About the Author

By Lisa Kiely

 In July of 2004, shortly after coming to Park Springs Continuing Care Retirement Community in Stone Mountain, Ga. our executive staff set out to implement a program that would later be known in our community as the Six Areas of Wellness. Although it is not a new concept, I wanted to help redefine what this term meant. To do so, we asked our Members to take a survey about wellness and what the word “wellness” meant to them. We quickly learned that our definition was not exactly the same as theirs. The answers from the survey allowed us to readjust our objectives and to appreciate the concerns of our Members.

In creating our Six Areas of Wellness, our goal was to create an environment that would allow our Members to live an independent lifestyle as long as their health would allow. To do so, we made it a priority to offer educational, recreational and cultural programs that focused on a variety of aspects. Currently we have over 50 activities planned each month and 108 special interest groups on site. Our vision has always been to create an environment that promotes wellness and personal growth by including the following Six Areas of Wellness:

Occupational, Physical, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Psychological.

Occupational Wellness involves preparing and making use of ones skills and talents. Because we offer numerous events and activities we have the ability to help move Members from casual to connected relationship. A casual Member might attend a few events, but often does not engage with any of our other Members. When I see this type of behavior, I will try to “connect” with that Member by inviting him/her to one of our events. A personal invitation allows that Member to not only feel special, but it also obligates them to follow through on my invitation. Once I have been able to connect with him/her, that Member will often times become what we like to call a “committed member”

Physical Wellness is necessary not only for our Members physical well being, but their mental well being as well. A proper diet also allows our Members to maintain the strength and determination they need to carry out daily objectives. Recently, our community participated in the DeKalb County Senior Olympics and took home a few medals. Staying fit and active allows Members to participate in something meaningful, which in turn raises their self-esteem and keeps them involved in mind, body and spirit.

Social Wellness is necessary for a full and complete life. Relationships play an important part of who we are and how we feel.  They also provide us with a support system during tough times and a place to express joy in times of happiness.  Social Wellness involves building healthy, nurturing and supportive intimate relationships as well as fostering a general connection with everyone around you.  It’s also about learning how to balance your social life with your personal life. Throughout the year we hold numerous social activities and we have found that our members at times like doing things out of the ordinary or things that may be unexpected. Daily routines are important, but it is also important that our Members get out of the community from time to time to enjoy everything that life offers.

Intellectual Wellness concerns our Members ability to think, organize, learn and remember. We offer numerous activities in our community that challenge our members to keep learning. Recently, we had close to 10 Members sign up to continue their education at a local college. Keeping a sound mind by participating in activities such as bingo, bridge, language studies, bible study and painting allows our Members to engage with their peers in activities that they enjoy.

Psychological Wellness is the ability to feel and express emotions such as happiness, anger and sadness. It is one of the key components of anyone’s overall well-being and allows our Members a way to manage their stress while maintaining their self esteem. By participating and interacting our Members are able to keep balance in mind, body and spirit.

 Lisa Kiely is Leisure Services Director for Isakson Living’s Park Springs, an Atlanta Continuing Care Retirement Community in Stone Mountain. Kiely has been with Park Springs for four years; in her current position there she oversees activities for over 650 members in independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.

Prior to joining Park Springs, Kiely was Activities Director for four years with Lake Forest Good Samaritan Village and Wellness Director with the YMCA for ten years. Kiely is a Community Life Services Resource Consultant for Life Care Services, one of the nation’s leading senior community management companies. In addition, Kiely teaches exercise classes at the YMCA, trains instructors for the YMCA and hosts wellness clinics and seminars. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University, Kiely is a Certified Activities Director, Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer and has taught aerobics since the early 80’s.

