December 27, 2012

HI, some of you might be wondering if I was still around, and I am.  This month has been hard to use my writing.  I need help and everyone had times to need help, for their family, for their friend, work, church and for people that we do not know.  Yet, I am able to laugh, smile, work, be with my family a friends and people that I met so many new friends.  My friend Rumi who is the Co-founder & Managing Director at New Hope Valley asked me if I would  be on their Advisory Council.  ‘WOW’  I said Me?  I wanted to say: Yes. Yet I needed to go home, and my brain is going fast, I ask Butch what he thought about and he said: up to me and I went on my knees, and I said: YES and called Rumi and said again yes.     

I am inviting to you to come to the New Hope Valley for the ribbon cutting.   Rumi is also in inviting you to!

You will see the information on New Hope Valley.  You will Like it!

  

 Dear community member,

Hope you are well.  I would like to invite you to visit New Hope Valley Assisted Living Home. Our contractors, Geiersbach Construction of Saginaw, have almost completed construction of our community. We will be welcoming our first residents at the start of the new year and we are eager to share our excitement with you. We hope you will drop by for a visit between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday during December, for a tour and refreshments.  Alternatively, we can arrange for a private tour for you, just let me know when during December, would be a good time to schedule this.  We are also planning the ribbon cutting on the 7^th of January, 2013 at 11:30am and it would be great if you can join us for this event. 

You will have a chance to meet Executive Director Lori Haapala, who brings great expertise and compassion to our community, having previously run another premier assisted living facility in the area. I will also be there to greet you.

In case you missed it, Saginaw News and the Township View covered our Community in their publications and the links below will provide you more color on New Hope Valley.  Also, included is a link to our community website and facebook pages.

News Coverage

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2012/12/new_hope_valley_assisted_livin.html

http://townshipview.mihomepaper.com/news/2012-12-13/News/New_Hope_Assisted_Living_nearing_completion.html

Webpage & Facebook page

http://www.newhopevalley.us/

https://www.facebook.com/NewHopeValley

  New Hope offers a wholesome living alternative for seniors in need of constant care.  Our mission is to create an energetic yet safe and comfortable environment.  We honor the security, independence and dignity of our residents. We believe that each person has his or her own panorama of rich life experiences, and our nurturing environment will celebrate the continuation of this panorama. Our founders have conducted nationwide research of practices of the most forward thinking assisted living homes in the nation. We have adapted the learnings of neurological scientists and university experts to our plan of care for the seniors who will live in our home. New Hope’s carefully selected staff will focus on helping our residents enjoy a balance of the spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social dimensions of their lives.

I am also attaching an article that Lori LaBrie, and I co-wrote on the concept of Life Long Learning.  We feel strongly that the resident centered model with Life Long Learning infused at its core is a good starting point for New Hope Valley’s eco-system.  You can contact Lori at 989-225-8216 or me at 617-872-4267, with any questions.

 

Sincerely,

K. Rumi Shahzad

Co-founder & Managing Director

New Hope Partners, LLC

3785 N. Center Road

Saginaw, MI 48603

Optimal Aging - Lifelong Learner of Life, December 2012

As the population of the world and the United States ages, patterns have started to emerge around what optimal aging looks like.  As we know, there is no “right path” to aging that works for everyone.  However, there are ingredients of success we can observe and learn from. This series of articles aim to highlight those ingredients.

The recognized concepts of human wellness include caring for our physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing.   Nourishing these needs by taking a lifelong learning approach to life is a good starting point to optimal aging, that is seeking ideas that stimulate and support our wellness needs.   Lifelong learners open their senses to a vast array of outlets like music, poetry, dance and philosophy.  The key is to dive into learning without having it overwhelm you.

An optimal aging idea that cuts across cultures, religions and geographies is starting the day with an individual practice such as meditation, prayer, reading, movement or playing a music instrument, practices that lead to a peaceful inner state.  For some people deep breathing exercises, morning walks and praying to God, for example are great way to welcome a new day.

In the Great Lake Bay Region, several opportunities are available to lifelong learners. They range from enrolling in some of the 200 classes of Saginaw Valley State University’s Osher Life Long Learning Institute (OLLI)  http://www.svsu-cbed.net/olli/ to participating in the Saginaw and Midland chapters of People to People,  an organization founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities. 

Lifelong learning can be wonderful way to stimulate intellectual capabilities.  Research on Alzheimer’s has shown that a brain-healthy lifestyle may prevent Alzheimer's symptoms and slow down, or even reverse, deterioration.  Lumosity.com is a great website that enables individuals to improve brain health and performance through various exercises.  Lumosity founders have worked with researchers from several universities including Stanford and John Hopkins to create games and exercises that improve core cognitive abilities and enable users to remember more, think faster and perform better.

Another universal wellness concept is helping our fellow human beings.  As the Dalai Lama said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  A simple act of kindness not only connects us with a fellow human being, it usually has a multiplier effect that improves our lives and of those around us.  So let’s engage in at least one act of impromptu kindness today, and make it a habit to do so each day.-------------------------------------------

K. Rumi Shahzad, who aspires to be a lifelong learner, is a co-founder of New Hope Valley, an Assisted Living Community in Saginaw, MI and Lori LaBrie is the Executive Director of New Hope Valley. Rumi can be reached at rumi@newhopevalley.us and Lori can be reached at lorih@newhopevalley.us

ESTE SER Wiii uma ótima semana Nov-19-12

 Deus me disse que: eu ainda estou vivo, tenho coisas para fazer e assim vamos. Eu faço as coisas através da semana e, vou compartilhar o que fizemos. Aqui vou eu.

 Esta vai ser uma grande semana, um dia de cada vez.

19 Hoje, Butch e eu estarei indo para chegar a alimentação para a semana, pegar comida do cão, almoçar, ir trabalhar em casa, no meu blog, jantar e para fora da porta para uma reunião, e depois voltar para casa. Sim!

20 Olhando para o meu blog, tem café da manhã, ir para Temporada Serviços Sênior 2 voluntariado, eu faço: regar as plantas, conversar com os clientes e ouvir a sua história no período da manhã. É maravilhoso. Voltar para almoçar em casa,! Mamãe e eu vamos CUIDADOR demência, & ESPIRITUALIDADE em Sevices Senior em Midland. Tempo de 1:00 pm-3: 12:00 na esquina da norte Saginaw e Estrada Dubln.

21 º Ir a uma reunião em Saginaw no 10-11:30, em seguida, almoço no Harvey com os amigos. A próxima coisa que vai ser incrível. Na nossa maneira de ver o interior do recém-construído: Vale Nova Esperança, Casa Assisted Living. http://www.newhopevalley.us Meu Penny irmã me ajudou a configurar a exibição de Alzheimer, então quando eu ir para a casa aberta no dia 23 vamos ser capazes de interagir com as pessoas. E quando chegamos ao interior, Wow! Os trabalhadores estão trabalhando duro para conseguir os tapetes e pisos de madeira instalada. Rumi, nos mostrou os quartos. Mais uma vez, Wow! Penny e eu então deixou a nossa exibição em um canto e vamos buscá-lo no sábado.

22 de Ação de Graças! Isso me lembra a compartilhar as bênçãos, os presentes, o amor, Deus me deu. Eu Te agradeço Senhor, Obrigado Obrigado. Obrigado! Deus, você é nossa família. Você começou-o, Senhor. E ele ainda está acontecendo. Ajuda-me a ajudar os outros para que eles vão conhecer.

23 Black Friday! Às 12:00 h estarei no Vale Nova Esperança para a Open House e eu vou estar lá até 06:00. Será dia maravilhoso.

24 Resto dia! Dia 25 de Deus! Na verdade, todo dia é dia de Deus. Obrigado Senhor.

 DIA 25 de Deus! Na verdade, todo dia é dia de Deus. Obrigado Senhor.

THIS WIII BE A GREAT WEEK

Blog 2

                                                                                             Nov-19-12

 God told me that: I am still alive, I have things to do and so let's go. I do things thru the week and, I will share what we did.   Here I GO.

 This is going to be a great week, one day at a time.

19th   Today, Butch and I will be going to get our food for the week, pick up the dog's food, have lunch, go home, work on my blog, dinner and out the door for a meeting, and then coming home.  Yea!

20th     Looking at my blog, have breakfast, go to Senior Services Season 2 volunteering , I do: water the plants, talk with clients and hearing their story’s  in the morning.   It is wonderful time.  Back to home, lunch!  Mom and I are going to DEMENTIA, CAREGIVER & SPIRITUALITY  at Senior Sevices in Midland, MI.  Time-   1:00pm-3:00pm   On the Corner at north Saginaw and Dubln Road. 

 21th     Going to a meeting in Saginaw at 10-11:30, then lunch at Harvey’s with friends.  Next thing will be Awesome.  On our way to see the inside of newly constructed:  New Hope Valley, Assisted Living Home. http://www.newhopevalley.us       My sister Penny helped me to set up the Alzheimer’s display  so when I go to the Open house on the 23^rd  We will be able to Interact with the people more.   And when we got to inside, Wow!  The workers are working hard to get the rugs and the wood flooring installed.  Rumi, showed us the rooms.  Again,Wow!  Penny and I then left our display in a corner and we will pick it up on Saturday.

22th        Thanksgiving!  It reminds me to share the Blessings , the Gifts, the Love, God gave me.   I thank You Lord, Thank you Thank you. Thank you!   God, you are our Family.  You started it, Lord.  And it is still going on.  Help me to help others so that they will know You.   

23^rd               Black Friday!   At 12:00pm I will be at New Hope Valley for the Open House and I will be there  until  6pm.  It will be wonderful day.          

24^th           Rest day!     25^th           God’s Day!   Actually, every day Is God’s day.  Thank You Lord.

25^th           God’s Day!   Actually, every day Is God’s day.  Thank You Lord. 

GOD, THANK YOU FOR PRAYERS

Prayer,    Good Morning, Lord     

God, you have showed us what Unconditional Love means.  So we can do the same, for All of your  Children’s  around the world

Jesus came to us to teach others to know they have an Unconditional Loving God.

And we Praise you Lord for the gifts you gave us so we share to others, we are able to serve your Children. And this morning we came to you, to serve.   Sometimes we forget to serve because we don’t think we are worthy.  But we came, and we were blessed.  We are worthy. 

As we singing, laughing, hugging, sharing our stories, the message, Scriptures, it can go on.

We love you Lord, We Pray to you that we need help, to help others.   Not about us.  It is about You and Your children.

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Today when going to my friend’s house to work on this blog, I dropped my cell phone in the garage and the case fell off doing some damage to it. Then after, I’d left in my car, my husband called me and said, “Sara, I thought you were taking your laptop with you.”  I said, “Oh, I forgot it, I’m coming back to get it.” Then after making my way back to pick it up and while driving, someone was driving very close to me and because I was watching them so closely, I missed the road I was to turn off on and had to turn around and come back. This is just some of the frustration I deal with. When I got to the house and saw the beautiful trees, the colors around the yard, it made me feel good and I just let go….Yes, I am here!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

September was awesome. This is what we have done through September 30, 2012.  There are lots of things we can do around our area and make a difference in someone’s life.  

