by Linda Gaibel, LCSW, Care Manager, SeniorBridge, Ft. Lauderdale

When I think about positive aging, Sylvia Tate (fictitious name) comes to mind. Sylvia, 86, is talkative, very social and always smiling. She was happily married for more than 50 years and helped her husband run a photography studio in upstate New York. 

Sylvia and her husband moved to Boynton Beach in 1994. Several years later, her husband had a stroke and died. After grieving his loss, Sylvia made a new life for herself, taking part in activities, including a daily lunch program at a nearby senior center. Within a couple of years, Sylvia met George, a fellow resident, with whom she enjoyed a 10-year relationship.

When George died in 2006, Sylvia had a particularly hard time grieving the loss. She began having medical problems including high blood pressure, arthritis and short-term memory loss. Her son, Ben, called SeniorBridge (formerly Rona Bartelstone Care Management & Home Healthcare) to hire a Geriatric Care Manager who could recommend services that would help his mother.  

Linda Gaibel, a Care Manager, conducted the consultation and assessment. It was clear to Linda that Sylvia was still very upset about the loss of George. To help Sylvia cope with the grieving process, Linda recommended supportive counseling, a nurse to come once a month for medication management, an aide/companion to come weekly to help with shopping, and an emergency response system so Sylvia would feel more secure in case of a medical emergency.

These supportive services helped Sylvia resume the activities that brought her pleasure. 

Family was always important to Sylvia. Her daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter live near Atlanta. During a Thanksgiving visit, Sylvia’s daughter convinced her mother to consider several Assisted Living Facilities. When she returned to Florida, Sylvia discussed the pros and cons of this potential move with her Care Manager. Linda supported the decision to move, and kept in touch with Sylvia’s relatives to help make the arrangements for Sylvia to be near her family.

In her last meeting with Linda, Sylvia talked about starting a Red Hat Society in her new residence and was enthusiastic about all the activities it offered. Sylvia’s positive attitude and sense of humor will enable her to adjust comfortably to this new housing option.