About Park Springs Medical Services

Park Springs’ Medicare certified clinic is led by Board Certified Geriatrician Dr. Margaret White and two geriatric nurse practitioners. The staff specializes in comprehensive care for older adults. Clinic services are available to all members. In addition to providing medical care, the clinic provides education, health monitoring and wellness promotion. Those members that require skilled nursing are able to receive care for 90 cumulative days free of charge

About Park Springs

Park Springs is a 398-home campus-style community that is situated on 54 acres and surrounded by Stone Mountain Park. A 64-suite health center provides assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia/Alzheimer’s care. The campus style community boasts a 50,000 square foot clubhouse serving meals in four themed dining rooms daily and a 12,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders named Park Springs a Platinum winner. Park Springs is developed by Isakson Living and managed by Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a leader in senior living communities. LCS today serves more than 23,000 residents daily in over 80 communities nationwide. For more information on Park Springs, call 770-879-5006, 800-267-7126 or visit http://www.parkspringscommunities.com.

Members of the Atlanta Falcons visit continuing care retirement community in Stone Mountain
 
Park Springs, the Southeast’s premier Atlanta senior living community, rolled out the red carpet for seven members of the Atlanta Falcons and two cheerleaders on Tuesday, October 6. The Falcons players, which included Jerious Nerwood, Jonathan Babineaux, Thomas DeCoud, Brian Finneran, Verron Haynes, Coy Wire and Kroy Biermann joined our Members in some competitive games of Wii Bowling and sports trivia.

A few players also joined Members for some light exercise at Cobblestone, Park Springs’ health care center before hitting Park Springs’ Petanque court for a quick lesson on the game that originated in the southern France. The Falcons were on location as part of their “Hometown Huddle” program that disperses members of the team to locations throughout the metro Atlanta area.

“Any time you can give back it also brightens my day,” said Babineaux. “The guys are good with community service and we really enjoy what we do. Added Verron Haynes, “This is important…giving back is important. “Putting smiles on people’s faces is what it is all about.”

The players arrived at our Atlanta senior homes at 10 a.m. and stayed until shortly after 11:30 a.m. signing autographs until every Member had a chance to speak with each player. Many Park Springs Members enjoyed meeting the players as well as getting autographs and pictures for themselves and their grandchildren.

“I am really here representing my grandchildren,” said Fred Jerding. “My grandkids have been asking me the last couple of days if I met the Falcons yet. They will be happy to know that I met them today.”

In addition to Park Springs, Falcons players also visited Long Middle School, H.M. Turner Middle School, Sandy Springs Middle School and Brown Middle School, all with Atlanta addresses, a Publix super market, a Home Depot location in Decatur and the Georgia Aquarium. The Falcons are the only NFL team that involves all 53 players on its roster in such a day.

About the Author

By Dr. Margaret White

Recent research provided by Duke University tells us that seniors are living healthier in mind and body as they age. They are also living longer. According to US Census Bureau, the projected population in 2050 for those 65 and older is estimated to be 88.5 million. That number is staggering considering that seniors 65 and older would comprise 20 percent off the population. Seniors currently 65 and older make up 13 percent (37.9 million) of the population. 

Although we know that seniors are living longer and more fulfilled lives, the question becomes why are they living longer more sustainable lives? The answer to that question might not be what you expect.

For many seniors, basic decisions made on a daily basis now require more and more time and eventually become overwhelming or impossible due to medical conditions. For example, maintaining one’s homes, health, and bills…activities many seniors considered basic chores…become problematic.

So it comes as no surprise that we are seeing more and more seniors deciding to move to Atlanta retirement communities and Atlanta continuing care retirement communities to help alleviate unneeded and unwanted stress. Not only are they finding that they no longer have to go through the process of making stressful decisions, they are also adding years on to their life. Research tells us that seniors that choose to move into retirement communities or CCRC’s are living longer because of the ability to interact and socialize with other residents. They also no longer have to worry about daily stresses such as doctor’s appointments, which are now taken care of by staff geriatricians, nurses etc…

Doctors have known for years, but more and more people are coming to realize that those who have regular contact with others generally live happier and longer lives than those who do not. Not only does staying involved with other people help stave off loneliness and health issues such as headaches, heart disease, ulcers and diabetes, it also keeps their minds active and alert. While we know that staying active and alert is necessary for seniors, we are also now seeing a direct correlation with seniors living longer because of it.

