A MESSSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Older Americans Act Re-Authorization Approved by the SenateDRILLING DOWN ON DEMENTIA

Summer Issue 2016

Green Hi l l , Inc.103 Pleasant Val ley WayWest Orange, NJ 07052973-731-2300www.green-hi l l .cominfo@green-hi l l .com

WOCC Awards Dinner

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The Power of TouchToni’s Tips

P.3A Message from Toni Lynn DavisP.4Green Hill Happenings

In this issue

Learn more about what is happening at Green Hill. Log on to www.green-hill.com.

Discover new styles of senior living

103 Pleasant Valley WayWest Orange, NJ 07052

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Green Hi l l is a Non-Prof i t community for men and women, founded in 1866 in Newark, NJ.Medicaid and Medicare cert i f ied.

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Executive Director, PresidentToni Lynn Davis MHA, CNHA, FACHCA

Board of Trustees Officers:

Lori J. Braender, Esq., Chairwoman

Lorie H. Gardner, RN, BSNSecretary

Valerie E. DePiro, Treasurer

Trustees:Christian Bastardi

Elizabeth Orton DavisWalter FarleyPaul J. LoVerme, MD, FACS

Christopher Stracco, Esq.

Jaime J. Raskulinecz, Vice Chairwoman

Marc Scudillo

Meditation Eases Depression

Meditation – the practice of mindfulness - is shown to help with depression. Depression and Major Depressive Disorder a�ects one in �ve Americans and is known to cause an inability to focus, a sadness, or malaise and compromises decision making.Willem Kuyken, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Oxford, facilitated a study while at

the University of Exeter that was ‘the largest to compare MBCT and antidepressants and track the e�ects over a lengthy period.” Kyken writes that “Recurrent depression is rather like a chronic health condition” and people must learn to manage the symptoms as you would with any health condition. Meditation can do just that. Termed as Mindful Behavioral Cognitive Therapy, MBCT has been identi�ed as a way to address the symptoms of depression with a less likely rate of relapse, and has had a bigger e�ect on those with more severe symptoms. Experts also noted that meditation combined with aerobic exercise, by people with depression, resulted in a better sense of well being for most with about 40% of the subjects showing reduced symptoms of depression.

Meditation can help to reduce anxiety and improve a person’s well being in as little as a few weeks of practice. High levels of stress can reduce the e�ectiveness of our immune system causing disease in our bodies. It stands to reason that if meditation reduces stress, it can lengthen and improve quality of life. I have experienced �rst-hand, that meditation can improve our life and our mood, as well as help us see problems in our lives in a new light, bringing the mountains back down to mole hills.

Anyone who has participated in aerobic activity like walking, running, swimming or playing a fast paced sport has felt the positive e�ects of what we understand are endorphins that make us feel good. It is now becoming more clear that meditation as a daily practice can not only support the health of the neurons that aid in well being, but in combination with exercise it can dramatically relieve depression symptoms. But you don’t need to exercise to get the great bene�ts from a daily meditation practice.

In a study by B L Alderman, R L Olson, C J Brush and T J Shors from Rutgers University, it is stated that a normal brain generates thousands of new neurons every day and that depression and stress can decrease the amount of neurons in the brain. Anti depressants are believed to increase the production of these neurons and impede the decrease. The article in Translational Psychiatry goes on to hypothesize that meditation and exercise combined can generate and keep alive these bene�cial neurons. It is believed that aerobic exercise generates the new neurons and the mental training associated with meditation keeps the neurons alive. Alderman, professor of exercise science at Rutgers University was quoted as explain-ing, "Both exercise and meditation have in�uence on parts of the brain that have been implicated in depression, … the combination of the two is especially powerful."

In a Daily Mail.com article Dr. Madhave Goyal, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said that in a US study of 3,500 people, meditation relieved symptoms of depression at the same rate as medication.

I do not suggest that those who are currently on antidepressants make changes to their treatment without input from their physician. Adding the practice of meditation to your daily practice can aid in your treatment. If you have feelings of depression you might try meditation, or meditation combined with exercise before trying antidepressants. Be sure to check with your physician �rst if you are having depression symptoms.

