Marilyn Gugliucci interviewed for Press Herald story on closing of assisted-living center

Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., director of geriatric education & research, ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ College of Osteopathic Medicine, was interviewed by the Portland Press Herald for a story on the closing of an assisted-living center in Scarborough that has separated one couple after 52 years of marriage.

Gugliucci, a board member of the Maine Council on Aging, said moving to a new home is stressful for anyone, but can be especially stressful for people who rely on help from staff members at assisted-living homes.

While little research has been done on the closure of facilities or the movement of older adults, a move - coupled with separation from spouses or trusted caregivers - is undoubtedly difficult for everyone involved, Gugliucci said.

"Each of these people go through that experience differently, will grieve differently and will adjust and adapt differently," she said. "That group would do better if they were moved together."

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