MyActsLife
Your Signature Well-Being Experience
MyActsLife Signature Well-Being is a lifestyle designed to meet this great want and to keep residents thriving, not just aging, but thriving in place. To do this, we are offering a more comprehensive well-being lifestyle (while still maintaining the availability of supportive living in both Oakbridge Terrace and WillowBrook Court).
OUR WELL-BEING PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Acts acknowledges an individual's uniqueness and supports personal choice in creating pathways to a life journey of well-being that integrates customized body, mind and spirituality experiences that are consistent with the Acts mission and culture of Loving-Kindness
WELL-BEING DESCRIBED
Well-being can be described in a variety of ways. In short, it’s the connection of Body, Mind and Spirituality. Well-being is a holistic concept that encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. Enhancing well-being involves an approach to improving various aspects of life, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced existence. Improving well-being involves proactive steps and lifestyle changes, such as:
1. Physical Health -- regular exercise, balanced diet, sufficient sleep, preventive healthcare
2. Mental Health -- mindfulness practices, stress management techniques, seeking professional help when needed
3. Social Connections -- building and maintaining strong relationships, participating in community activities
4. Personal Development -- setting and pursuing personal goals, engaging in lifelong learning
MyActsLife Signature Well-Being is a personalized all-encompassing, proactive, hospitality driven lifestyle – a multi-disciplinary approach designed for our residents to actively thrive in place – opportunities and experiences for residents to live their best life as an Acts resident.
THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH
To develop a comprehensive well-being experience, numerous team members from various specialties from across the organization collaborated to brainstorm, share ideas, and integrate diverse perspectives, to ensure a holistic and multifaceted approach with the ultimate goal of providing residents with the opportunities to build, strengthen, improve and enhance their personalized well-being lifestyle.
MyActsLife Signature Well-Being is being developed based on the core components of Body, Mind and Spirituality and the corresponding elements including but not limited to Life Experience, Spirituality, Emotional Wellness, Primary Care, Nutrition, Fitness, Rehabilitation and Cognitive Brain Health.
The Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Although all elements of well-being are routinely interconnected, they are divided into 3 key pillars for easier navigation, throughout the development process. The pillars are identified as Health Pathways, Wellness Pathways and Life Experience Pathways. All together known as MyActsLife Pathways. Each resident has the opportunity to develop their own pathway to better health, wellness and life experiences. These pathways afford many opportunities for residents to establish baselines, determine personal goals and develop a customized plan. Details of each pathway is further described below.
Please note – as above, health, wellness and life experience are separated into 3 distinct pillars to assist as we continue with the development process of Well-Being. However, in future promotional materials, Health & Wellness will merge into one pathway, the Health & Wellness Pathway while Life Experience will be a distinct category of it’s own.
MyActsLife Pathways
HEALTH PATHWAYS
Health Pathways is the physical or clinical component of well-being. This approach is based on evidence based medicine of delivering high quality care. It’s a holistic, concierge style of a variety of healthcare services provided by our inhouse licensed professionals including:
• Primary Care -- a physical exam with routine blood work, diagnostic testing and various health screenings conducted by the Acts Nurse Practitioners, with a scheduled 6 month follow-up visit
• Rehabilitation -- an expanded THRIVE with Acts screening experience provided by our Acts Rehab team. Annual screens help residents be proactive about preventing declines. Acts Rehab offers a full scope of Rehabilitation services including over 14 specialty programs.
• Emotional Wellness a self-assessment tool established to monitor emotional well-being from year to year, developed and reviewed by the Acts Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Professional Counselors
• Medical Nutritional Therapy -- a mini-nutritional assessement is conducted to establish medical nutrition concerns (such as malnutrition)
In addition to the above enhancements, a significant change to our Health Pathway services has been the transition to new electronic health record systems, in particular in the primary care and rehab departments. These new systems include the capability of artificial intelligence, mobile applications and a resident portal enabling residents to have easy access to their own medical records.