It is a very exciting time in the study of meditations a�ect on depression, physical health and the aging process. Long held beliefs of the practitioners of meditation, the generations of teachers, gurus and spiritual advisors that have taught the way of meditation and how it can ease disease and extend both the length of ones life and the quality of ones life are now baring out in medical research.

One should not be apprehensive about how to meditate or if they are able to meditate. To start a meditation program take ten minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breathing. Quiet your mind of all thoughts. If thoughts do come in acknowledge them, put them on a cloud and let them drift out of your awareness. Increase your meditation period over time to 20 or even 30 minutes. The more you practice stillness, the easier it will become. For the next step on your journey to living a longer, happier and healthier life through meditation you might �nd a meditation group or class near you.

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Green Hill Recognized for 150th Anniversary

Toni Shares Green House Insight for the Green House Project

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

8/15 - 19

9/5 -

9/11 -

AUGUST

SEPETEMBER

CRUISE WEEKfeaturing a Caribbean Celebration with visits to Jamaica, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Islands will be explored through dance, music and food.

Annual Labor Day BBQ at 12:30pm

Annual Grandparent’s Day celebration with families and friends. Games, pony rides, face painting and more. 1-4pm

Have you ever thought about why you feel so good after walking on the beach, lying down in the grass, working in the garden or a swimming in an outdoor body of water? Yes, you might say it is a result of being outdoors, getting away from those things that stress you like cell phones, work or familial responsibilities. Yet, there is a growing movement that believes the feel good e�ects of these types of activities are a result of Grounding, or Earthing -- being in skin or clothed contact with the earth and its electrons.

Wikipedia refers to the word electricity – “Ground (electricity), a common return path for electric current.” With our bodies made up of electrical currents and the earth an electrical planet, it is thought that the connection between us is detoxifying to the body. The negative grounding electrons from the earth clear away the positive electrons called free radicals that we take in to our bodies from our environment, stress, foods and other factors. In some ways, it appears to clear our bodies the way a tree will absorb carbon dioxide and then generate oxygen back into the environment. The human body absorbs the electrical currents of the earth to release (or neutralize) free radicals in our bodies.

“Our bodies and cells have electrical energy, and especially with the high prevalence of Electromagnetic waves, Wi-Fi and mobile phone waves, many of us have a high amount of positive electrons built up in our bodies….Emerging science reveals that direct contact with the ground allows you to receive an energy infusion, compliments of Mother Earth.” Dr Stephen Sinatra Wellnessmama.com

Earthing, The Most Important Health Discovery Ever says Earthing can be bene�cial in:

With the requirements of our busy 21st century lives, we don’t spend enough time outdoors. I am �nding many positive results from incorporating Earthing techniques into my daily life. Try the following tips for clearing your body of negative energy and improve your mood and wellbeing.

On May 19th Green Hill Inc. was recognized by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce for achieving 150 years of service to seniors in New Jersey during the WOCC Annual Awards Dinner. The recognition was presented to Executive Director/President Toni Lynn Davis MHA, CNHA, FACHCA by the Honorable Susan McCartney, President of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and a long-time friend of Green Hill Inc. “It is a great honor to be recognized by our friends and business colleagues,” said Toni Lynn Davis. “We have been part of the West Orange community for over 50 years and we are 150 years old. Don’t we look fabulous for 150,” Toni exclaimed. As the third of four generations of women in her family who have served Green Hill Ms. Davis said she looks forward to many more years of innovative service to seniors in West Orange as a valued member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

Green Hill is the home to the �rst Green House® Homes in the state of New Jersey.

Toni’s Tips: EARTHING

We support H.R. 1342/S. 578, the Home Health Planning Improvement Act 2015, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Susan Collins, the senior senator from Maine.

The HHPIA Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise conditions of, and limitations on payments for home health care services. E�ective January 1, 2016 HHPIA allows payment for home health services to Medicare bene�ciaries by: (1) a nurse practitioner, (2) a clinical nurse specialist working in collaboration with a physician in accordance with state law, (3) a certi�ed nurse-midwife, or (4) a physician assistant under a physician's supervision.