For instance, we had a fabulous response to this year's walk at the Saginaw Township Soccer Complex, Genesee County/Grand Blanc ‘s Nature Trails at Genesys, and in Midland’s Emerson Park.  The weather was great, a couple of hundred families participated and raised over $122,000 (still coming in) for the Alzheimer's cause.  The Saginaw Soccer complex was buzzing with activity throughout the morning and several families had brought along young kids to participate in the walk.  The photographs for the walk can be seen using this link.  Thank you so much to each individual who participated for this cause.

new link for photos of walk http://rickthomas.smugmug.com/Events/2012-Walk-To-End-Alzheimers/2012-Walk-To-End-Alzheimers/25260258_4X9svQ#!i=2074786304&k=Rv4vhtb

My presentation at the World Alzheimer’s Awareness Day

 Early Stage Alzheimer’s Candidate.   What does that mean?

I can still work, volunteer, share with others, and help people. Alzheimer’s is a disease, but it is not who we are.  It is a gathering of people who care.  They care enough to share their lives and to support and they listen to those who need to be heard with the disease. 

I was at the walks in Saginaw, Grand Blanc and Midland.   I heard laughter, joy, happiness, dancing, sharing with others, tears sad and joy, helping, walking, and an Amazing day. We are here to support for many reasons: some to remind us that we are still a life, fundraising, sharing stories.  Everyone is a child of God, and if you are afraid to speak He will help you.  I know because God gives me the words that I need to use.    If you have a form of Alzheimer’s disease and you are alive, God is with you and will walk with you.  Share your stories.   Care Giver’s you can speak for them.  . 

Like others who are getting older, I would forget names, places, words, lose keys.  We all do it and we all tend to laugh these things off.  I thought, “this is normal.” So, I let it go. 

Maybe we begin to notice these things happening more frequently.  We may blow it off.  We may become sad, depressed, mad, angry, wonder why me?”  Or maybe we don’t talk about it at all … because it is scary to think about what is happening in our bodies/ and even scarier to say it out loud.  

, Do not delay!  Talk to your doctor!  I didn’t, I waited too long. 

  It started a long journey.

I met with a Geriatric Physician who specializes in Alzheimer’s  Disease.   I have a form of Alzheimer’s Disease. 

 Believe it or not this was good news! .  It was confirmed:  I am not crazy.  I am not stupid we are freed.  It is a healing experience to finally know that our suspicions were correct:  There was something wrong. 

We can do things Now that I know, putting plans in place to visit places and people, and to do things I have wanted to do.   Even without them, I know I will never be alone, for I have a loving God on this journey with me. 

So, yes … this diagnosis was a blessing.  I am still alive and able to do things.  ” and live my life, and help others in need.  I thank God for all these blessings. 

 Speak Out

If you have questions or start to wonder if your forgetfulness is excessive, speak to your family, your friends, any one.  If you think you might be exhibiting symptoms, speak to your doctor, to caregivers. Speak to your Higher Power. 

 And if you find you do have Alzheimer’s, start sharing your stories with others, and find friends with whom you can share what you are going through your anger, your frustration, your love. 

Thanks to all of you who are here for the Alzheimer’s Walk.  Your caring can make a difference to someone you know who has been or will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

For Me, God said, Sara your still alive, things to do and lets go.

Speak Out.  Do not delay.  Don’t give Up.   We are freed.

Minha Apresentação nenhum Mundial Dia do Alzheimer da Consciência

Minha Apresentação nenhum Mundial Dia do Alzheimer da Consciência
Candidato Early Stage Alzheimer. O Que significa ISSO?

Eu ainda POSSO trabalhar Há, voluntariamente, compartilhar com OS other, e ajudar como PESSOAS. Alzheimer E UMA Doença, mas NAO E o Que Somos.

E hum Encontro de Pessoas Que se significativos importantes. Ellis significativos importantes o Suficiente parágrafo SUAS VIDAS e compartilhar parágrafo APOIAR e Ouvir aqueles Que precisam Ser ouvidas com uma Doença.