♥ WELLNESS PATHWAYS
Wellness, the second pillar of well-being, is the healthy living layer -- how we eat, sleep, move and think. Wellness pathways overlap greatly with health pathways and correlates with fitness, nutrition, coaching and an integrated lifestyle of ongoing cognitive support and brain health activities.
The Acts Signature Well-Being team continues to develop Wellness Pathways, working on many opportunities for improving how we eat, sleep, move and think. Such as:
• Advanced nutritional consultation and counseling -- developed to establish personalized nutrition goals and meal plans
• Standardized fitness assessments and the opportunity for personalized fitness plans
• Development of a comprehensive Cognitive Brain Health Model and trialing technology in support of cognitive testing for earlier detection as well as evaluating numerous other avenues for approaching and improving one’s brain health
The Wellness Pathway also encompasses the development of programming around technology such as video gaming, wearable devises like the Apple Watches and evaluating how to leverage this technology by providing each resident with the knowledge to make changes based on data gathered.
♥ LIFE EXPERIENCE PLAN
Life Experience constitutes the foundation of the third pillar of well-being. What brings us joy, spiritual wellness and purpose. Life Experience is about socialization, engagement, spiritual life opportunities, program participation, restaurant experiences, and personal goals and aspirations. The many things that bring joy and pleasure to our everyday lives.
The Acts Signature Well-Being team has a concentration on building out socialization and engagement opportunities as well as evaluating and expanding on offering multiple restaurant experiences by advancing our existing programming as well as additional enhanced offerings. The team is developing standards for nutrition and restaurant programming, implementing a menu framework for main dining rooms and developing additional “health forward” recipes.
In collaboration with the Acts community Chaplains, the Acts Signature Well-Being team has introduced a spiritual life assessment. Administered by the community Chaplains, this assessment aims to identify residents' individual spiritual aspirations, needs, and goals. Additionally, we are expanding our range of spiritual experiences and events, to include live stream worship sessions, opportunities for giving back and mission trips -- opportunities to further enrich a spiritual journey.
Under the Life Experience pillar, we have also begun the transition of the My Story paper process to an electronic, multimedia, interactive, interview style process named My Journey. This automated platform will provide the ability for residents and team members to view and continuously add information to the resident’s life journey as part of creating a personalized lifestyle and life experience plan.
Well-Being Pathways
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
In building the lifestyle model of MyActsLife, Your Signature Well-Being Experience, innovation and technology are key to its development and success. The well-being teams will continue to evaluate numerous platforms for new and advanced health, wellness and life experience technologies. In addition to the new electronic health record systems noted above, several new pieces of technology have been implemented including, but not limited to a Body Composition Analyzer, Blood Work Analyzer, Cognivue (electronic test for cognition), SMARTfit Video Gaming and TSOLife (for recorded resident interviews). The team is also continuing the development of the Signature Resident Experience Plan as well as the MyActsLife App that will enable mobile access for the many components of well-being. See below for additional technology and equipment information.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MyActsLife, Your Signature Well-Being Experience supports lifelong learning and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and personal development. For this approach to well-being, the team is partnering with Acts Corporate University in adding more learning experiences and improving our long-standing signature Wellness Education series. These improvements will enhance our existing programming to challenge the brain, promote physical movement and encourage resident engagement experiences.
The Acts Signature Well-Being team is also working with Acts Corporate University to investigate the potential implementation of wellness coaching certification programming to provide our team members with the opportunity to learn about the many aspects of wellness coaching. Coaching abilities will enable our team members to assist our residents in achieving their individualized well-being goals. In addition, the team is engaged with external resources regarding board certification in health coaching. More information will be made available at a later date regarding coaching certification courses.
