My name is Allyson and I'm what you could call a "professional blogger." As journalism changes, we've got to stay one step ahead of the curve. These days, blogging is where it's at.

I'm new to the Bethany Village team and senior living in general. I'm a life-long Ohio resident and I'm full of "Buckeye State" pride! I think it's great that Bethany Village is jumping headfirst into the social media movement. As more adult children get involved in retirement decisions with their parents, tools like blogs will really make an impact.

Since blogging is all about personal connections, let me share a unique fact about me: I write about rock bands in my spare time! It's true - I love music and attending concerts with friends is my favorite hobby.

There is positive news to report on the fight against Alzheimer's disease. The Obama administration will boost Alzheimer's research funding which could one day pave the way to finding a cure.

President Obama will ask for an additional $156 million increase in funding over the next two years.

The National Institutes of Health will commit another $50 million in funding this year. This is in addition to the 80 million dollars the president included in his 2013 proposed budget. 
 
Another $26 million would be allocated starting next year for caregiver support, education, and public awareness.

Alzheimer's is "a disease that takes a devastating toll on millions of Americans," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said when the funding plan was announced. "Reducing the burden of Alzheimer's disease on patients and their families is an urgent national priority."
 
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in America. More than five million people suffer from the disease in the U.S. alone. That number is predicted to balloon to 16 million by 2050.  

Bethany Village offers a caring environment for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The area, known as Courtyard Park, opened in 2009. Residents live in households, each with a private bedroom and bathroom.  Contact Dana Lynch at 937-436-7557 to learn more. For more information on Alzheimer's disease and care giving support, please visit the Miami Valley chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.


 

Bethany Village Pastor Bob Ashburn reflects on the month of February.

February is longer this year because it’s a leap year, but it’s still the shortest month of 2012. Despite this short time, it is packed with so much.

Love is celebrated during this month because of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. Saint Valentine’s Day was originally a Christian holiday, celebrating the life of a man who opposed a Roman ban on marriages in the Third Century. Valentine became a martyr, but his name lives on because he was right. Marriage and family are so important to any society – and love certainly is the foundation of marriage and family.

Lent, the penitential season of the church year, begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 22. We start the season with ashes, not as a sign of how dirty we are, but rather as a sign of how we have been cleansed. Ashes were used as cleaning agents in ancient times, much like soap and detergents are used today. Lent is 40 days long, but does not include Sundays, so the period from Ash Wednesday to Easter is 46 days.

Feb. 29 only comes around every four years. We have this extra day because the revolution of the earth around the sun doesn’t fit perfectly with our 24 hour days. If we don’t have this extra day, the seasons and our calendars just won’t agree. To keep things in order, we are given the gift of an extra day. Take this day, then, to remember how much love there is in your life and the cleansing that you have received from God.

(Centerville, OH) On January 19 Bethany Village, sponsored by Graceworks Lutheran Services, unveiled the designs and redevelopment construction plan for nine new Grand Cottages that will replace 12 original cottages constructed in 1972. Aptly named “Grand”, the new cottages are 50% larger than the cottages they replace and are loaded with pleasing amenities, comfort and safety features achieved through universal architectural design.
 
More than 100 invited guests attended the reception and unveiling presentation to learn more about senior housing options and trends in retirement communities from Bill Serr, President and CEO of Graceworks Lutheran Services and George Oberer, Jr., President of Oberer Companies, the project developer.

“Our commitment to the community is to meet the needs of area seniors and this means offering the very latest in housing options,” said Bill Serr.
 
“Today’s retirees want new construction, fresh approaches to daily living, bright and open floor plans and smart spaces. This is a unique opportunity to experience new construction at Bethany Village. Although we will continue to remodel and enhance other cottages and residences as opportunity allows, brand new construction may not be possible again for several years,” he stated. Construction begins in March and plans call for cottages to be completed by the end of the year.

Mr. Serr noted that even during the recent downturn in the real estate market and ongoing slow economy, Bethany Village remains “stable and vibrant, thanks in large part to listening to our customer’s needs and wants and careful planning.”
 
