Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond 2016 ebook

Boomers d n o y & Be Fairfield County

March 2016

Waveny LifeCare Network celebrating 40 years of person-centered care! p2

Could hearing loss lead to memory loss? Dr. Parker says “yes it could” p7 Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing Free in-home evaluation p9

Plan your next vacation with Grand Explorations! p10

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March, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

reserve for exercise and activity. If practiced regularly, breathing exercises can help rid the lungs of accumulated stale air, increase oxygen levels and get the diaphragm to return to its job of helping you breathe.

Pursed Lip Breathing This exercise reduces the number of breaths you take and keeps your airways open longer. More air is able to flow in and out of your lungs so you can be more physically active. To practice it, simply breathe in through your nose and breathe out at least twice as long through your mouth, with pursed lips.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of education and exercise classes that teach you about your lungs and your disease, and how to exercise and be more active with less shortness of breath.

Breathing Exercises Out with the old, stale air and in with new fresh air. That's the theme of the two most useful breathing exercises—pursed lip breathing and belly breathing— taught by pulmonary rehabilitation specialists to individuals with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. Like aerobic exercise improves your heart function and strengthens your muscles, breathing exercises can make your lungs more efficient.

Why Breathing Exercises Help When you have healthy lungs, breathing is natural and easy.

You breathe in and out with your diaphragm doing about 80 percent of the work to fill your lungs with a mixture of oxygen and other gases, and then to send the waste gas out.

Over time, stale air builds up, leaving less room for the diaphragm to contract and bring in fresh oxygen. With the diaphragm not working to full capacity, the body starts to use other muscles in the neck, back and chest for breathing. This translates into lower oxygen levels, and less

March, 2016

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Belly Breathing, aka Diaphragmic Breathing As with pursed lip breathing, start by breathing in through your nose. Pay attention to how your belly fills up with air. You can put your hands lightly on your stomach, or place a tissue box on it, so you can be aware of your belly rising and falling. Breathe out through your mouth at least two to three times as long as your inhale.

Be sure to relax your neck and shoulders as you retrain your diaphragm to take on the work of helping to fill and empty your lungs. courtesy of American Lung Association

Home Care Services for Seniors PAGE 4

March, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Services to Help You Stay at Home Home accessibility and maintenance.

Is your home easily modified? Does it have a lot of steps or a steep hill to access? Do you have a large yard that needs to be maintained?

Isolation. If it becomes difficult or impossible for you to leave home without help, isolation can rapidly set in. You may not be able to participate in hobbies you once loved, stay involved in community service that kept you motivated, or visit with friends and family. Losing these connections can lead to depression.

Support available. Do you have family and friends nearby? How involved are they? Are they able to provide you the support you need?

Many older adults prefer to rely on family to provide help, but as your needs increase, they might not be able to fill in all of the gaps. It’s important to consider proximity to community services and activities as well.

Medical conditions. No one can predict the future. However, if you or a loved one has a chronic medical condition that is expected to worsen over time, it’s especially important to think about how you will handle health and mobility problems.

Finances. Making a budget with anticipated expenses can help you weigh the pros and cons of your situation. courtesy of HelpGuide

Waveny Adult Day Program’s “Love is a Work of Heart” Valentine’s-themed day

Is home care right for my loved one or me?

It’s natural to want to stay at home as you grow older. However, taking a step back to look at the big picture can help you decide whether staying at home for the long term truly is the right step for you. Too often, decisions to leave home are suddenly made after a sudden loss or emergency, making adjustments all the more painful and difficult. Take a look at your options, your budget, and some of the alternatives.

Deciding whether to stay at home Your home situation is unique, and several factors will weigh in on the best choice for you. Here are some of the issues in evaluating your options:

Location and accessibility. Where is your home located? Are you in a rural or suburban area that requires a lot of driving? If you’re in an area with more public transit, is it safe and easily accessible? How much time does it take you to get to services such as shopping or medical appointments?

