Aquatic Therapy Programs

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


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Who “Needs” hearing aids?

If YOU want to hear better than you presently are, then you may be helped by hearing aids or some other assisted listening device.

It might sound shocking for a company that sells hearing aids to say this but, no one “NEEDS” hearing aids. The question that really matters is: DO YOU WANT TO HEAR BETTER? It doesn’t really matter how good or bad your hearing is, if YOU want to hear better than you presently are, then you may be helped by hearing aids or some other assisted listening device.

What really matters is if you have a problem that you want to be fixed. Of course, a hearing loss may progress so gradually that you don’t always notice how it affects you. Others might be more aware of the problems your hearing is causing both you and them. So, here’s a series of questions that may help you determine if you’re having trouble with your hearing.

1. Do you often ask others to repeat themselves?

2. Do you ever have dif culty hearing in a car?

3. Do you ever have dif culty hearing on the phone?

4. Do you ever have dif culty understanding family or friends voices?

5. Do others ever mention that you turn the radio or T.V. up too loud?

6. Do you nd it dif cult to understand conversations in noisy places?

7. Does it often sound as if people are mumbling?

8. Do you have dif culty hearing in group situations?

9. Do you avoid any situations because of a hearing dif culty?

10. Have you noticed any change in your memory?

11. Does your hearing dif culty cause you stress?

12. Do you ever feel that others avoid talking to you because of a hearing loss?

Everyone, even people with good hearing, are going to answer yes to a couple
of those questions, at least in certain situations. However, if you answered yes to ve or more of the above questions you may have a hearing loss that, at the very least, is beginning to have an impact on the quality of your life.

So, the next question you need to answer is: if you have a hearing loss, are you willing to try hearing aids or some other assisted listening device?

If no, here’s a couple things you should know about an untreated hearing loss:

Hearing loss can contribute to a loss of cognitive function. In other words, it may contribute to dementia. If you want to remain as healthy as possible, both physically and mentally, then you need to remain as physically, mentally and socially active as possible. Your brain needs exercise just like your muscles do. When you have an untreated hearing loss, your brain can’t get all the exercise it needs.

Article Provided by:

Nathan Willard, Hearing Aid Specialist,
SoundScape Hearing Aids
541-414-8488
www.SoundScapeHearing.com


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Trends in senior fitness

So what’s hot with senior fitness this year? It’s all about embracing the future of digital technology while also harkening back to the basics and approaching exercise with a mind-body lens focused on overall wellness.

Senior fitness is critical! When the entire Baby Boomer generation finishes aging into the 65+ age bracket around 2030, they’ll comprise 20% of the U.S. population – wow! Where expert recommendations for older adults used to focus on resting and avoiding exertion, recent decades of scientific and social research has found that staying active and regular exercise play important roles in healthy aging, fall prevention, and fighting age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

So what’s hot with senior fitness this year? It’s all about embracing the future of digital technology while also harkening back to the basics and approaching exercise with a mind-body lens focused on overall wellness. Check out the 6 latest senior fitness trends:

Wearable Fitness Technology

Popular with younger generations too, wearable fitness technology has exploded in the past few years. From FitBits to BellaBeats, wearable fitness technology typically looks like a sleek bracelet or pendant which you wear to track personal health stats like steps taken in a day, heart rate, etc. Synced to an app you access on your smartphone or computer, you can also track your diet and nutrition, calories burned, and even your sleep quality.

Commercial Fitness Programs
As boomers age into retirement and the largest generation by numbers so does their disposable income and ability to pay for exercise classes and trainers. Gyms and fitness centers are picking up on this trend and offering more and more senior classes than ever before. At the same time, the renowned Silver Sneakers premier fitness program is still going strong, offering no-cost, unrestricted access to 13,000 participating gyms across the U.S. for senior citizens.

Outdoor Exercise

Blame it on climate change, or simply the fact that southern city populations are growing at exponential rates (hello, Florida!), but getting outdoors is trending big time with the 65+ crowd – from outdoor yoga to hiking, and most recently spreading all across the world, senior wellness playgrounds. Why hit the gym when you can play outside on a customized playground engineered for older generations? Senior playgrounds might include stationary bicycles, face to face leg presses, low balance beams, games like boule or horseshoes, walking paths, and more.

Functional Fitness

This industry term, “functional fitness,” has been thrown around for a handful of years now, but as more and more Boomers hit the gym, it’s practicality remains quite popular. Functional fitness simply means exercising and strength training for the daily activities you need to complete. Examples include building up forearm and back strength for lifting groceries or caring for a spouse, focusing on leg strength and agility for climbing stairs and rising from a chair successfully. Functional fitness routines focus and prioritize cardio, strength and resistance training that makes sense for older adults who, for example, might not be looking to run marathons, but want to stay healthy and strong enough to mow the lawn, lift bags of mulch, and prepare their annual vegetable garden.

