Recognizing Great Staff: Care Champions at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

By Beth Sheppard, Director of Development, The Cedars retirement community

“There are eight million stories in the naked city; this has been one of them.” 

While we don’t serve eight million people here at The Cedars (there are 63 skilled care beds and about 800 rehabilitation admissions yearly at the Hoffman Center), every single person we serve has a story.

Very often, these involve families and friends.  We thought we’d share two recent letters to Cedars CEO Kathy Callnan, containing some of those stories.

“We would like to thank all of the staff The Cedars. We did not expect to find a real home for Mom, but that’s what you have become to her. What sets your facility above and apart fro the rest is your people: In everything they do, the message is one of sincere and genuine concern, caring attention and dedication to the feelings and well-being of their patient.” – Son of a current resident on our skilled care unit

“It’s hard to know where to begin, so I’ll just say thank you so much for all the wonderful care and compassion and patience with my foibles. I’m glad to go home but I will miss you all!” – From a rehab patient at the Sam L. Cohen Rehabilitation Center

Another great way to say thank you to exceptional staff is with our Cedars Care Champions program. A Care Champion can be anyone who made a resident’s stay at The Cedars more pleasant: a nurse, therapist, or any other employee.  Each staff member singled out by a patient or family is publically recognized with a special badge which identifies them as a champion caregiver.

Gifts to The Cedars through The Cedars Care Champions program are tax deductible and are invested to provide the most up-to-date care for those who needs we serve. You can make such a gift online or by calling us at (207) 221-7002.

Best Retirement Community: Five Ways to Improve Your Bones

Posted by Angie

Caring for Aging Parents: Five Ways to Improve Your Bones

Although health bones and joints are important to people of all ages, they are a key focus in senior citizen health, and Osteoporosis a major concern for all seniors .

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone condition among Americans with nearly half of all women and one-quarter of men likely to suffer from its’ effects.  Each year, approximately one and a half million Americans suffer a bone fracture related to osteoporosis.  Fifty years ago, physicians believed that weak bones were a natural part of aging, but today we know that we can do something about it.   

Prevention of the condition and patient education are key to reducing the problems associated with osteoporosis.  By following these guidelines, you can help prevent bone disease and injury:   

  1. Exercise. Weight-bearing exercise is best, and walking, even short distances, is a great way to maintain mobility and bone density.  Isometric, resistance, and range-of-motion exercises are very helpful in strengthening muscles to keep you more flexible, and improve muscle tone. Be sure to talk to your physician and a physical therapist before beginning an exercise program.
  1. Quit smoking. Smoking greatly diminishes circulation, which is critically important for bone health.  Another little-known fact – drinking excessive alcohol and caffeine can increase calcium loss in your urine. Moderation in all things is important!
  1. Move smart. Use proper body mechanics when lifting, standing, and bending.  Using large leg muscles rather than your back prevents spinal injury.  Make use of a cane or walker for stability in walking as recommended by your doctor or therapist.    
  1. Take your medicine. Calcium may be ordered by your doctor as well as vitamin D, hormone replacement therapy, calcitonin or one of several newer drugs that help in bone maintenance. Add foods rich in vitamin D such as eggs, fish, chicken, liver, as well as cereals and breads, and fortified milk. Getting outside in the sun for a brief time each day, while wearing sunscreen, helps produce vitamin D which in turn metabolizes calcium.
  1. Fall-prevention strategies.  Help to maintain a clutter-free environment in your apartment, use a walker or cane whenever walking.  Don’t try and reach or stoop to pick up items out of your reach – ask for assistance.  Take your time climbing steps, getting on or out of the van, and remain aware of the furniture or other people around you.   

By taking steps to prevent bone disease as well as fractures, you can alter the course of your health and life – take good care of yourself!

Statistics are from the “United States Bone and Joint Decade Project” and “Medical – Surgical Nursing” by Donna D. Ignatavicius.

 

 

Best Retirement Community: The Healing Effects of Pet Therapy

Posted by Angie

Pet therapist with resident of The CedarsThe Healing Effects of Pet Therapy

By Janine Fifield, Life Enrichment Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator at The Cedars Retirement Community

 “Love is the most important medicine and pets are one of nature’s best sources of affection.” – Anonymous

Most of us are already aware of the wonderful benefits of being in the presence of our beloved pets. And here at The Cedars, we are honored to be a training community for local therapy dogs. On any given day, we have from one to five furry friends engaging with our residents and offering not only their unconditional love, but also their profound and medically proven healing effects.

Residents in nursing communities who have regular visits from pets are more receptive to medical treatment and nourishment. It is also well established that touch is very important for our minds and spirits. For most people, the touch of an animal is safe, non-threatening and pleasant.  Research has shown that petting an animal even for a short period of time will not only lower blood pressure but will also help to release endorphins that create a more optimistic and overall happier mood.

If interacting with particular pets is difficult due to allergies, try watching a tank full of tropical fish, as that has also been linked to the same effects and, in addition, relaxes muscle tension and stress. 

 

Best Retirement Community: Coping with Change

Posted by Angie

Older couple on a bench outside The CedarsBy 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

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!