The unveiling event also featured reality video testimonials by five Bethany Village residents about what it means to live at Bethany. They were present to answer questions. See the video on the website www.bethanylutheranvillage.org.
 
The $1.9 million project for the nine new Grand cottages caps off new construction on Bethany Village’s 100-acre campus in the foreseeable future. Bethany’s master plan, which peaked in 2009 with the $47 million expansion program, added 60 new residences for the nationally accredited continuing care retirement community that is home for more than 750 adults over the age of 62. Bethany Village was founded in 1946. 
 

Did you make a resolution to get fit this new year? Maybe you just want to add a little cardio into an already existing workout routine. Whatever the case, walking is a great option -- especially for seniors! Places like Bethany Village offer safe and expansive walking trails for both exercise and pleasure. Bethany's full time exercise physiologist Christy Trittschuh has some tips to integrate walking into your everyday routine. Here are her top five tips:

1. Time is more important than distance. Strive for 20 to 30 minutes a day. You can start with even 5 minutes of walking at a time and build from there.

2. Wear shoes with a rubber sole, good arch support and cushioning.

3. Pedometers are good to measure the distance. You can make great strides by just adding one more block at a time to each walk.

4. A buddy is a good support system and encouragement tool. Find someone who will hold you accountable for doing the exercise. You will also feel secure that someone is with you.

5. Always remember: if it is icy, move your workout indoors.

Finally, do you need a little help sticking with your resolutions? Christy has help with that as well. She says to:

1. Do activities you enjoy.

2. Integrate fitness in your schedule.

3. Use the buddy system for motivation and support.

4. Stay off the weight scales.

5. Start off slowly.

6. Remember: you’re unique.

7. Don’t work too hard – go at your own pace.

8. Reschedule missed workouts.

9. Make fitness a habit.

10.Have a plan for what you want to achieve from your workout.


Finally, if you're already an avid exerciser, you might consider another popular resolution aimed at older adults. Some of these include planning a fun trip, reading a self-help book and committing to laughter.  

Did you make a resolution for 2012?

Bethany Village Pastor Bob Ashburn reflects on the holiday season.

We have many celebrations in December. Those of us in the Christian traditions are celebrating the birth of Jesus our Lord. This is the assurance for us that God is with us and that God is willing to go to extreme measures to be with us. Even though the date has been set for December 25th, we do our celebrating all month long or even longer. There is a radio station here in Dayton that began playing Christmas music on November 1st this year! The giving in the Christmas tradition goes back to the gifts of the Wise Men (their holiday is January 6th) and to St. Nicholas (his holiday is December 6th). When we talk about the twelve days of Christmas, however, these are the days from December 25th until January 5th.

In the Jewish tradition there is the celebration of Hanukkah. This is a holiday that in 2011 begins on December 20th and continues through December 28th. The celebration commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek-Syrian army in the Second Century BCE. The celebration is the "Festival of Lights" because God’s miracle during the victory had to do with an oil supply for lights that did not go out. Today, families celebrate this festival through the lighting of lights, through gift giving, through eating of foods cooked with oil, and through the playing of games.

Now, notice that in our December celebrations we have traditions of giving and sharing. We remember at this time, no matter what our faith, that we have something to give to others and that we have received so much from others as well. May your December be filled with much giving and much sharing.

While driving past my local fire station this morning, I saw a line of children – they looked like first- or second-graders – walking two by two with a teacher at the either end of the queue. They were headed into the firehouse for what was likely their first-ever visit and formal lesson in fire safety. And since October 9-15 is National Fire Prevention Week, the children’s field trip was very timely!

We are very conscientious about teaching our kids the basics of fire safety because they are such a vulnerable group. Many of us, however, overlook what is arguably an equally vulnerable group – the elderly, especially older folks who live alone. Seniors with hearing or vision loss and those with mobility impairments may not detect fire quickly and may be hindered in their escape.

In fact, adults between age 65 and 75 have a fire death rate twice that of the national average; between age 75 and 85, three times the national average; and over age 85, four times the national average. The leading cause of fire deaths in the elderly? Smoking. The leading cause of fire-related injuries in the elderly? Cooking.