Activities seniors can participate in to keep an active mind and body include:

• Learning to play a musical instrument
• Playing Scrabble or doing crossword puzzles
• Interacting with others
• Switching careers or starting a new one
• Starting a new hobby, such as crafts, painting, biking or bird-watching
• Learning a foreign language
• Volunteering
• Staying informed about what’s going on in the world
• Reading

Activities for residents at Park Springs include:

• Swimming
• Card games
• Petanque
• Yoga
• Artist workshops
• Line Dancing

Dr.Margaret White, a Board-certified internal and geriatric medicine specialist is the Medical Director at Park Springs CCRC in Stone Mountain, Ga.  She received her medical doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed both her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in geriatrics at the University of Tennessee. From 1992 to 2004, she was assistant professor of internal medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, where she also served as clinician, teacher and supervisor of internal medicine residents and geriatric fellows. She held additional teaching and supervisory responsibilities for medical students and nurse practitioners at the Emory Clinic of the Wesley Woods Geriatric Center. At Park Springs CCRC, White oversees medical and quality assurance programs for all temporary and long-term care services offered on campus. Services provided include home health care and assisted living, as well as Alzheimer’s/dementia care and skilled nursing services at Cobblestone, where members receive professional and compassionate nursing care 24-hours a day.

About Park Springs Medical Services

Park Springs’ Medicare certified clinic is led by Board Certified Geriatrician Dr. Margaret White and two geriatric nurse practitioners. The staff specializes in comprehensive care for older adults. Clinic services are available to all members. In addition to providing medical care, the clinic provides education, health monitoring and wellness promotion. Those members that require skilled nursing are able to receive care for 90 cumulative days free of charge

About Park Springs

Park Springs is a 398-home campus-style community that is situated on 54 acres and surrounded by Stone Mountain Park. A 64-suite health center provides assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia/Alzheimer’s care. The campus style community boasts a 50,000 square foot clubhouse serving meals in four themed dining rooms daily and a 12,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders named Park Springs a Platinum winner. Park Springs is developed by Isakson Living and managed by Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a leader in senior living communities. LCS today serves more than 23,000 residents daily in over 80 communities nationwide. For more information on Park Springs, call 770-879-5006, 800-267-7126 or visit www.parkspringscommunities.com.

For James and Caroline Gammell, Park Springs is a perfect fit. Our continuing care community which is designed for seniors ages 62 and older, not only provides them with an expansive array of the finest services and amenities available for Atlanta active adults, it also provides the Gammell’s with the wellness and social environment that they sought.

The couple, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary at the beginning of September, made the move to Park Springs just one month ago. James said the couple is happy to be beginning the newest chapter of their life at the Atlanta continuing care retirement community in Stone Mountain.

“I am well satisfied and well pleased about the move,” said Gammell, who had spent the last 50 years with his wife at Oak Grove Acres, a subdivision just a short 15 minute drive from their current residence. “The people here are so friendly. For our 60th Wedding Anniversary we had a big blowout downstairs in the party room. We had something like 18 or 19 people here. Everyone at Park Springs was very accommodating.”

While Mr. Gammell has just started to enjoy many of the amenities Park Springs has to offer, including a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse with a library, art studio, woodworking room, bridge room, ballroom, bank, business center, market, beauty salon and barber shop, it is the fact that his wife who suffers from dementia, can also enjoy them as well. 

“We have a lady that comes in twice a week and takes my wife to swimming and other activities,” said Gammell. “It is nice to know that she is being taken care of.”

