Volunteering at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

Young volunteer in retirement houseThe 89 year history of The Cedars as a non-profit is steeped in the tradition of volunteering. In 1927 The Cedars Auxiliary was formed and these dynamic women collected a nickel a week to build The Jewish Home of Aged on Portland’s Munjoy Hill.

Today, volunteering at The Cedars is as important – and robust – as ever. The Cedars has over 70 volunteers who give their time to the residents who live here – and last year graciously contributed over 3200 hours! What do these generous men, women and young adults do at The Cedars? Volunteer positions include friendly visitors, activity assistants, pet therapy visitors, helping to facilitate religious services, hospice support, musical entertainers, bridge and cribbage game players, dining assistants, companions, technology tutors and support, book club leaders and more.

In addition, our volunteers receive quarterly trainings and gather monthly for group meetings with our Volunteer Coordinator, Janine Fifield.

The Cedars is tremendously thankful to the volunteers who contribute their to our community and to the residents who live in our Skilled Care, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living. Some of our independent living members at The Atrium at The Cedars volunteer as well. The Cedars is continually growing and enhancing our programs – and there’s always a need for volunteers. For more information on volunteering contact Janine at jfifield@thecedarsportland.org today!

Tips for a Successful Return Home: Rehabilitation at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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 possible services and equipment you may need when going home. At The Cedars, our Occupational or Physical Therapists may make a home visit with you before you return home in order to trouble shoot any issues, assess the living environment and make recommendations. Be ready to complete home modifications before going home. Make a list of potentially difficult situations and discuss possible solutions with your therapists.
  3. Stay focused on goals. Recovery should continue when you go home. Discuss a daily routine with the Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and work with caregivers to set short and long-term goals while at home. Staying focused on goals will motivate you to get stronger, and you’ll minimize the risk of returning back to a hospital or rehab facility.
  4. Take advantage of resources. There are a lot of things to think about when transitioning back home, but your rehab facility will guide you as you make crucial decisions regarding home health services, medical equipment or adaptive equipment that may be needed. At The Cedars, the Care Coordinators work with the Rehabilitation Team to determine what services and equipment are needed for you to succeed at home. They will then assure services are in place. They can also put you in touch with resources available within your community, such as delivering meals, light housekeeping, transportation and counseling, all of which will provide a helping hand while still enabling independence.
  5. Recognize that it’s ok to have help. Some people are embarrassed about needing assistance after transitioning home, and some family caregivers feel that they can take care of their loved ones all on their own. It’s important to be realistic about the level of care that will be required, and it’s ok to have extra help. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness, but one of strength and care. The earlier you start planning, the healthier and happier you’ll be.

For more information on Rehabilitation at The Cedars, contact us at 207-221-7000 or visit www.thecedarsportland.org

Excerpted from an article written by Tammy Luther, director of rehabilitation and therapy services at A.G.Rhodes Health and Rehab in Atlanta, Georgia: 5 Tips for a Smooth Move from Rehab to Home.

Exercise for Mental Wellness at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

Exercise for HealthWe’ve known for years about the state of euphoria that follows exercise, often referred to as runner’s high.  In 2008 scientists were able to document evidence supporting this chemical reaction that results in a flow of endorphins to the brain. We’re pleased to know that lower intensity, physical exercise has mood-enhancing properties as well.

An article from the Buck Institute recently shared several studies suggesting that regular exercise is positively mood altering and a relatively inexpensive and accessible treatment, with no direct side effects.

Whether we’re exercising with others in a class environment or with friends, or we prefer to exercise alone – the benefits are great. At The Cedars, our wellness staff provides classes in Tai Chi, yoga and strength training and our fitness centers, indoor pool, putting green and walking trails all make it easy to invite exercise into or lives – even in the winter months. For more information about life at The Cedars, contact us at 207-221-7100.

