Year: 2018

Character

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“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.”
– Cavett Robert

I cannot even count the times I start a new year, planning “to be healthier, blah blah blah”, Recently someone told me to really think about WHY I set a specific goal, and that will help me achieve it. Sitting on the couch watching HGTV wasn’t helping, so I changed my habits- and now the rest is starting to change as well. I realized that what I wanted most, is more important than what I may want at the moment.

Make the Best of the Situation

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“Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” – John Wooden

I have never believed that everything happens for a reason, but I very much believe that you can find a reason for everything that happens. I know it is a subtle difference. We may experience hardship and other moments of extreme joy. The tough times can teach us how resilient we can be, and bring support from others we never would have reached out to. It is easier to find the good when you look for it.

Lynn Tylczak, Home Instead

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It wasn’t all that long ago (February 2018) that my 92 year old mother – a 7 time cancer survivor, indelibly independent, feisty female – passed.  It was a difficult time for our family.  Although my husband Joe and I lived only a few miles away we couldn’t provide Mom with all the assistance she needed and she “absotively, posolutely” would not consider leaving her home of 35 years.  We were so stressed, panicked, and desperate that my daughter had to temporarily leave her grad school program in Minnesota and live with Gamma for almost a year.  We didn’t know what else to do. Then one of Mom’s doctors gave us a copy of Retirement Connection and everything changed.  For example, Mom insisted on an attorney who truly understood seniors and thanks to Retirement Connection we were able to find an elder law specialist who specifically reached out to, and focused on, her age group.  Thanks to Retirement Connection we found a hospice that had a pet care coordinator – who even knew that was a thing? – to place her incontinent cats, Asia and Australia.  Retirement Connection even helped us find non-medical senior care providers who patiently and graciously provided Mom with cognitive, behavioral, functional and social support (Mom described her primary caregiver as “the second daughter I never had”).  Without Retirement Connections’ clear, concise (but complete), easy-to-access info we could not have found the exceptional people and programs that made Mom’s last few months a positive-as-possible experience.  Thank you from the bottom of our less-stressed heart muscles.

Sue Horn, Avamere Court at Keizer

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When I moved here 8 years ago, I didn’t know Salem from Keizer. I was told to call Amy Schmidt and she would give me a place to start. WOW! Amy not only took the time to introduce me to key people in this area but also shared her guide with me. I use the Retirement Connection Guide faithfully- it is my resource Bible. It is such a wonderful tool to grab and help loved ones or a prospective mover that is working to figure things out. And what a great place to advertise…. I get leads from the guide throughout the year. Amy has set up education pieces for us to learn from and she herself is a wealth of knowledge … this is very motivational for me. I can call her or one of her team members and I am treated with respect and they always take the time to assist. The customer service is impeccable and very much appreciated. THANK YOU AMY AND YOUR TEAM AT RETIREMENT CONNECTION!

Schedule Your Priorities

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“The key is not to prioritize your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
– Stephen Covey

Do you manage your schedule or does it manage you? I started my business 10 years ago with 2 toddlers because I wanted more time with family. But 3 years into the work, my 4 year old told me I was a bad mommy- and he was right. I was a good person, but not the most available parent. If someone looked only at your calendar and made a judgement based only on that- what appears to be your priorities? It is never too late to make a change. Good luck!

Multiple Dimensions of Wellness

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Here’s a glimpse at the many dimensions of wellness.

Seniors find they live happier, more fulfilled lives when a holistic approach to wellness is taken. Here’s a glimpse at the many dimensions of wellness that are nurtured and promoted in today’s Life Plan Communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs.

1.Physical Wellness: Physical activities are planned and directed by fitness professionals in the community. These can include exercises planned for the resident’s specific needs and abilities, such as improving range of motion, core strength, or balance. Group classes in the community may include yoga or tai-chi, walking clubs, dance, or water aerobics.

2. Emotional Wellness: Support for the challenges that come with aging can give seniors comfort and strength in difficult times—and learning to cope with and adapt to life’s changes builds emotional well-being. This support can take the form of grief and mental health counseling, support and peer groups, informal circles of friends, and interactions with staff members.