In addition to Park Springs’ amenities and services it offers to its members, our Atlanta retirement community also provides a wide variety of dining options, abundant activities, travel, learning and on-site health care should the need arise. Seniors enjoy living in the Atlanta continuing care retirement community that allows them to concentrate on enjoying life and not worry about medical dilemmas.

Beyond the beautiful buildings and opportunities for personal and social growth lies a deep sense of community. Members use Park Spring’s offerings as a starting point to create a satisfying, secure and fun way of life truly unique in the Southeast.

Senator Johnny Isakson

United States Senator Johnny Isakson came to Park Springs, an Atlanta CCRC, on September 3^rd to discuss current topics and challenges facing Atlanta seniors. Some of the topics he touched upon were the economy and senior housing in Atlanta. Although the focus was on pressing issues in Washington that specifically affect those 62 and older, such as health care, Medicare, changes to estate tax law and social security.

The open forum also allowed Sen. Isakson to field questions from Members. No topic was off limits. Sen. Isakson was very detailed and direct with his responses, skirting no issues presented to him by residents of our Atlanta senior living community.

Through speaking engagements and open forums, like the one at Park Springs, Sen. Isakson aims to get more Americans aware and involved of these pressing issues important to Atlanta active adults.

We are proud to announce that on August 6^th our Members and present a check for $5,232 to the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter.

“We exceeded our goal of $5,000,” said Jill Pigott, a Park Springs Member, who was active in helping raise the funds. “There were a lot of Members and staff involved in the fundraising. It was truly a community effort.”

Since May our Members and the Leisure Services staff has held an assortment of events to raise the funds.  Events included bake sales, breakfast buffets, music concerts and movie screenings. Our Atlanta active adult community has been a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association since its inception five years ago.

Coming together as one statewide chapter has allowed the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter to reach more people more effectively and more efficiently. There are seven regional offices, along with the state office in Atlanta. 

It is estimated that 199,457 Georgians have Alzheimer’s and nearly 500,000 others are affected through their roles as caregivers.  In 2007, the Georgia Chapter was able to serve over 124,000 individuals through programs and services. The Associations mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research and promotion of brain health, and to enhance care and support for all individuals, their families and caregivers. For more information or to volunteer, visit http://www.alz.org/georgia/index.asp. For more information about Atlanta assisted living and memory care please visit us online at http://www.parkspringscommunities.com/.

At Park Springs Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), we understand the importance of volunteerism. In fact we’ve been a strong proponent of it since the opening of our Atlanta senior living community in 2004. On Friday, June 26^th we honored each Member who volunteers at an appreciation party at 2 p.m. in the Clubhouse. Each Member was awarded a certificate of appreciation.

While volunteering can benefit the less fortunate, there may be added health advantages for those giving their time as well. A recent study presented at the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) annual meeting in May showed that retirees over 65 who volunteer had less than half the risk of death than their non-volunteer peers.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way for our Members to not only give back to the community, but to themselves as well,” said Dr. Margaret White, medical director at Park Springs CCRC. “Doctors have known for years, but more and more people are coming to realize that those who have regular contact with others generally live happier and longer lives than those who do not. Not only does staying involved with other people help stave off loneliness and health issues such as headaches, heart disease, ulcers and diabetes, it also keeps their minds active and alert. While we know that staying active and alert is necessary for seniors, we are also now seeing a direct correlation with Atlanta seniors living longer because of it.”

Bud Taylor is one of many Park Spring’s Atlanta active adult Members who has been giving back to the community for years. He currently volunteers at the Fernbank Museum once a week, Meals on Wheels twice a month and at the Park Springs Market every other week. When asked why he does it, he simply replied, “Because I enjoy it.”

Tally Sweat, another Park Spring’s’ Atlanta active adult Member said she enjoys the way volunteering makes her feel both inside and out.

“It’s self-serving in a way; it makes me feel good to know that I am contributing to the betterment of my community, the world, and life,” she said. “It also keeps me active.”

