Assisted Living at The Cedars Welcomes Wellness Manager

Posted by Katharine

Nancy KuligaThe Cedars is pleased to welcome Nancy Kuliga back to The Cedars as the Wellness Manager at The Osher Inn, assisted living at The Cedars.   Nancy is no stranger to our community as she was the Director of Nursing for several years at our Skilled Care Center at The Cedars.

Nancy has a multitude of experiences in senior care: she has served the Director of Resident Services at an area assisted living specializing in dementia care, acted as a Professional Services Consultant/ Director of Clinical Services for North Country Associates and Manager of Clinical Operations for Genesis Health Care.

Nancy has worn many different hats throughout her nursing career and possesses strong skills with nursing leadership, management, knowledge of regulations governing assisted living and extensive knowledge of best clinical practices.  Additionally she possesses certifications in nursing leadership, dementia care, and the minimum data set, which is the tool that determines long term care compensation levels.

Nancy is enthused about this new chapter in her life. “I am very, very excited about being here – working with the team and doing the best for our residents.”  She continues, “I am a people-person and I look forward to getting to know each resident and their families – the sooner the better!”  Please join us in welcoming Nancy to The Osher Inn.

Retirement Living at The Cedars: Burgeoning Community of Bridge Players

Posted by Katharine

When Les Brewer first moved to The Atrium at The Cedars in the spring of 2013, he was pleased to hear that there was a standing bridge game every Thursday evening.  At the time, there were a few tables of avid bridge players who would routinely meet.  Over the course of the year, Les has taken on the role of coordinating the game and opening the fun to new players and novices alike.  “Everyone enjoys the hour and a half on Thursday nights – it keeps the mind occupied and it’s very social,” Les explains.

When Les was growing up he would watch his grandparents play bridge, learning the game through observation.  Whenever there was an opportunity to play, he would join them.  In college, bridge was a popular early-evening activity in his Beta Theta Pi fraternity house at the University of Maine.  Then, while stationed in Paris, France during WWII, he would walk to the Red Cross building where there was a bridge game almost every night.  “It kept many of us sane,” Les explains. Once married, his busy family life allowed him to play only occasionally with friends. Sixty-five years later, Les is back in the game.

Last spring, Les invited anyone interested in bridge to join – starting with a discussion of general guidelines that incorporate the four parts: bidding, playing, scoring, and etiquette.  Soon interest increased and today there is a consistent group of 18. “If they haven’t played, we’ll teach them to play in whatever method works for them.”

And there’s always room for more. “If I hear of someone who has played bridge in the past, I’ll invite them to join.  Part of running bridge is looking for new players because not everyone is available all the time.”  He continues, “If I hadn’t done this, I would have done something else.  I enjoy seeing things happen and they will if you manage them.”

For more information on The Cedars Retirement Living, please call our marketing representative at 207-221-7100.

 

Caregiver Support Group

Posted by Katharine

Join us for support and insight with other caregivers

May 21, 2014 from 3-4PM

for more information call 221-7150

Advocating for Seniors at the State House: The Cedars Steps In

Posted by Katharine

On March 5, LD 1776: An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Long Term Care Facilities Study Commission received a public hearing before the Committee on Health and Human Services. John Watson, Chief Financial Officer at The Cedars, was one of the presenters.

John was a gubernatorial appointee to the Long Term Care Facilities Study Commission that authored LD 1776 and was recognized for his work and leadership. The Committee concluded Maine must rectify years of chronic underfunding to nursing homes. Rural areas are hardest hit and many are in danger of closing, but even urban facilities are challenged to make ends meet.

The Commission urged the legislature to pass $2 million in relief for struggling facilities in rural Maine; a bill to study funding problems in rural Maine facilities; and a bill sponsored by LeadingAge to end the current system of MaineCare reimbursements and would require the state to pay providers the $35-40 million in care costs it fails to reimburse each year.

