Ask St. Ann’s – Why Should Seniors See A Geriatrician?

By Brian Heppard, medical doctor and certified medical director at St. Ann’s Community and Pillar Medical Associates, PC Are you ready to live a long life? Choosing the right health care provider for your age can help. Just as pediatricians specialize in the growth and development of newborns through young adulthood, geriatricians help the elderly […]

Ask St. Ann’s – How Can My Pharmacist Help Me Remain Independent?

The phrase “ask your pharmacist” is becoming increasingly common — and with good reason.  Today’s pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare community and are relied upon as an important source of knowledge. Pharmacists can help people stay on track with medications — especially important for seniors and others taking multiple medications. They are […]

Ask St. Ann’s – The CNA: Providing Care, Friendship, Advocacy For Elders

Lisa Giles behind her desk

They’re the first person you see in the morning and the last before you go to sleep at night. If you live in a skilled nursing community, you know who I’m talking about: the CNAs, or certified nursing assistants.  These special people spend more time taking care of our loved ones in skilled nursing than […]

Ask St. Ann’s – How Do Our Dietary Needs Change As We Age?

By Dr. Kim Petrone Good nutrition is important at any stage of life. A healthy, balanced diet provides our bodies with the nutrients we need to function, grow and heal properly. But as we age, healthy eating takes on new importance. Our bodies become less efficient at absorbing and using vitamins and minerals. At the […]

Ask St. Ann’s – Smaller Gatherings Allow For More Meaningful Engagement

By Jeff Brunner One of the things we value most as humans is the ability to connect with others, to have meaningful interactions with those around us. It’s what makes us truly human. For many of us, that ability took a big hit at the height of the pandemic when isolation was our default mode. […]

Why Should Retirees Consider Selling Their Homes This Year?

Our homes are our cocoons, safe havens, retreats and cozy nests. Nothing feels better than home, especially during challenging times.  However, mixed in with the struggles of the past 15 months is a silver lining — an opportunity for retirees to cash in on their homes and move to a trusted, maintenance-free senior living community. […]

When Is A Good Time To Talk To My Aging Parents About Finances?

One of the most meaningful things adult children can do for aging parents is to honor their wishes regarding eldercare. There’s no better time than the present to ask about their plans to ensure they have the resources necessary to receive the quality of care they may need in the future. Engaging a loved one […]

Ask St. Ann’s – How Does Pet Therapy Benefit Healthy Aging?

By Mark Simpelaar Wagging tails. Wet noses. Warm cuddles. Spending time with a friendly pet is a sure-fire way to receive a daily dose of unconditional love, connection and companionship. Best of all, this mutually beneficial relationship supports healthy aging. Often referred to as the “pet effect,” the bond between humans and animals calms our […]