Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
Having 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...
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...
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. 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. 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...
Posted in our blog on by Angie& filed under Featured.
Many of us have the opportunity to visit a parent or grandparent at their home in an assisted living or skilled care community like The Cedars. We may see them frequently, if they live nearby, or only on occasion if they’re out of state. Either way, we want to make the most of the these get togethers – and revisiting fond memories can bring lots of smiles to everyone. Reminiscence Therapy is a wonderful way to enhance quality of life through laughter, sharing and feelings of acceptance. This can be a great thing to do while visiting a loved one at The Cedars. Even someone with moderate dementia may remember what her wedding dress looked like, their high school prom, they’re military days, or where he liked to go fishing. Reminiscence Therapy can: Increase and strengthen normal, healthy abilities and life skills Promote social interaction and skills Increase self esteem Reinforce mental status...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Latest News.
WHEN Mary Carol Pochebit began experiencing increasingly severe medical and mobility issues, she and her husband, John, faced a difficult choice. They wanted to stay together in the home they had shared for over 50 years. But Mary Carol needed more assistance with the activities of daily living than John could provide, and more acute medical care than she was eligible for at home. “We have a big, close family,” John explains. “But only one of my sons lives close by. I couldn’t even get Mary to her doctor appointments without calling him.” Like many seniors, the Pochebits had many apprehensions and misconceptions about nursing homes like The Skilled Care Center at The Cedars. Today, they are so glad they didn’t let those fears keep them from finding Mary the care she needed. Because Mary had a customized care plan from our medical director, 24/7 support from our nursing...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
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...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
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....
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
So, you’re thinking about retiring. You’ve likely considered the financial implications and planned accordingly to allow for a comfortable retirement experience. But have you planned beyond the dollar sign and considered how you’ll actually spend your time in retirement? Research shows that many retirees, and perhaps men more than women, underestimate the complex nature of the retirement transition and face the unpleasant realization that the absence of employment isn’t always the golden age they had anticipated. We often overlook the subtler aspects that our jobs provide: a sense of purpose, daily routine, unique social relationships with co-workers, and time away from our significant others, yet after entering retirement, the absence of these factors can contribute to a negative experience for retirees. By planning ahead for your retirement wellness you can improve your retirement satisfaction. Tips for a positive transition to retirement, from The Cedars: How do you plan to...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
We recently did a workshop with our residents on the basic principles of Progressive Relaxation, with the main benefits of that practice being improved comfort and stress relief. Another complementary exercise is Guided Imagery. Guided Imagery offers similar benefits, but can be more widely used and requires less physical skill; it is one of the more attainable adjunct therapies. Guided Imagery is essentially an elaborate name for directed daydreaming, with the vast possibility for changing one’s mood and sense of wellness. All types of people, from star athletes to patients with significant illness, have successfully used Guided Imagery to focus their thoughts in a positive, healthful direction. Guided Imagery in the healthcare setting can be used as a means of encouraging relaxation, reducing anxiety, and as a method of distraction from discomfort. It is important to remember that the use of Guided Imagery, like other supplemental practices, cannot and...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Latest News.
With the beautiful summer weather upon us, many members at The Cedars Retirement Community are spending more time outside – taking walks, golfing, dining in our courtyard. During these special months, seniors need to take extra care to avoid sunburn and dehydration. The following are some tips from our Wellness Expert, Sharon Leddy-Smart to stay safe and healthy. Watch the Weather: when the temperatures soar, stay in the air conditioning and if you need to venture outdoors, do so in the early morning of late afternoon hours. Drink Plenty of Water: adults should drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, and in the warmer weather, drink more. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start sipping, and try to avoid alcohol, sugary drinks and caffeine when out in the sun. Dress for the Heat: wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and be sure to don a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Wear Sunscreen: be...
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...
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. 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. 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...
Many of us have the opportunity to visit a parent or grandparent at their home in an assisted living or skilled care community like The Cedars. We may see them frequently, if they live nearby, or only on occasion if they’re out of state. Either way, we want to make the most of the these get togethers – and revisiting fond memories can bring lots of smiles to everyone. Reminiscence Therapy is a wonderful way to enhance quality of life through laughter, sharing and feelings of acceptance. This can be a great thing to do while visiting a loved one at The Cedars. Even someone with moderate dementia may remember what her wedding dress looked like, their high school prom, they’re military days, or where he liked to go fishing. Reminiscence Therapy can: Increase and strengthen normal, healthy abilities and life skills Promote social interaction and skills Increase self esteem Reinforce mental status...
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....
So, you’re thinking about retiring. You’ve likely considered the financial implications and planned accordingly to allow for a comfortable retirement experience. But have you planned beyond the dollar sign and considered how you’ll actually spend your time in retirement? Research shows that many retirees, and perhaps men more than women, underestimate the complex nature of the retirement transition and face the unpleasant realization that the absence of employment isn’t always the golden age they had anticipated. We often overlook the subtler aspects that our jobs provide: a sense of purpose, daily routine, unique social relationships with co-workers, and time away from our significant others, yet after entering retirement, the absence of these factors can contribute to a negative experience for retirees. By planning ahead for your retirement wellness you can improve your retirement satisfaction. Tips for a positive transition to retirement, from The Cedars: How do you plan to...
We recently did a workshop with our residents on the basic principles of Progressive Relaxation, with the main benefits of that practice being improved comfort and stress relief. Another complementary exercise is Guided Imagery. Guided Imagery offers similar benefits, but can be more widely used and requires less physical skill; it is one of the more attainable adjunct therapies. Guided Imagery is essentially an elaborate name for directed daydreaming, with the vast possibility for changing one’s mood and sense of wellness. All types of people, from star athletes to patients with significant illness, have successfully used Guided Imagery to focus their thoughts in a positive, healthful direction. Guided Imagery in the healthcare setting can be used as a means of encouraging relaxation, reducing anxiety, and as a method of distraction from discomfort. It is important to remember that the use of Guided Imagery, like other supplemental practices, cannot and...