Page 4 – Independent Living in Southbury CT

Opening up Our Community

Federal and state governments are releasing plans to reopen the economy to essential business. While this is an encouraging sign to our country’s response to COVID-19, please know this process will be taken thoughtfully at Pomperaug Woods. We will implement a three-phased approach when reopening our community. Decisions for each phase will be based on state and regional criteria, advice from public health officials, and the health status of our community.

We are all looking forward to the day when we can resume our lives as a community and gather with our friends, yet the health and safety of our residents and employees must remain our highest priority. From the beginning, we have taken on this challenge as a marathon rather than a sprint. There are no short cuts or easy answers to how we reduce our risk to COVID-19 and it’s as important as ever that we continue to remain focused on protecting ourselves and supporting each other.

In the upcoming weeks, and until further notice, Pomperaug Woods will continue to follow the heightened precautionary measures currently in place. These practices include following social distancing protocol and restricting non-essential visitors. We understand the risks posed to our community from COVID-19 and remain committed to our processes. We’ll only begin to shift our protocols after we know our community is no longer at risk, and with careful consideration of the guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and local and state health departments. As the situation develops, and we make changes to our protocols, residents, employees and families will be notified first —but to reiterate, we will not be modifying our precautionary measures at this time.

Thank you for your patience, your support, and for embodying that hopeful spirit that Pomperaug Woods is known for as we continue to navigate this process together. For more information about COVID-19 and our response to COVID-19, go to https://www.lcsnet.com/covid-19-update/.

COVID-19 Update

After careful consideration for the health and safety of residents, employees, and family members, our community amended its visitor policy on Monday, March 16, and is restricting visitors from entering our community.

Please bookmark the LCS website for future updates and information regarding our community COVID-19 response and prevention measures already implemented, such as:

· Educating all staff and residents in social distancing guidelines

· Increasing the frequency and rigor of cleaning and disinfecting common community areas

· Implementing temporary visitor restrictions, including deliveries

· Canceling on-site large group social events and recreational activities

· Reviewing and executing our emergency preparedness and response program

· Asking residents and employees to reschedule travel plans and remain in our community

· Deploying an updated visitor advisory for communities and to campus

· Coordinating best practices across the broad, LCS partner network

· Making the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 prevention resources and recommendations available to all employees

All future updates regarding the COVID-19 response, including visitor policies, social distancing guidelines, and prevention recommendations, can be found here. LCS has also opened a national hotline for information. Call 855-998-4934. For local information about our community, please use 203-262-6555.

COVID-19 Update

Hello Pomperaug Woods community,

The health and safety of residents living in our community is our top priority, and we are closely monitoring the ongoing situation regarding the coronavirus (COVD-19). We understand that COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind, and we want to be communicative and transparent in the steps Pomperaug Woods is taking to prepare our community during this unprecedented event. Our team has been working tirelessly to prepare for possible scenarios related to COVID-19.

We’ve developed a series of precautionary steps that our community is implementing to help reduce everyone’s risk of COVID-19. Additionally, you can access updates at the following website.

Our community is:

Continuing to follow the guidance from both the CDC and local health authorities
Increasing the frequency and rigor of cleaning and sanitizing common community areas
Encouraging a temporary reduction in visitation and deliveries
Reducing on-site group social events and recreational activities
Reviewing our emergency preparedness and response program
Asking residents to communicate any travel plans
Coordinating best practices and across our large partner network
Making the CDC’s COVID-19 prevention resources and recommendations available to all residents

According to the CDC, many of our residents are at a higher risk for serious illness, and we’re providing all residents and their families with the most up-to-date guidance from the CDC and local health officials on the steps they can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

We are strongly encouraging all our residents to follow the CDC’s guidelines for individuals at higher risk, which includes:

Avoiding crowds and large social gatherings
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting personal spaces
Avoiding touching your face
Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Stay in your residence if you are showing flu-like symptoms or are sick with respiratory illness, including fever, and coughing

These are simple yet important steps that we should all be taking to protect ourselves and our community.

Our teams are staying in communication with local health officials and will share regular updates on COVID-19. For more the most up to date information and personal health recommendations, please visit the websites below:

Updates from LCS: https://www.lcsnet.com/covid-19-update/

COVID-19 Prevention Recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
COVID-19 Symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
What To Do If You Think You Are Sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf

Coronavirus Precautions

Coronavirus Update – 3/9/2020

The health, safety and well-being of our residents, employees and families are always top priorities at our community. With the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the news and on the minds of many, we want to address actions taking place related to this concern.