Here are some fire safety tips for any senior who lives independently, whether in a retirement village or in a community setting:

• The single most important step you can take to save your life during a fire is to install smoke alarms, which can alert you to the presence of deadly smoke while there is still time to escape. Place alarms next to each sleeping area and on every floor of your home. Ask friends, family members, building managers or someone from the fire department to install and test smoke alarm batteries at least twice a year – spring and fall with the change of daylight savings time is a good plan. If your smoke alarms are hardwired (connected to the electric circuitry of your residence), make sure they are also equipped with battery back-ups.

• Whether at home or elsewhere, always know the location of the nearest exit. If you live in an apartment building, know where the exit stairwell is and plan to wait there for help if you cannot take the stairs. If you live in a multistory house, try to sleep on the ground floor. Plan your escape route around your capabilities and practice it.

• Have at least one fire extinguisher – and know how to use it. Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible in the kitchen. If you are confined to a wheelchair, consider having a small easy-to-reach fire extinguisher in mounted on your chair

• Make sure there is a phone next to your bed within arm’s reach. Keep emergency telephone numbers and hearing aids (if necessary) handy.

• Never leave the stove unattended while cooking. If you need to step away from the stove, turn it off. Keep towels and potholders away from the burners. If food or grease catches fire, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the heat.

• Never use appliances with exposed wires.
  
• Make sure that you are alert when you smoke.
  
• NEVER SMOKE IN BED!
  
• If an oxygen source is nearby, warn guests to refrain from smoking.

• Don't leave portable heaters alone or go to sleep while they are on.
  
• Don’t overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
  
• If your residence is on fire, get out as soon as possible – and stay out. Do not try to gather personal possessions before you leave.

For more information, visit the Ohio Fire Marshal’s website. Take some time during National Fire Prevention Week to think about your own safety and that of your family and friends.

Under any circumstances, moving is wrought with all kinds of stress. But when you are leaving a house you’ve called home for a long time, friends and neighbors whose lives have intertwined with yours, a church that has been a pillar of strength, and a community of people who have made up the fabric of your life – well, it’s just more than anyone can be expected to embrace joyfully. Faced with this kind of profound change, many people need a helping hand to help them make a smooth transition.

The majority of people who move to Bethany have been in their homes for more than 30 years. The house itself is like a family member. That’s a lot of memories – and often meaningful personal possessions – to leave behind. And when the transition is rushed, there is even less time to prepare for the move emotionally.

To help make moving easier for new residents, Bethany Pastor Bob Ashburn established a moving transition support group here at Bethany. The group had its first meeting in September, and although it was small, feedback was positive.  The group will become the "first stop" for new residents wanting to balance their feelings of loss with their anticipation for a happy future Bethany.

We encourage open discussion so people can share their coping strategies and learn they are not alone in feeling sad or even fearful about making such a dramatic change. The goal of the support group is to help residents learn that nothing will – or should – replace their memories. And most of all, they can find new friends, new traditions, and lots of fun, peace and joy at Bethany Village.

The following is an original devotion by Pastor Larry A. Hoffsis, Graceworks Mission Integration Consultant. The words are in memory of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Newspaper headlines today warn of another attack. New Yorkers are asked to be vigilant. Fear is again in the air…literally. A case in point: my cousin was going to fly from Mobile to join her two sisters in Minneapolis this weekend, that is, until she realized that this weekend is the 10^th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Ten years later, our elective decisions are still influenced by the fear the attack created.

Where to turn? Like many of you, I instinctively turn to the Bible.  And where in the Bible? To a psalm that has been blessing our church for a long time—Psalm 46.

Just listen to the calming influence of the open verses:

God is our refuge and strength,

                        a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

                        though the earth should change,

                        though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

                        though its waters roar and foam,

                        though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

After more words of assurance, the psalm gives us this refrain:

            The Lord of hosts is with us;

                        the God of Jacob is our refuge.  

