Philadelphia, PA (June 14, 2010) – Fathers with a lifetime of wisdom are offering their expertise just in time for Father’s Day!  Although these fathers now have grown children, their advice is still relevant and can help young dads with their kids today. Raising children is definitely not an easy task, but with the help of these men, fathers in 2010 will be on their way to a better family life.

These senior fathers are all residents of Blue Bell Place, a retirement community in Blue Bell, PA. Their advice ranges from tips on disciplining children to spending as much time with your kids as possible. Here is some guidance from men who have seen it all:

 

Ron Peck, 78, father of five and grandfather of 14, said:

 “When they do something wrong, tell them it’s wrong and explain what the correct behavior is – don’t just yell at them.  This way, they will actually learn how to behave.”

 

Jerry Zulli, 86, father of two, said:

“Treat your children right and you’ll get a lot of love in return.  That worked for me.  We have so much love in our family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

 

John Edford, 92, father of three, said:

“Every Saturday and Sunday I made sure we spent time together.  We went fishing or to the lake or on a little trip, whatever we were doing we were spending time together.”

 

Darlis “Smitty” Smith, 88, father of three, reflected on his experiences as a father:

 “I got a call from my son last week and he said, ‘Dad, there are so many times where I hear your voice in my head telling me what I should be doing.’ This is a sign that I did alright as a father.”

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Moms with years and years of experience are speaking out in time for Mother’s Day. Even though they raised their own children decades ago, experienced mothers offer tips to young moms because the advice is just as meaningful today as it was some sixty years ago. In between work schedules, carpooling, cooking and diaper changes, moms in 2010have even more hassles and frustrations and can use all the advice they can get.

These senior mom experts are all residents of the Philadelphia-area Watermark Retirement Communities. Their advice ranges from tips on raising kids to advice for the moms’ personal lives.

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For many in the Blue Bell, Pennsylvania area, the snowbound were on their own. Not so at Blue Bell Place. People were there for each other, as they always are. With residents safe, warm and fed, and snow removal complete, associates engaged in an impromptu game of tackle. As snowballs flew, residents watched gleefully out their windows. “It was a beautiful sight,” said Executive Director Kathy Wise.

After associates grabbed snow shovels to dig out each other’s cars from under 3 feet of snow, they relocated them to plowed areas for the night, in case of emergency. They knew they weren’t driving anywhere that night, not in the blizzard one news outlet was calling The Snow-Pocalypse. After the strenuous work was done, community life director Maureen Bonner commented “I feel so lucky to work with this team!”

Exhausted from their long day, 20 associates had no trouble sleeping that night in makeshift beds – in the storage room, in the beauty salon and in model apartments.

The main message from Executive Director Kathy Wise was “I am blessed to work with such a great group of associates.”

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Facebook for Old Folks
NBC Philadelphia - Tim Furlong with Steve Gresham

A group of seniors at Blue Bell Place learned the ins and outs of social networking. The program helps keep their minds sharp while keeping the seniors in touch with family. But the toughest part for one guy -- there is too much to remember!

Watch the video.

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Philadelphia, PA (September 14, 2009) – Social Networking – it’s good for all ages … from the youngest technology guru to the oldest! As part of the mission to encourage brain and body fitness, Executive Director Kathy Wise of Blue Bell Place – a Watermark community with assisted living and memory care in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, had an idea for the community that really took off this summer: a Watermark University course in Facebook and Social Networking.  As a result, the course she created will launch at all the other Watermark Retirement Communities in the Philadelphia area.  These additional communities include The Watermark at Logan Square (Center City Philadelphia), Woodbury Mews (Woodbury, New Jersey), Rockland Place (Wilmington, Delaware), and Rose Tree Place (Media, Pennsylvania).

Wise created the first Facebook and Social Networking course at Blue Bell Place through Watermark University, the brain and body fitness programming available at each of the Watermark Retirement Communities.  The four other Philadelphia area communities will also launch their courses through Watermark University, using Wise’s as a model.  First, each community will hold an introductory class on the subject, with a teacher using his or her own Facebook page as an example.  Seniors, through the instructor’s demonstration, will learn how to “friend” people on Facebook, find family members and acquaintances, upload photos, and keep their Facebook friends updated on their lives.  They will learn how easy it is to communicate with their children and grandchildren! Also part of the course is a discussion of general safety and personal privacy online, and how to utilize the Facebook privacy options so that the seniors feel secure using the site. 