Ms. Sweat’s volunteer efforts are wide in scope. She has helped raise over $9.5 million to restore the historic Park on Ponce de Leon, served on the board for The Trust for Public Land and spearheaded the “Wild Flower” license plate initiative. At Park Springs she chairs the Development Committee for Park Springs Foundation, a foundation that awards educational scholarships to qualifying employees.

Park Springs’ on-campus Atlanta assisted living facility, Cobblestone, also benefits from the Atlanta CCRC’s active volunteer base. This helps by creating a friendship and social bond that has proven to prolong life. Park Spring’s Members also help organize plays, musical performances, parties and outings for the community.

David and Joan Thirsk, who volunteer at Cobblestone, say that volunteering gives them something to do as well as a way to build friendships.

Two of the many involved members at Parks Springs are Ray Dubner and his wife Fran. Ray is a member of the Park Spring’s Finance Committee and is President of the Employee Appreciation Fund at the Atlanta CCRC. He is also the facilitator of the “Monthly Memoir Class.”

Fran currently serves as a “study buddy” to several children at Mountain Park Elementary School in DeKalb County and has served for the past 10 years as the “thank you note correspondent” for Mercer University. Together, they volunteer their time as assistants for the Park Spring’s semiannual Book and Garage Sales, as crewmembers for Park Spring’s theatrical productions and as emcees for the communities’ trivia night.

“We have the time and we want to give back, so we volunteer. We value the experience of being enriched through interacting and hopefully helping others.”

Main Dining Room Menu

It has become increasingly clear over the years that unbalanced food intakes increase the risks of a number of chronic diseases that face senior citizens. Making the necessary food choices is not always easy, but necessary. Recently, the focus for dietary change has been on the maintenance of body weight and nutritional adequacy, with emphasis on increased intake of complex carbohydrates and fiber and decreased intake of sugars, total fat, cholesterol, sodium and alcohol.  As people age, their activity levels change and therefore many other aspects of their lifestyles adjust thereby compounding all of these factors. Illness also alters food intake and the use the body makes of food.  How do medications modify food intake, digestion and absorption?  How does food interfere with the effectiveness of medications? These questions must be answered to best suit ones individual dietary needs as he or she ages.

Many dietitians are now looking at changes in the patterns of living when trying to help people develop better food habits. In today’s society, there is a great reliance upon convenient and ready to eat foods. Evidence has also shown that people are eating much more frequently than in the past, partly because of the many attractive snacks that are available. I suggest eating five small meals a day as an effective way to maintain a well balanced diet. Eating five meals a day will train your body to digest more foods more often. As long as the meals you are eating are not filled with too many calories, your body will learn to digest food quicker, allowing you to digest foods much more easily.

When deciding on what to eat, many seniors factor in taste, smell, temperature and texture. These factors govern our food acceptance and we usually end up eating what we are most familiar with.  Sweet, sour, salty and bitter are the four taste sensations provided by the taste buds and as we age, older adults generally demand that foods are hotter, and despite being seasoned, are bland.  While many people start losing their appeal for different foods due to a reduction in their taste buds, it is still important that each individual receives the proper amount of nutrients when deciding what to eat and seniors can do so by choosing a good variety of healthful foods from each of the five food groups.

Below are my suggestions on what you should take into consideration when making food choices for you, your patients or loved ones.

1. Select four or more servings of fruits and vegetables. These are important for vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin C and fiber.  Include cruciferous vegetables often: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage or cauliflower.

2. Substitute whole-grain breads and cereals for white breads and cereals.  Use four to six or more servings daily.

3. Select low-fat milk and cheeses instead whole milk and cheeses.  Use cream, ice cream and whole milk cheeses rarely. 

4. Include four to five ounces of lean meat, poultry or fish daily.  Use chicken and fish more often.  5. Include three or four eggs a week.