Some of the actions we are addressing include:

Consistent updates and communication to those who live and work at the community
Evidence-based precautions that align with guidelines provided by the CDC
Reviewing emergency preparedness and response measures in the event that a virus impacts our community or the surrounding area
Changes to our travel and visitation guidelines for all employees, partners and guests

We are closely monitoring local, state, and federal health agencies to ensure we can respond quickly and effectively to protect our community and mitigate risks of an outbreak.
We will continue to remain vigilant in our efforts to preserve the health and safety of our community.

If you have questions or concerns, or need more information, please contact Kevin Moshier, Executive Director, at [email protected] or 203-262-6555.

Helpful Resources:
Centers for Disease Control

World Health Organization

Connecticut Health Department

Life Care Services Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction in J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Senior Living Study

It’s a Proud Time to Live at Pomperaug Woods

Our management company, Life Care Services®, An LCS® Company, was ranked highest in Customer Satisfaction among Senior Living Communities in the J.D. Power study. This award demonstrates that residents and their families are receiving the care and service they absolutely deserve.

The award for Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Senior Living Communities encompasses seven individual resident-experience factors. We’re excited to say that, not only did Life Care Services win the overall category, but it also ranked highest within each of the seven factors:

Resident Services and Activities
Community Staff
Food and Beverage
New Resident Orientation
Resident Cost
Community and Grounds
Resident Apartment Unit

“Our company is committed to providing the resources for communities to deliver an exceptional resident experience driven by innovation, signature programs and quality services. The J.D. Power award represents the voice of the senior living customer, and I can’t think of a more important voice than that of the residents we serve,” says Joel Nelson, LCS president and CEO.

At Pomperaug Woods, we strive to bring the Life Care Services resident-first mentality into our everyday actions. In its unbiased comprehensive study, J.D. Power surveyed 3,021 residents, family members and friends of residents living in communities across the United States. Life Care services scored a full 49 index points above the next highest-performing senior living organization. We are grateful and humbled to receive this honor, especially since it comes from the people we work so hard to serve each day.

What Does This Mean for our Residents?

We are deeply grateful to know that our hard work is valued, and we at Pomperaug Woods want to assure residents, family, friends and staff that we will continue to improve, evolve and innovate to provide the newest offerings to meet the needs of current and future residents.

If you’d like to know more about the way we enrich the lives of our residents, send us a message on our contact page. You can read more about Life Care Services or the award from J.D. Power when you visit the LCS website.

*Life Care Services received the highest score in the J.D. Power 2019 Senior Living Satisfaction Study of resident/family member/friend’s satisfaction with senior living communities. Visit jdpower.com/awards.

A Vision of Excellence: Pomperaug Woods Celebrates 30 Years

Old photo of ground breaking for Pomperaug Woods

It was a sunny day in May 30 years ago when the first residents walked through the doors of Pomperaug Woods to begin enjoying their new lifestyle. They could smell the fresh paint, and see the finest finishings in their new apartments and throughout the common areas. It was a community all looked forward to calling home. Since that time, Pomperaug Woods has become a wonderful community that offers reassurance and security through the LifeCare® option for hundreds of residents.

“Pomperaug Woods is home to intelligent, positive, creative people who define the art of living,” said Kevin Moshier, executive director of Pomperaug Woods. “Since we opened our doors, our community has improved the lives of seniors and their families.”

Pomperaug Woods was the vision of its “founding mother,” Dr. Elizabeth Avery Wilson. Dr. Wilson had extensive background in establishing higher education institutes that offered health education programs. She served on several national organizations, including the American Medication Association.

In 1979, she presented the idea of a senior living community in Southbury to the Life Care Services® development team. She sought approvals for 30 skilled nursing beds located on 22 acres of pristine land in New Haven County. The vision became a reality nine years later during a dedication ceremony on October 16, 1988. Dr. Wilson was recognized for her work to better the lives of Connecticut seniors.

“Dr. Wilson was an advocate for senior living,” said Moshier. “She saw the importance of staying physically and intellectually active as you age.”

Pomperaug Woods and Southbury have seen many changes in the 30 years since the development was first envisioned. Connecticut, along with the rest of the country, has undergone a historic transformation with the aging Baby Boomer population. The state is currently the seventh oldest in the country, in terms of percentage of adults age 65 or older.

