March 11, 2013
WHO: Emily Anastasia, sixth-year URI pharmacy student of Barrington and Dottie Cusack, roommates for eight days at South Bay Retirement Living; Erica Estus, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy at URI and Chris Sheil, resident program manager at South Bay Retirement Living.
WHAT: As part of her six-week geriatric clinical rotation, Anastasia is living round the clock with residents of South Bay. In addition to her clinical roles, Anastasia enjoys meals, exercise sessions, trips and just plain roommate chatter. Estus and Sheil oversee her work. Anastasia was inspired to take on such a project after viewing a documentary film in Estus’ class. Titled Andrew Jenks, Room 335, it focuses on Jenks’ summer living in a retirement home and his experiences getting to know and love the residents. He experiences their joy and loss during his time with the residents. Anastasia said her experience at South Bay has already changed her life and will make her a better pharmacist. Sheil said the experience is unique among 643 facilities operated in 48 states by Brookdale Senior Living, the parent of South Bay.
WHEN: Anastasia moved in late last week, and will spend her last day at South Bay, Friday, March 15, 2013.
WHERE: South Bay Retirement Living, 1959 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown, 02879
TO MAKE COVERAGE ARRANGMENTS: Contact Dave Lavallee at 401-874-5862 or on his cell 401-465-4291. Also by email, dlavallee@uri.edu.