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Rather than moving into a long-term care facility as they age, many older adults prefer to stay at home for as long as possible.

This may be the right choice for you if you only need minor assistance with your daily activities and enjoy a close network of nearby family and friends. These guidelines explore the range of home care services available to help you maintain your independence within the comfort of your own home.

“I love you, a bushel and a peck!” Waveny LifeCare Network’s Adult Day Program featured a special Valentine’s themed day called “Love is a Work of Heart.” Program participants began their morning by opening their heart chakras at a special yoga session, and later created confections with affection in an afternoon “Baked with Love” baking group. Love filled the air with song at a “Singing Telegrams” singalong music therapy program, and the Day Program ladies put their hearts at ease with some spa time, pampering and relaxation. For more information on Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which offers flexible weekday schedules and free local doorto-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org.

Foods that boost hearing: Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

March, 2016

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Be mindful of your minerals

In the fight to keep your body healthy and functioning properly, minerals play an important role.

Some minerals, like those listed below, are critical elements in protecting our hearing health.

Potassium Potassium is responsible for regulating the amount of fluid in your blood and body tissue. That’s important to your hearing health because fluid in the inner ear is dependent upon a rich supply of potassium, especially in that part of the ear that translates the noises we hear into electrical impulses the brain interprets as sound. As we age, those levels drop and contribute to presbycusis – age-related hearing loss.

Potassium-rich foods include: potatoes, spinach, lima beans, tomatoes, raisins, apricots, bananas, melons, oranges, yogurt and low-fat milk.

Folic Acid Folic acid is a critical element in your body’s ability to generate new cell growth. The body uses folic acid to metabolize homocysteine, an inflammatory compound that reduces circulation. Good circulation is an important component in keeping the hair cells of the inner ear healthy and working properly.

Folate rich foods include fortified breakfast cereal, liver, spinach, broccoli and asparagus.

Magnesium Scientists believe that magnesium combats the effects of free radicals emitted during loud noises – almost like a protective barrier for the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Also, lack of adequate magnesium in the inner ear causes the blood vessels to shrink, depriving it of oxygen.

Magnesium rich foods include: fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, artichokes, potatoes, spinach and broccoli.

courtesy of healthyhearing.com

Zinc Zinc boosts body’s immune system and is also responsible for cell growth and healing wounds, so it’s potentially helpful in warding off germs that cause the common cold and ear infections.

Some studies suggest it’s effective in treating tinnitus in individuals with normal hearing.

Foods rich in zinc include beef, darkmeat chicken, cashews, almonds, peanuts, beans, split peas, – and dark chocolate!

On a balanced diet, our bodies usually produce enough of these minerals to keep us healthy and functioning effectively. As always, check with your physician before adding any supplements to your diet.

Advertiser’s Index

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March, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Our View

ColumbiaDoctors...........................................................................................15

Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.....................................11

The Greens at Cannondale..............................................................................5

The Greens at Greenwich...............................................................................3 Parker Ear, Nose and Throat of Fairfield County..................................7

TravelRX......................................................................................................10 StarOne Home Care & Medical Staffing.....................................................9

Wartburg........................................................................................................13

Waveny Lifecare Network..............................................................................2

Boomers d

VNA of Hudson Valley..............................................................................16

Fairfield County

& Beyon

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com

PUBLISHER Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER James Stankiewicz (Jim@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• MARKETING DIRECTOR Gregory W. Buff (Greg@belsito.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR Cathryn Burak (Cathy@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net) ••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE Anthony Mairo (Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• CIRCULATION Michelle Belsito (Michelle@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Dale McKnight

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 3 No. 3 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Cold. Wet. Snowy. Brutal.

You guessed it: We are talking about what has been one unforgiving winter. We’ve had snow, sleet and freezing rain, seemingly, again and again.

Sigh. But hang in there. Spring is almost around the corner.

How do we know? Well, after all, this is the March edition of Boomers & Beyond. Before you know it, spring will have finally sprung.

Really.