In addition to the authority of physicians to administer home health care orders the amendment permits nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants to do so. More and more often a patient’s health care is given and managed by these healthcare professionals. This measure would be especially impactful in rural areas where the original requirement of a face-to-face meeting with a physician for home health care services can be a barrier to access to these services.

POLICYALERTPOLICYALERT

Toni Lynn Davis accepts the award from the Honorable Susan McCartney

The Green Hill group celebrates.

Iesha Carter Director of Nursing, third from the right, second to last row, represents GH in the honoree group photo.

Green Hill Trustee Jaime Raskulinecz and Toni Lynn Davis with the award.

Green Hill’s Toni Lynn Davis, MHA, CNHA, FACHCA, Executive Director/ President was featured in seven profound segments at The Green House® Project conference.

Visit The Green House Project You Tube page to watch Toni share her thoughts and experiences on how to give unhurried care to seniors, sustaining the Green House model over time at Green Hill, hiring leaders, trust, the bene�ts of the Green House model for sta� and aging in community at the Green House Project conference in Colorado this past November.

Toni’s input includes wisdom such as, “I tell the sta�… …stop rushing, there is always enough time, you’ve never run out of time.” Now we ask the resident “Is there anything else I can do for you? I have the time.....” “The environment (of the Green House Homes) is important, it’s a lovely place to be. But to really have the core values of the Green House model you need to be that leader who supports and serves, and doesn’t execute or demand.” “When you trust them (caregivers) as people they �ourish, its natural…..” Learn more by visiting- https://www.youtube.com/user/greenhouseproj/videos

The Power of TouchOne of the most rewarding aspects of the person directed care that we provide at Green Hill for our residents and their caregivers, is the integration of touch into daily life. This concept is true at all levels of care at Green Hill. Touch is customary in every interaction with our seniors, from a touch on the shoulder or hand holding at greeting, to a hug for compassion or congratulations, an arm in arm walk around the grounds, or a dance in the auditorium. Yet, for our seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, touch is extremely important in their daily plan of care.

The bene�ts of massage in the care of people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia are showing tremendous results, as noted by the American Massage Therapy Association, in enhancing quality of life and the ability to function in daily activities. “There is a growing body of

research to support the e�cacy of skilled touch in dementia care and anecdotal reports from practitioners working with this population are extremely positive.” A professional touch practitioner trained in working with people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is one that understands the progressive symptoms of these diseases. They may engage speci�c massage techniques on backs, arms, legs, feet and necks that can alleviate muscle spasms, soften contracted muscles, relieve minor aches and pains, improve circulation, promote relaxation and provide psychosocial bene�ts. Skin-to-skin contact and the one-on-one attention is an important conduit to a person’s well being and can increase verbal communication, as well as reduce the need for some types of medication.

Having the permission of the person to engage in touch and ensuring they are comfortable with each type of touch is important to establish prior to beginning any touch therapy. People have a variety of desires and thresholds for the intimacy of touching. Touch opportunities with family, friends and caregivers, those normal to daily activities such as applying lotion to hands and arms, brushing and �xing ones hair, a light shoulder rub can bring great physical and emotional bene�ts. These touch activities can also help bring the person into the present and increase tactile and mental stimulation. It is a great way to engage in non-verbal communication and make a person feel relaxed and loved.

There are other opportunities for touch to aid in the care and well being of people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. In a process called “hand-over-hand”, a caregiver can guide a person in functions such as brushing their teeth, combing their hair and dressing. The touch of hand-on-hand leading helps a person with dementia, who still retains some of their gross motor skills, to activate muscle memory of doing the activity and additionally assists in the �ne motor skills required to complete the task. It is a very proactive process that enables caregivers to more readily assist in these daily care activities. Hand-over-hand also empowers the individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia with a sense of control regarding their daily care. The power of touch when caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia provides less resistance from the person when a caregiver is assisting with the activities of daily living. This makes the process less challenging for both the person and the caregiver. Remember to include touch in your visits to or care for a person with dementia. You will be surprised by the wonderful moments you will share.

The full cited version of this article can be found at www.green-hill.com.

Green Hill hosted the West Orange Chamber of Commerce for the summer networking meeting on July 13th. As a decades-long member of the WOCC Green Hill is committed to the Chamber mission of working with local business leaders to share ideas, make connections and keep West Orange business strong and thriving.