“The response was overwhelming!” Wise said recently of her introductory course. “Residents absolutely loved the idea of Facebook once they saw how easy it is to touch base and stay connected to friends and family, especially their grandchildren, anywhere in the world.”

After the initial class, seniors who are interested can continue to work with the instructors one-on-one so that they can build their individual pages.  Wise decided to structure the course in this manner to help seniors improve their computer skills and to ensure their ability to easily navigate Facebook and other Social Networking sites.   All the Watermark Retirement Communities will follow this same approach, as it has been proven successful at Blue Bell Place.

“We strive to be innovative in our approach to retirement, and always look for ways to ‘break the mold,’” said Jill Hofer, Director of Communications and Public Relations of Watermark Retirement Communities, based in Arizona.  “Kathy’s success in teaching these Facebook and Social Media skills to residents is a wonderful demonstration of the educational programming available at all Watermark Retirement Communities.  We’re thrilled that all our Philadelphia area communities will offer this same class in the upcoming Watermark University fall semester.”

Watermark University course registration at all of the communities is open to the general public.  Anyone is welcome to enroll in the Facebook and Social Networking course or any of the Watermark University fall semester courses at Blue Bell Place (Blue Bell, Pennsylvania), The Watermark at Logan Square (Center City Philadelphia), Woodbury Mews (Woodbury, New Jersey), Rockland Place (Wilmington, Delaware), and Rose Tree Place (Media, Pennsylvania).

 “I never would have thought I would be using a computer to talk with my brother-in-law and making lunch dates,” said Phyllis Shisler, Blue Bell Place Resident.  “I can’t wait to share pictures of my upcoming cruise with family and friends on Facebook.”

Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for over 20 years.  Watermark is committed to creating a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their true selves.  These communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure and are located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Arizona. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.watermarkcommunities.com" www.watermarkcommunities.com.
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In the US, more than 24 million people have Diabetes and millions more will be diagnosed in the next five years. With Diabetes on the rise, education is crucial. According to Sandy Muchnick, M.Ed., CDE at ABC programs, people who receive Diabetes education are four times less likely to develop complications such as heart attacks, blindness, kidney failure and amputations.

Despite this fact, very few people with Diabetes receive any education at all, and many more need to update their education. Because Diabetes care is continually evolving, people need to stay informed about new tools and techniques to stay healthy and productive.

Denial, lack of proficiency for self-care skills and insufficient knowledge about diabetes can be barriers to patient compliance. ABC evaluates patients' self care skills and knowledge using validated assessment tools that follow the ADA guidelines. They use a problem-solving approach and behavior modification techniques to help people with diabetes handle real-life situations and address issues that can be obstacles to their compliance.

ABC Diabetes Programs and Watermark Retirement Communities have partnered to offer a comprehensive Diabetes education program as part of Watermark University. The informative, interactive program stresses education and involvement of the family of the individual with Diabetes. When a person has Diabetes, it affects the entire family, so attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends to the program to learn how to help so people can stay healthy now and for years to come.

ABC Diabetes Programs will take place at Rose Tree Place in Media Pennsylvania, The Watermark at Logan Square in Philadelphia, Rockland Place in Wilmington Delaware and Blue Bell Place in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

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Blue Bell, PA - The eagerly awaited Forbes 2009 listing of the top 10 Best Places to Grow Old has named Montgomery County, PA as first on its list of places that offer just what seniors and retirees are looking for now: the excitement that comes with convenient proximity to a major metropolis, the security of living in a place with a solid economic base and significant health and social resources for individuals of all ages, and the educational and cultural opportunities that exist so close to home when prestigious institutions such as Bryn Mawr and Haverford College are so close by.

While the Top Ten listing for Montgomery County may be big news to the rest of the world, it comes as no surprise to the people at Blue Bell Place, an assisted living community that has served seniors in Montgomery County for 8 years.

