Socializing with others is fundamental to healthy aging. This May, during Older Americans Month...
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In his first fifty or so years, Thomas Murray had worked in a remarkably varied set of demanding, creative professions. He was, at different points, a college-level History instructor, an emergency medical technician who taught CPR and first aid courses to US Air Force personnel, and a television producer and public relations specialist.
But physical health challenges, personal losses, and the effects of depression and anxiety from an early life trauma took him, by his own description, to the very edge.
That’s when Tom found Inspira LIFE.
In 2023, Tom was living in a group home facility in Port Norris. Staff there noticed that he was becoming forgetful, isolating himself, falling frequently and losing weight. At six foot three inches tall, he had dropped as low as 130 pounds. Concerned for his well-being, they referred him to the Inspira LIFE Program in Vineland. Inspira LIFE (Living Independently For Elders) provides comprehensive medical, behavioral and social services for seniors who meet the criteria for nursing home-level care. The program, which also has a location in Williamstown, helps participants live safely in their homes for as long as possible.
Tom joined in February and the positive results were almost immediate.
“They got me on the right track,” Tom, now 66, said. “The friendliness, positive environment and support is incredible. Without the LIFE program, I am sure I would have wound up in a nursing home. I could have even died.”
Life before LIFE
Prior to moving into the group facility, Tom had been caring for and living with his ailing mother. When she passed away, he was unexpectedly compelled to leave the house they shared. Already dealing with numerous physical health issues, the added stress of losing the place he’d called home for years caused him to start becoming depressed.
For years, with the help of a primary care doctor and behavioral health specialists, he handled the challenges relatively well. But then the staff at the group home noticed his depression, weight loss and fall issues worsening and suggested the Inspira LIFE program.
After enrolling, Tom was seen by Samantha DiSantis, N.P., a family nurse practitioner who has expertise in treating sleep apnea, anxiety disorders, depression, and many other conditions.
“‘Dr. Sam’ is one of the best clinicians I know,” Tom said. “She not only knows her stuff, but she is kind. And she takes the time to listen. I think that might be the most important thing about being a health care professional.”
Tom was also cared for by cardiologist M. Scott Dawson, M.D., a member provider of Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care. Dr. Dawson diagnosed him with orthostatic hypotension, a cardiovascular condition which causes Tom’s blood pressure to drop to a dangerously low level, and contributed to the falls he was experiencing.
“The team at LIFE made sure I was eating better. They got me on a supplement that helped me return to my normal healthy weight, about 180,” he said. “Dr. Scott Dawson got my blood pressure under control with medication.”
Since enrolling in LIFE, Tom’s pain has decreased and his strength, endurance and balance have improved. He has not had any more falls since joining LIFE. Inspira physicians have revised his medications to deal with his physical and emotional health needs.
Tom now attends programs at the LIFE Center in Vineland 5 days a week. While at the Center, he participates in educational and recreational activities and is seen by his counselor, physical therapist, psychiatrist and a dietitian regularly to make sure he’s thriving.
He said he enjoys all the programs including cooking instruction, bingo, trivia, karaoke, and trips to go shopping or spend the day at the shore.
“Teresa Behn, in recreation, is wonderful, “he said. “A truly sweet, nice person.”
At the LIFE Center, Tom, who is an assistant librarian in Port Norris and an avid reader of everything from biographies to Sherlock Holmes novels to books about Scottish history, is also back to another of his passions – writing. He authors articles for the LIFE newsletter, which is sent out monthly to all program participants. He also gives educational talks in the community room on topics such as the science behind earthquakes, and how eclipses happen.
“I love doing those things,” he said. “It gives me a sense of satisfaction and purpose to be able to share info with other people.”
“All of the staff at LIFE is incredible,” Tom said. “I’m having an issue with my shoulder and elbow and being able to go to physical therapy where I can stretch, bike and get treatment is great. And having casual conversation at breakfast or lunch with other members of the program is very rewarding. I’ve met a lot of great people here who have similar life experiences and who have had to face serious setbacks. I’ve made true friends.”
The LIFE team also arranged for Tom to get a rolling walker and had a shower bar installed where he lives to provide stability and help prevent future falls.
Tom said that the “care team” approach at LIFE has been more than positive - for both his physical and emotional health. “You can always go to the staff with any issue or problem or question or just to talk,” he said. “I believe these people saved my life.”
