Better Brain Health for Seniors

child HeadResearch is showing that lifestyle choices can lead to a healthy body and fit mind as well. What do these smart choices involve? Eldercare Locator has recently released a brochure providing guidance to help each of us make good decisions about our brain health with each passing year. They outline the actions we can take including:

Take Charge: with health screenings, managing health conditions and talking with health care practitioners about our medications and possible side effects.

Eat Right: try to maintain a balanced diet of fruit and vegetables, grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy.

Get Moving: being physically active can help reduce conditions that can harm brain health, and it may help improve connections among our brain cells.

Drink Moderately, If At All: staying away from alcohol can actually reverse brain related issues.

Don’t Smoke: non-smokers have a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes and lung disease which can lead to weakened brain health.

Be Safe: take a falls prevention class and exercise to improve your balance and strength.

Think and Connect: Exercise your mind by reading, playing games, learning something new and being social. Seniors who are active and engaged with others report being happier and healthier.

For information about the programs that help keep the residents fit at The Atrium, independent living, contact our marketing representative at 207-221-7100.

 

Book Clubs, Lectures and Cook-Outs at The Atrium

books460[1]This week at The Atrium at The Cedars, in addition to their regular water aerobics, strength training and yoga fitness classes, they are enjoying a lecture by historian, Jerry Wiles about Dolly Madison; the Longfellow Book Club discussion on All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr; and a mid-winter cook-out as we raise our glasses to the warm weather ahead.  If you’re interested in finding more out about life at The Atrium, call our Marketing Representative at 207-221-7100.

Best Senior Living: Tips to Overcome the Winter Blues

wintersportsHaving a difficult time getting yourself motivated following the holidays? You’re not alone and with just a little effort, you can turn your free time during winter into something new and exciting. Here are some things you might try:

  • Exercise. Get your blood pumping and get a better attitude about everything with daily exercise. It can improve your body and your mind. Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit – try a mall if you’re looking for someplace ice-free.Read a good book. Do a cross-word puzzle. They keep your mind working.
  • Find a new hobby. Try something different. Look into your town’s adult education opportunities and learn something fun.
  • Socialize. Don’t hibernate. Encourage yourself to go out either with friends or to meet others at community centers, your church or synagogue or a lecture at your local museum or library.
  • Color your home with flowers. Start plants inside. Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths start well inside. If you don’t have a green thumb, buy some pretty plants or flowers for your home.
  • Soak up some rays. Let the sun shine on you for at least 15 minutes a day. Many people are affected by the lack of sun and daylight during the winter months – we still need to get our Vitamin D.
  • Simplify, simplify, simplify. Take time now to bring order to your life. Reorganize and clean out closets, dresser drawers and desks. Shred documents you no longer need. Give things away to charity.
  • Watch what you eat. People tend to gain weight during winter. Avoid heavy pastas and soups. Try comforting beans, lentils and other tasty legumes instead. They make hearty meals without heavy calories.
  • Get those indoor projects done. Look around and see what indoor projects you can to work on. You’ll feel better when you cross a long-needed project off your to-do list.

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Fall Edition The Cedars News

Matters of the Heart: Finding New Love in Our Later Years

BOB NEEDED A PLUS ONE. His daughter, Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO of The Cedars, wanted him to join a family birthday celebration in Old Orchard Beach. He’d only been living at The Osher Inn for one month, but he knew exactly who he wanted to bring. “I’d noticed Lauretta in the dining room,” he explains, eyes twinkling. “This was my big chance.”

“And we’ve been together ever since!” Lauretta says.

Talking with Bob Callnan and Lauretta Torraca, they feel as though they’ve been together for years, not less than six months. Both widowed, they had each raised large families with loving partners before life brought them to The Osher Inn. When they found each other, they knew right away what a precious thing they had.

“We just melded our lives together,” Lauretta beams. “At this stage of our lives, we get to do what we want. There’s so much to do at this wonderful place, and it’s wonderful to do it all together.”

Today, you’ll find Bob and Lauretta sharing meals in the dining room or at a restaurant, apple picking at Sweetser Orchard, cruising Casco Bay on a ferry, or taking in a play or gallery opening downtown with their friends from The Cedars. Their families are incredibly supportive of their relationship and love to include them on family outings as well. “We’re going to North Conway this weekend with Lauretta’s daughter,” Bob says, “and to Houlton with my family next week.” Yet they still enjoy their independence and still love to spend time on their own—Lauretta to practice her art and her beloved piano, and Bob at one of his many exercise classes.

Bob’s cozy apartment is on the first floor and Lauretta’s sun-drenched apartment is on the second floor, and they both plan to keep their own space. But because Lauretta needs her medications dispensed by a nurse several times a day, spending time together—and spending the night together—meant sharing their relationship status with The Cedars staff.

“So many seniors imagine that assisted living means giving up your privacy,” Lauretta says. “That just isn’t true at The Osher Inn. The staff know that this is our home. From the moment we shared our relationship with them, they went out of their way to make sure we had our time together.”

  They worked out a signal with their nurses. When Lauretta’s walker is outside Bob’s door, caregivers need to alert the couple before coming in. And staff found other ways to support their relationship, too. “My eyes aren’t very good anymore,” Bob confesses. “Lauretta reads me the menu in the dining room before we order. So the waitstaff started leaving just one menu at our usual table—they know it’s all we need.”