Kathy Wise, executive director of Blue Bell Place comments: “New residents from outside our area are often quite surprised just how welcoming Montgomery County is. There’s always something intriguing and fun to do around here. With all this richness around us, we certainly don’t have to struggle to find topics for our Watermark University courses or community outings.”

Although Montgomery County is home to the largest mall on the East Coast, most of the county is idyllic and historically rich, attracting bird watchers, hikers who use a network of multi-use trails that wind through the scenic countryside, and history enthusiasts who enjoy several local heritage sites and regular Revolutionary and Civil War reenactment events. Shopping and dining opportunities are as richly varied and bountiful as one would expect.

To pinpoint those U.S. counties deemed to be the best places to grow old, Forbes took several data points. First, the percentage of those aged 65 and over in counties with a total population of 500,000. The slightly higher percentage of seniors in these counties means that retirees can enjoy the company and interests of their peers. Second, Forbes took into account the general economic health of the county, using unemployment rates, median monthly housing costs and median income of those 65 and over. Finally, Forbes determined the number of hospitals, clinics and elder care facilities per 10,000 people in each county. (See details below.)

Data from Forbes
Montgomery County
Total Population: 778,048
Percent of Population 65 and Over: 14.9%
Median Income of Those 65 and Over: $41,323
Median Housing Costs Per Month: $1,539
Average 2008 Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Number of Hospitals, Clinics and Elder Care Facilities Per 10,000 People: 2

About Blue Bell Place.
Blue Bell Place is an assisted living and memory care community, located at 777 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Blue Bell Place is professionally managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, a company committed to creating communities full of spirit, character, integrity, compassion and adventure – where everyone is encouraged to express their true self. Watermark has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years. Watermark communities are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Arizona. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.

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Retirement community. These words no longer evoke the traditional images from even a few short years ago. Stereotypical scenes of rest, relaxation and rocking chairs are being replaced by active lifestyles and renewed vitality. Today's seniors know what they are seeking in retirement and are savvy shoppers when it comes to making the very important decision regarding which community is right for them. For many seniors deciding between retirement communities, top priorities include independence and the freedom of choice to create a lifestyle that meets their unique needs.

The challenge then, is how to determine which community is the right fit for you? Why not try it before you buy it? What does this mean for seniors searching for the ideal retirement lifestyle? For many, it means getting a taste of a community before actually moving in. Short term stays - sometimes called vacation stays - provide the best opportunity to determine which retirement community is ideal for you. It's as simple as packing a bag for a weekend or a few short days and experiencing a community and all it has to offer.

To get the most out of your short term "test drive," consider the choices and benefits that are most important to you and your family. What are your preferences for dining, transportation, personal care, social activities, as well as educational and wellness opportunities? Can you exercise and dine when, where and how you desire? Your vacation stay should clarify the answers to these and many other questions such as: Will the community allow you to make the choices that are important to you? Is the staff professional and friendly? Do you feel at home in the apartment? Would you enjoy the company of your new neighbors and friends?

Every individual has unique preferences and needs for senior living. For many residents at Blue Bell Place, life-long learning and wellness activities, in addition to weekly trips and outings were the determining factor. For others, it was the opportunity to move to Pathways, Blue Bell Place's innovative Memory Care community, which meets the unique needs and enriches the lives of residents with memory care needs.

For individuals considering Pathways, vacation stays are very popular because they offer families the peace of mind that comes with knowing that while they are away, their loved one is well cared for. A vacation stay within Pathways can be of great assistance to families considering moving their loved one to a secured memory care community. This short term visit can help clarify whether or not the move is the right choice for everyone.

The choice between retirement communities is critically important. Make your choice an educated one. Experience a vacation stay at each of the communities you are considering. The investment you'll make in just a few short days could result in a healthier, happier retirement that's right for you.

This article was submitted by Kathy Wise, Executive Director of Blue Bell Place - a Watermark Retirement Community. To learn more visit www.bluebellplace.com or call (610) 277-6443.

Copyright 2008, Reporter, The (Lansdale, PA) - a Journal Register Company Property, All Rights Reserved.

 

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