Exercising to Fight Pain

As more and more research emerges about natural pain treatments, i.e. for osteoarthritis or acute back pain, exercise is being positioned as a go-to pain solution recommended even before pharmacological methods are taken. For example, at the beginning of 2017, the American College of Physicians issued updated recommendations for clinicians treating patients complaining of acute and chronic back pain. In addition to exercise (which helps stretch tense muscles and boost blood flow to fight painful inflammation), the ACP recommended patients try heat therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and massage before taking over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription pain killers.

Senior Yoga

A rise in mind-body exercises which embrace meditation, relaxation and deep breathing in addition to movement, stretching, and poses is bring mindfulness to the forefront of senior fitness. With a focus on self-actualization and peace, senior yoga is proving to not only help build muscles and bone density but combat stress and anxiety, and stimulate positive cognitive function to fight memory loss and dementia.

Addressing Foot Pain

Did you know that over 80% of older adults complain of at least one incidence of foot pain, though few actually report seeing their doctor about it? This is changing, for the better. Foot pain can not only impair mobility and cause dangerous falls, but it can also prevent seniors from staying active and getting the exercise they need. Addressing the underlying causes and treating foot pain is on trend when it comes to embracing an active and fit lifestyle. Over the counter aids like orthotic inserts for plantar fasciitis or arch supports for high arches might be recommended by your doctor, while proper foot care to prevent skin breakdown and stretch foot muscles can be as simple as washing, drying and moisturizing feet nightly.

Article Provided by: 
Joe Flemming, Vive Health
vivehealth@gmail.com


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Aging: What are the warning signs?

Don’t wait until something tragic happens. Go to a doctor to review medications and change of conditions. Build a safety net of attentive family and friends.

In today’s world, seniors are living longer, families are dispersed all over the country, and we all want to keep our independence. However, with phone relationships, we usually don’t get the whole picture. Adult children can struggle to come to terms with their parent’s aging process; and seniors of this generation often do not ask for help easily.

What are the warning signals?

First, what are the leading indicators that change may be on the way?  Death of a spouse, loss of one’s health, or family/friends moving away can be precursors to change.

Second, pause for a minute and determine what describes your senior? 
How would you describe their normal baseline? Are they normally organized, happy, groomed?  Quiet, hesitant, apprehensive? Messy, clumsy, disheveled? Confident, a conversationalist, assertive? Being any one of these things doesn’t indicate much, but if their behavior varies from the norm this may indicate a change of condition and/or suggest a downward trend.

With careful observation, research and discussion, note any changes in the three different dimensions- physical emotional, and cognitive. 

Physical warning signals include:  Unexplained weight loss, bruises or injuries, multiple falls, or changes in appearance.  Seniors’ skin can get very thin and is more susceptible to tearing.
Some medications can increase the potential for bruising.

Noted emotional changes include:  Fear of being alone; stops calling friends, not participating in things they enjoyed; not going to church; not coming to family dinners; not going out with friends for lunch; or wearing pajamas and slippers all day long. 

Some examples of Cognitive indicators: Unpaid bills, mountains of unopened mail, loss of money or questionable financial decisions, pets poorly cared for, vehicle is accumulating dents, food and medications are beyond pull dates, changes in sleep patterns such as increased sleep or any wakefulness.

Actions to take:

Don’t wait until something tragic happens. Go to a doctor to review medications and change of conditions. Build a safety net of attentive family and friends. Consider bringing care into the home or moving to a safer living situation. Be strong.

Article Provided by:
Garden Court Retirement
425-438-9080
www.GardenCourtRetirement.com


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Broaching the dreaded senior care/ end of life talk

So, let’s talk about the “icky”, and encourage all of you to broach the dreaded senior /end of life talk with an aging loved one.

You may be wondering what a Bonnie Raitt song, “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About”, has to do with Mennonite Village, a continuing care retirement community offering all senior living and care options. In a meeting the other day the focus of the discussion was to constantly improve our services when the comment was made that we need to talk about the “icky” to improve and move forward. So, let’s talk about the “icky”, and encourage all of you to broach the dreaded senior /end of life talk with an aging loved one.

Care.com, a NYSE company, did a survey this year delving into the financial and emotional challenges today’s families face when it comes to senior care. “Fifty-four percent of those surveyed said they’d rather have the “sex talk” with their kids than discuss a senior’s ability to drive.”