“There’s a tremendous need for engaging senior living options in the area because of this growing population,” said Moshier. “Older adults are yearning for a location where they can grow, and that’s what we offer to every resident. We believe there’s a need to educate the older population about senior living options and planning ahead for the future.”

According to the latest U.S. Census reports, nearly 5,300 people or 27% of the Southbury population, is 65 or older. That’s triple the percentage of older adults living in neighboring New Haven and double that of nearby Waterbury. By the year 2020, census reports project 40% of Southbury’s population will be over the age of 65.

These growing numbers of seniors are looking for quality living options with amenities and wellness services.

The community attributes its success to embracing the art of living, the experience of its staff, its financial stability, and its position as Southbury’s only not-for-profit LifeCare® community. The campus provides a variety of amenities and maintenance-free lifestyle options ideal for today’s active seniors. Residents enjoy sharing experiences that bring purpose and joy to the life they live.

Recent studies show when a person becomes part of an independent living retirement community like Pomperaug Woods, they’re more likely to make new friends and try new things, and most report a better experience than they expected.

Pomperaug Woods has a local commitment that started 30 years ago with a vision. The community plans to continue its unwavering commitment to resident satisfaction for the next 30 years and beyond.

Pomperaug Woods Honored with Great Place to Work Distinction

healthcare worker handing a cup of coffee to a senior living resident

Pomperaug Woods earned certification as a great workplace this spring by independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. The distinction is based on extensive ratings provided by Pomperaug Woods’ employees in anonymous surveys.

“It’s truly rewarding to make the 2018 national list as a Great Place to Work,” says Kevin Moshier, executive director of Pomperaug Woods. “Creating an engaging culture for our team members is very important to us, as well as for the residents we serve.”

“According to our study, 91 percent of Pomperaug Woods employees say it’s a great workplace,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of Great Place to Work Certification & List Production.

The institute is known internationally as an authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools and certification programs, Great Place to Work provides benchmarks, framework and expertise to recognize outstanding workplace cultures. The institute also produces Fortune magazine’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” and a series of Best Workplaces lists.

Pomperaug Woods employees completed 120 surveys, resulting in a 90 percent confidence level and a margin of error less than 4 percent.

Survey results from Pomperaug Woods employees that scored in the top tier include:

I’m proud to tell others I work at the community.
People celebrate special events around here.
I feel good about the ways we contribute.
The community’s physical features contribute to a good working environment.
Management is honest and ethical in its business practices.

Specific programs recognized at Pomperaug Woods include Shoot for the Stars, where employees are nominated and receive monetary awards for going over and above normal job duties. Perks also include longevity bonuses, employee appreciation events, recognition on special occasions, and an employee highlight each month in the community’s newsletter. On a quarterly basis, Pomperaug Woods’ Hospitality Hero recognizes an employee nominated by peers for demonstrating exceptional hospitality qualities.

“To succeed in the marketplace, we must first succeed in the workplace,” says Moshier. “Engaged and satisfied team members are key factors for our success over the past 30 years.

A great workplace drives the customer experience, and in our case that’s helping seniors live an enjoyable lifestyle and delivering high-quality health and wellness services.”

For additional details on the Great Place to Work survey results, visit this link.

To learn about opportunities to join the Pomperaug Woods team, visit our Careers page.

Ballet Revives Love For Dancing at Pomperaug Woods

seniors practicing ballet with an instructor at Pomperaug Woods

Seniors Discovering New Ways to Stay Active

When 24-year-old Cassie Haley joined the staff at Pomperaug Woods senior living community in Southbury, she knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of the residents. In the three years since joining Pomperaug Woods as the administrator of the Health Center, she’s met hundreds of residents. She’s also made many other connections as the ballet instructor at the community, a passion she’s had since she was a child.

“Through my studies, I know the difference dance can make in the lives of residents in terms of physical health, as well as those experiencing dementia,” said Haley, who’s a classically trained ballerina. “Ballet is a total mind and body workout.”

Every month, Cassie demonstrates the ballet positions to groups of residents, ready to learn new skills and enhance old ones. Cassie instructs two different ballet classes – a standing and sitting – with classical music.

Recent studies show clear mental and physical health benefits of playing music and dancing for seniors, including those suffering from dementia. Resident Debby Cornwell has been taking the class since it started. She says she’s benefited from the exercise and it brings back memories from her childhood.

“I enjoy moving to the music,” said Debby. “Dancing has always come easy to me. It brings back memories of when I learned to dance with my father when I was a child.”

