One of the more popular activities at The Saybrook at Haddam is our “Books with Joan” gatherings. Residents meet up in the second floor Great Room to get comfortable and listen to Joan Szewczyk, longtime member of the activities team at The Saybrook at Haddam, read from books of their choosing. The group often takes on a theme such as American presidents, composers or travels, and Joan researches the book to read. Regardless of the topic, residents treasure this time to share a good book together and to discuss it afterwards. This makes sense as residents are lifelong readers and wonderful conversationalists.
Joan has been reading aloud to residents for several years. She started “Books with Joan” because of her own love of reading and because she had received input from residents that this would be a welcome activity. In truth, she was a little doubtful that the group would take off and was pleasantly surprised when it became a fast favorite. She also loves the fact that the group is well attended, the discussions are interesting, and everyone gets involved in picking the next book or series.
“Many seniors are able to enjoy reading in their own apartments, but they love the social aspect of participating in our reading club,” Joan said. “For residents who are struggling with independent reading, our group allows them to hear some new and interesting books. The best part is that everyone loves to discuss the books after each meeting and after we complete a book or series. It really is a lot of fun!”
Joan says she was happy that residents stayed on the topic of American presidents for so long, although she worried the biography genre would become a little tiresome. But the group kept moving from one president to the next and soon they had tackled nearly all of them. Currently the group is learning about different composers – including contemporary ones such as John Lennon and Paul McCartney from The Beatles.
“When we finished learning about John Lennon, we had a special treat,” Joan said. “Our maintenance director, Barry, stopped by with his guitar and gave us a private Beatles concert! The residents had a blast, sharing stories of when their children first brought The Beatles into their homes. Some like the older Beatles songs best, but everyone appreciated the impact their music had on the culture.”
Reading is well documented as one of the most important ways we learn and live – and regardless of our age, we enjoy many benefits from reading (or being read to). In the article “Read Me A Story: Importance of Reading Aloud to Elderly People,” author Oksana Dlaboha encourages anyone to read out loud to anyone who no longer can because of age, vision problems, or other issue.
“Listening to reading aloud is a lively intellectual and emotional process,” she said. “And thinking during reading aloud rebuilds body-mind-spirit needs and offers other benefits as well.” Those include how good readers feel after reading aloud – as he or she has just given a gift to someone – and how great those listening to the story feel. Dlaboha says both the reader and the listener will surely remember this gift long after the book has been closed.
All residents and guests are welcome to join in “Books with Joan.” Please visit the front desk for a schedule of meeting times.
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Flowers are always a popular gift and we know residents loved receiving some this past Mother’s Day (and many shared them with the rest of the community). We regularly decorate our dining room and gathering spaces with flowers to bring cheer and brighten our days. Now that the weather is warming, our many gardens are starting to bud and sprout (one of the greatest gifts from nature) – which we enjoy inside and out. Additionally, we offer a year-round program called “People-Plant Connection” that helps residents best maintain their own houseplants or container gardens.
Additionally, we find it inspiring that Mother’s Day began as far back as the 1850s and, early on, included “
Scientists do believe that some folks coping with arthritis pain may really “predict” bad weather when they have flare-ups. To minimize this, seniors are encouraged to hydrate sufficiently, dress warmly, supplement with Vitamin D and fish oil, soak in warm baths, and maintain a healthy diet. We have hydration stations throughout The Saybrook at Haddam, so residents can readily take a rest and have a drink. We also serve plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods that help manage many different conditions, including arthritis.
More time outdoors in the nice weather may lead to an increase in the chance of a fall from uneven pavement, sticks or debris on pathways, or slick walkways from misty rain. Wearing sturdy shoes with good traction is essential, as is making sure walkways are clear. We appreciate the hard work of our maintenance and grounds keeping team that keeps our entire community in such great (and safe) shape.
Of course, spring is notorious for those bothered by asthma and allergies. Tree and grass pollen, high humidity, high winds, cold temperatures and other sudden weather changes can also worsen symptoms. In severe cases, seniors are encouraged to work with an allergist to identify triggers and develop a customized treatment plan. Residents can always start by talking with the wellness team at The Saybrook at Haddam.
Our community setting means residents can simply open their doors to find plenty of activity – and many happy faces. Through the community, residents easily create new friendships and take part in many different types of social, cultural and educational events and activities. 
Striking a balance between preserving a sense of independence while providing an increasing level of care is an ongoing pursuit at The Saybrook at Haddam – but it is clearly one of the best reasons we have been so successful over the years. We love when family and friends join us for meals, special events, movies, or for personal visits with residents. And family and friends tell us they love the peace of mind knowing their parents are no longer isolated, receiving wonderful care, eating better, staying active, and making friends. It’s how senior living should be!
anything, families want to know that their mom or dad, grandparent or other relative will be happy living here.Recently, the New York Times published 
We also use daily meals as an opportunity to promote happiness. Residents never dine alone, and they have many choices where they eat: in our beautiful circular main dining room, our elegant private dining rooms, our courtyard, the country kitchen, or in Safe Harbor’s family-style dining room. Residents and guests tell us our meals are delicious, and we know they are also nutritious, a little adventurous, and full of seasonal favorites. Good food goes a long way towards happiness!
The New York Times suggests spending time with seniors will change your perspective and increase your own level of happiness. Looking around at the smiling faces at The Saybrook at Haddam, we couldn’t agree more!