For now, you can keep warm inside, and enjoy another insightful edition of Boomers & Beyond. You want stories? We have a wonderful collection for this edition.

So sit back and enjoy the March issue with a hot beverage. Stay warm.

We will catch up next month when spring will be that much closer.

Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

Next Month Retirement Communities

in Boomers Helping your loved & oneBeyond… feel comfort and staying active when needed

Senior Advocacy Week

Ensuring seniors receive the highest quality healthcare

Rehabilitation Overcoming Injury

Occupational Therapy Month Helping older seniors remain independent

Foot Health Awareness Month

Could hearing loss lead to memory loss?

Dr. Parker says “yes it could” Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

By Dale McKnight Healthcare Correspondent

From sinus pain to tonsillitis, snoring to sleep apnea, ringing in the ears to muffled hearing - an ear, nose and throat expert can diagnose and treat many common health problems.

“Diminished hearing is an especially frequent complaint, particularly as we age,” says Dr. Andrew J. Parker, M.D., medical director of Parker Ear, Nose & Throat in Norwalk.

“Fortunately, there are many options that can help with hearing problems,” says Dr. Parker.

They include new, open-fit hearing-aid devices. “These allow for a more natural sound,” Parker says.

Other choices include implantable units that can be worn while sleeping or swimming, devices to help patients who have ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing aids that connect with Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones and music players.

“One big breakthrough in the field of hearing is that scientists have found a link between hearing loss and memory loss,” says Parker, a Board Certified otolaryngologist; he is also chief of the Department of Ear, Nose & Throat - Head & Neck Surgery at Norwalk Hospital.

Research from John Hopkins Medical Center has found that the

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brain is affected by diminished hearing; certain areas of the brain aren’t stimulated and undergo changes that have been linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Parker says.

“So, if hearing problems are treated early on, it may prevent more serious health issues later,” he adds. “If you have a family history of memory loss, you’re never too young to have your hearing checked.”

Parker’s practice also offers pediatric services, including a technique for removing tonsils known as thermal fusion, in which remaining throat tissue is “welded” to reduce pain and speed healing.

His staff includes licensed audiologists and other associates; in addition to high-tech hearing aids, the practice offers assistive listening devices for phones and TV, and custom ear molds for swimmers, musicians and others who require specialized ear protection.

Parker’s otolaryngology practice is based in Norwalk; for information, please call Parker Ear, Nose & Throat at 203-866-8121, or visit their website, parkerentcom.

Additional Parker audiology offices that focus primarily on hearing services are located in Westport and New Canaan. Call 203-8664327, or visit the website for these offices at parkerhearingcenter.com

March, 2016

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Tips for hiring Home Care Providers PAGE 8

March, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

How you go about hiring home care providers will partially depend on what kind of help you are looking for, as well as your country of residence. For example, hiring someone to handle shopping or yard maintenance is different from someone to provide hands-on or live-in care.

However, there are some basic tips to keep in mind.

Remember that the more time and homework you spend in the initial hiring process, the better the chances of success.

Check references carefully. Always check references carefully from more than one source. Listen carefully to the person’s tone and information.

Are they enthusiastic about the candidate, or are the answers vague and short? Also, look for unexplained gaps in references.

Do background checks on top candidates. If you’re working through an agency, background checks are often provided, but you’ll want to check exactly what is covered and how the check is done. If you’re considering an independent provider, you can check on the Internet, your local police department, legal aid service, or an attorney for referrals to individuals or companies that do this.

Don’t be afraid to move on if it’s not the right fit.

It’s especially important that you feel comfortable with your provider, since this person is providing services in the privacy of your own home. If you don’t, try talking to the provider to see if that helps. Sometimes miscommunication can be ironed out. If not, don’t be afraid to find another provider and give your current provider notice.

Waveny Adult Day celebrates Broadway

• • •

Interview several candidates, in person, before hiring.

