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.”

Getting a Good Night Sleep

Posted by Angie

woman yawningHelp with Aging Parents: Three Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
By Diane Vigue, RN, Resident Wellness Manager, The Osher Inn

Public health professionals know that a good night’s sleep an essential aspect of health promotion and chronic disease prevention, especially for the elderly.

Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression, all of which threaten our health. Notably, insufficient sleep is associated with the onset of these diseases and also poses important implications for their management and outcome. It is  also responsible for motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents, causing substantial injury and disability each year. 

More than one-quarter of the U.S. population report occasionally not getting enough sleep, while almost 40% of the elderly experience sleep problems, and nearly 10% suffer from chronic insomnia.

Some of these insomnias may be due to the body not receiving sufficient oxygen during the night.  However, new methods for assessing and treating sleep disorders bring hope to the millions suffering from insufficient sleep.  Ask your physician if you may need an evaluation for a breathing disorder that interferes with your sleeping.

Here are some tips for getting a good night’s sleep:

  1. Get some activity every day – just move your body.  Walking, using the fitness gym according to your physician’s order, stretching safely on a daily basis, all these can assist you in a thorough night’s rest.
  2. Eat right, limiting caffeinated drinks late in the day, minimizing sweets before bed, taking any diuretics according to your doctor’s order – generally not too late in the afternoon.
  3. Have (and stick to) a “bedtime routine”.

Sufficient sleep is not a luxury — it is a necessity — and should be thought of as a “vital sign” of good health. 

For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online.

Help with Aging Parents: Healthy and Easy Labor Day Recipe

Posted by Holly

By Beth Sheppard, Director of Development at The Cedars

Meals at The Cedars are always a treat, but a recent dinner served to our board and members was especially good – and healthful. It included grilled swordfish, a variety of salads and grilled vegetables, and terrific turkey skewers done on the grill.

I’d never heard of grilling turkey! When I asked our director of dining services, David Kessler, about it, he told me that turkey is low in fat, full of protein (both great for aging bodies!), and easy to grill. The trick is to use turkey tenders, which you can find in the grocery store, and to marinate them before grilling.

Dave skewered bite-sized pieces of marinated turkey tender with chunks of red pepper, button mushrooms and pearl onions on wooden skewers (hint: soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before you put the meat and veggies on) and grilled them until the turkey hits 170°. 

Delicious, and a complete meal on its own or paired with a salad. If you’re hosting a cook out this Labor Day, add turkey tenders to your shopping list! Enjoy!

Best Retirement Community: Celebrating Healthy Aging at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

According to Carol Worthington, editor of Healthy Aging Magazine and director Health Aging, it’s never too late to “re-invent” yourself.  September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual health observance designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older, and we take healthy aging very seriously here at The Cedars!

Worthington explains, “We need to draw attention to the myths of aging, to shout out “Hey, its’ not too late to take control of your health, it’s never too late to get started on something new.’

To get started, here are some ideas from Health Aging Magazine to help you think outside of the box:

  • Back to School – through Osher Lifelong Learning (we provide the transportation!) or attend more lectures at The Atrium
  • Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow – older adults getting regular physical exercise are 60% less likely to get dementia as it increases oxygen to the brain and releases a protein that strengthens cells and neurons.  If you haven’t already – sign up for Sharon’s Wellness and Resistance Training Classes!
  • Learn to Paint a Landscape or Still Life – join the community artists in the Art Room and see if fine arts peeks your interest
  • Eat Fresh – make a commitment to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet when ordering from our heart healthy dining options

Best Retirement Community: Summer Wellness Fair at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

Wellness Fair: Enjoying a Paraffin Dip

The Cedars is dedicated to incorporating wellness throughout our community – for our members, residents and staff.  The opportunities to embrace wellness could not have been greater than at our annual Wellness Fair at The Cedars.  Vendors from over 20 stations and organizations were there to share their knowledge and services with our community – and everyone indulged in healthy snacks, yoga classes, massage therapy and paraffin dips.  Giveaways included a Kindle Fire, and various gift baskets to Dick Sporting Goods, The Cedars Spa and Healthy Eating and Cooking.

Wellness Fair Vendors

The Cedars thanks the participating vendors who partnered to make this a great event:

  • Acadia Insurance
  • Harvard Pilgrim – information and cholesterol screening
  • Guardian Dental
  • American Heart Association
  • Cancer Community Center
  • 2-1-1 Maine
  • US Foods
  • Community Counseling Center
  • Hannaford
  • Scarborough Family Chiropractic
  • Walgreen’s Blood Pressure Screening
  • Hula Hooping Portland Maine