3. Social Wellness: Socialization increases engagement, reduces isolation, and improves outlooks. Residents may enjoy card games, interest-based clubs, musical performances, holiday parties, group excursions and other activities that bring them together with others.

4. Intellectual Wellness: Intellectual activities boost cognitive function, stimulate the brain, and fuel lifelong learning. In the community, residents might engage in brain games and exercises, book groups, trivia contests, educational seminars, discussion groups, or tech workshops.

5. Vocational Wellness: Seniors have valuable work and life skills that can benefit the entire community. Residents can share their knowledge by teaching others, volunteering, building something, or leading discussion groups. Many CCRCs provide space for painting studios, woodworking, and other arts and crafts.

6. Environmental Wellness: A warm and comfortable environment in the retirement community enhances residents’ lives. This can encompass gardens and green spaces; walking paths; clean, bright surroundings; a friendly, caring staff; and festive seasonal decorations.

7. Spiritual Wellness: A strong spiritual sense can offer hope, strength, and peace. In the community, residents might nurture their spiritual selves through on-site worship services, meditation, religious studies, music performances, and more.

8. Health Services: Life Plan Communities offer caring, attentive support especially suited to seniors’ health needs as they change over time. Knowing services are available and a plan is in place before a change in health

This multifaceted approach through the 8 Dimensions of Wellness will positively impact the lives of older adults, providing enrichment, inclusion, purpose and a plan for future care needs.

Article Provided By:
Capital Manor
503-877-2927
www.CapitalManor.com

Article Provided By
Holmes Park House
The new Holmes Park House in Southern Oregon offers 24/7 physical and emotional care by compassionate and knowledgeable hospice-trained certified nurse assistants and universal caregivers that are managed by a registered nurse and supported by a full-time administrator, hospice-trained volunteers, and an activities director. Call today: 541-613-0543

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

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Security and online Senior Living Referral Services

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Once the online service puts you on their list they “own” you as a “lead.”

While researching Senior Living options online for yourself or a loved one you may be unaware of what happens with your information, and the level of your own security.

If you google search Assisted Living, a list of Online Senior Referral companies will appear. They require you to enter your information that includes: phone number, email, address, health and finances. All before being directed to a list of options.

These companies also put you on a “list.” That list is sent to numerous communities where your information will be entered into multiple databases and viewed by anyone that can access that data. You will then receive emails and phone calls from every community on the “list.”

Once the online service puts you on their list they “own” you as a “lead.” This remains true whether you move in soon, years later or even correspond with that company. This is how they receive compensation.

DO NOT give out your information to receive pricing or a list of communities.

A secure way to narrow down Senior Living options is to use a Local Senior Living Advisor. They will be willing to meet with you, in person, to assess your loved ones’ specific needs.

The Advisor will then, recommend the best options, coordinate the tours and take you to see those recommended options.

A Trusted Senior Living Advisor visits communities regularly and knows whom has stable staff, happy residents, good food and quality care. Online Referral companies are unable to provide this level of service.

A Local Senior Living Advisor will be your one point of contact. Only that advisor will have your information unless you wish to give it to the toured communities. This will eliminate needless contact from multiple communities and from the online referral service itself.

A Local Advisor can assist you with negotiating costs, recommend resources for: downsizing, selling a home, moving and assist with the necessary paperwork to get moved into a community.

Article Provided by:
Senior One Source
503-420-9011
www.SeniorOneSource.net

Article Provided By
Holmes Park House
The new Holmes Park House in Southern Oregon offers 24/7 physical and emotional care by compassionate and knowledgeable hospice-trained certified nurse assistants and universal caregivers that are managed by a registered nurse and supported by a full-time administrator, hospice-trained volunteers, and an activities director. Call today: 541-613-0543

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

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Veteran Suicide Warning Signs

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If you are in crisis and need to speak with a crisis responder, please call 1-800-273- 8255 and Press 1.

Suicide is a national public health issue that affects all Americans. At VA, the health and well-being of our Nation’s Veterans is our highest priority.

Veterans in crisis and their loved ones can call, text, or chat to connect with caring VA responders at the free and confidential Veterans Crisis Line. Responders are qualified to deal with any immediate crisis.