Eu estava sem Caminhadas los Saginaw, Blanc Grand e Midland. Ouvi o riso, a alegria, a Felicidade, Dançar, compartilhar com OS other, lágrimas e alegria triste, ajudando, Andando, e hum dia Incrível. Aqui ESTAMOS parágrafo APOIAR, POR muitas Razões: alguns parágrafo nn lembrar Que ainda ESTAMOS Vida, captação de Recursos, compartilhar Histórias. Todo Mundo E hum Filho de Deus, e se Você. ESTA COM Medo de Falar marca Ele Vai te ajudar. Eu sei porqué Deus me da As Palavras Que Preciso USAR. Se Você. TEM UMA forma de Doença de Alzheimer e Você. Está vivo, Deus ESTA COM Você e Vai andar com Voce. Histórias Compartilhe SUAS. Cuidador E Que Você. PODE Falar parágrafo enguias. .


Como other Que estao envelhecendo, nomos ue Iria esquecer, Lugares, Palavras, como Perder chaves. Todos NÓS fazemos ISSO NÓS e Todos tendem a rir dessas Coisas fóruns. Eu pensei, "normal ISSO é." Entao, eu Deixa-lo ir.

Talvez a gente COMECA perceber uma essas Coisas acontecendo com frequencia Mais. NÓS PODEMOS explodi-lo fóruns. PODEMOS nn tornar triste, deprimido, louco, com Raiva, me pergunto POR Que eu? "Ou talvez NÓS NAO Falamos sobre ISSO ... porqué E assustador Pensar sobre o Que ESTA acontecendo los nossos Corpos / e ainda Mais assustador parágrafo DiZer ISSO los Voz Alta.

, Nao demora! Converse com Seu Médico! Eu nao, eu esperei Muito tempo.
Elementos começou UMA longa jornada.
Encontrei-me com hum Médico Especialista los Geriatria Doença de Alzheimer. Eu tenho UMA forma de Doença de Alzheimer.

Acredite OU NAO, ESTA FOI UMA boa notícia! . Confirmado FOI: Eu Nao sou louco. Ue NAO SOU estupido libertados SOMOS. E UMA Experiência de cura parágrafo Finalmente sabre Que nossas suspeitas ERAM corretas: Havia Algo de Errado.

PODEMOS Fazer Coisas Que Eu Sei Agora, colocando Planos parágrafo Visitar Pessoas e Lugares, e Fazer Coisas Que eu queria Fazer. MESMO SEM enguias, eu sei Que Nunca eStara Sozinho, POIs tenho hum Deus amoroso Nesta jornada Comigo.


Entao, sim ... Este Diagnóstico FOI UMA Bênção. Eu ainda ESTOU vivo e Capaz de Fazer Coisas como. "E Viver a Vida minha, e ajudar OS Necessitados. Agradeço a Deus POR TODAS como bênçãos.

Falar parágrafo fóruns

Si voce Tiver Dúvidas UO Comecar um SE Perguntar si Ô Seu esquecimento E amigos excessivo, Falar com SUA Família, SEUS, QUALQUÉR hum. Se Você. Acha Que PODE Estar apresentando sintomas, fale com o Seu Médico, parágrafo OS cuidadores. Fale com o Seu Poder Superior.
E se Você. Acar Que Tem Alzheimer, Comecar a compartilhar SUAS Histórias com OS other, e encontrar com amigos QUEM PODE Você. compartilhar o Que Você. ESTA POR SUA Passando Raiva, frustração SUA, o Seu amor.

Obrigado a Todos Voces Que Aqui estao Pará uma Caminhada fazer Alzheimer. O Seu carinho PODE Fazer um Diferença parágrafo alguem Que Você. Conheça Que tenha Sido UO Serao diagnosticados com a Doença de Alzheimer.

Pará MIM, Deus Disse, Sara SEUS ainda vivos, parágrafo Coisas a Fazer e Vamos.

Falar. Nao demora. Nao desista. ESTAMOS LIVRES.