“The majority of those surveyed (85%) believe they have a good grasp of their parent’s or aging loved one’s health, but 52% have not discussed senior care issues.” And more than half of those surveyed don’t plan to talk about senior care until there’s a need. Top reasons of avoidance included knowing their aging loved one would react defensively, and their own discomfort with the subject.

The problem with not proactively talking with an aging loved one about long-term care is many families are unprepared for quick decisions when a health issue or crisis strikes. Families are in a better place to make informed decisions for the care of a loved one by talking about preferences and expectations before the need arises. There are a myriad of resources to help broach this sensitive topic, such as information on line or consulting with a professional. Preparing and having the conversation about end of life care lets your loved one know that you will be there for them.

The Conversation Project was created and dedicated to help people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. You can download starter kits of how to get the conversation started. As the site states, “Sharing your wishes for end of life care can bring you closer to the people you love. It is critically important. And you can do it.”

Furthermore, it is not easy to know when an aging family member or loved one might need more care or assisted living. The following are warning signs that may indicate it’s time for a talk:

  • The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food, or your parent is losing weight. He or she may not be eating well because shopping or cooking is difficult.
  • You notice frequent bruises. This may be a sign of falling, mobility or balance problems.
  • Your loved one wears the same clothes over and over again, and neglects personal hygiene. This may be that laundry and bathing may be physically challenging.
  • The house and yard is not as clean and tidy as it used to be.
  • Your loved one forgets things like doctor’s appointments and medications. May be memory loss.
  • Your aging loved one seems depressed. Depression is common with seniors who are isolated and alone.
  • You notice strange or inappropriate behavior. For example, dressing inappropriately for the weather.

Try to be listening, probing and most of all, not imposing your personal end of life choices on your loved one. There are lots of resources available on-line, through organizations and contacting consultants.

The Sandwich Generation continues to grow and nearly 70% of households in the U.S. are dual-income households, so senior care responsibilities impact employees and employers. 36% have asked for time off or workplace flexibility to accommodate for senior care; 36% say worrying about aging loved ones has affected their performance at work; and 34% have made work adjustments as a result of caring for aging loved ones. Senior care responsibilities weigh so heavily on employees that nearly half (46%) say they would consider dropping out of the workforce to care for an ailing parent or loved one.

With today’s modern workforce of two working parents who are “sandwiched” caring for their children and aging loved ones, families, employers and companies must recognize the need for benefits that serve both ends of the caregiving pendulum.  These types of benefits and services not only support the well-being of families and employees, but also help employers increase loyalty, reduce turnover costs, and drive productivity. So, on many different levels we need to start the conversations today.

Article Provided By:
Mennonite Village
Linda Haralson, Community Relations Representative
Ctystal Well, Administrator of Quail Run
541- 704-4294
541-928-1122, ext. 304
www.mennonitevillage.org

 


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What you need to know when you don’t know what you need!

Having a family member move into a different stage in life that requires care can be a confusing and complicated process

Having a family member move into a different stage in life that requires care can be a confusing and complicated process.  How do you navigate the complex and overwhelming amount of information available and find out what is right for you? This can be one of the most stressful stages in the journey when care needs are changing. You are not alone!

When I experienced this with my own family I was numbed by how little I really knew, even though I was a practicing Registered Nurse at the time. Thankfully, elder care concerns are now much more important to many of us.  And it shows. The internet is full of countless websites providing free information to help you determine your course of action with realistic tips from people just like you all the way to experts on eldercare. Your head may be spinning and you may need to make a decision quickly, but first you need to know where you are!

Many people have an understandable desire to avoid this topic or try to paint a more optimistic picture about what they are experiencing based on misperceptions about the end result.  Many of us can empathize with the desire to avoid thinking about our needs until we or someone in our family is in crisis, but to help you avoid this pitfall I suggest that you begin by taking a moment to take care of yourself. As the airline flight attendant always says, “please place the oxygen mask on yourself first and then help
your…” you get the point!

Second, take a deep breath and find your sense of self-compassion and humor!
I found that these two things can go a long way in the process of deciding what is right or wrong for you and what is just plain absurd! The more objectivity you can bring to the situation the easier you will find it to enter into critical thinking instead of being pushed into the place of making simple reactive choices. Since these are major decisions that will affect the quality of your life, we want to make sure you are engaged with the process
and have the ability to choose wisely.