6. Reduce the consumption of sugars and fats.

7. Reduce the intake of salt and heavy salt infused products.

8. Abstain from alcohol or drink in moderation.

9. Reduce the intake of salt-and smoke-cured meats or charbroiled meats.

10. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.

Based on the ten criteria I have provided, I would suggest the following meals based on numerous options at Park Springs. With over 40 entrée items, 35 accompaniments and many other options to choose from, a Member can always find something to meet any diet and conform to any medication demand they may have.

Field green salad with Italian dressing

Baked Scrod

Lima Beans

Brown Rice

Fruit Plate

The accompanying beverage should be water, skim milk, v-8 juice, orange juice, or if wine is desired one should have red wine and limit it to four ounces as alcohol does have the tendency to conflict with many medications and is high in calories.

The Springhouse Grill Menu

Hearts of Lettuce Salad with Italian dressing

Queen cut Filet

Fresh Asparagus

Fresh Carrots

Fruit Plate

The beverages would fall into the same category as in the Main Dining Room.

The Bistro or Market Café Menu would have selections from a variety of entrée salads, turkey sandwich, soups, fresh Salmon, and boneless, skinless chicken breast.  These items can be accompanied by a wide variety of freshly prepared vegetable items.

Park Springs, an Atlanta continuing care retirement community is pleased to announce that Dr. Margaret A. White has been named as the new Medical Director, effective January 1, 2009.

“At a time when fewer and fewer medical students are specializing in internal medicine with a fellowship in geriatrics,” says Joan Carlson, Vice President of Quality, Innovation and Culture for Isakson Living, “we at Park Springs feel so privileged to have secured Dr. White as our  full-time board-certified geriatrician. Her incredible experience in geriatric care speaks for itself.”

Dr. White is a board-certified internal and geriatric medicine specialist.  White received her MD from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and completed both her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in geriatrics at the University of Tennessee. From 1992 to 2004, she was assistant professor of internal medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, where she also served as clinician, teacher and supervisor of internal medicine residents and geriatric fellows. She held additional teaching and supervisory responsibilities for medical students and nurse practitioners at the Emory Clinic of the Wesley Woods Geriatric Center.

Since leaving Emory in 2004, Dr. White has been medical director at Lenbrook, a continuing care retirement community and a private practitioner at Atlanta Geriatric Specialists.  Dr. White provided primary care for the elderly and geriatric consultation in select Atlanta senior living and assisted living communities.

In her new role as Medical Director at Atlanta continuing care retirement community, Park Springs Dr. White will be the primary care provider for Members who choose to take advantage of her professional services. In addition, she will direct the community’s health education and disease prevention programs, and will conduct Atlanta senior living wellness seminars for all Members.

Dr. White will also oversee medical and quality assurance programs for all temporary and long-term care services offered on the campus of Park Springs. These services include home health care and assisted living, as well as Alzheimer’s/dementia care and skilled nursing services at Cobblestone, where Members receive professional and compassionate nursing care 24 hours a day.

Award from Healthcare Georgia Foundation honors dedication to healthcare and work with HealthMPowers

May 12, 2008

We are proud to announce that the Healthcare Georgia Foundation’s Connections 2008: Strengthening the Health of Georgia Through the Nonprofit Community conference, our very own E. Andrew (Andy) Isakson, developer of Park Springs and Peachtree Hills Place, was named one of the 2008 recipients of the Joseph D. Greene Community Service Award. This award is an honor for Isakson himself, and for the rest of us here at Park Springs and Peachtree Hills Place.

He received the award for his outstanding involvement of time, ideas, expertise and financial resources and with excessive work with HealthMPowers, a non-profit organization that is based out of Atlanta that provides inclusive health programs to schools within Georgia. HealthMPowers, serves more than 36,000 students in Georgia each year. With more than 30 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate in Georgia, he is clearly an inspirational figure for those in our Atlanta senior living communities. Isakson exhibits passion of helping seniors to improve their life and make retirement as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.