Martha Smoljanovich
Those closest to Martha Smoljanovich realize the 84-year-old Waynesburg resident needs to be challenged mentally and physically each day if she wants to remain at home and out of a personal care home.
This spunky lady, who still needs the assistance of a wheelchair after fracturing her ankle in 2012, flashed her infectious smile as she looked around the environs of SeniorCARE, Greene County’s satellite office of Washington County’s Senior LIFE, just as she did when she told her story for the June installment of the Observer-Reporter’s yearlong “No Longer Me” series on Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“They take real good care of me here,” Martha said, while receiving approving nods from her sister and primary caretaker, Helen Bucciarelli, and from close family friend Jean Miller.
Both Helen and Jean are quite aware of the benefits Martha receives by attending SeniorCARE’s adult day care services that make it ideal for elderly people who cannot be left along during the day, yet do not require 24-hour care.
Martha comes to SeniorCARE five days a week, where she receives physical therapy, and more importantly, mental stimulation that lessens the effects of Martha’s early dementia.
“The more stimulation she get here, the better for her,” Helen said. “When she comes home she reports what she did during the day. She has become so much more alert by being here. It’s all about socialization, keeping her sharp.”
As the two sisters sat side-by-side in a waiting area at SeniorCARE, Helen’s eyes came alive when she said Martha’s physical checkup earlier in the day revealed her blood sugar level was down. “She has diabetes, you know.”
Martha looked around the room and saw other people gathering at tables preparing to play games or cards or just talk. Martha was ready to join in, and she seemed a bit more eager than she did six months ago.