The Foster Experience
By Kirsten Stade, WHS Volunteer

My boyfriend Florian and I have been fostering dogs in the DC area since early 2008, first with several rescue groups and now with the Washington Humane Society (WHS).  These four years have contained their share of urine-stained furniture; shredded electronics, upholstery, and a passport; uprooted landscaping; and seemingly futile efforts at peacekeeping in a household with what some would say is too many critters under one roof. But above the sometimes deafening chaos, I have never questioned what I believe is a defining truth: fostering animals is the most important thing I can do in this lifetime.

Looking for a nursing care program for a loved one? Choose Riderwood retirement community.

Riderwood retirement community’s extended care neighborhood, Renaissance Gardens, offers a comprehensive restorative nursing program that has earned a Medicare Five-Star rating, and is redefining the scope of nursing care.

This program is very interactive, and requires all residents to have an appropriate five-day restorative nursing program each week with a rehab staff and therapists that keep detailed evaluations of the resident’s progress.

In this program, the therapist determines if the resident experiences a decline in function and, if so, a treatment plan is developed. This program maintains and develops physical functions, which improves the quality of life for residents.

In addition, the activity may play a role in Renaissance Gardens’ low rates of hospital transfers, and depression.