1-Walk barefoot outside as often as possible. 2- Take time to lay in the grass or the sand to be in full bodily contact with the earth.3- Use natural elements for �ooring at ground level of your home and be barefoot at home.4- Don’t pass up a chance to be barefoot or take a swim in a natural body of water, or work in the garden.5- Don’t wear rubber soled shoes.6- Purchase a grounding mat for your bed. You will sleep the sounder for it.7- Read the book Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever to learn more.

Source material for this article visit: heartmdinstitute.com and wellnessmama.com

The full cited version of this artical can be found at www.green-hill.com.

L to R: Susan Anderson - WO Township, Jessica Marrone Parkes - TAPinto.net, Alice Bierne - Alice Bierne LLP, Michael Pinkard - Jordan Baris Realtors, Joe Ricci - The Current, Michelle Casalino - WO Town Council, Susan McCartney- First Mountain Preschool, Rick Brill - Advantage Pest Control, Judy Wittler Assistant Executive Director- Green Hill Inc., Kim Martin - Hawkins Group LLP, Kevin Kruse -Financial Planner, Willa Edgerton-Chisler - Symphony Strategies, Brittany Chiles, WOCC Executive Director, Harvey Montague - Harvey Montague & Associates.

GREEN HILL HAPPENINGS

Judy Wittler Asst. ED Green Hill, Susan McCartnery WOCC Chairwoman, Roger Schneider, Arnie Amir.

Sta� members from our Skilled Nursing celebrate National Nursing Home with Dr. William Frost.

Celia Bryan and Clarice Olinger with Principal Hayden Moore.

Board of Education President Laura Lab says hello.

Florence Rosenberg celebrates her 104th birthday in House 121 surrounded by friends and family.

Toni Lynn Davis presents at the LeadingAge NJ Conference in Atlantic City on June 2nd.

The Green Hill cooking club prepares tasty treats for happy hour.Thanks to June Lynch, Shirley Kirschbaum, Mary Necheme, Community Life Supervisor Joanna Cullen, Dolly Levine & Dorothy Brady for their hard work.

Carmine "Sonny" Corrado chats with Agnes as she plants �owers in the �ower boxes outside House 121.

Mary Nechemie shares a smile with Gina Garner, CNA, and Shae Clark, Community Life Assistant.

Elders and staff had a great time celebrating National Nursing Home Week with fun programs, special entertainment and sweet treats.

Green House Annual Block Party Tuesday June 14th– a beautiful day for fun and food with friends and family.

Angelina Morales has a great time while visiting her Great Great Uncle

Sue Meyer and Emmebeth Mischell share a moment.

Residents and families enjoy the music.

The fabulous GH sta� works the grill.

Green Hill attends the annual West Orange High School Senior Citizen Prom.

Book a discussion with Green Hill’s Assistant

Executive Director Judy Wittler On Topics on Aging for your Community Group

or Organization.

Creative Aging: A Guide to Aging in Place

What To Do If I Have To Go To The Hospital

To schedule a presentation and discussion in your community on these topics or any senior care and senior living topic, contact: Judith Wittler, L.N.H.A., Assistant Executive Director Green Hillj.wittler@green-hill.comPh: 973-731-2300 Ext.225Fax: 973-731-5185

Assistant Executive Director

Judy Wittler

• Reducing inflammation by defusing excess positive electrons• Reducing chronic pain• Improving Sleep • Increasing Energy • Lowering stress and promoting calmness by reducing stress hormones.• Normalizing biological rhythms including circadian rhythm• Improving blood pressure and blood flow• Relieving muscle tension and headache

• Lessens menstrual and female hormone symptoms• Speeds healing- used in some places to prevent bed sores• Can eliminate jet lag• Protecting the body from EMFs• Shortens recovery time from injury or athletic activity• Reducing or eliminating snoring• Helping to support adrenal health

To learn more about meditation visit http://www.allmeditate.com/top-meditation-websites-in-2015/ or look on line for a center in your area.

Source material for this article was found at: today.com, nature.com, psychologytoday.com, and dailymail.co.uk.

The full cited version of this article can be found at www.green-hill.com