You could do an initial interview at a public place if you wanted to meet the person first before bringing them to your home. Even if you are working with an agency, it’s important to meet the person who has been matched to make sure it is the right fit.

Be specific about the tasks that you need, and be sure that the person you are considering is comfortable with those tasks. Ask open-ended questions to assess the person’s experience and competence with these tasks. If you’re hiring an independent provider, it’s a good idea to make a contract outlining the tasks, payment procedures, and termination procedures.

If you are working with an agency, make sure you understand what is covered. What exactly is covered in a contract?

Are there additional fees that apply to specific services or add-ons?

If needed, what are the procedures for termination or requesting another provider? courtesy of HelpGuide

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Waveny LifeCare Network’s Adult Day Program participants recently enjoyed a showstopper of a day, celebrating the scenes and songs of the Silver Stage.

They spent the day exercising to show-tunes, discussing their favorite musicals, and taking a look back at Broadway’s most iconic costumes, sets and scenes. Adult Day ladies also enjoyed a bit of “Starlet Pampering” backstage. For more information on Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which is available weekdays and provides free local door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5331 or visit waveny.org.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

March, 2016

PAGE 9

Patricia Coffie, RN, MFA

Patricia Coffie, RN, MFA is Director of Client Services & Director of Phoenix Nurse Aide Training Center.

Before assuming the post in 2012, Patricia was the Director or Nursing & Service Delivery at WRC for 3 years where she was the strategic lead for nursing and services to members.

Patricia started her nursing career 19 years ago at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and research institution in New York City, and since then has gained experience in Adult Intensive Care Units, Pediatric Care (PICU) Operating Room (OR) ,mental health and community health settings. She later moved into director of nursing roles, where she obtained extensive experience in leading and developing the nursing profession. She also pioneered good partnership working with other health care organizations, as well as social services, and the wider community.

Make a difference as a Hospice Volunteer

Compassionate volunteers make a profound difference in the lives of Regional Hospice and Home Care families. They also profoundly impact their own lives as they support others— they told us just that in our recent volunteer satisfaction survey!

Do you have the capacity to brighten someone’s day? Are you a good listener who enjoys being with people? If you have been looking for a way to impact someone’s life, please consider becoming a Regional Hospice volunteer.

The non-profit hospice agency is hosting a training session for new Family Support Volunteers on Monday through Thursday, the week of April 4th through 7th. Sessions will be held on the following days and times: Monday April 4th 9am-4pm; Tuesday April 5th 1pm-5pm; Wednesday April 6th 9am-4pm; and Thursday April 7th 9am-3pm. Training sessions will be held at the Center for Comfort Care & Healing on 30 Milestone Road in Danbury.

Regional Hospice is also seeking Veterans to volunteer as part of their We Honor Veterans program, which will match Veteran volunteers with Veterans in Regional Hospice care.

There is also a need for volunteer Licensed Massage Therapists to provide massage therapy to patients. A two hour orientation will be provided.

We continually have a need for evening and weekend Lobby Greeters to welcome visitors to the Center for Comfort Care & Healing are also. Lobby greeter shifts are four or five hours per shift from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. If you are interested in becoming a Lobby Greeter, please contact the volunteer office to inquire about the next scheduled orientation.

Anyone interested should contact Mary Beth Hickey, Volunteer Manager, at (203) 702-7415 or by email at MHickey@RegionalHospiceCT.org for an interview and to fill out an application.

Registration with an interview is required in advance of the class session, and attendance at all dates is mandatory. “We are looking for compassionate, caring people who are interested in helping families who have a loved one receiving end-of-life care,” said Hickey.

Regional Hospice and Home Care’s team of experienced clinicians have been providing physical, emotional, spiritual and bereavement support to children, adults and their families through our palliative and hospice care program for the past 30 years. Regional Hospice and Home Care is a nonprofit, state-licensed and Medicare-certified home health care and hospice agency. Now, with the opening of our new privateroom, specialty hospital for palliative and end-of-life care — the Center for Comfort Care & Healing — Regional Hospice and Home Care can bring that same hope and compassionate care close to home and under one roof.