To read Psalm 46 in the context of this weekend leads one to conclude that the author must have lived through events as earth-shattering and fear-provoking as those we remember ten years ago.

“Though the earth should change.” Our world changed that day.

“Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea.” Those man-made skyscraper mountains shook that day and collapsed in the heart of the city.

“Though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” The mountains of our self confidence and security, symbolized in these engineering and architectural wonders, trembled, toppled and the tumult resulted in a still-felt fearfulness.

Although that emotion was predictable and understandable, in lifting our eyes beyond the towers to God, we find an antidote for crippling fear. It is confident faith. 

Many had warned Martin Luther not to go to Worms to appear before the Emperor. The twin towers of state and church were crumbling as his protectors. One declared him an outlaw, the other a heretic. Where to turn? He turned to Psalm 46, which further directed him to place faith in the One whose protection would not crumble. God, neither state nor church, is our refuge and strength.          

This God is still a very present help in our time of trouble. This is the reason we do not fear, even though we have experienced the trauma of 9/11 and live today with a continuation of threats. 

The same Lord of hosts who was with Luther, is with us. The same God of Jacob is our refuge.

Prayer:

Oh God, you are our refuge. Give us what is appropriate for this weekend: moments of silence to honor the memory of the fallen, arms of mercy to support the grieving, amazing grace to overcome evil with good, and an abiding faith in you to override our fear. We pray this in the name of Emmanuel, the One you sent to convince us that you are and remain with us.  Amen  

Photo: New York City, USA - May 6, 2011: The World Trade Center Cross, also known as The Ground Zero Cross, is seen being viewed by people along Church Street, Lower Manhattan.

What if a vanilla milkshake could help ease the effects of Alzheimer's disease? Axona, the manufacturer of medical milkshakes, funded a clinical trial that provided some promising results. Researches found that patients who consumed the medical milkshakes found short-term positive effects in cognition and memory. Still, researchers caution that there isn't enough evidence to conclusively say whether the milkshakes really work or not.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5.4 million Americans have the disease. Alzheimer’s affects 1 in 8 people over 65 and causes memory loss, mood and personality changes. Currently Alzheimer’s disease is fatal. A number of prescription drugs are available to fight Alzheimer's but there is no cure.

Axona is available by prescription only and contains 217 calories. Patients mix the powder with any type of liquid. The reason why the Axona milkshakes just might be a breakthrough is because the brains of Alzheimer's patients don't convert glucose into energy as efficiently as healthy brains. According to Axona, the shake contains caprylic triglyceride, a compound derived from coconut oil that is metabolized in the liver to produce ketone bodies which serve as alternate brain fuel for Alzheimer's patients.

For more information on this promising "sweet" drug, visit the Wall Street Journal. Or help find a cure and join Bethany Village in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's.
 

In our blog two weeks ago, we wrote about our favorite ways to celebrate the July 4th Holiday. We wanted to follow up and share with you the menu from the annual picnic celebration that the residents at Bethany Village enjoy so much. 

Residents bring assorted desserts potluck-style to share a sweet ending for their meal of fried chicken, potato salad, rolls and "Angie’s Famous Baked Beans." Angie is a member of the Bethany Life Enrichment staff where she plans and presents many events, such as the picnic. Rachel Abshear, Life Enrichment manager, says, “The residents love her baked beans and request this favorite dish year after year.”

Thanks, Angie, for sharing your recipe:

Angie’s Baked Beans
2 (16 oz.) cans pork & beans (drain beans)
1 Cup salsa (any type)
½ Cup tomato ketchup (any type)
½ Cup light or dark brown sugar
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon mustard (any type)
1 Tablespoon molasses (any type)
¼ Cup B.B.Q. sauce (any type)
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and cover.
Preheat oven and bake at 375 for 1 hour or until
beans thicken; stir occasionally.
(Yields 6 or 8 servings)

What’s your favorite Baked Beans recipe?

Many veterans call Bethany Village home. These brave men and women served our country in all branches of the military and continue that service here at Bethany. An official veterans group is active on campus and recently coordinated a donation drive for the Blue Star Mothers. The drive collected things like socks, batteries, eye drops, candy and much more that our enlisted men and women need while stationed away from home.

