Blog

Happy Thanksgiving: November 26,2020

November 26, 2020 — Dear Residents, Families and Friends of Grace Barker Health:   Thanksgiving is a time to express sincere gratitude to others, and to give thanks. Here is a special letter to acknowledge the many people we are grateful for this holiday:   To our residents who continue to endure the pandemic and to those who have passed... Read More

COVID-19 Update: Important Update November 13, 2020

November 13, 2020 — Dear Families of Residents at The Cove: During the most recent round of surveillance testing, results show that several staff members are positive for COVID-19. Per Centers for Disease Control and Rhode Island Department of Health guidance, these staff members were immediately sent home to quarantine. They can only return to work when their quarantine... Read More

COVID-19 Update: Visitation Update November 4, 2020

November 4, 2020 — Dear Families of Residents at The Cove and The Willows:   We have just received notification from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) that increased visitor restrictions are strongly recommended for all nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state.   Per this guidance, effective today The Cove and The Willows are transitioning... Read More

Wordfind: Take Steps to Take More Steps

November 1, 2020 — Experts tell us that even if we work out every day, our health can suffer if we sit down the rest of the time. Common wisdom has been that 10,000 steps per day is an ideal goal. In reality, that’s no magic number—some experts recommend 6,000 or some other number. One thing the experts agree... Read More

Infographic: 8 Medication Safety Tips for Seniors

November 1, 2020 — On average, people older than 65 take five medications. Some take substantially more. It can be tricky to keep all these medicines straight, and to remember which drug to take when, and in what way. This infographic offers eight tips for making sure our medications help, and not harm, our health. Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners;... Read More

Aging & Caregiving in the News

November 1, 2020 — Information, updates and interesting tidbits In this issue: Time goes by faster as we grow older Family caregivers during COVID-19 Is edible glitter safe to eat? Why Does Time Seem to Fly in Our Older Years? “The holidays are here already? Seems like we just took down the Christmas tree last week!” Time seems to... Read More

Pumpkin the Healthy Way

November 1, 2020 — Pumpkins are loaded with vitamin A, fiber, potassium and other nutrients. No wonder jack-o’-lanterns smile! Of course, we often use pumpkin in ways that aren’t so healthy. Pumpkin spice triple latte with extra whipped cream, anyone? Instead, check out these two recipes that pack a pumpkin punch without a bunch of unhealthy ingredients. Heart Healthy... Read More

If It’s “Zoom for the Holidays” This Year

November 1, 2020 — These days, families have been having some tough conversations about their holiday plans. Some families believe they can safely gather if they take precautions. They might be planning to create family “bubbles” by pledging to quarantine for the recommended amount of time before they get together. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly... Read More

3 Ways to Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment

November 1, 2020 — As the leaves begin to change color, we are reminded that fall is also the time to considering changing our health care options for the coming year. Medicare’s annual open enrollment (October 15 through December 7) provides an opportunity to join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D drug plans. The annual open... Read More