For more information, visit www.RegionalHospiceCT.org.

Transforming healthcare with in home care services that put clients and their families first.

Star One provides outstanding, person-focused specialist nursing care. Our highly skilled caregiver’s offers clients in-home support for well-being, personal care, home care, housekeeping, social connection, health treatments, rehabilitation, assisted daily living, nursing and allied health services and transport.

These services are available for Short term or Live-in Care, including recovering from surgery or injury.

Life is an incredible journey and we are proud to offer support every step of the way

Whether you require a Hourly Support each week or full-time Live-In Care, contact us today for a free consultation and discover why Star One Home care is a superior alternative home care provider.

Connecticut 203-914-9668 Live-In Care available Westchester 914-362-0899 New York 718-733-2222

www.staronehomecare.com info@staronehomecare.com

Travel

For all your travel needs contact: Rene Prasad Grand Explorations, LLC rene@grandexplorations.com 866-869-1760 www.grandexplorations.com

River Cruising River cruising is one of the latest travel trends. Most of us have seen advertising for river cruising and a lot of us have a friend or acquaintance who has taken one.

T here’s a good reason for this it’s a great way to experience several cities without constantly unpacking.

You can enjoy the sites go by while sailing to your next destination and will have luxurious accommodations. If you too are also considering this for your next travel adventure, here are some things to know before you go.

Destinations-Although they are most closely associated with cruising the Rhine and Danube rivers of Europe, there are other destinations that offer river cruising.

The Douro river in Portugal, the Yangtze, Irrawaddy and Mekong Rivers of Asia, the Amazon in South America and the great Nile in Africa are several other options.

This is not the cruise you know-River cruise ships are much smaller than their oceangoing cousins. Most ships sailing the rivers have less than 200 cabins, with some in Asia with less that 50. The food is very good quality and though there are fewer choices of restaurants, there are many choices on the menu, including regional specialities. Additionally, with so many less people on board, it is easy to make a specific request to accommodate any dietary concerns. There is evening entertainment on a smaller scale. Although you won’t have as many options as a large ocean ship, such as casinos and broadway shows, you won’t have a chance to be bored since you spend so much time ashore. You also typically dock in the city and are able to take a short walk to the city center and a lot of your excursions are including in your fare.

Not all cruise lines are the same-There are many companies that offer river cruises and they are not one size fits all.

Some have a lower sailing cost with more optional items to purchase later, some are allinclusive where everything, including multiple excursions, are part of the deal for no extra cost. Some ships are all suites while some have smaller cabins. Just as there are many types of travelers, there are many types of ships to suit them.

Worried about seasickness? The rivers are so smooth that you are almost guaranteed not to have an issue with this.

Deal of the Month!

Healthcare News readers will receive $100 discount on any river cruise booked before April 30, 2016.

If you have more questions about river cruising, I have two informative sessions on March 22— Darien Chocolate Works at 2:30 pm Total Wine in Norwalk at 6:30 pm There is limited seating so please rsvp at (866) 869-1760 to reserve your spot!

Special Interest Cruises-If the idea of a river cruise on its own isn’t enough of a draw, consider taking a theme cruise. The most wellknown are the Christmas Market cruises, but there are also cruises focusing on wine, beer, golf, art, music and history, including World War I and II, European History and Jewish Heritage.