During July, Americans remember the anniversary of our independence. At Bethany, residents celebrate just the same. There are cookouts, summer concerts and other activities to stay engaged. If you don’t like the heat, no worries: everything at Bethany is connected, meaning you can still workout in the Fitness Center, have lunch with friends in the Bistro and take an art class all in the comfort of air conditioning.

If you are ready to proclaim your independence, you should first call 937-436-6850 to make a personalized appointment. A senior living counselor will work with you to make sure you get the most out of your visit and help determine if Bethany is the right place for you.

Remember, while your neighbors are working on the lawn in the August heat, you could be sitting on your new patio, sipping iced tea. Or playing bridge with new friends. Or enjoying an art show. Our move-in coordinator can provide advice and help with the downsizing process.

Are you planning to visit communities like Bethany Village over the summer?

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19. The blog writers at Bethany Village share their personal and favorite tips about how they honor their dads on Father’s Day. What are your plans to celebrate Father’s Day? Please include your comments. Click on the bloggers’ names to see their photos and read their biographies.

Karen Kuhn says:

If your Dad is living, make every effort to visit him on Father’s Day. My Dad died at a young age, but my family would always have a summer picnic-style meal to honor him.

Bring the tackle box and go fishing for a few hours. Take along some lemonade too.

Take time to select a card for Dad with a message that will make him smile or laugh out loud.
  
Take a picture of your Dad with your family gathered around to mark the day.

Robyn Nelson says:

When my dad was still living, he loved to go for rides in the car out in the country. My dad had Alzheimer’s disease so this was one of the activities that we could do together that he really was able to participate in and enjoyed so much-- we would drive by all the old places that he remembered from his childhood and I loved to hear his stories. Of course, before returning home, we always made a stop at the ice cream stand for a chocolate malt! I really miss those rides!

Allyson Crawford says:

Every Father’s Day, I like to invite my dad and dad-in-law up to my home for a cook out. I’m a strict vegetarian, but that doesn’t mean I force that on my male meat eaters! To the contrary, my husband likes to grill steaks for everyone to enjoy.

After the cook out, there is usually dessert – perhaps an ice cream cake, or something else special. Then presents. Both dads like to work outdoors, so the gift is usually something to do with gardening or tools. Then the entire family sits around and enjoys the day together. It’s a low key time, and a great afternoon together.

Rachel Abshear says:

Use a website such as blurb or shutterfly to create a picture book of memories of you and your father.

Send (in the mail) a letter to your dad telling him how important he is. Everyone likes to get that isn’t a bill!  And a personal letter is so unusual nowadays.

Create an experience for your dad—take him to a new exhibit at the discovery or art museum or try a fun entertainment locale (like the aquarium, zoo, or Entertainment Junction in West Chester).

Plan an overnight trip to his hometown and let him drive (or ride) around telling you stories about the good old days and his favorite hangouts.

Jenita Sullenger says:

I take all the time in the world and do it early to find just the right Father’s Day card. My dad is very sentimental and I am the only girl of three boys so I relish the opportunity to find just the perfect "Daddy’s girl" card. I have been so blessed that it takes me more time to only decide on one (so he usually gets two or three) since he fits all the Hallmark cards.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8

The blogger team at Bethany Village shares their favorite tips and advice about how to honor Mother and celebrate her special day.

Larry Ramey says:

Call mother and say "I love you." Send flowers with a card included.

Karen Kuhn says:

Take a picture of your Mom and yourself together: priceless.
Give fresh cut flowers. No cooking for Mom on Mother’s Day; you take care of her meal---go out to her favorite restaurant or get her favorite carry out.
Take time to select a card for Mom with a beautiful message and add your own personal sentiment. If your Mom is living, make every effort to visit her on Mother’s Day.


Robyn Nelson says:

Unfortunately, my mom is no longer with me, so part of what I do to honor her memory on Mother’s Day is to reminisce with my children about wonderful memories we have of her. When my mother was living we would prepare a special meal to take to her and spend the day visiting. My mom loved lilacs and tulips, so I always make sure I have a bouquet for my table. The scent of lilacs always reminds me of my mother.