 

Aging with Panache: at The Cedars Retirement Community

Posted by Katharine

Active Aging.  Many of us may have heard of this term and may be asking ourselves – what is it, does it refer to me, and how would I get started?

A recent article, in clarifying what’s behind Active Aging, challenges us to view aging from this perspective: accept the inevitable, embrace it, and make it work for you. Aging, of course, is a privilege – as one of my favorite octogenarians has said with each passing birthday, “It’s better than the alternative!” With this privilege comes the opportunity of seizing each moment and treating it as a gift – not just letting life happen.

How would we go about doing this? Start with the following four concepts, and see how it goes:

  1. Use it or lose it: exercise your body, mind or spirit.  At communities like The Atrium at The Cedars, residents choose from multiple exercise options, lectures and discussion groups, as well as excursions to theaters, museums and more in Portland with friends. Don’t see what you like on the list of options – then we’ll start a new group.
  2. Accommodate, don’t abdicate: allow yourself to use that walker or cane, or take needed breaks – if that provides you with the energy and ability to enjoy your day and the people around you.
  3. Be a beginner: have you always wanted to paint, learn a new language, play bridge – but never had the time or opportunity? Senior centers and communities provide the opportunity and support to get started.  Resident artists, poker players, and music aficionados have all enjoyed sharing their passions with their fellow residents.
  4. Don’t just recreate, create: the life experiences we amass through our lives are of such value to the world around us.  Volunteer, give back – we all need a sense of purpose.

For more information on life at The Cedars, independent living at The Atrium, call Angela D’Amours today at 207.221.7100.

 

Help with Aging Parents: Reminiscence Therapy

Posted by Angie

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
  • Improve quality of health care
  • Increase independent activities of daily living
  • Facilitate rehabilitation and habilitation
  • Enhance socialization skills

Reminiscence Therapy creates opportunity for individuals to recall, remember and share experiences and adventures of their past.  Start by bringing in an old photo album to share.  It is a great way to connect or re-connect with your loved one.

 

The Magic of Music: Assisted Living Week at The Osher Inn

Posted by Katharine

Print“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of our souls.”
–PLATO 

This week is National Assisted Living Week, an annual event sponsored by the National Center for Assisted Living.  This year’s theme, The Magic of Music, celebrates the music we’ve all created, played, listened to and enjoyed throughout our lives.  Throughout the week the residents at The Osher Inn at The Cedars will play games, sing and listen to their favorite melodies as guests share their music with us.

Music is such as powerful force that brings evokes feelings of love, comfort, joy and memories of days gone by.   For people with memory issues, several studies have demonstrated the soothing effects of music and the ability to bring those precious memories back. We hope you’ll embrace music this week as we honor our residents, staff, volunteers, and families – and embrace all that music brings to our lives.

Considering a Retirement Community?

Posted by Katharine

Reasons to Move to a Retirement Community 

Every day, during our conversations with the seniors considering a move to The Atrium at The Cedars, we hear a number of reasons why they haven’t taken action yet.  The ones listed below we hear most often, and if we had a nickel for each time I heard them……well, you know the rest!

