Last weekend, The Saybrook at Haddam participated in a wonderful event: The Hartford Courant’s Transitions Living & Planning Expo for Active Adults and Seniors. We had an informational booth to “introduce” visitors to our retirement, assisted living, and memory care community – and were happy to meet so many people who were researching options available to them and their family members.
Experts from a wide range of areas – from financial planning, legal services, travel, real estate, family support, and other lifestyle issues – were on hand to give workshops and presentations on a few of the many concerns seniors and families face regarding retirement. Seeing this large group of resources available to families was refreshing – and a little overwhelming for some people just starting the journey of retirement planning.
As we looked at the speakers during the event, we were glad to see so many of our own philosophies on “graceful aging” reflected. Dr. Aileen Pangilinan from St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center spoke about the “Principles of Healthy Aging,” something we stress through our wellness program. Author and “life organizer” Lynn McPhelimy spoke about improving family communications – a topic that is particularly relevant to us as we work with many adult children who have to work together to make crucial decisions for their parents.
Attendees also said they appreciated the insight offered by Ian MacDonald, LMSW, of the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, who discussed the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ian shared important information on the detection, risk factors, stages and treatment of the disease — which are issues we face every day with residents and families in our Safe Harbor Memory Care community.
We also were happy to see Howard Schwartz from the Better Business Bureau on hand to talk about protecting seniors from scams and ID theft. Unfortunately, senior citizens are prime targets for these types of horrible crimes – and we were glad he presented real tips to help seniors from getting “trapped.”
From the many families we talk to every day, we know transitioning into the senior years comes with many issues and concerns. That is why we were so happy to be a part of this important educational event.
If you missed the Transitions Living & Planning Expo for Active Adults and Seniors expo – or if you have questions regarding your own retirement living plans or those of your loves ones – please contact us by clicking here or by calling 860-345-3779. We welcome the opportunity to give you a private tour and answer any of your questions.