If you are in crisis and need to speak with a crisis responder, please call 1-800-273- 8255 and Press 1.

In addition to the Veterans Crisis Line, VA offers a network of support and mental health resources for all Veterans and their families and friends. Every day, more than 400 VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators and their teams, located at every VA medical center, connect Veterans with care and educate the community about suicide prevention programs and resources.

To learn more about the issue of Veteran suicide as well as VA mental health resources, please visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov, where you’ll find the latest national and state-level research.

Learn to recognize red flags

People can experience an emotional or mental health crisis due to a wide range of situations. For some, it might be the end of a personal relationship. For others, it might be the loss of a job. For Veterans, these crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service.

When emotional issues reach a crisis point, Veterans and their loved ones should contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press “!”

Many Veterans may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves before doing so, but some actions can be a sign that a person needs help. Veterans in crisis may show behaviors that indicate a risk of self-harm. The following can all be warning signs:

  • Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
  • Hopelessness; feeling like there’s no way out
  • Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
  • Feeling as if there is no reason to live
  • Feeling excessive guilt, shame, or sense of failure
  • Rage or anger
  • Engaging in risky activities without thinking
  • Losing interest in hobbies, work, or school
  • Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
  • Neglecting personal welfare; a deteriorating physical appearance
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Showing violent behavior, like punching a hole in the wall or getting into fights
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Getting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or writing a will

The following signs require immediate attention:

  • Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
  • Looking for ways to kill yourself
  • Talking about death, dying, or suicide
  • Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

Article Taken From:
 800-273-8255
https://www.VeteransCrisisLine.net

Article Provided By
Holmes Park House
The new Holmes Park House in Southern Oregon offers 24/7 physical and emotional care by compassionate and knowledgeable hospice-trained certified nurse assistants and universal caregivers that are managed by a registered nurse and supported by a full-time administrator, hospice-trained volunteers, and an activities director. Call today: 541-613-0543

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

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Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

Aquatic Therapy Programs

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Aquatic therapy programs can assist in treating both chronic pain disorders like arthritis and fibromyalgia as well as neurological disorders.

Aquatic therapy programs can assist in treating both chronic pain disorders like arthritis and fibromyalgia as well as neurological disorders. If you have ever had any questions regarding aquatic therapy, find out the facts here and how it can benefit you.

How does aquatic therapy work?

Since water constantly adjusts its shape, it can accommodate your movements. Using a concept called hydrostatic pressure, it compresses your skin, muscles and joints. The hydrostatic pressure assists in decreasing swelling caused by injury or those with arthritis. Additionally, buoyancy from the water assists in supporting weight. By reducing stress on joints, it aids in sprains, strains, and bone fractures. The warmth of the water further allows muscles to relax and increases blood flow to assist in healing. In doing so, it is particularly effective for muscle pain and fibromyalgia.

Does it hurt?

With aquatics therapy, it is actually just the opposite. When you are in the water, the pressure is a constant stimulus that your body is not typically accustomed to. Due to this, your nervous system actually dulls the pain, making it easier to stretch your muscles. This creates increased comfort while still retaining the maximum benefits of your treatment.

Are there additional benefits?

By utilizing aquatic therapy, your muscles will thank you. The warm water helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, causing relaxation. The flow of the molecules additionally acts as a natural form of massage to combat sore muscles. Due to this, aquatic exercise is often recommended as a great workout for individuals with physical limitations. It helps tone and stretch while emphasizing low impact exercise.

With aquatic therapy as well as aquatic exercise, you can relive pain without putting additional pressure on your joints. Contact PT Northwest today to learn more about how aquatic therapy can help you.

Article Provided By:
PT NorthWest
503-779-1020
www.PTNorthWest.com

Article Provided By
Holmes Park House
The new Holmes Park House in Southern Oregon offers 24/7 physical and emotional care by compassionate and knowledgeable hospice-trained certified nurse assistants and universal caregivers that are managed by a registered nurse and supported by a full-time administrator, hospice-trained volunteers, and an activities director. Call today: 541-613-0543

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg