Senior Notes

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates 30 Years

February 23, 2021 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon Leave a Comment

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is celebrating 30 years of living “your life, your way” in 2021.

While COVID-19 precautions will delay plans for an in-person celebration, the community is planning a series of small, socially distant, and virtual events until a larger gathering is possible later this year.

“The success of Londonderry does not reside with one person, but with the countless residents and community members who have participated in growing our community to what we know today,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “Thank you to everyone past, present, and future who knows that something great only comes from hard work and love.”

Londonderry was established in 1992 as the “The Retirement Community of Easton, Inc.” on some of Talbot County’s most historic land and remains the first resident-owned and operated independent living cooperative of its kind on the Eastern Shore.

Londonderry has grown from its first 15 individual cottages and 17 residents to a vibrant community of over140 cottages, 26 apartments and more than 180 residents. Over the years, Londonderry has added more amenities and activity space to meet the needs of residents. These include the Manor House, Pool, Community Center, expanded green space and access to the Tred Avon River, and the new Clubhouse that was completed in 2018.

Over the past three decades, Londonderry has overcome a multitude of challenges, which now include a global pandemic, to create an active, safe and welcoming community. Amidst thirty years of change, Londonderry’s commitment to the health, safety and wellness of its residents remains its guiding constant.

Londonderry looks forward to welcoming the community to celebrate and “cheers 30 years” later this year.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Residents and Staff Receive First COVID-19 Vaccine

January 26, 2021 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry resident, Phyllis Grill, receiving her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

On Wednesday, January 20^th, approximately 200 Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents and staff members received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination event was coordinated by Londonderry’s Health and Wellness Coordinator, Lorraine Flisher, RN, in partnership with the Talbot County Health Department.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Named “Best Retirement Community” and “Best Place to Work”

December 5, 2020 by Spy Desk

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been named the “Best Retirement Community” and “Best Place to Work” in the Star Democrat’s 2020 Reader Approved Contest for the second year in a row.

Londonderry was first nominated by community members for the recognition, and then Star Democrat readers and as well as the general public had the opportunity to vote for their preferred businesses, vendors and organizations in a variety of categories.

“Our residents and our entire team are thrilled to be recognized by our friends and neighbors,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “It’s been a tough year, and we have all worked hard to keep our residents and staff safe and healthy while maintaining some sense of ‘normal.’ This year more than most, we are all incredibly thankful to live and work where we do.”

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62+, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

New Dixon House Residents are Neighbors Once Again

November 25, 2020 by The Dixon House

L-R: New Dixon House residents Karaleen Councell, age 87, and Anne Wheatley, age 89.

When Karaleen Councell, age 87, and Anne Wheatley, age 89, lived on neighboring farms in Matthewstown, halfway between Denton and Easton, the two women arranged gatherings between the two families and socialized regularly. Each of them had four children of roughly the same ages. The adults often played cards together and had New Year’s Eve parties every year. They never dreamed they would retire to The Dixon House in Easton within a month of one another – rekindling their friendship and bringing their families together once again.

According to Pam Sard, Karaleen Councell’s daughter, “They wink at each other now when they see each other.”

Marti Wright, Anne Wheatley’s daughter adds, “They hadn’t seen each other in several years because of the illnesses of both of their spouses and because of their developing dementia. Both were married to their husbands for 60 years or more. Now they eat together every day, do crafts together, and giggle about the old times just like they did when they were younger.”

Both Sard and Wright reminisce about the families’ time together when they were young. While the children attended different schools in Easton – the Councell children went to Talbot County Public Schools, while the Wheatley children went to Sts. Peter and Paul, they still got together regularly. After the Wheatleys moved to Easton during their older children’s high school years and the Councells sold their dairy cows in the 70s, time was then freed up in the summer months for the families to take the children on camping trips together to places like Frontiertown near Ocean City, Seaside Camp Resort near Bethany Beach, Delaware, and even Chincoteague, Virginia for the annual Pony Swim.

Sard states that her grandmother was at Dixon House and Wright’s parents were friends with a couple who lived at Dixon House, so both families were familiar with the surroundings. The Dixon House’s original purpose at the turn of the century when it was founded was “to provide a comfortable and affordable home for senior women.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, both families were hesitant to move their mothers for fear of not seeing them during the stay-at-home orders. In the end, though, both agree that it was the best decision they could have made for keeping their loved ones safe during the pandemic.

Sard comments, “We wanted our mother to be active and The Dixon House offered that. She is thriving here. She feels she is contributing by helping to organize social gatherings like in the old days, which makes her happy.”

Wright adds, “The caregivers here have been amazing and our mom is well taken care of. She was an avid gardener and was even able to help plant and tend the flowers on the front porch at The Dixon House after she arrived.”

Just to be sure they always have a place to chat, the Councells added an extra chair in Karaleen’s room for Anne so the two can visit whenever they want. The Wheatleys hope to do the same in Anne’s room.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Welcomes Trippe, Tanner to Board of Directors

November 13, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to welcome Sam Trippe and Dan Tanner to its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is comprised of residents and community members who volunteer their time to provide guidance and strategic direction to the cooperative and its management team. The Resident Directors are elected by their fellow Londonderry community members.

“Sam and Dan are great additions to the Londonderry Board of Directors,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “Their professional, volunteer and leadership experience in Talbot County and beyond are an asset to our entire team.”

Londonderry on the Tred Avon welcomes Sam Trippe and Dan Tanner as new board members.

Sam Trippe has been a Londonderry resident since 2016. Sam is a graduate of the Naval Academy and ended his service as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his time in the military, he had a 32-year career as an engineer and administrator for the 3M Company before retiring to Easton in 1995. Sam and his wife, Rosemary, have five children and nine grandchildren. Sam has been deeply involved in the Talbot County Community, having served on the boards of the Chesapeake Maritime Museum, the USNA Alumni Association Eastern Shore Chapter and Heath Integrity.

Dan Tanner retired from the US Government with 39 years of service, including four years of active duty in the U.S. Army, followed by a career with the National Security Agency (NSA). He currently serves as a trustee of the Knight of Columbus Regina Coeli Council and is also active with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church and the Memorial Hospital in Easton. At Londonderry, he was on the Finance Committee for seven years and is the community’s Official Bingo Caller, a writer for Londonderry’s monthly newsletter, “The Tred Avon Times,” and one of the original members of the Londonderry Jammers choral group.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Back on Track: The Key to Lasting Mobility and Independence are Strong Thighs

November 4, 2020 by Susan Covey

The quadriceps or “quads,” a group of the four largest muscles in your body, are located in the front of your thighs running from the hips to the knees. It is of utmost importance to keep these muscles strong since they are essential for ambulation and maintaining independence.

This muscle group works to extend the knee and is also active in flexing the hip. The quads play a huge role in walking, since they are responsible for swinging the leg forward as you take a step. They also play a primary role in actions such as getting up from a chair, out of a car, out of a tub and climbing stairs. Strong quads contribute to the balance and stability of your upright body. For instance, you are less likely to stumble if your quadriceps are strong; and if you do stumble or experience any sudden change in momentum, your quads help you to maintain and prevent falls and injuries.

The condition of your quads also plays a major role in your knee health as they are the stabilizers of the knee joint and can help support and reduce stress to arthritic knees. Strong quads protect your back when you bend down to pick something up; while if they are weak, you are more likely to use the muscles of your back rather than your legs to help you lift. This significantly increases the likelihood that you will bend at the spine instead of the knees, which increases your chance of a back strain.

There are number of exercises that strengthen the quads, but it’s extremely important to do them correctly using proper form in order to achieve the desired results. It is essential to maintain good alignment of the joints, meaning you need to make sure your hips, knees and ankles all stay lined up as you move. This is especially significant to those with arthritic joints. Be aware of the position of your kneecaps as you move. They should be pointing forward, not pointing out.

If you have osteoporosis or poor balance, be sure you have something stable to hold onto whenever you attempt these exercises. The ultimate goal is to be able to do these exercises without holding on, but always have support available if you need it.

Chair sit-to-stands: Sit in a sturdy chair and cross your arms over your chest. Stand up, pause then return to a seated position. Repeat 10 times (or build up to this number if you’re unable at first). Do 2-3 sets each day.
Step-ups: Standing in front of a step, bring one foot on the step and press through your whole foot to lift yourself up onto the step. Keep ankle, knee and hip in line as you lift. Then lower yourself back onto your other foot as you step down. Repeat 10 times on each foot.

Here’s to a Falless Fall!

Susan S. Covey is the director of Health and Fitness at Bayleigh Chase in Easton.

Senior Nation: Maryland Community For Life-Talbot to Merge with Partners in Care

October 20, 2020 by Spy Desk

Maryland Community For Life-Talbot announced today that it has entered into an agreement to merge CFL with Partners In Care’s Midshore CFL program. The expected merger is scheduled for November 2020. The merged entities will become a CFL program to serve residents in Talbot and Caroline counties.

Partners In Care (PIC), a private non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization headquartered in Pasadena, Maryland was established in 1993, and offers programs and services that support the independence of older adults in our communities. Through a unique culture of exchange, PIC members volunteer their time and talents to help each other with neighborly services such as transportation, handyman repairs, person-centered support and social engagement. In exchange, members tap into the network of volunteers to ask for assistance when needed.

“We look forward to the opportunities in Talbot County”, noted Partners In Care, CEO & President, Mandy Arnold. “This merger will expand our services to Talbot County and provide geographic diversification for our organization to support aging adults who want to continue to live independently.”

“Partners In Care is a well-established organization with an excellent reputation with its members and volunteers. We believe this merger will ensure the continued success and long-term sustainability of the CFL-Talbot program,” said Executive Director, Marion Donahue.

About Partners In Care

Partners In Care is a private non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization offering programs and services that support the independence of older adults in Anne Arundel, Talbot, Caroline, Frederick, and Washington Counties. For more information visit www.Partnersincare.org.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Recognized as Best Residential Community by Coastal Style Magazine

August 20, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been named the “Best Residential Community” in Talbot and Dorchester Counties by the readers of Coastal Style magazine for the second consecutive year.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of our residents and the Eastern Shore community,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “Londonderry’s holistic approach to wellness, emphasis on aging in place and commitment to an active and engaged community sets us apart and makes our campus a wonderful place to live and work.”

Coastal Style readers, as well as the general public, had the opportunity to vote for their preferred businesses, vendors and organizations earlier this year in a variety of categories.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Helping Seniors in Isolation During COVID-19

July 21, 2020 by For All Seasons, Inc.

Seniors are an especially vulnerable population during COVID-19, given their increased co-morbidities. They often feel stressed and anxious due to the increased risk of not only contracting COVID but also suffering more complications if they contract the virus. Some seniors may also be feeling increased sadness related to the isolation caused by the pandemic.

According to Mary Beth Brinsfield, MSN, CRNP-PMH, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at For All Seasons, “A common theme I hear from my older patients is how they miss seeing their families, particularly their grandchildren.”

Rob Sanchez, MD, a family practice physician specializing in geriatrics and hospice medicine, comments, “My senior patients have done pretty well, following the quarantine instructions and staying home.”

He adds that fear seems to be the worst thing facing seniors. He encourages patients to listen to less television and listen to more music. He comments, “I suggested that to a patient, and they called me to tell me how it helped them cope better.”

Dr. Sanchez also gives hope to his patients sharing that at some point that there will be a vaccine for coronavirus and that the medical community knows more about the virus now than they did in February and March.

His wife, Lynn Sanchez, a Mental Health Advocate who also works in her husband’s practice, echoes his sentiments about music, “Music can transport us. Seniors can listen to the music channels on cable television or their Alexa or Spotify. You may even ask a senior family member to dance outside with you.”

In a recent article, “Coronavirus and COVID-19: Caregiving for the Elderly,” by Alicia Arbaje, MD, MPH, Ph.D., who specializes in internal medicine and geriatrics at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Arbaje says, “Physical distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation or loneliness. We need to keep older adults safe, but also keep in mind that social isolation can have a negative impact on older people’s immunity and mental health.”

She encourages technology for helping seniors stay connected, showing them how to video chat with others using smartphones, laptops, or tablets and how to use apps on these devices to provide captions for adults with hearing challenges. She adds, “Encourage friends and family outside of your household to telephone, write notes or send cards to lift your loved one’s spirits.”

Brinsfield adds, “Planning drive-by visits, having grandchildren color pictures or write letters is an easy way to help seniors not feel as isolated and helps to keep them in communication with loved ones.”

She further explains that as neighbors and friends, we can do similar acts that can have a positive impact. Checking in on seniors to make sure they have their basic needs met will help to alleviate the anxiety of how they get food supplies (another stressor) or medications. She states, “Making or bringing them food, could also be a way to show they are cared about and not forgotten. Sending cards and notes of thoughts or humor are another way to assist in brightening their day, as well as making phone calls to them. Outside activity is also important for mental health. Inviting a senior to go for a walk or sit on the porch is an easy way for you and them to receive the mental health benefits of fresh air!”

Lynn Sanchez explains that seniors need to have purpose. She credits Erik Erikson’s theory on human development – engaging older adults to repurpose their life skills, and thus reapply wisdom to new areas of their lives. She suggests such activities as knitting comfort shawls, making face masks to protect against the virus, making an indoor terrarium, purchasing a mechanical pet, sorting old photos and talking about the stories that go with them (like their wedding day), and organizing old photos and recipes.

She shares that a nursing home took the shoes of its patients and put them in the lobby to help tell the stories of their lives. “Sharing the memories and the stories is important. Children can even write questions for their parents to answer.”

Dr. Arbaje asks family members to keep in mind that many older people, especially those living with chronic illness, also have important relationships with their caregivers. She states, “To help them stay in touch, ask their doctors’ offices if they offer telemedicine, which enables doctors and patients to communicate over video, email or other means rather than face-to-face.”

“As we enter Phase 2, we are eager to bring patients back into the office. They appreciate being able to come in and see us. It is great for them to have some type of contact again,” Dr. Sanchez adds.

Lynn Sanchez comments, “Because all of our patients come in masked, we are realizing how important a smile is. We are having to learn all sorts of new non-verbal communication.”

Medical providers remind us that it is also important to note that at any time, if there is concern that a seniors’ mental health is posing a safety risk, 911 should be called.

For All Seasons provides therapy, advocacy, psychiatry, and education to Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. The agency accepts all private insurances, medical assistance, and supports English and Spanish speaking individuals regardless of one’s ability to pay. For All Seasons 24-Hour, confidential crisis hotlines are 410.820.5600 for English Hotline and 410.829.6143 for Spanish Hotline. Text available in English or Spanish at 410.829.6143.

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon to Continue Private Tours

June 27, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Following the success of the June 23^rd private tour event, Londonderry on the Tred Avon has decided to offer additional private tours of the campus, its amenities and available cottages and apartments.

The next private tour event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30^th from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and meet with members of Londonderry’s leadership team and also tour available cottages, amenities and the waterfront campus.

“We were thrilled with the fantastic response to our first event and have added an additional date to accommodate those who we missed,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “We look forward to safely welcoming potential residents and their families to our community.”

Event attendees should meet at Londonderry’s Clubhouse to enjoy refreshments before private tours begin.

For those interested in making the move to Londonderry and not able to join the event, the Sales and Marketing Office is open and conducting in-person and virtual tours of available, move-in ready properties. To schedule a virtual tour and to learn more about Londonderry, please call 410-820-8732.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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