Best Retirement Community: Better Bone Health

Posted by Katharine

Raising Awareness: OSTEOPOROSIS

By Dianne Vigue, Resident Wellness Manager at  The Osher Inn at The Cedars, Assisted Living 

                World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on October 20th and The Cedars would like to get a head-start on this year-long campaign to raise awareness of the disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle.  So brittle in fact that a fall or mild stresses like coughing can cause a fracture.

                Bone is living tissue which is constantly being absorbed and replaced.  Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone.  Osteoporosis affects both men and women of all races. White and Asian women past menopause are at higher risk.  To help slow down the disease process, dietary supplements and weight bearing exercises can help strengthen bones.

                The most common test to measure bone density is a special x-ray called a DXA Scan.  It painlessly measures the density of bones in your spine, hip, and wrist.  For the treatment of osteoporosis, the most widely prescribed medications are bisphosphonates such as Fosomax, Actonel, Boniva, and Reclast.  Since there are long term effects associated with using bisphosphonates, it is important to discuss all medications and concerns with your physician to determine the best course of treatment for you.

For more information, feel free to contact Dianne at dvigue@thecedarsportland.org

 

 

 

Yom Kippur

Posted by Katharine

A Blessed Yom Kippur to All from The Cedars Community

Services at The Cedars September 25 and 26 at 3PM

Call 221-7000 for more information

Best Retirement Community: Resistance Training for Seniors

Posted by Katharine

The residents and members of The Cedars are embarking on their second session of Resistance Training at The Atrium.  Sharon Leddy-Smart, Lifestyle Coordinator and Personal Trainer, has completed the progress measurements following the first 12-week session, and the results are encouraging! 

Given that this program was new to so many, the response and interest were better than expected, and all of the participants report that they have seen improvements.  The comments at our recent Member Meeting include: 

  • Overall sense of feeling better and having more energy
  • Improved muscle strength and endurance
  • Sleeping better
  • Improved posture due to an increased awareness of sitting and standing up straight
  • Increased range of motion and flexibility 

Sharon enjoys working with seniors and sees herself as a catalyst for our members and residents to feel better through exercise.  During the third week of September, she conducted the Fullerton Fitness Assessments on all participants and we’re looking forward to seeing those results.  The next 12 week session is under way – stay tuned!

 

Best Retirement Community: Empathy in Patient Care

Posted by Katharine

Today, The Cedars Retirement Community shared an interesting study on our FaceBook page which we found in the Huffington Post titled, “Doctor Empathy Linked With Better Patient Care”.  We are proud to say that the benefit of empathy in patient care has been at the core of The Cedars community and mission.  Interestingly, this emphasis is gaining traction beyond the nursing field. At The Cedars, students from the University of New England are starting a year-long learning experience with our community called their Interprofessional Geriatric Education Program (IGEP). 

Joe Wolfberg, M.S., Site-Coordinator for IGEP is hopeful that these scheduled interactions with our elder teachers will provide opportunities for clinical excellence, compassion and most certainly, empathy.  This week, Physician Assistant and Pharmacy students are starting at The Atrium, independent living and in coming months they will spend time with seniors at The Osher Inn, assisted living and then at the Skilled Care Center. 

The article in the Huffington Post sites a statement from the researchers: “our health care delivery systems must implement systematic change at the practice level to create an environment that supports mindful practice, encourages transparent and clear communication among clinicians, staff, patients, and families, and reduces professional isolation.”  The Cedars is proud to contribute to this vital practice

Memory Support Group

Posted by Katharine

Thursday September 13th at 4PM

Support group for those in the early stages of dementia

and their family and friends

For more information call 207-221-7150

Best Retirement Community: Memory Support Group at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

The Cedars growing outpatient program for those living in their homes with the early stages of dementia, Living Well with Dementia, is introducing a Memory Support Group for those with dementia and their family/friends.

August 23 was our first group and proved to be a tremendous success.  The facilitator, Lenora Trussell, did an outstanding job of discussing the goals of the program, some of the issues individuals find when living with dementia and current research aimed at slowing the progression of the symptoms.  Lenora is a registered nurse who is also a story teller and educator, utilizing both facts and humor.  She is an excellent speaker and facilitator – and we look forward to future support groups.

The next group meets at The Cedars on Thursday September 13th at 4PM.  For more information call 221-7150 or check our website for October’s meeting time.

Best Retirement Community: Celebrating National Assisted Living Week

Posted by Katharine

With National Assisted Living Week upon us, The Osher Inn at The Cedars is embracing this year’s theme, “Art for the Ages.”  The many special events we’ve scheduled for the week help us to say thank you to our residents, many of whom have made significant contributions to society as business people, civic leaders, firefighters, teachers, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Today The Osher Inn held its Resident Art Show which showcased our community members’ paintings, needlework, pottery, sculptures … and much more.  As the week continues we have concerts, art shows, instructional workshops and a concert that promises to get our residents dancing!

For more information about The Osher Inn and personalized assisted living, please call us at 207-221-7150.

The Cedars: CNBC.com Niche Retirement Community

Posted by Katharine

The Cedars Retirement Community: CNBC.com Niche Retirement Community

Just about every retirement community features activities and programs that emphasize wellness.  The Cedars in Portland, Maine, is no exception. It emphasizes holistic wellness, which many baby boomers have pursued for decades.
The community’s yoga program is taught by Jessica McKneally, who believes that yoga can help alleviate many of the health issues that older adults face.
“Many of the chronic ailments associated with the aging process are the result of stress, imbalance and disconnection,”she says on the community’s website. “Relieving stress, cultivating balance in our lives and reconnecting to our self and others can go a long way towards establishing a healthier, happier, more sustainable life.”