Now spend some time writing down what the problems are and what you would like to see happen. Keep that image! You may get bombarded by the many different labels and descriptions of different services and truth may be, you aren’t exactly clear what the difference between them is. I found it helpful to educate myself on the specialized language of elder care.

There are many options to consider as you explore community based options and/or long term care facilities. Do not be afraid of asking “stupid” questions. Remember that the only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask!

Article Provided by:
HomeWell Senior Care
253-333-1906
www.HomeWellSeniorCare.com/Federal-Way


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Overcoming the obstacles of growing older

While we can’t escape growing older, we can take precautions to ease some of the most common obstacles associated with aging.

Overcoming the Obstacles of Growing Older

A century ago, only four out of every hundred people in the United States were age 65 or older. Today, these seniors represent the fastest growing segment of the population. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average life expectancy has increased from 47.3 years old in 1900 to nearly 80 years old in 2000.

While we can’t escape growing older, we can take precautions to ease some of the most common obstacles associated with aging. By identifying the challenges and offering solutions, seniors can better plan for their future well-being.

Below are some practical solutions that can ease the everyday challenges of aging:

1. TROUBLE MANAGING FINANCES
Challenge: Many seniors are no longer able to manage their finances due to physical or mental limitations associated with aging. Failing health and eyesight, and/or changes in social supports can leave seniors overwhelmed and unable to get bills paid in a timely manner.
Solution: Family members or other trusted individuals should talk to their loved ones about their finances. If they are receiving late fees and second notices on household bills, respond by helping them handle the mail, review the bills on a regular basis and put utilities in your name. If the senior is having problems with their checking account, missed payments, or increased credit card balances, respond by helping them consolidate debt, monitor their accounts, cut up credit cards, and challenge unknown charges.
2. MEMORY LOSS ISSUES
Challenge: Approximately 10 percent of adults 65 years and older, and 50 percent of adults over the age of 90, have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, often results in a loss of mental functions – such as thinking, memory and reasoning – that is severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning.
Solution: While a family history of Alzheimer’s and increasing age are considered risk factors, they don’t always lead to memory loss or dementia. To help minimize the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, many experts suggest seniors adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, staying engaged in social activities with friends and family, eating a healthy diet and keeping their mind active.
3. LIVING INDEPENDENTLY
Challenge: Studies overwhelmingly show that seniors prefer the comfort, safety, and security of their own home. But as they age, older adults often find that simple tasks, such as preparing a meal, driving to a doctor’s appointment or cleaning their house can be a real challenge.
Solution: Home care agencies, such as Right at Home, offer a variety of highly personalized and flexible home care services at reasonable rates for as little as a few hours per week to as much as 24-hours a day. Services offered include light housework, meal preparation, medication reminders, shopping and errands, laundry, local transportation, companionship, bathing, and more. This type of help allows many seniors, who simply need some assistance with daily tasks, to continue to live independently within the comfort of their own homes.
4. DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS
Challenge: Depression is not a normal part of aging, but unfortunately it is very common in the elderly. Depression affects about six million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10 percent receive treatment. Some signs might include feelings of worthlessness or sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, change in appetite, difficulty sleeping, agitation, irritability, or even abnormal thoughts about death or suicide.
Solution: Depression is a treatable psychological condition. Over time, even the most seriously depressed person can be treated successfully and return to a happier and more fulfilling life with the proper treatment. Family members or caretakers who suspect that the senior in their life is depressed should offer emotional support and see that the depressed person gets an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment from a trained mental health professional.
5. SLEEP AND AGING PROBLEMS
Challenge: More than 50 percent of men and women over age 65 complain of at least one chronic sleep problem. These issues include sleeping less, waking up more frequently, getting less deep sleep, experiencing more daytime tiredness, and taking more naps during the day.
Solution: Keep a regular sleep schedule, relax for a while before going to bed, make sure your sleep environment is quiet, comfortable and dark, eat only a light snack before bed, and clear your mind by writing down all of your concerns and worries before going to sleep.
6. SENIORS AND UNSAFE DRIVING
Challenge: According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services- Administration on Aging, changes that occur naturally with age, such as deterioration in vision, mobility and reflexes, often translate into changes in one’s ability to handle a car safely. But many seniors are reluctant to give up the freedom and convenience that driving allows them in terms of getting to medical appointments, traveling to the grocery store and socializing with friends.
Solution: Talk to your loved one about safety considerations. Explain transportation options, offer rides and visits, and emphasize monetary savings. Resources such as United We Ride (www.unitedweride.gov) can help to coordinate transportation resources for seniors.

Provided by:  Right at Home Managing Director
For more information: www.RAHcares.com, 503-574-3674

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