While Debby has been taking dance lessons most of her life, other residents are beginning to learn the different ballet positions.

“That’s what so great about this class,” Haley said. “Everyone can be at a different skill level, but get a good workout. Ballet works not only your arms and legs, but also your mind.”

The class is so unique to the area that the Connecticut Post published an article about the popular Pomperaug Woods activity. The ballet classes offered at the community are just one of the many activities and amenities provided at Pomperaug Woods. Debby says this ballet class and the different wellness activities, along with LifeCare®, helped her make the decision to move into the community.

“I looked at several senior living communities around the area,” Debby said. “Pomperaug Woods was a great fit for me. I wish I would have done this sooner.”

Cassie Haley leads a ballet class for Pomperaug Woods residents Joseph Longo, 79, and Debby Cornwell, 78.

Photo: Carol Kaliff, News-Times.

10th Anniversary of Pomperaug Woods Art Show Celebrates Impact Across the State

What started as a simple idea to showcase artwork of adults age 70+ and encourage artistic endeavors by seniors has become an annual staple across the state. Over its 10 years as Connecticut’s only senior juried art show, “The Art of Experience” at Pomperaug Woods has seen more than 500 seniors from 100+ towns submit more than 2,200 pieces of artwork.

“It’s more than tripled in size from the first year,” says Lisa Huebenthal, director of community life services at Pomperaug Woods senior living community. “It’s extraordinary and heartwarming to see how far it’s come, and level of prestige it has reached, from the entries all the way to the judges we have.”

More than 120 seniors from 45 towns submitted 229 pieces of artwork in the four categories for this year’s show: painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. Judging takes place in late August, then the exhibit open to the public from September 22-24 at Pomperaug Woods. Award-winning pieces will then be displayed at the Mattatuck Museum from October 8 – November 19.

Judges at the “The Art of Experience” 2017 include notable artists Zufar Bikbov, David Merrill, Michele Murelli and John Rohlfing.

Zufar Bikbov was born in Russia and his interest in painting came early in life. Influenced by his father, Bikbov excelled at plein air painting and landscapes. After graduating cum laude from Zelenodolsk Art School, he decided to support his love of painting and answer his calling to help people by pursuing a medical career. After earning his degree in medicine and moving to the United States, Bikbov has continued his artwork in national level competitions, winning numerous awards. Recent honors include the Founders’ Award / Best in Show at the 2017 Spring Juried Show at Kent Art Association in Kent, CT; Irvine Museum Award at the 2017 Laguna Plein Air Invitational XVIII in Laguna Beach, CA; and the Atlanta History Center Insiders Plein Air Award at Atlanta-Olmsted Plein Air 2017, in Atlanta, GA.

David Merrill was born and raised in rural Connecticut, and received his art training at the Famous Artist School in Westport, CT, and Western Connecticut State College in Danbury, CT. His paintings are inspired by his love for New England, the rapidly changing scenery and preserving links with the past. Merrill’s mural work is featured in town halls, libraries, museums, schools, historical societies and private residences, including the home of celebrity Robert Redford. Numerous awards include The Medal of Merit, Arthur Hooten Memorial Award, 7 Best in Shows, 8 First Prizes, and 5 Audience Choice Awards in exhibitions throughout New England.

Michele Murelli, a Torrington native, showed her affinity for art at an early age. Earning a B.A. in psychology from Albertus Magnus College, she went on to earn a M.A. in expressive art therapy from Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. She balances her time as an art therapist and certified teacher for the Wellspring Foundation, while working as an oil painter and mixed media artist. Her paintings express her passion for the countryside of her native Litchfield County, the Cape and travels abroad. Murelli’s mixed media reflect stories from her nine years teaching art to at-risk youth. In 2011, she received the Golden Apple Award for Teaching from the Connecticut Association of Special Education Facilities.

John Rohlfing is an art professor at Post University in Waterbury, CT, and an award-winning artist. His ceramic vessels have shown and won awards nationally and internationally, including competitions in Korea and Japan. His work has been on exhibit at dozens of notable galleries across the United States. Rohlfing’s ceramics use hand-building methods and explore the idea of the container as a metaphor. His vessels and painting express an interest in landscape, organic abstraction, Cubism and Constructivism.

“The judges are tremendous artists and have a keen eye for creative and beautiful artwork,” says Huebenthal. “It’s an honor to have them at our competition.”