Caregivers and families can be challenged when loved ones form new relationships later in life, explains Richard Marino, MD, Medical Director at The Cedars. “As a society, we don’t always recognize that many needs and desires stay the same as our bodies age. As senior living communities, we don’t always respect the privacy of consenting adults. At The Cedars, we know needing help with activities of daily living doesn’t mean you need help deciding who to share your life with.”

  Studies show that just like receiving the appropriate level of care, a loving, consensual relationship can enhance and extend the lives of seniors (see sidebar at left). As we age, we may lose some of the people we love, but not the desire to love and be loved in return.

Bob cheerfully admits to being a hopeless romantic, and he loves surprising Lauretta with tokens of affection. “I gave Lauretta my wedding ring,” Bob says. “She wears it on a gold chain.” It’s the perfect symbol of their relationship: an acknowledgement of the rich lives they enjoyed before they met, and a celebration of the rich life they share today. “It’s like finding a second life, finding her,” he says, squeezing Lauretta’s hand. “And it’s a good life.”

 

 

Caregiver Support Group

Monthly Group Discussion with Caregivers
Wednesday December 17 from 3-4PM
FMI call 207-221-7150

Volunteering at The Cedars

Young volunteer in retirement houseThe 89 year history of The Cedars as a non-profit is steeped in the tradition of volunteering. In 1927 The Cedars Auxiliary was formed and these dynamic women collected a nickel a week to build The Jewish Home of Aged on Portland’s Munjoy Hill.

Today, volunteering at The Cedars is as important – and robust – as ever. The Cedars has over 70 volunteers who give their time to the residents who live here – and last year graciously contributed over 3200 hours! What do these generous men, women and young adults do at The Cedars? Volunteer positions include friendly visitors, activity assistants, pet therapy visitors, helping to facilitate religious services, hospice support, musical entertainers, bridge and cribbage game players, dining assistants, companions, technology tutors and support, book club leaders and more.

In addition, our volunteers receive quarterly trainings and gather monthly for group meetings with our Volunteer Coordinator, Janine Fifield.

The Cedars is tremendously thankful to the volunteers who contribute their to our community and to the residents who live in our Skilled Care, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living. Some of our independent living members at The Atrium at The Cedars volunteer as well. The Cedars is continually growing and enhancing our programs – and there’s always a need for volunteers. For more information on volunteering contact Janine at jfifield@thecedarsportland.org today!

Tips for a Successful Return Home: Rehabilitation at The Cedars

Are you anticipating a rehabilitation stay in the new future?  Whether you have an upcoming surgery scheduled, or you or a loved one is experiencing an unexpected rehabilitation stay, here are a few tips that may help your return home easier.

  1. Expect things to be different.  Recovery can take a while and in some cases you may need to make modifications around the house or get extra assistance from caregivers. Recognizing that these adjustments will ultimately result in a safer and more comfortable living environment may relieve some of the stress associated with the transition.
  2. Start planning early. If you think you’ll need to make some changes around the house, or if you’ll need extra assistance, don’t wait until you’re home to start planning. Touring a rehabilitation center before your planned surgery will not only acquaint you with the therapists, staff and accommodations but will also give you information on possible services and equipment you may need when going home. At The Cedars, our Occupational or Physical Therapists may make a home visit with you before you return home in order to trouble shoot any issues, assess the living environment and make recommendations. Be ready to complete home modifications before going home. Make a list of potentially difficult situations and discuss possible solutions with your therapists.
  3. Stay focused on goals. Recovery should continue when you go home. Discuss a daily routine with the Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and work with caregivers to set short and long-term goals while at home. Staying focused on goals will motivate you to get stronger, and you’ll minimize the risk of returning back to a hospital or rehab facility.
  4. Take advantage of resources. There are a lot of things to think about when transitioning back home, but your rehab facility will guide you as you make crucial decisions regarding home health services, medical equipment or adaptive equipment that may be needed. At The Cedars, the Care Coordinators work with the Rehabilitation Team to determine what services and equipment are needed for you to succeed at home. They will then assure services are in place. They can also put you in touch with resources available within your community, such as delivering meals, light housekeeping, transportation and counseling, all of which will provide a helping hand while still enabling independence.
  5. Recognize that it’s ok to have help. Some people are embarrassed about needing assistance after transitioning home, and some family caregivers feel that they can take care of their loved ones all on their own. It’s important to be realistic about the level of care that will be required, and it’s ok to have extra help. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness, but one of strength and care. The earlier you start planning, the healthier and happier you’ll be.

For more information on Rehabilitation at The Cedars, contact us at 207-221-7000 or visit www.thecedarsportland.org

Excerpted from an article written by Tammy Luther, director of rehabilitation and therapy services at A.G.Rhodes Health and Rehab in Atlanta, Georgia: 5 Tips for a Smooth Move from Rehab to Home.

Exercise for Mental Wellness at The Cedars

Exercise for HealthWe’ve known for years about the state of euphoria that follows exercise, often referred to as runner’s high.  In 2008 scientists were able to document evidence supporting this chemical reaction that results in a flow of endorphins to the brain. We’re pleased to know that lower intensity, physical exercise has mood-enhancing properties as well.

An article from the Buck Institute recently shared several studies suggesting that regular exercise is positively mood altering and a relatively inexpensive and accessible treatment, with no direct side effects.

Whether we’re exercising with others in a class environment or with friends, or we prefer to exercise alone – the benefits are great. At The Cedars, our wellness staff provides classes in Tai Chi, yoga and strength training and our fitness centers, indoor pool, putting green and walking trails all make it easy to invite exercise into or lives – even in the winter months. For more information about life at The Cedars, contact us at 207-221-7100.