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Nursing Home Week

BANGOR – Gov. John Baldacci visited Stillwater Healthcare on May 14 to deliver the message that May 13-19 is Nursing Home Week in Maine.

“During Nursing Home Week we honor your time, your sacrifices, your wisdom and your contributions,” Baldacci told residents of Stillwater Healthcare. “You should know, however, that it’s not just about honoring you today, but everyday. Your experience and your wisdom have taught us and will continue to guide us while we grow, as individuals, and as a state.”

While at Stillwater Healthcare, Baldacci also honored a Newburgh woman who is a resident at the facility. Elsie Brough received a Certificate of Lifetime Achievement from the governor. Brough was honored at the Remember ME celebration at the Hall of Flags in Augusta. Because of her age, 92, and health conditions, Brough was unable to attend the ceremony.

“Elsie, I met you for the first time today, but I can tell that you are a wonderful person,” Baldacci said. “You were in the front lobby shaking so many hands and talking with so many people I thought you were running for office.”

Elsie Brough and her husband, the Rev. A. Alan Brough, founded the Hospital Chaplaincy Service more than 60 years ago. The organization helps to “bring comfort, cheer and a nondenominational Christian message to nursing and boarding home residents in Maine.” It has engaged more than 3,000 volunteers and has served nearly 200 homes in its history. Brough also is known for her poetry and her distinction of being the oldest legal resident of Newburgh.

The Remember ME ceremony was held April 6 in Augusta, honoring 37 individuals who live, or have lived in nursing homes and residential care facilities around the state.

Talk on heart health

BANGOR – A recent study shows that only 12 percent of Mainers can correctly identify the warning signs of a heart attack and the need to call 911 immediately.

Eastern Maine Medical Center has partnered with In a Heartbeat, an initiative of the Dirigo Health Agency’s Maine Quality Forum, to provide information to the community at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Bangor Public Library.

Rebecca Henry, a cardiac clinical nurse specialist, will be the guest speaker. Henry brings 25 years of cardiac experience to the forum and will be available to answer questions.

Books on heart health, a heart healthy diet, exercise and other topics are on display in the library’s Reading Room during May.

Communicating with people with dementia

BREWER – Janet Lewis, dementia care and education specialist for Eastern Agency on Aging, will give a free presentation on “Good Communication and Successful Visiting” 2-3 p.m. Monday, May 21, at Alzheimer’s Care Residence, the newest phase of Woodlands Assisted Living, at 53 Colonial Circle.

Family and friends often are uneasy visiting folks with memory loss who reside in assisted living and nursing facilities. Lewis will talk about positive communication and interaction ideas for successful visiting.

Infant mental health

BANGOR – The Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center will offer an “Introduction to Infant Mental Health: Issues and Practice” training 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 22, 23 and July 14 at Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow Street. The cost is $15.

The training, presented by Anne C. Williams, infant mental health specialist, will provide specific information on attachments, temperament, relationship building, use of self, principles of infant mental health practice, assessment, identification and support of family strengths.

Those interested are encouraged to call in advance to ensure space. For more information or registration, call 973-3533.

Arthritis Walk

BANGOR – The Arthritis Walk will be held Sunday, May 19, at the William S. Cohen School. Registration is at 9 a.m., the walk commences at 10 a.m., and lunch will be served at 11 a.m. Door prizes and other give-aways will be awarded. Register for the walk at www.arthritis.org. To obtain more information, call (800) 639-2113.

Stroke awareness

BREWER – Each year some 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke. That’s about one every 45 seconds. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States and Maine, and the leading cause of long-term disability. According to the National Stroke Association, 75 percent of stroke victims receive rehabilitation services.

Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation Services is in the process of applying for accreditation as a Stroke Rehabilitation Center by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation is one of some 75 facilities nationwide applying for certification.

Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation has provided rehabilitation services for individuals with brain injury, including stroke, since 1989. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities has accredited with commendation Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation’s Brain Injury Community Integrative Adult Program.

The Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation’s professional interdisciplinary team with expertise in brain injury and stroke focuses on returning clients as close as possible to pre-injury levels of functioning. Each client receives an interdisciplinary team evaluation including medical consultation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy and recreational therapy.

Clients and their caregivers are supported and educated throughout the process by therapists, counselors, nurses and the case manager.

Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation offers a support group for survivors of brain injury and stroke.

The group meets 5-5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at Twin City Plaza, 248 State St., Brewer. A social hour takes place 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The group provides an atmosphere where individuals can ask questions or share experiences, ideas and positive and negative views. It provides an opportunity for individuals and their families or caregivers to connect with one another. The group is led by Jennifer Morgan, a speech language pathologist specializing in treatment of individuals with brain injury and stroke. For information, call Morgan at 989-2034.