People of all ages cruise the rivers-There is a misconception that only people of a certain age take these trips. The average age of a river cruiser is coming down and there are some cruises that are focusing more on family, including Disney river cruises. They are also a great option for a multigenerational vacation.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Root Canal Awareness Week March, 2016

PAGE 11

Join the American Association of Endodontists in the tenth anniversary celebration of Root Canal Awareness Week, March 27 - April 2, 2016. Root Canal Awareness Week is a national effort to raise awareness of endodontists, so that patients and general dentists know to contact a specialist when root canal treatment is needed. It is an excellent time to explain the important role endodontists play in dental health, and to teach the public that root canals should not be feared. Root Canal Awareness Week: SUPPORTS endodontists as root canal specialists

EDUCATES patients about the benefits of root canal treatment

DISPELS myths about root canal treatment

BUILDS relationships with other dental professionals

5-STAR Government Rated Four Consecutive Years

★★★★★

Skilled Nursing Care on Beautiful Long Island Sound • Short Term Rehabilitation • Subacute Care • Long Term Care • Alzheimer/Dementia Care • Respite Services

We invite you to join us for lunch and take a tour of our facility

490 Pelham Road • New Rochelle, NY, 10805 www.gicnr.com • email: info@gicnr.com

(914) 636-2800

Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates opening of Wartburg Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic PAGE 12

March, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic debuts during Wartburg’s 150th Year Anniversary

Wartburg recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic. The new clinic is located in the Rehabilitation and Adult Day Services Center of Excellence on Wartburg’s 34-acre campus.

The ceremony marked the organization’s continued expansion and focus on providing for and improving the quality of life of seniors in this community.

The clinic was made possible by a grant from the Wartburg Foundation and is located within Wartburg’s $31 million, 75,000 square foot center of excellence, which is the first health care facility in the City of Mount Vernon to be LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Attaining LEED certification signifies that a building is exemplary in conserving energy, lowering operating costs and being healthy for occupants.

The general contractor of the project was Lecesse Construction and Andron Construction is responsible for the 8,000 square foot renovations. Perkins Eastman was the architect.

Mike Holden, member of Wartburg Board of Directors, said, “Outpatient rehabilitation services will allow patients to remain engaged and involved in their community while conva-

lescing in the comfort of their home. The clinic also reaches a new population of people in the community and beyond who aren’t familiar with Wartburg to inform them of the extensive onsite rehabilitation services that are available.

David Gentner, Wartburg President and CEO, said, “This space now helps fill the gap in the continuum – for patients to come back after they are discharged, see the same staff, in the same environment – and I look forward to seeing this program grow.”

Outpatient rehabilitation at Wartburg offers a full range of occupational and physical therapy in addition to specialized speech, language and pathology services. Since opening on 12/1/2015, 27 outpatients have been served. At full occupancy the clinic will employ eight Rehab Clinicians and treat more than 80 patients per month.

“What’s unique about Wartburg is the fact that it has really looked at the entire continuum of care for seniors, from independent living to a skilled nursing facility to now opening an outpatient rehab clinic. Wartburg provides all the services necessary to serve seniors,” said Holden. “Wartburg has re-invented itself many times over the past 150 years, which speaks volumes of its ability to stay relevant and committed to their mission.”

Ribbon cutting ceremony at Wartburg Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic.

Wartburg offers a comprehensive spectrum of senior care that adapts to an individual’s changing needs. Other programs including Adult Day Services, Licensed, Certified Home Care, the award-winning, internationally recognized Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning initiative, Inpatient Rehabilitation Services, Independent and Assisted Living, Nursing Home Care, Specialized Alzheimer's/Dementia Care, and Caregiver Support are a critical part of the extensive options that are offered at Wartburg’s 34-acre campus.

“Healthcare, cost control and affordability is everyone’s issue, not just senior service providers,” said Mr. Gentner. “This clinic promotes independence and prevents early institutionalization, which certainly fits under the umbrella of affordable healthcare.

It’s part of healthcare reform within this region and part of healthcare reform within Wartburg’s vision.”

This year marks Wartburg’s 150th anniversary and honors their historical commitment to community care. Started as an orphanage in 1866 to provide a safe haven for children orphaned by the Civil War, the campus has evolved and continues to expand their mission of improving the quality of life for those in need.

About Wartburg Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior care services for your changing life. Unlike conventional retirement communities, we provide a wide range of services to both residents living on campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, our continuing care approach means you can trust us to be here for your family – how, when and where you need us to be. We also provide caregiver support every step of the way, so you can navigate your options and find the level of care that’s right for your whole family.

