Regency On Whidbey

REGENCY on WHIDBEYR E T I R E M E N T & A S S I S T E D L I V I N G

A Regency Pacific Community

Retirement Living on Beautiful Whidbey Island

Relax and EnjoyWe offer a lifestyle that provides the independence,

security and privacy you want, with the graciousness,

comfort, and service you deserve.

1040 SW Kimball Drive, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 279-0933w w w.r egenc y w hidbe y.com

Bringing Inde� ndence to Living& Quality to Life

Check out our Summer Activities! V O L . 1 I S S U E 3

We are happy to introduce our newest team member, Wendy McIlnay. She started with us on May 3rd and has the pleasure of being our new General Manager. She is very excited to be working with such a great team and community and is full of many exciting ideas. Wendy has been a leader in the senior housing

industry for over 24 years. She started her career in skilled nursing as a care giver and from there went on to start a group of assisted living homes in Spokane. With the success of her � rst years, she continued to open many other senior living homes.

Wendy was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, but grew up next door to Oak Harbor in Anacortes with her mother and grandparents. Moving from there, she mastered her education and work ethics in Spokane. She feels very blessed to have such a close family which includes 4 children, 2 dogs and a wonderful husband. Wendy will be living in the community while she looks for a new home near by. Please stop in and say “hello” as Wendy’s door is always open.

Care for Caregivers: How Caregivers Can Better Take Care of ThemselvesEveryone is aware that there are different stages in the progression of an illness and that the person living with that illness will go through a range of emotions. However, we rarely re� ect that caregivers, too, go through different stages of development, emotion and need while performing their role. Caregiving is an act of love, but it is also a demanding and challenging job.

As a primary caregiver, I’m well aware of the challenges facing caregivers, and I’d like to share my experiences with you.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia in particular is associated with a higher level of stress than caring for someone with functional impairment from another type of illness. One survey on caregivers revealed that persons with Alzheimer’s disease required an average of 70 hours of care per week, with 62 of those hours provided by the primary caregiver.

Since caregivers have a tendency to focus so much attention on their “job,” they often overlook their own personal needs, telling themselves that their needs pale in comparison with those of their family member or loved one who is ill.

Just as the caregiver wants to keep his or her loved one as � t, healthy, strong and emotionally well-balanced as possible, it is even more important for caregivers to treat themselves with the same level of care to stay healthy and effective. Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones, and it will enable you to keep giving the very best care.

Here are some simple things to keep in mind if you’re a primary caregiver:• Make sure to make time for yourself and your own daily routine.

MANAGER

Page • 2 Regency on Whidbey

• Schedule regular afternoons or evenings out. If you can’t get away and friends or other family members cannot come over, take time each day for a phone call with a friend. Having a support network can be invaluable.

• Think of diversifying roles and people in your network as well. Find a reliable teenager in the neighborhood, or a handyman service, to assist with household chores, home repair or maintenance. In addition to the emotional support offered by friends and co-workers, you can take them up on offers to drive, cook, pick up prescriptions or assist in other ways.

• Join a support group to connect with people who understand the challenges you are facing and can share your experience. Not only is it reassuring to hear and learn from others in similar situations, but you may also � nd solutions for practical problems as well. Day-to-day frustrations such as managing insurance claims or � nding the best pharmacy can seem mundane, but they require a lot of time and energy. Practical advice from someone who has already navigated the waters can reduce stress and save time.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. Staying connected with friends, family and members of a support group - or � nding service providers to assist you - will go a long way to helping you provide care for yourself and your loved one.

Respite care provides caregivers with a needed rest. One of the best ways for a caregiver to obtain a needed rest is to arrange a short-term stay for his or her loved one in a safe, caring and nurturing environment. At senior living communities such as Regency On Whidbey, staff ask a lot of questions before residents begin their stay at a community - from medication and sleeping preferences to favorite foods and hobbies. By knowing the answers to these questions, the respite care provider can plan out appropriate services and care for each individual. In this way, a community like Regency On Whidbey can assure you that you are placing your loved one in good hands.