Among various activities offered to residents at Pomperaug Woods, art-related classes and events are a significant part of the culture. “All the art, performing arts and engaging activities at our community are a big draw for older adults in the area to move here,” says Tara Justus, marketing director at the senior living community. “And the health benefits of art for older adults are extraordinary.”

A 2015 study from the Mayo Clinic on older adults’ involvement in social, physical and intellectual activities found that older adults involved in artistic activity had the greatest protective effect against cognitive impairment later in life.

From health benefits to the pure beauty of the artwork itself, the 10th Annual Senior Juried Art Show is sure to draw a crowd. Pomperaug Woods looks forward to seeing you and who will take home this year’s Tommie Davis Award for Best in Show.

Following a VIP reception and opening on September 22, the public exhibit will take place September 23 and 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Pomperaug Woods.

Click here to learn more about the activities and lifestyle at Pomperaug Woods.

Tax Day: How You Can Save Big at Pomperaug Woods

close up photo of senior filling out taxes form

Did you know there are certain “tax day” financial benefits to moving into a LifeCare^® community like Pomperaug Woods? Certified Financial Planner™ Brad Breeding breaks down some costs, questions and concerns for you below.

If you’re interested in learning more about LifeCare, Brad Breeding joins us here at Pomperaug Woods on May 17.

Q: Are there certain medical expenses in a retirement community that are tax-deductible?

A: There are two aspects involved in answering this question. First, there are some Continuing Care Retirement Communities where a resident living independently – i.e. not receiving care services – may be able to deduct a portion of their monthly fee for what essentially amounts to a “pre-payment” of future care expenses. A sizable portion of the entry fee may also be deductible for the same purpose.

There are certain types of residency contracts, typically referred to as LifeCare, where such a deduction is more applicable than it would be with other CCRC contract types. When this type of deduction is possible, the community will send out a letter to residents each year describing the deductible amount, but residents should still consult with a tax professional to determine if they qualify.

The other aspect is when a resident receives and pays for care services. Again, it depends on the type of residency contract. Whether living in a CCRC or not, people are generally able to deduct eligible medical expenses that exceed 10% of their adjusted gross income. See IRS Publication 502 for more detail.

Q: Monetary decisions should contribute in choosing a retirement community. What are some of the most popular considerations seniors should know about?

A: In addition to possible tax deductions described previously, it’s important to understand exactly what is covered under the monthly fee at the retirement community, and what’s extra. With this information, a person is in a better position to do a proper analysis of what they’re paying to live at home, compared to what it will cost them to live in a retirement community. Some people don’t stop to think about the fact that much of what they’re paying for at home will be covered under their monthly fee at the retirement community, so the cost of moving to the retirement community may be less than they expected once they factor this in.

Also, it’s important to understand if and how fees could adjust over time, particularly when
care-related services are received. This gets back to the point about the type of residency contract. Some contracts (LifeCare) include all care services in the monthly fee, which may be thought of as an all-inclusive contract. Others (e.g., Fee-for-Service) require residents to pay the full cost of such services, possibly in addition to the monthly fee. In a sense, it comes down to pay now or pay later, but understanding specifically how the contract works helps avoid any surprises.

Q: You’ve met seniors across the country, and have heard their concerns when it comes to choosing a retirement community. What are the most common questions you hear and the best advice you can give to them?

A: The most popular question I get is whether someone can use their long-term care insurance in a CCRC. The answer is yes, but there may be limits on how much of it can be used. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but this also depends somewhat on the type of CCRC contract. With a LifeCare contract there may be only a certain portion of the monthly fee that’s a reimbursable long-term care expense. However, with a fee-for-service contract – where the resident pays the full cost for care services – a long-term care policy will typically cover these expenses up to the policy limit. The policy can be quite beneficial under either scenario. Under a LifeCare contract, a resident could conceivably pay less each month than they paid before receiving care services, once you factor in the long-term care coverage.

Regarding long-term care insurance, it’s important to also know how your policy classifies a continuing care retirement community, or even if it defines it at all. If the policy makes no mention of continuing care retirement communities, it’s advisable to speak with a representative of the insurance company to find out if there would be any restrictions. And you may even want to have it in writing.

Q: You’ll be at Pomperaug Woods for a speaking event on Wednesday, May 17. What do you hope will be the biggest take away from this event?

A: I hope the biggest take away is that there’s no single solution that’s right for everyone. Understanding the options, thinking through various scenarios and planning, is so important to avoid difficult and often costly situations in the future. Far too many families don’t do this, and it can lead to some tough decisions.