Most recently, Wartburg received the Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award from the American College of Health Care Administrators, which will be presented this upcoming March, in addition to being named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State”, by U.S. News & World Report for the fifth consecutive year.

Wartburg Website Homepage: http://www.wartburg.org/ Wartburg Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thewartburg/

photo by Anthony Mairo

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

March, 2016

PAGE 13

Wartburg is pleased to announce our newest therapeutic program...

Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

Bringing together the latest techniques and ideas designed to maximize function, increase independence and provide a higher quality of life, the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Wartburg offers a full range of Occupational and Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology Services customized to your specific needs.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Wartburg

One Wartburg Place Mount Vernon, NY 10552

914-513-5290

wartburg.org info@wartburg.org

Most Insurance accepted. Easy access from most major highways.

5 relaxed ways to improve your hearing and feel great

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March, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Hearing loss is often depicted as an unavoidable part of aging, since little can be done to prevent it. While genetic hearing loss, or loss through damage to internal structures might be non-reversible, there are actually a number of ways you can maintain your hearing and even lessen the effects of impaired hearing as you grow older.

How to perform

Start by turning on one sound source and having a conversation with your assistant. Focus on their voice and limit speech to a normal volume. Once you can focus intently on the voice without being distracted by the background noise, activate the additional sound source and work on filtering it out as well. Repeated practice and including additional sound sources can help hone your hearing further.

4. Pranayama Yoga

Pranayama is a yoga technique focused on improving breathing. An added benefit of improved breathing and exercise is increased circulation to your ears, and that boosts hearing. The most basic form of Pranayama only requires a tightly woven blanket.

How to perform

1. Meditation

While the physical aspects of hearing occur in the ear, a large part of recognizing and interpreting sounds occurs in the brain. Meditation provides an easy way to calm the mind, relieve stress, and improve concentration for the hard of hearing.

How to perform Simply find a quiet location, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and relax.

Breathe deeply and focus on your body and the sound of your breath. Meditation takes work, so start small with a 5-minute session each morning. You can begin to extend your sessions in 1-2 minute increments, as meditation becomes a habit.

2. Sound isolation

This exercise takes meditation a step further. By isolating sounds and actively listening, you make it easier for your brain to recognize sounds in the future. Unlike meditation, this exercise does not require a quiet environment.

How to perform Find a comfortable place to sit, close your eyes, and listen to the sounds around you. As you listen, pick out and focus your attention for a few seconds on an individual sound, such as a bird, vehicle, or conversation.

3. Noise filtering

This exercise works in a similar fashion to sound isolation. However, instead of improving the identification of specific sounds, it helps you focus your hearing and reduce background noise. It will require the assistance of a friend or family member and two additional sources of sound, such as a radio, television, or MP3 player.

Simply fold the blanket to create a bolster roughly three inches thick. Align the bolster with your spine and lie back. Relax and listen to the rhythm of your breathing.

After a few minutes, slowly alter your breathing to make it as even as possible.

When you have reached a good point, stop, stand up and stretch.

5. Sound location

The faster that you can locate a sound source, the quicker you can focus your hearing. By practicing sound location, you can improve the ability to communicate with others and navigate noisy environments. Like noise filtering, this exercise will require the help of a friend or family member as well as any object that can make a repetitive noise. Horns, whistles, or even your mobile phone are great options.

How to perform Find a quiet, open place and close your eyes. Have your assistant move away from you as quietly as possible. Once at a location, have the assistant produce noise for a few seconds in bursts. With your eyes closed, try to determine the direction from which the noise originates and the distance. Repeat this exercise as needed to help improve environmental and spatial awareness and improve your hearing. While sound amplification devices will help in your mission to restore your auditory abilities, it doesn’t hurt to increase your odds by throwing a few healthy exercises into the mix. It’s about hearing the world the way you want, and you’ve got the power to courtesy of soundhawk.com do it.

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