There are some things, however, you’ll have to do for yourself.

• Make sure you get enough sleep, even if it means taking a nap during the day.• Make daily exercise a part of your routine. A walk around the neighborhood

not only gives you the bene� t of cardiovascular exercise, but also gives you the time to re� ect and recharge.

• Be sure to eat nutritious meals, and be wary of giving in to stress-induced urges to overindulge with food or alchohol.

• Find some time to relax each day.• Also, don’t forget to pamper yourself when you can: plan a spa day, a

weekend getaway or a short vacation.

Being mindful of your own needs and feelings is extremely important. Caregivers are at increased risk of depression and other symptoms of distress. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that seniors providing care for an ailing spouse are likely to become sick more often and experience more stress than seniors who aren’t caregivers.

Symptoms of depression that should not be ignored include:

• Persistent feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness.• Constant anxiety, irritability or anger.• Persistent feelings of detachment, numbness or exhaustion.• Negligence or hatred of caregiving responsibilities.

It’s understandable to feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed while you are providing care. Everyone experiences some degree of increased stress, and those feelings can increase over time. Because of this, it is extremely important that you remain attentive to your emotional well-being and obtain help when you need it.

Incorporating time for yourself and creating a network of support so that you are not alone in your responsibilities will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and allow you to provide the best care possible. Do not forget that you and your loved one are managing this time together, and that both of you deserve the highest level of care and consideration.Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her � eld. Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and � rst-class amenities for its residents.

O U R N E W G E N E R A L

Page • 3Regency on Whidbey

A Great Place To Call Home.The Premier Senior Living Destination...

A living environment providing the elegance, comfort, warmth and security that compliments an active lifestyle.

• Three restaurant quality meals served daily, featuring a variety of menu choices

• Snacks available daily

• Nursing staff on campus 24 hours a day

• Weekly housekeeping

• Laundry facilities

• Cable & all utilities (except phone)

• Emergency communication systems in each apartment

• Exercise & wellness programs

• Daily social and recreational activities

ASSISTED LIVING

Enjoy community amenities while living independently in your own spacious island cottage. Save your energy to enjoy the things you really want to do.

• Single story convenience• Large rooms with high,

architectural ceilings• Thermostat controlled heating

in each unit• Abundant closet space• Spacious kitchens include all

appliances• Washer and Dryer• Cable & all utilities (except phone)

• Attached garage

• Garbage removal

• Plentiful parking

• Dining options

• Housekeeping options

• Access to community activities and events

• Scheduled transportation and outings

COTTAGES

Free Lifeline Service includedwith Cottage Move-In

Move-In Bonus Coupon Valid Summer 2010.

HARBOR CARERegency on Whidbey’s Harbor Care Community

goes a step beyond assisted living by providing an intermediate level of care for physical needs, mobility needs and/or advancing memory loss. We offer everything a skilled nursing home does but with a more home-like quality. When extra gentle care is needed, Harbor Care provides a loving and secure environment tailored to meet individual needs. We offer the privacy and freedom of home combined with the convenience of comfortable living, delicious prepared meals, transportation, personalized care, and the security of licensed nursing staff 24 hours, as well as an in-house therapy department. Our specially trained staff is dedicated to serving seniors and provides the highest level of expertise and compassion our residents deserve. Rest assured that your loved ones will be cared for with warmth and tenderness.

In order to further enhance our Harbor Care community, we would appreciate any of the following donations:

• Bassinet• Changing table• Small 3 or 4 drawer dresser

• Scheduled transportation & outings

• Participation in many community events

• Baby dolls• Baby blankets

Regency on Whidbey is pleased to provide the best services and quality options for the senior community on Whidbey Island. Through Summit Paci� c Rehabilitation, we offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

On Track for Wellness!3 Tracks to wellness: Wellness Program with

resources for Physical and Cognitive Wellness, Exercise/Fitness classes, and Wellness Menu options.