Cathy Bourquin says:

Think as adult children: our Mom’s often have most of the "material" things they need or want. So when my Mom was alive, I would take a day and devote to her and what she wanted done or wanted to do. It may be planting flowers, going shopping or cleaning out a closet….something that made her feel good.

Artie Taylor says:

Invite the rest of the family to be at mom’s house and cook out and have her just mingle with everyone visiting.
Go to the garden center and select some items to plant at her house.
Go to church.
Call her the morning of Mother’s Day and pick her up, and take her to breakfast.

Pam Blumensheid says:

Give her the best gift of all -- your time and conversation!
Spend time together over coffee or a cool drink on the deck or porch.
This is a great idea for a daughter: Schedule a pedicure or manicure for mom – and go with her and have one yourself! Then you can be pampered together.
If you can’t be with her in person, schedule a group Skype call and include as many of our siblings as possible. Make sure to account for different time zones.
If you live near your mom, fix brunch and share it with her. Make sure you call ahead to tell her what the plan is. Then go to her kitchen with all the fixings and cook brunch. Include a small bouquet for the table.

Allyson Crawford says:

For Mother’s Day, every year I select my mom a special gift, take her to lunch and get her some flowers. She doesn’t like flowers that die – rather – flowers that she can plant in the yard and grow all summer long. Now that I’m married, I do the same thing for my mother-in-law.

Meg Wulfeck says:

Post on Facebook…"Top 5 Reasons Why I Love My Mother".
As a child, I would write her poems.
Send her a card.
Take her out to dinner.
Pay a visit.

Barbara Wells-Seay says:

I lost my Mom in April. I’d like to say "Hug your Mother and hold her tight and most of all tell her that you love her."

Rachel Abshear says:

Take her out for an experience—i.e. spa day (both of you getting facials or massages), a tour of the current exhibit at the art museum and lunch, a trip to the zoo or museum of discovery if she’s an animal lover, a make your own pottery day, etc.
Send her a gourmet food basket with her favorite treats.

Jennita Sullenger says:

With my Mom no longer alive, I LOVE planting a perennial in my butterfly garden to honor/ remind me of her or add to my garden statuaries.

My three brothers have started calling me since she died and we reminisce so I get the best of both worlds: being honored by them as a mom and smiling with them because of the blessing my mom was in our lives.

Deb Dicus says:

Go out and have ice cream together.
Go to church with her.
Buy her a new outfit to wear on Mother’s Day.
Coordinate for her to get her hair done.
Call Mom and thank her for everything she has done for me and my siblings.
I send a card with money for my sister to buy flowers for her garden as she lives out of state.

What are some of your favorite tips to honor mom?

There is positive news to report in the battle against Alzheimer’s: the discovery of five new genes that are possibly linked to the disease. American investigators analyzed the genes of 54,000 people, some with the disease and others without. This lead to the discovery of four new genes. British researchers found an additional gene. Together, the teams are working to figure out the correlation of genes on the development of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a form of degenerative dementia. Scientists now believe the disease is 80% genetic.

"Through our ongoing research, we are finding genes that increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, allowing us to pinpoint what may be going wrong, biologically, in the brain," Cardiff University's Julie Williams said of the study and its findings.

The five newly discovered genes impact the body in the way the brain processes cholesterol, lipids, the removal of toxic amyloid-beta protein from the brain and even the immune system.

According to researchers, there are now ten known genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Experts estimate that just being able to treat the effects of those 10 genes would reduce Alzheimer’s cases by 60%.

Researchers say finding these five new genes is a positive step in the right direction when it comes to completely understanding what causes Alzheimer’s disease. Experts say it could take 15 years for treatments to result from this most recent, promising study.

Have a family member or loved one with Alzheimer's disease? Bethany Village's Courtyard Park is a state-of-the art memory supportive care center. Our staff is dedicated to helping residents face the challenges of living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

The new research is published in the journal Nature Genetics.