tional hourly blocks of time, they are able to drastically
decrease the amount seniors are paying for home care.
In fact, the cost of care decreases by 20-50%! Services
can be scheduled or non-scheduled. Support can include
anything from bathing and dressing, to toileting and
On January 29th, 2019 – Cantata CEO, John Larson, took
meal delivering, to medication reminders and transpor-
the stage at the prestigious Lincoln Home Care 100 Lead-
tation coordination. For all of these reasons, the Take2
ership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona to discuss how
value proposition is a win-win-win; cost of care decreas-
Cantata’s successful home care model, Take2, is a “shaper
es, caregiver wages increase, and gross margins increase!
in the senior industry.” Home Care 100 is the “preeminent
Cantata’s mission is customer-driven with its main focus
leadership conference exclusively for leading home care
on positively affecting the lives of seniors.
and hospice providers.” As an exclusive invitation only
event; gathering approximately 225 attendees; Larson So what’s next for Take2? The Take2 team continues to
was sought out by the Home Care Advisory Board back in improve the model by expanding services and its service
August 2018 and was asked to speak on behalf of Take2 area. In fact, Take2 inspired and took off for an in-home
and its leading innovation in the senior care industry. The care organization in Honolulu, Hawaii! Their neighbor-
mission of the Lincoln Home Care 100 Leadership Con- hood care motto is, “Stay at home affordably by sharing a
ference is to “Inspire excellence in leadership, strategy caregiving team.” Hmm, sound familiar? Take2 is also in
and innovation, and to help providers accelerate change the process of developing a Take2 app with corresponding
as healthcare moves into a value-based system.” software as we strive to bring this model into new markets
with additional strategic partners and investors. For more
Cantata’s Take2 home care model does just that. Piloted
information on the Take2 model, please visit gotake2.com.
in 2014 and expanding rapidly in 2016, Take2 is a neigh-
bored-based model in which caregivers provide services
for their clients in about 20 minute increments before con-
tinuing on to the next client. The Board was intrigued by
Cantata’s unique approach to the traditional home care
model and wanted to learn how this new method can meet
the needs of the larger market. With just 20 minutes on
the docket, John Larson, dove right in to the overarching
problem with the existing hourly-based home care model
and discussed how Take2 is providing more sustainable
care to seniors.
Larson explained, “The existing home care model is
becoming more and more unsustainable. Too many
seniors will be entering the market over the next 10 years
with too few care providers available to serve them. The
homecare prices to the consumer are on the rise while
AGING
WITH
GRACE
Hi! I’m Grace, your new best friend and confidante! Feel free to ask me anything and
everything. Like you, I’ve got plenty of experience and I love to help.
Dear Grace, It’s difficult but it may be helpful to ask the hard ques-
I have lived in the same house in the same neighborhood for tion: are there things about which I am self-conscious?
over 45 years. There was a time when I knew everybody on It might be incontinence, vision and hearing deficiencies,
the block. Since no one had air conditioning, we spent many as well as concerns with bodily image. The good news is
summer evenings hanging out on front stoops trying to cool that you can overcome a good deal of insecurities with
off. When someone on the block died we would take up a professional help and products.
collection because everybody knew everybody and condo- The Internet can also be your friend. There are tons of
lences were sincere. legitimate affinity groups. You just have to find one, intro-
Children often felt the presence of many watchful eyes belong- duce yourself, and start communicating. A new widow in
ing to parents who felt snitching was a calling, not a character my family has had many supportive conversations with a
flaw. I remember the day I got calls from two neighbors, both group of recently widowed adults. Where do they meet?
reporting that my daughter was smoking behind the garage. …on the Internet.
Neighbors began moving out of the neighborhood to live Don’t be afraid to invite people over. It doesn’t have to be
with their kids or reside in senior communities. A lot left the fancy or involve a lot of work. How about beer, wine, pop,
neighborhood feet first. Now, the people who are moving in and some pizza?
are families with young children. These families are very busy You may not be driving but there are still transportation
with jobs and kids. When I do run into them, all they have options. The RTA provides special buses and rides for
time for is a polite hello. Just as well, I guess, since we have those with physical challenges. And there is always Uber,
very little in common. Lyft, and senior friendly cab companies. The Best Life
Maybe it’s a little bit of a pity party but I can’t help feeling Breakfast Club at Cantata Adult Life Services routinely
old, alone, and surrounded by strangers. If I was still driving I provides transport for those who have no other means to
could plan some trips and that would be helpful. Any sugges- get on campus.
tions for how I might feel less depressed and more connected? Senior groups often conduct outings with transportation
All by myself. included. Check out the ACT II Seniors Group headquar-
tered at AMITA Heath LaGrange.