Wellness educational series highlighting various • senior health and interest topicsOn site licensed Physical Therapy, Occupational • Therapy & Speech Language Pathology staff.The Wellness Program is free as a resident of • Regency on Whidbey! Participation in the Wellness Program will:•

increase cardiovascular fitness and reduce • the risk of heart diseaseImprove muscle tone• Improve circulation• Decrease depression• Increase strength• Prevent osteoporosis• Prevent and control diabetes• Control weight• Improve balance•

THERAPYREGENCY on WHIDBEY

Regency on WhidbeyPage • 4

Meet our Therapy Staff from Summit Pacific Rehabilitation from left: Speech/Language Pathology- Mary Brennan, SLP. Physical Therapy- Misty Lively, PTA, Rob Williams, PT; Occupational Therapy- Kelley Wells, OT. To reach the team members, call 360-675-8405.

Members of the Wellness Program receive the • following benefits:

Free education programs • Free screening programs • Exercise programs • Walking programs• Wellness focused menu items• Opportunities to meet interesting people • and take proactive measures to maintain optimum health.

Look at all the fun you missed!

Page • 5Regency on Whidbey

For more details about items listed here, please visit or call the Activities Director at 360-279-0933.

Oak Harbor Dr. Day*11:00am Exercise1:00pm Baking3:30pm Bible Study6:15pm Game Night

*Last Tues. of Month isAnacortes Dr. Day

10:00am Shopping11:00am Exercise2:00pm Pinochle2:30pm Movie3:30pm Activity Social**Except on the 2nd Weds. ofmonth at 4pm- Cottage Social6:15pm Game Night

Coupeville Dr. Day10:30am Handiworks11:00am Exercise2:00pm Book Club4:00pm Happy Hour6:15pm Game Night

1:30pm Movie2:00pm Bingo2:00pm Bridge6:15pm Game Night

11:00am Exercise1:30pm Movie6:15pm Game Night

10:00am Scenic Drive11:00pm Exercise2:00pm Bingo4:00pm Let’s Talk6:15pm Game Night

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

2nd & 4th Tuesdays – Marty’s Hymns @ 2:30

3rd Tuesday – Wellness Talks @ 2:15

Last Wednesday of the month – Nick’s Music @ 2:30 (Nicholas Nicholai)

Once a month Dining Out – Call for details (guests welcome)

Once a month Dining In – A special in-house Dinner option

Calendar REGENCY on WHIDBEYChurch Day

1:30pm Movie3:00pm Church Service*

*Local churches provide a Sundayservice at Regency

MOVIENIGHT!

June 14th – Flag Day Celebration

June 20th – Father’s Day Barbecue Picnic

July 4th – Independence Day Celebration

July 17th – Whidbey Cruzers Car Show and Barbecue

September 6th – Labor Day

September 12th – Grandparents Day

Please call Regency on Whidbey for details on any of the listed activities. (360) 279-0933

• Casino Trips

• Museum Trips

• Deception Pass Boat Tour

• Tea Party

• Guys Night in

• Trip to Senior Thrift Store in Freeland

• Luau with Hawaiian Dancers

A Great Place To Call Home.The Premier Senior Living Destination...

Calendar Highlights:

Scheduled Summer Outings:

Special Monthly Events:

Regency on WhidbeyPage • 6

Meet Your FriendlyNEIGHBORSJoyce KochJoyce Koch was born in North Dakota and came to the Seattle area in 1959. The lure of island living with its beautiful scenery and wonderful people brought Joyce and her husband Adolf to South Whidbey. After having a law of� ce in Seattle for 50 years, in 1972 Adolf started a law practice in Freeland that continued for 16 years. She and her husband enjoyed traveling abroad,

but truly loved exploring Whidbey Island. Joyce remained in the family home until moving to Regency on Whidbey in late fall of 2002. After looking at several retirement communities, when visiting Regency, Joyce’s sons said, “We like it here. This place has class.” After living here for almost eight years, Joyce says she agrees with her sons. When asked what her favorite thing is about living at Regency, her quick response is, “Do you have to have a favorite? I like everything!” Having Joyce live at Regency is delightful. She participates in exercises, dining out each month, happy hour, shopping, and can be found at all of our special events. “It’s a great place,” she says. “You’ve gotta come and see it for yourself.”