  • “I’m healthy.”   Great news – you are the perfect candidate for Independent Living!  And even better news, our community offers tai chi, yoga, strength training, an indoor pool, and a fitness center all under one roof, so you can maintain your health and well-being.  We also have visits from podiatrists, blood pressure clinics, and seasonal flu shots.  All this and a highly respected, state of the art rehabilitation facility, The Sam L. Cohen Rehab Center, right here when you need it.
  • “I can’t imagine fitting all my stuff into an apartment.”  But, do you really need all that stuff?    The term “downsizing” has a negative connotation – after all, who wants to head in a downward direction?   Think of it as “simplifying”.   Consider unburdening yourself from those crates, boxes, and files.  Anything you haven’t used, or even laid a hand on in years, is not serving you as it should.  Keep only what you really love or what is truly practical, give sentimental items to friends and family who you know will take good care of them, and the rest – let it go!
  •  “I don’t want to lose my independence.”   Do you rely on friends and family, neighbors perhaps, to run errands, shovel your driveway, or help with yard work and home maintenance?  Or are you struggling with doing these things yourself?  Independence comes from having options, vs. having to rely on someone else.   Independence comes from the will to make a change, rather than waiting for something to happen – at which point you may not be in control.   Independence is about choices.  Consider a move as gaining your independence, rather than losing it.  Our members at The Atrium will tell you that due to the level of services we provide (housekeeping, meals, and concierge services are only a few) they spend time doing things they love with people who matter.  Isn’t that a choice we all would make?     And finally ….
  • “I’m not ready.”   I could ask you “why?” and you could give me the excuses listed above, and more.  The question I pose is “What is holding you back?”  Try it – it’s a little harder to make excuses, isn’t it?  Ask yourself, “What is it that is keeping me from simplifying my living situation?”  “What is it that I’m holding on to?”  “What is preventing me from making a change I know is in my benefit?”  Tough questions, with some tough answers.  Some of those answers might require a bit of soul searching, some tough love on the part of your family and friends, and ultimately, the courage within to make a change.

For more information on retirement living, contact us or our marketing representative at 207-221-7100

 

 

Maintaining a Healthy Brain

Posted by Katharine

Mindful Connections

Does playing cards or studying a foreign language help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease?  A recent study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Copenhagen found that these kinds of activities support the “use it or lose it” theory in that they lead to greater brain volume as seen on neurological imaging tests.  Although the study did not reveal that brain games prevent Alzheimer’s Disease altogether, it did show they lead to better learning, memory and information processing.  The best evidence suggests that a healthy lifestyle of exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking, combined with activities such as going to museums, doing puzzles and reading books can reduce the risk of dementia.

At The Cedars community, we approach overall wellness from various perspectives, depending upon the individual’s needs and abilities.  At The Atrium independent living, and The Osher Inn assisted living, we provide multiple opportunities to regain or maintain physical strength and cardiovascular health.  As a compliment, the members and residents enjoy bridge playing, book clubs, blackjack, computer coaching, trips to the museum and theater, lectures and more.

And for those with mild to moderate dementia, we offer our unique Mindful Connections  program – also available on an outpatient basis – to provide a combination of mental stimulation, cardiovascular exercise and socialization with the goal of maximizing independence while enhancing physical and cognitive wellness.  For more information on this exciting program, call 207-221-7150 or check out Mindful Connections.

Making Healthy Choices towards Better Brain Health

Posted by Katharine

Heart HealthThe American Heart Association recently released an assessment tool, Life’s Simple 7, that focuses on cardiovascular health issues typically resulting from lifestyle choices, or modifiable behaviors.  With several studies having established the relationship between poor cardiovascular health and cognitive decline, researchers questioned whether this tool could be used a motivation for better lifestyle choices.

Researchers studied over 17,000 individuals over the age of 45 who completed the Life’s Simple 7 assessment.  The tool covers the following health areas: smoking, diet, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol and fasting glucose.  After four years, the participants’ cognitive status was assessed and, not surprisingly, those with the lowest cardiovascular health scores on the Simple 7 had a greater rate of cognitive impairment by 35 to 37 percent. And the strongest correlations came from smoking, BMI and fasting glucose.

Recently another study completed in the UK with a similar list of seven risk factors found that exercise topped their list for being the most influential.  The researchers estimated that by reducing the risk associated with each lifestyle factor by just 10%, 9 million cases of dementia worldwide could be prevented by 2050.  One researcher noted, “Although there is no single way to prevent dementia, we may be able to take steps to reduce our risk of developing dementia at older ages.  We know what many of these factors are, and that they are often linked.”

These research efforts support our Living Well with Dementia outpatient program philosophy, where individuals living at home with mild to moderate dementia participate in exercise, cognitive exercises and socialization.  To find out more contact The Cedars at 207-221-7100.