The Fabulous 1950s Come Alive At Elizabeth Scott Event
BY KAREN BERGER
MIRROR REPORTER
Elvis drove up on a 1950s motorcycle. Doris Mangotic won the prize for the best teddy bear dance. And more than 200 filled an outdoor tent at the Elizabeth Scott Community to hear Legend The Band play ’50s and ’60s music.
Last month’s event to celebrate National Assisted Living Week kicked off at noon with tours of the facility and a live remote with Mary Beth and Rick, co-hosts of the morning show on 101.5 FM The River.
Barbara Flathers, dementia consultant, shared information with family members considering options for loved ones.
“There are few people who aren’t either personally touched or know someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. It doesn’t just affect one person. It affects five to seven people,” said Flathers, who spoke with visitors to Elizabeth Scott.
Most family members ask how long their loved one can drive or live alone. The disease, depending upon age and physical condition, could last 20 or more years, she said.
“Assisted living, not a nursing home, is the No. 1 choice of people with Alzheimer’s. Most are physically well, so they don’t need the high-intensity environment of a nursing home. They need someone to look after them to make sure they don’t get into harm’s way,” Flathers said.
Elizabeth Scott Community has a memory unit as part of its assisted living facility.
Residents were reminiscing as Legend The Band played favorites such as “Louie, Louie,” “Chantilly Lace” and “Johnny B. Good.”
In addition to congo lines and the teddy bear dance, there was plenty of toe-tapping and singing along.
For more information about Elizabeth Scott Community, visit its Web site at www.elizabethscott.org.