“Doc” (Ray) & Jan EllisIt has been one year since “Doc” and Jan moved to Regency on Whidbey. We often refer to Jan as our “Poster Child” because she was our very � rst resident who walked through our doors shouting, “Hooray, I

get to do this!” and we could almost see her waving her imaginary pom-poms. Jan says, “Moving to Regency was our best solution since “Doc” needs ongoing care. Jan was born in California, moved to Washington when she was 7 years old, then came to Whidbey Island in 1958. She raised both of her children here and became actively involved in the community life of Whidbey Island. Her musical talents include playing the accordion and bells and she has been in community bands, dance bands and has played a major role in Oak Harbor’s “Holland Happening” since it’s � rst year. In 1946, “Doc” became the � rst veterinarian on Whidbey Island after receiving his DVM at WSU. He was in a very active Jaycee club which was instrumental in designating street addresses in order for residents to receive their mail at their own homes. “Doc” was the mayor of Oak Harbor from 1960 until 1972 and worked with the city council to acquire the land that became City Beach, now Windjammer Park. “For me, the best thing about living at Regency is the meals,” Jan remarks. Juggling her many activities, running a tax preparation business and just keeping up with their home life had her head spinning. Living in our retirement community has provided her the � exibility to pursue both business and pleasure, knowing that the needs of her husband are always being properly met. We applaud the Ellis’s for taking this proactive step which has provided both Jan and “Doc” with quality living and independence in a secure environment.

Louise ScrivenIn October of 1934, Louise came with her family to live on Whidbey Island in Bayview where they rented a house for $50.00 a year. Their intention was to move to Orcas Island, but her parents heard that there was electricity on Whidbey, so en route, they changed plans. Not long after settling on the island, they moved to a house with electricity in the Deer Lake area. Louise remembers with delight that they had a

radio there and her mom had a Maytag washer. In 1942, Louise married Jack Scriven in the upstairs apartment above the Star store. Her husband worked many jobs and Louise worked for the telephone company for a number of years. They remained in South Whidbey, raising four sons that played football and graduated from Langley High School. Being a wife and mother was the best part of her life. Louise moved to Regency about a year and a half ago after having a few falls at home. Her family was concerned about her living alone. “It couldn’t be any nicer here,” Louise said. “Everybody is so wonderful. All the staff and residents are extremely helpful and kind. If you need any hugs, come to Regency.”

Jo & Elsie Balda

Sisters, Jo & Elsie Balda were both born in Oak Harbor and have lived here all of their lives, attending Oak Harbor schools through high school. Elsie did bookkeeping at Oak Harbor Feed & Seed for nine years and was of� ce manager at Oak Harbor Motors Dodge & Chrysler Dealership for over 40 years. After retirement, Elsie spent twelve years volunteering for Whidbey General Hospital and Pregnancy Care Clinic. Her interests are scrap booking and gardening. She continues both and has a pleasant garden plot outside their Regency Cottage. Jo began her banking career at Everett Trust & Savings Bank which ended up as Key Bank after a name change and several acquisitions. Because of her career in banking, she became the treasurer of various organizations. She earned many awards and accolades such as Citizen of the Year, Distinguished Service Award, Rotary’s Paul Harris Award, Best Volunteer and Ambassador through the Chamber, and Grand Marshall twice in the 4th of July Parade. She is still very active in Soroptimist, Navy League, and the Republican Party. She also has the distinction of being the only charter member of Oak Bowl, still bowling since 1956! She also serves on the boards of Island Thrift, New Leaf and Help House and goes to work every day at Key Bank. Both Jo and Elsie are active members of the Christian Reformed Church and spent many years teaching Sunday school and other church activities. They are on their 5th year at Regency and continue to enjoy “retirement” existence there. They both agree that it’s a wonderful place to be.