And finally, investigate life in a senior community. For
Dear All,
many people it is the best of both worlds. There are plenty
You have really hit on an important topic and unfortu- of people and staff around to engage with and individu-
nately you have a lot of company. Research indicates that al apartments provide private retreats when you feel the
right next to the damage caused by smoking and obesity need to reflect, revise, and/or recharge.
is the huge toll exacted by social isolation of the elderly.
Put simply we need other people to maintain our physical
and mental well-being. And as we age, the need to inter- Grace
act with others is even more important. Social isolation
feels bad and is bad so now what do you do about it.
Everyone is unique so there is no one size fits all approach Send questions and comments to:
to ramping up social engagement. Research indicates that
Grace c/o Cantata Adult Life Services
it helps to take care of something and that could be a
plant, a dog or a chinchilla. 8700 W 31st Street, Brookfield IL 60513
or email: info@cantata.org
AARP Smart Driver Course
This is the nation’s first refresher course specifical-
ly designed for drivers age 50 and older that covers
many useful topics including safe-driving strategies and
SPRING QUARTER 2019 state-specific rules. In many states, drivers may receive a
discount on their insurance after course completion.
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 17th and Thursday, April 18th
Cantata’s Lifelong Learning program facilitates from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
active living and healthy relationships as the basis or
of a full, harmonious, and naturally fulfilling life. Wednesday, May 22nd and Thursday, May 23rd
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Come join us! Call 708-485-1155 to register. Cost: $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members
Location: Cantata Campus, 2nd floor classroom
Rooted Yoga for Better Balance (Multimedia Room)
Stand or plant yourself in one of our sturdy chairs and Register by: Monday, April 15th, 2019
enjoy a combination of gentle yoga, pilates, and balance Monday, May 21st, 2019
exercises designed to improve posture, core strength, flex-
ibility, balance, and concentration. This fun class is for Device Advice
persons of all fitness levels and abilities.
Tech Manager, Mike, from the North Riverside Pub-
Date/Time: Ten Thursdays from 9-10 a.m. starting April 4, 2019 lic Library will be at Cantata to help anyone with their
Cost: $70 smartphone, tablet, or e-reader device.
Location: Cantata Campus, Living Room Date/Time: Thursday, April 4th from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Register by: Monday, April 1, 2019 Thursday, May 2nd from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: No charge
Zumba® Gold Location: Cantata Campus, Wye Valley Independent Living
Building, Dining Room
Zumba Gold is a specialty dance-fitness class set to inter-
national rhythms and designed for beginners and people Register by: Monday, April 1, 2019 for April 4th session
Monday, April 29, 2019 for May 2nd session
seeking low impact exercise.
Have fun as you improve your balance, coordination, and
endurance! Tai Chi
Join us for Tai Chi with instructor, Thomas Tinsley, as
Date/Time: Ten Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. starting
April 6, 2019 you’ll work on movement awareness, balance, breathing
and general fitness. Tai Chi has been known to reduce
Cost: $70
stress, anxiety, and blood pressure.
Location: Cantata Campus, Wye Valley, Dining Room
Date/Time: Every 3rd Monday of the month beginning Monday,
Register by: Monday, April 1, 2019
April 15th, 2019, 10:30am-11:15am
Cost: FREE
Fit and Strong Location: Cantata Campus, Living Room
Fit and Strong is designed for those with painful joints. Register by Friday, April 12th
Studies show this class can improve aerobic capacity,
strength, and function while minimizing pain, stiffness,
anxiety, and depression. Save the date for Cantata’s
Date/Time: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
for eight weeks starting April 1, 2019 2nd Annual Garden Party!
Cost: $100
Location: Cantata Campus, Wye Valley, Dining Room Saturday,
Register by: Wednesday, March 27, 2019
May 18th, 2019
Best Life
Newsletter
Spring 2019
Spring quarter
classes inside!
SERVING OLDER ADULTS ON
OUR CAMPUS AND IN THE
Cantata is a nonprofit organization
committed to helping individuals,
families, and communities age
COMMUNITY SINCE 1920 successfully since 1920.
classes inside!
Spring quarter
SPRING 2019
Newsletter
Best Life
708-485-1155 • cantata.org
Brookfield, IL 60513-1097
8700 West 31st Street
British Home Life Services Corporation
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