Excellence in Senior Rehabilitation: Your Road to Recovery

Posted by Katharine

Rehab TreadmillThe road to recovery can be challenging.  Excellent rehab and a healing environment are key to maximizing independence. The Cedars in-patient rehabilitation program offers the most comprehensive skilled rehabilitation program in the Portland area for seniors recovering from a recent illness or surgery. 

The Rehabilitation Care Team   Our team of licensed and certified rehabilitation professionals works under the medical direction of Dr. Richard Marino, who was recently chosen by his peers as the top Geriatric Specialist in Maine. As a patient at The Cedars, you could expect to receive individualized, 1:1 therapy from our Physical, Occupational and/or Speech Therapists at least five days per week.  Other team members include rehabilitation nurses, recreational therapy, care coordination, and geriatric psychology. With over 30 rehabilitation therapists on staff, they specialize in such areas and techniques as:

  • Stroke and Neurology Rehab
  • Cardiopulmonary Rehab
  • Amputee Training
  • Balance Disorders
  • Cognitive Rehabilitation
  • Manual Manipulation Techniques
  • Specialized Vision Assessments
  • E-Stimulation and Ultrasound
  • Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)
  • Energy Conservation and Work Simplification Techniques

Rehabilitation Gym and Equipment   The Cedars state-of-the-art rehabilitation center is a light-filled, spacious facility equipped with personal treatment spaces and the Walk in the Park, where we bring the outside in for mobility practice.  In addition to standard strength and mobility equipment, The Cedars boasts of the following accoutrements:

  • Biodex for fall risk assessments
  • Wii Fit for balance, strength and coordination
  • Sci-fit cardiovascular equipment
  • Never2Late for cognitive training and standing tolerance
  • Cardiopulmonary equipment such as treadmills, elliptical, recumbent stepper and more

The Cedars assists over 600 seniors and their families each year through the health system.  With several teaching affiliations, we provide clinical mentoring to medical, nursing, therapy and dietary students – all of which keep us ahead of the curve in geriatric rehabilitation, wellness and care. 

To find out more, contact us for a tour today at 207-221-7000 or info@thecedarsportland.org

 

Best Retirement Community: 5 Questions You Should Ask When Looking at a Senior Community

Posted by Katharine

Angie D'Amours 002

What To Look For In a Retirement Community by Angie D’Amours, Marketing Representative at The Cedars

1. What are the living options within the retirement community?

So often our members talk about the peace of mind that comes from living at The Cedars because we offer a full continuum of senior health services.  In addition to fully independent living we have concierge services, assisted living, short term rehabilitation and skilled care on our campus.  And because The Cedars has been providing health care to seniors for so long, we have a strong reputation in the Portland area for providing excellent care. So when looking at senior living communities not only ask about whether they have the full array of senior services but inquire into the quality of their care. Whether for the short or long term, immediate access to a community of experts and services in senior care is paramount to peace of mind as you age.

 2.       How flexible are the services and amenities?

Most communities offer a variety of programs, events, services and facilities so the members can pursue their interests, socialize, and stay well. Although not everyone takes advantage of everything available, it is important that the amenities offered meet your needs.  In addition, you’ll want to see if the services will work within you lifestyle. For instance, do I need to have my meals at the same time every day or is there a generous span of time during which meals are served? Also, are the fitness facilities, pool or art studio available when I want, or are the times limited?  Think about your lifestyle and expect the community to accommodate your preferences.

 3.       How vibrant are the lives of those who live there?

When visiting a community, be sure to ask about the day to day lives of those who live there.  Are the members continuing to participate in what interests them, or in finding new interests?  Vibrant communities where the members gather for book groups, attend senior college, participate in fitness classes, and hold season tickets to the symphony or stage will promise inspiration to ‘get up and go’ as well as engaging conversation.

 4.       Did you have a chance to interact with the members/residents who live there?

As an extension of the above point, it is important to talk with the people who live in the community to get a sense of how satisfied they are with living there. Was it the right move for them and why? What inspired them to choose that community?  In addition, you’ll want to make sure that the character and culture of the community is comfortable for you.  Members at The Atrium often say that, after visiting other communities, The Atrium just felt right and they knew it was where they wanted to be.

5. What is the financial model like?

Senior living communities generally offer either a rental option or require a membership, or entrance fee, in addition to a monthly fee.  Rental communities are generally leased on a month to month basis. Communities that carry a refundable membership fee, like The Cedars, typically have a richer menu of services and amenities.  For membership communities, ask whether their financial model for healthcare involves a “life care fee” or a “pay as you go” model. For more information on the above, or to schedule a tour of The Cedars, contact Angie today at adamours@thecedarsportland.org or call 207-221-7100.