“You don’t stop laughing because you get old. You grow old when you stop laughing.”

Michael Pritchard

TESTIMONIALS

Page • 7Regency on Whidbey

I want to express my sincere appreciation to the ENTIRE staff at Regency on Whidbey Assisted Living and Harbor Care. My mother’s care was always superb and delivered in a caring and understanding manner. She expressed to me, almost daily, just how much she liked living there. Every one treated my mom with respect and dignity, especially on those occasions when memory loss can leave a person confused and frustrated. The loving care that she received made her daily routine a joy and the “bumps in the road” surmountable. When I would leave her after our visits, I felt as if I was leaving her with other family members. I always felt secure with Mom at Regency and was worry-free, knowing that she was in such good hands. Looking back on the past 5+ years, I have many fond memories of the fun Mom had while living at Regency. The entire Stewart family will be forever grateful for the way in which our mother was “embraced” by you and all the employees of Regency and are thankful for the great care she received. “So there”

Mary Lou Stewart, daughter (Endodontist - Dental Clinic, Naval Hospital)•

We are very pleased as Glen’s/Dad’s family in our selection of Regency and their staff. The highest compliment is in our observations that “you all make Dad truly feel like family” and that is priceless. Thank you from myself and the whole family. Keep up the good work!

Richard L. Rinker, son

• My sisters and I so appreciate the care that our mother receives at Regency. Everyone there has been welcoming and caring from the very � rst day. Mom feels safe and secure knowing that there are people to help if she needs to call on them. My sisters and I know that Mom’s needs are being met, and best of all, she is very happy! When we � rst talked with Mom about living at Regency, she was not sure she would like moving out of her home. After only a short time, when Mom said “home” she meant Regency!

Cathy Vanderzicht, daughter •

A Great Place To Call Home.The Premier Senior Living Destination...

Meet Your FriendlyRegency on Whid� y

Sta� Mem� �

Rita Jackson has been with Regency on Whidbey almost ten years. She started three months after the initial opening of Oak Harbor Retirement Community, and has remained as Business O� ce Manager since that time. Over the years she has enjoyed working with the wonderful residents, family members and employees. Her o� ce is always open to assist with monthly billing and payments. Rita can often be found going from table to table with a morning greeting for residents. She proudly displays photos on her o� ce walls of her family and especially enjoys being a Grandma. We extend a special thanks to Rita for her many years of dedicated service.

In August of 2002, Lea Bolosan came to join the dietary team at Regency. She worked as a dietary aide for 2 years, took continuing education classes to become a caregiver, and then returned to the food service department as a cook. After working at Regency on Whidbey for nearly 8 years, Lea says she gets very attached to the residents. After each meal, she circulates through the dining room, making sure they all have had a nourishing meal that has been truly enjoyed. She is always ready to o� er alternate food choices in order to assure each individual is well fed. Lea loves to � sh and goes clamming whenever possible. She loves the beauty of Whidbey Island and takes pleasure in hiking on occasion. Her positive attitude and cheery smile are contagious and enjoyed by all at Regency.

w w w.r egenc y w hidbe y.com

Pi� Your Move-In Bonus!

* Flat Screen TV with Installation (wall mount if desired) Value - TV up to $800.00, Installation of $200.00.

** Your Moving Expenses Paid by Regency of up to $1,000.00 value, with

Whidbey Moving & Storage*** New Furniture Bonus - up to

$1,000.00 Paid for the furniture ofyour choice at move-in.

Offers Valid Through Summer 2010.

T VINSTALLED

$800.00 TV

$200.00

Installation

*

MOVINGEXPENSES

PAID!**

NEWFURNITUREBONUSUp to $1,000.00***