In the late 80s, we had some concerns about my late mother-in-law. At that time she was living in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with friends and we were not able to have much first hand personal time together. A few things seemed to be popping up that made us consider moving her to Maine so we could be closer and keep a better eye on things. And, to boot, our daughters, Grammy’s granddaughters, were cute little peanuts and Grammy’s pride and joy. She missed them and us. It seemed like a good idea to be closer.

So, we circled the wagons and encouraged Grammy’s move to Falmouth, Maine, where she would only be an hour away and easier to visit. That worked pretty well for a while but we began to see more “issues” that made worry about safety and good health. So we moved Grammy to a great little house just down the hill from our then home on Sherman Street in the Harbor. It was a good decision and for a while things went along pretty well, until they didn’t.

Alzheimer disease of some sort began to play an important role in our lives and fortunately, with some help and my wife’s excellent supervision, Grammy got along pretty well, given her obvious decline. We didn’t have many options at the time, but, all things considered, Grammy was safe and well cared for.

Coincidentally, at just about the same time, our dear friend Dr. Chip Teel was beginning to create a network of elder care facilities in six or seven Midcoast towns and he needed some photographs. So, around 1996, I traveled to different locations, recording the new “Greens” located fairly nearby to create visuals and perhaps encourage involvement.

It was quite an experience and a welcomed concept for individuals in need of semi-supervised care in an independent living environment.

Fast forward to a recent call from our esteemed doctor friend regarding the reinvigorated Wiscasset Green, located at 21 Washington St., just across from Lincoln County Courthouse and a couple houses from St. Philip's Episcopal Church on Hodge Street. It’s a lovely house with beautiful plantings installed by the Garden Club of Wiscasset. There are even some garden plots in the spacious courtyard entrance sharing flower beds and veggies.

Dr. Chip, as many know, runs on high octane fuel. His energy seems almost endless and his interest in healthy living a primary focus. I think it is safe to say that Chip prefers to be ahead of the curve when it comes to supporting good health and stimulating progressive care. And his efforts to help provide cutting edge, forward thinking service to the elder community is of paramount concern. Last Friday’s open house and informational introduction highlighted the next step by Chip and his crew for slowing, treating and maybe even reversing cognitive decline, aka Alzheimer’s and dementia. Attendance was impressive and attendees very interested in new approaches to managing brain health. This is somewhat of a new approach which involves mental exercises, diet and activities designed to stimulate and improve good brain performance. It’s not a cake walk! Chip emphasized the need for commitment and regular participation over a period of time. The program is intended, through activities, guidance and learning, to activate good brain function and improve cognitive awareness.

If interested in more information, please contact Boothbay Region Health Center, in the Small Mall at 185 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, where Dr. Teel holds court several days a week. 207-633-1075.