Open House The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

Please join us for an Open House

at The Atrium Independent Living

Tuesday February 25th from 2-4PM

Tour our community and meet our members

RSVP 207-221-7100

Winter Wellness Tips from The Cedars Retirement Community

Posted by Katharine

Winter often seems like the season for colds and the flu. But we can all successfully navigate the season with little more than an occasional sniffle. Here are some tips from The Cedars wellness team for staying healthy this holiday season, and throughout the winter months:

  • EAT WELL AND INCLUDE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. The vitamins and minerals found in many of the fruits and vegetables help your immune system fight the ‘bugs’ that are so common this time of year
  • TAKE TIME TO REST. Don’t let all the winter activities and family events keep you from getting the sleep your body needs.
  • WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY. This is something we have told our kids for generations, but it’s also true for adults. If we wash our hands after sneezing or after we come home from shopping or before we eat, we remove many of the germs that cause problems. There are many handy alcohol-based cleansers that are easy to tuck into a purse or car, which can also provide on-the-go cleaning.
  • GET A FLU SHOT. If you haven’t already, plan to stop by your doctor’s office or local pharmacy for a flu shot. The flu is highly contagious, so if you do get the flu, stay home. Bed rest, a mild pain reliever and lots of fluids are the best treatment.
  • DON’T FORGET ABOUT EXERCISE.  Even in the winter, it’s important to get the exercise your body needs. We have so many options here at The Atrium, and Janine or Sharon can help you customize an exercise plan for your lifestyle
  • DRINK LOTS OF LIQUIDS TO KEEP HYDRATED. Remember drinks with caffeine and alcohol actually dehydrate, so be sure to get lots of water, milk and juice.

For more information on wellness programs at The Cedars, contact Angie D’Amours at 207-221-7100.

Holiday Tea and Tour at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

Join Members of The Atrium for

Music, Holiday Fare, and

Tours of Our Beautiful Apartments

Thursday December 5, 2013

FMI and RSVP 207-221-7100

 

The Cedars Retirement Community: Where Were You 50 Years Ago Today?

Posted by Katharine

Channel 13 News joined members at The Atrium at The Cedars, today to ask them about their memories of John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963.  Four members gathered in the living room to share their recollections and the ‘loss of innocence’ that followed.

Bob Ryan recalled living in New York and, once hearing the news, followed the television broadcasts and the insanity that followed.  On the day of JFK’s funeral, he closed is office and production facilities for the day.  “Everyone went to church,” he explained, ” and that was the first time I recall ever hearing the National Anthem played at Catholic mass.”

Margaretmary McCann, a school teacher in Portland at the time, explained the challenge of relating the news to her fifth grade class.  “We were called into the principal’s office and told the news, and upon returning to the classroom I explained that something awful had happened to the president, and that everyone was going home for the day.  I remember feeling that the parents should tell their children.”  Margaretmary went on to say that she had the pleasure of attending Kennedy’s inaugural ball with her sisters, and showed everyone the medallion she received that night.

A young mother living in New Jersey, Charlotte Rodetsky was nursing her newborn and tending to her toddler on his ‘noisy’ hobbyhorse when the news was aired on television.  “I was busy at the time and remember thinking that some Bannana Republic had shot their president, when my husband came up from his office and told me that our president had been killed.”  Charlotte then said that her community gathered for services at her synagogue, “because people were looking for a place of comfort.”

And finally, Les Brewer was in his hometown of Bar Harbor and discussed the fact that no one even knew JFK was in Dallas or why, because news was not as readily available then.  Following the incident, he spent much time reading about the former president and his family – having so much respect for their intelligence and grace –  and continues to wonder how the ensuing years would have been different if he had lived.

“If only it had rained that day,” MargaretMary lamented.  “The car would have been protected and it would not have happened.” 

 

The Cedars Retirement Community: Innovative and Active Aging

Posted by Katharine

It really takes the fog out of the brain … just great mental exercise.” —HENRY GAGNON 

Train Your Brain

 “STAY SHARP,” Henry Gagnon encourages everyone, and laughter and applause ripple through the room as someone solves another crossword clue. Henry and his friends at The Atrium are working together to solve a Never2Late puzzle after a brisk walk in the September sunshine, and the combination of physical and mental exercise is doing exactly that: sharpening their thinking. It’s a brand-new program at The Atrium called Train Your Brain, and it is already a big hit with members. 

“The Cedars is committed to a holistic approach to wellness, Lifestyle Coordinator Janine Fifield explains. “Making sure we are caring for our members’ bodies, minds and spirits. Train Your Brain strengthens hearts and minds, lifts moods … it’s fun.”  

“Medical research shows that cardiovascular exercise like walking or running improves our mental fitness, too,” Angela Hunt, Chief Operating Officer, explains. “As we age, our cognitive abilities—the way we process language and numbers, our problem-solving skills and our creativity—can slow down if we don’t challenge ourselves.” 

“The brain is like any other muscle in your body,” Sharon Leddy- Smart, Member Services Director at The Atrium, adds. “If you don’t use it, you can lose it.” 

The Train Your Brain group agrees. “It really takes the fog out of your brain … just great mental exercise,” says Henry. 

Train Your Brain is also a true community effort. The Never2Late software, a collection of engaging apps that stimulate thinking, was purchased with funds raised by The Cedars Auxiliary and is a resident favorite in The Skilled Care Center and The Osher Inn. Sharon and Janine were eager to add another program to The Atrium’s long list of social and intellectual offerings, like the Book Club and Current Events Discussion, and their fitness classes. And Angie was intrigued by cutting-edge research around the connection between physical health and mental health as we age. 

“The pieces were all there,” Sharon says. “It just clicked.”

 

 

The Annual Holiday Tea and Tour

Posted by Katharine

You are invited to join us

Thursday December 5, 2013

At The Atrium at The Cedars

Find out what makes us shine!

RSVP 207-221-7100