“We need to stop relying on providers to meet our obligation to rural and low-income elders,” John explains. “Everyone needs access to quality long term care.” On April 16, John was recognized by LeadingAge with an Advocacy Award for his work on this important issue.

Talking Rehab with our Award-Winning Medical Director, The Cedars Retirement Community

Posted by Katharine

Dr. Marino 2013Richard Marino, MD of Maine Medical Partners Geriatrics and Medical Director at The Cedars, was recently named Maine’s best physician for Geriatric Services in Down East Magazine’s TopDocs survey. His exacting and compassionate commitment to senior health was recognized by his peers, and sets The Cedars apart.

“We have two main goals for our rehab patients,” Dr. Marino explains. “First, we help them get stronger, so they can return home. Secondly, we prevent re-hospitalizations.”

To avoid having to transfer patients to and from the hospital for tests or treatment, Dr. Marino’s team is at The Cedars five days a week and available 24/7. “We address patient needs as soon as they arise, and anticipate problems before they occur,” he says.

This extraordinary level of state-of-the-art care keeps our re-hospitalization rate at just 9% — less than half of the national average!

For more information on The S.L. Cohen Rehabilitation Center at The Cedars, contact us or call 207-221-7000.

Wellness in Assisted Living: Setting a Higher Standard

Posted by Katharine

During the past decade, assisted living communities have offered exercise, social, creative and educational opportunities. In recent years, senior care has been trending toward broader and deeper approaches to wellness. You’ll want to look for this higher standard as you visit assisted living communities for yourself or your loved one. The best assisted living communities have embraced a wellness philosophy that infuses the entire organization.  

What are the Six Dimensions of Wellness?

It is commonly accepted that six dimensions of wellness need to be present in order to age successfully. There are tangible signs that the community you’re considering has a successful wellness philosophy when these six commonly known factors are holistically integrated into all quality programming for senior life. Seen together, these dimensions optimize and improve a person’s state of health.  

Physical — Centers on exercising the body to promote strength and flexibility. Advocates healthy lifestyle habits, encourages personal safety and the use of healthcare support.

Social — Emphasizes creating and maintaining healthy relationships with others, one-on-one or in a group setting; for example, talking, sharing interests, and actively participating in social events.

Intellectual — Encourages individuals to expand their knowledge and skills, with stimulating mental activities.

Emotional — Involves the capacity to manage feelings and behaviors, recognize and express feelings in a healthy way, to problem-solve and manage success and failure.

Spiritual — Includes seeking meaning and purpose, demonstrating values through prayer or contemplation, and appreciating beauty in nature.

Occupational — Emphasizes the process of adding value to one’s life through meaningful activities, learning new skills and developing new interests.  

What do I look for in a community?

Management and staff should address the community’s commitment to its wellness-based mission. Look for staff titles such as Life Enrichment Coordinator or Wellness Associate. Architecture should reflect an environment that feels open yet comfortable. The community should strive to meet these higher standards of wellness excellence.

Physical — Personalized wellness plans and exercise programs for cardiovascular endurance, muscular strengthening and flexibility. A Fitness Center for classes and comfortable seating throughout the community are important.

Social — A choice of different levels of participation such as specially designed common areas, such as a Lounge or Community Center to accommodate small group interaction or larger activities and events.

Intellectual — Regular educational and cultural events and trips, as well as a Study for board games or computer use.

Emotional — One-on-one visits with professional staff and volunteers. Natural light, color, artwork and uplifting gathering places; Salon & Day Spas as a sanctuary for massage treatments and aromatherapy.

Spiritual — Access to clergy and lay leaders on a regular basis. Chapel on site for private and group worship.

Occupational — Credentialed and certified staff that set goals related to a wellness philosophy, as opposed to structured activities that just “fill time.” State-of-the-art Recreation Room for enhanced programs.  

The wellness philosophy is a holistic idea for health and well-being that focuses on choices for residents. Assisted living communities that incorporate these six dimensions of wellness to achieve a higher standard quality of life are truly ahead of the curve.