Sandra P. Reitmire BA, RN
Opportunities Unlimited
Cranston, RI
401-942-9044 x16
sreitmire@oppunlim.com
www.oppunlimited.com
Opportunities Unlimited is a private, not for profit organization, providing support services to individuals with differing abilities. The philosophy of Opportunities Unlimited is that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and that every individual’s personal development must be encouraged. We offer customized supports to enhance the well being of individuals by helping them to live independently, maximize their growth and ultimately realize their dreams. Some of the support and services we provide are: community based day services, supported employment, family support, supported living in the individuals home, 24 hour supported living in our residential homes, clinical services, case management and transportation.
With the increase in aging of caregivers and the adults they care for in their own homes and families, we recognize the need to support individuals to age in place and help them maintain their unique lifestyle. OU has had experience with caring for aging individuals in their own homes for many years. One particular woman we served five years ago, lived in her own apartment in Cranston; she was able to stay active in community projects, going out to dinner, theater, and with friends for her love of specialty coffee, (which was her chosen lifestyle), with our help, until she passed. It’s so meaningful and rewarding to all of us at OU to help individuals continue to live the way they choose in their own home. Opportunities Unlimited is expanding its services to individuals from North Providence to East Greenwich with Homemaker Services, and organization of activities, events and excursions. A customized program is created to fit their expressed requirements and needs.
At the helm are the founders of OU, Linda Ward CEO, Marilyn Drummond Assistant Director and Michelle Hayes Human Service Director. The three women had years of experience, great ideas, and most of all they had the desire to improve the lives of seniors and adults with special needs. OU has been in business for 14 years, but there is over 85 years of combined experience between these three women, in working and sharing their lives for the betterment of seniors and adults with differing abilities.
Sandra Reitmire BA, RN brings a diversity of experience and knowledge to OU. She has been a nurse since 1986, has worked in various areas such as Oncology, Medical/Surgical, Physician’s office nurse, Nursing Homes, and Substance Abuse Treatment Centers. She has worked from staff nurse to Director of Nursing and was Board Certified as a Gerontological Nurse, BLS instructor, NADONA/LTC and is currently certified in Interdisciplinary Practice in Geriatrics. She is a member of the National and RI Chapter of the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association.
Out of all the areas Sandra worked, her heart has always been with the seniors. Part of that love for seniors begins at home, since her grandmother lived to 100 years old at home; she cared for her own parents at home till they went to their eternal home. Sandra’s Uncle Al is presently 98 years old, living in his own home with his wife and belongs to a bowling league. Her Uncle Joe is 96, still drives, and does yard work to stay fit. Uncle Mario is 94 and lives at home with his wife, but needs help to remain at home. Sandra has assured all her Uncles that she and the family will provide whatever it takes for them to continue to live at home.
It is important to Sandra to be a member of the RI Chapter of NAIPC so she can be a part of the move in society to help other seniors age in place and realize their desire to age in place.