HOW IT WORKS
While the Acts Signature Well-Being team continues the development process, we are extending the opportunity for residents in independent living to engage with the completed and available aspects of the Health, Wellness and Life Experience Pathways. To embark on a well-being pathway, residents will complete each item listed below:
Health Pathways
1. THRIVE Screen with Rehab
2. Primary Care Pre-Visit (to be done one week prior to the primary care physical exam)
3. Primary Care Physical Exam
4. Emotional Wellness Self-Assessment (provided at the completion of the primary care pre-visit)
Wellness Pathways
5. Fitness Assessment & Body Comp Analysis
6. Nutrition Consultation
Life Experience Pathways
7. Spiritual Life Assessment
8. TSOLife My Journey Interview
SCHEDULING
To schedule an appointment for the various components of the MyActsLife Pathways, residents will access Microsoft Bookings through an online link (as below). The link is also available on the K4 app under Shortcuts. (https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ActsSignatureWellBeing@actsretiremen tlife.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/)
Residents can elect any available date and time to schedule the various well-being appointments. There is no required order of completion -- residents will elect a date and time convenient for them for each component. However, there is one exception -- the Pre-Visit for Primary Care must be done one week before the Primary Care Physical Exam. This is necessary to allow time for testing results to be finalized, submitted and reviewed by the Nurse Practitioner.
The online booking system will provide an overview of each appointment type, length and location of the appointment and any preparation requirements (if applicable). An email confirmation will be sent to the resident as well as the relevant team member confirming the date and time. A reminder email will also be sent one day before the scheduled appointment.
DESCRIPTIONS
1. Body Comp Analysis
A body composition analyzer is a medical device designed to assess body composition including measurements such as:
Body Fat Percentage -- the proportion of body weight that is comprised of fat
Muscle Mass -- the amount of muscle tissue in the body (muscle mass is lost over time as we age which can be a contributing factor to frailty and falls. Important to monitor and maintain muscle mass through regular exercise)
Total Body Water -- the amount of water in the body, which can indicate hydration status
Bone Mass - the amount of bone tissue in the body
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) -- an estimate of the number of calories the body needs to maintain basic functions at rest
Analyzing body composition is quick, easy and painless! A significant benefit of body composition analysis is determining and monitoring muscle loss and in identifying potential health and fall risks. The designated fitness team member will conduct a body composition analysis alongside the fitness assessment.
2. Fitness Assessment
The fitness assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's physical and functional ability. It involves measurements of various components of fitness. The fitness assessment includes measurements of:
Cardiovascular Fitness
Muscular Strength
Muscular Endurance
Flexibility
Functional Movement
Fitness assessments are beneficial for establishing a baseline fitness level, identifying areas for improvement, setting realistic fitness and functional goals and designing personalized exercise programs. Certified fitness professionals conduct the assessments, interpret results and provide recommendations for a safe and effective exercise experience.
2. Nutritional Consultation
The nutritional consultation is to provide personalized guidance, education, and support to help residents make informed choices about diet and lifestyle. Following is what typically happens during a nutritional consultation:
Assessment of the resident's current dietary habits, medical history, lifestyle factors and health goals
Goal Setting -- the Dietitian works with the resident to establish realistic and achievable nutrition goals. These goals may include objectives such as weight management, improving overall health, managing chronic conditions or addressing specific nutritional deficiencies
Education -- the Dietitian provides education and information about various aspects of nutrition
Personalized Recommendations -- the Dietitian develops personalized dietary recommendations tailored to the resident's needs, preferences, and goals
Behavioral Strategies -- the consultation may also address behavioral and lifestyle factors that influence eating habits, such as stress, emotional eating, social situations, time constraints and environmental cues
3. Primary Care Pre-Visit
A pre-visit is scheduled with the Wellness team to complete several functions necessary before the Primary Care Physical Exam (PCPE):
Updates of resident demographics, health history and other pertinent information such as preferred pharmacy, emergency contact, medication list and specialty providers
A Mini Nutritional Assessment with height and weight measurements
Blood draw for routine blood testing
EKG, Urinalysis and Bladder Scanning (as indicated)
Cognition Testing (Cognivue)
4. Primary Care Physical Exam
The Primary Care Physical Exam (PCPE) is a comprehensive medical visit designed to help assess and maintain the overall health of residents by focusing on preventive care and early detection of potential health issues. During the PCPE, the Nurse Practitioner will review resident’s medical and family history,
assess current health status, and provide personalized health advice and preventive care recommendations. The visit may include additional screenings for various health conditions, such as:
Abnormal Blood Glucose/Diabetes
Audio and Visual
Chronic Conditions
Cognitive Impairment
Depression
Functional Ability
Hepatitis C
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
In-Home Risks and Activities of Daily Living
Osteoporosis
Psychosocial Risk
Stress Management
A key aspect of the PCPE is the development of a personalized prevention plan, which outlines recommended screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive services based on the resident's health status and risk factors. This plan helps residents take proactive steps to maintain or improve one’s health and quality of life.
5. Self-Discovery of Emotional Well-Being
Monitoring emotional well-being from year to year is equally as important as monitoring physical health.
Residents will complete a self-directed self-discovery of Emotional Well-Being form. Residents will be provided with the form during the Primary Care Pre-Visit.
Residents will complete the form on their own time and return the completed form to the Wellness Suite prior to or at the scheduled Physical Exam.
6. THRIVE Screening
THRIVE screening events are conducted routinely throughout the Acts communities. THRIVE with Acts are quick screening tests used to determine if a more comprehensive evaluation is needed. The THRIVE screening starts with a 30-minute screening to determine if a resident is aging normally. Flexibility,
strength, energy, balance and memory are then examined using gender and agespecific standardized tests to determine individual capabilities. The screening includes various brief tests such as:
2 Minute Walk
Occiput to Wall
Chair Rise
Grip Strength
Gait Speed
Single Leg Stand
Trail Making
Optional Private Survey about Pelvic Health Needs*
In addition to THRIVE screening events, pelvic health needs can also be evaluated at the resients request conducted through a private survey.
THRIVE with Acts was created to help seniors maintain the independent lifestyle they are currently enjoying. It is an individualized program intended to helps residents live better today and stave off problems in the future. The sooner a resident is evaluated, the easier any issues are to resolve.
7. Spiritual Life Assessment
The spirit is an integral part of overall well-being. In many ways, it is a significant determinant of the well-being of the other two dimensions -- body and mind. The community Chaplains will have a conversation with each resident to learn about their spiritual journey. This conversation, guided by a Spiritual Life Assessment, will help determine spiritual goals, needs, and aspirations. It will also help the Chaplain to connect with residents and determine how to best meet spiritual needs. Typically, these assessments will be done at move-in, when residents are new to an Acts community. As we are developing and transitioning to offering a well-being lifestyle, Spiritual Life conversations will be conducted for all independent living residents who are initiating a well-being pathway.
8. TSOLife Interview
TSOLife, short for The Story of Life, is an interactive face-to-face interview conducted between a resident and a team member. TSO then takes the recorded audio interview and creates a comprehensive digital resident profile, providing comprehensive insights into each individual. TSOLife has the ability to connect
residents with other residents and team members with like interests. In addition to using TSOLife with existing residents, the Acts Sales & Marketing team are sampling the system with Future Resident Club members.
In comparison to traditional processes of gathering data (in the ballpark of about 25 data points in 30 minutes), the TSO audio interview gathers 125 data points in the same timeframe. This provides the ability to develop a personalized life experience plan geared to each individual resident.
Various team members from within the community will participate in the TSO interviews such as, Life Engagement, Chaplains, Fitness and Culinary. Similar to the Spiritual Life conversations, these interviews will ultimately be conducted upon move-in, for residents new to an Acts community. With the development and implementation of MyActsLife, Your Signature WellBeing Experience, a TSO interview will be conducted for all independent living residents who are initiating a well-being pathway.
CONCLUSION
Well-Being is not a program, or an event or a process. Well-Being is a way of life. It’s a culture change, it’s a change from what was to what can be. MyActsLife, Your Signature Well-Being Experience is designed for residents to actively thrive in place, not age in place, but thrive in place -- by providing numerous opportunities, technological innovations and enhanced experiences for residents to live their best life as an Acts resident.
Our team members and residents from across the Acts organization are vital to the success of a Well-Being Lifestyle. The Acts Signature Well-Being team is excited to share more information about MyActsLife, Your Signature Well-Being Experience and how our communities, residents and team members can prepare to embrace, exemplify, promote, and live a well-being lifestyle!
July 2024
