For people with dementia and their families
Thursday October 11th, 2012 at 3:30PM
For more information call 207-221-7150
Best Retirement Community: Coping with Change
By Diane Vigue, RN, Resident Wellness Manager, The Osher Inn at The Cedars
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” — John F. Kennedy
Change is a regular part of life. It is all around: in the seasons, in our social environment, and in our own bodies. Beginning with the first few moments of life, a person learns to meet change by being adaptive: your very first breath depends on your ability to adapt from one environment to another. And, just as the seasons change, our health and or living situations may change. Meeting the challenges and going on strong is up to you and depends on using the strengths you have used your entire life to deal with difficult situations.
How can we cope with change as we go through life?
Our thoughts trigger feelings, which trigger behaviors. What we think about what has happened that can make all the difference. Take advantage of the support around you in your community– others are going through similar life changes. Experts continue to find evidence that our expectations—positive and negative—don’t just have psychological effects, they have physical effects as well.
Some of the advantages and benefits of Positive Thinking include:
• Reduced stress
• Better overall physical health
• Better overall emotional health
• Longer lifespan
• Better coping skills
It is easy to see the negative in a situation or the faults in other people. Often a person’s faults are their most memorable qualities. However, we should try to bring to the fore the good qualities inherent in other people. Changing how you think is very helpful, because it helps us be more tolerant and understanding.
Wherever you are right now, no matter what the circumstances might be, simply focus on one good thing about your situation, or one good memory, or one good object. In other words find something that will allow you to shift your focus away from negative thinking and now focus on positive thinking.
While we cannot always do anything to prevent changes from occurring, we can change how we respond. How we perceive and react to what happens in life will make a huge difference in how you feel and are responded to by others.
Take control of your outlook! That is one thing you can change!
Best Retirement Community: Better Bone Health
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
Senior Living Options at The Cedars
Join us for an informal, interactive discussion of senior living choices.
Friday October 5, 2012 at 11AM
RSVP to 221-7100
Yom Kippur
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
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
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
Senior Living Options at The Cedars
Please join us on October 5, 2012 at 11AM
for an informal and interactive discussion of senior living choices.
Light lunch to follow.
Pease RSVP to 207-221-7100
Memory Support Group
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
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.