Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond October 2016 ebook

Boomers d n o y e &B October 2016

Schedule lunch and a tour of the The Inn in New Canaan! p2

Excellence in Dementia Care at The Greens at Greenwich p3 StarOne Home Care and Medical StaďŹƒng Free in-home assessment p7

FairďŹ eld County

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Healthcare Quality Week 2016

Taking place October 16-22, is Healthcare Quality Week, sponsored by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

Use the week to recognize healthcare quality management professionals, healthcare quality achievements in your organization, and raise awareness about the importance of quality in everyday practice.

We encourage you to take advantage of the free webinars, posters, tips, and templates provided by NAHQ. Visit www.nahq.org to learn more about upcoming events and available promotional items.

Maintain the focus after Healthcare Quality Week. Set goals based on NAHQ recommendations: 1. Build and maintain a strong culture to continuously improve quality of care and optimize patient safety.

2. Establish accountability for integrity of quality and safety programs 3. Create systems to continuously improve.

4. Report quality and safety data accurately.

5. Remove barriers to success.

Source:www.CenterforPatientSafety.org/

October, 2016

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The Inn celebrates 35 years of independent senior living PAGE 4

October, 2016

The Inn, Waveny LifeCare Network’s independent living community, recently celebrated its 35th birthday with a Clambake, and welcomed nearly 200 guests including families, friends, Waveny staff and volunteers, for the celebration.

Guests were treated to an assortment of distinctively New England specialties prepared on-site, including lobster rolls, clams casino, steamer buckets and more, as well as a craft beer station with an assortment of hand-selected beverages from small local breweries.

“As we celebrate this landmark year, we reflect upon 35 years of community support with deep gratitude,” said Kristin Sinatra,

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Waveny’s Director of Marketing. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to say ‘thank you’ to our friends, families, supporters and the greater community for supporting The Inn and its mission to serve seniors since 1981.”

The Inn provides seniors with an active community lifestyle in the heart of downtown New Canaan. In addition to unique benefits and amenities – including a complimentary membership to Staying Put in New Canaan – the Inn offers priority access to Waveny’s entire non-profit continuum of care, including supportive services and Waveny Care Center, the orgnaization’s 5star Medicare and Medicaid accredited

skilled nursing facility, should personal or financial needs ever change.

“We’re devoted to providing our residents with an independent lifestyle and a diverse array of activities to promote wellness, dignity and choice,” said Sinatra. “And, the long-range confidence that comes along with knowing Waveny’s entire continuum is always here to support them with whatever they may need in the future, is priceless.”

Located at 73 Oenoke Ridge in the heart of New Canaan, The Inn provides carefree, independent senior living and welcomes older adults from all areas. For more information, or to join us for lunch and a tour, call 203.594.5450 or visit waveny.org.

photos provided

Tips for helping your elder avoid falls Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Taking a tumble is no trivial matter for older adults, but falling is by no means an inevitable part of aging, according to Elizabeth Landsverk, MD, founder of ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine.

“At their worst, falls can cause hip fractures, broken bones and head injuries. But even when they don't injure people physically, falls can greatly affect an elder's quality of life,” she adds.

“Many older adults curtail their activities and social lives simply because they fear falling, which can lead to negative effects such as isolation and depression.”

Why do seniors fall?

According to the National Council on Aging, several common factors increase the risk of falling among older adults. They include: Balance and gait issues: With aging often comes a loss of coordination, balance and flexibility, making falls more likely.

Vision issues: Less light typically reaches the retina in older people, making it harder to see the things that might trip them.

Chronic health problems: Chronic medical conditions such as foot pain, arthritis or diabetes - which can lead to pain, medication use, or inactivity - falls become more likely.

Medication use: Some drugs can trigger dizziness, dehydration or other side effects that can prompt falling.

Home environment: “Many seniors have lived in the same home for years and years, so they don’t think about simple changes they should make to keep it safer as they get older,” Dr. Landsverk says.

October, 2016

Fall prevention tactics Being aware of the risk factors for falling is a big step toward preventing falls from happening.

Ask if they're worried too: Some older adults seem oblivious to their heightened fall risk, but others are keenly aware of the dangers. Best to have a physical therapist evaluate each elder to create a safe and effective treatment plan.

Review their medications: With their doctor or pharmacist, have the elder review their use of over-the-counter and prescription drugs to determine if any may be causing dizziness or sleepiness, or combine to cause dangerous side effects affecting balance.

Make sure their eyes have been checked: An annual eye visit is optimal, and eyeglasses should be updated as needed.

Tweak their home environment: Hazards such as dim lighting, broken or uneven steps, clutter or throw rugs on the floor (which can slip), or a lack of handrails on the stairs or in bathrooms can add to the fall risk.

“The good news is that many falls can be prevented,” says Dr. Landsverk. “Helping your aging parent, grandparent or other loved one cut their falling risk ultimately helps them stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.”

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

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(914) 636-2800

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October, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Advertiser’s Index

ColumbiaDoctors.....................................................................................20

Jacuzzi Hydrotherapy Shower................................................................9

Jitterbug Flip Cell Phone.........................................................................11 Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation..................................5 The Greens at Greenwich........................................................................3

Perfect Sleep Chair.................................................................................13

StarOne Home Care & Medical Staffing.................................................7 Waveny Lifecare Network.......................................................................2 The WOW! Computer..........................................................................15

VERIS Settlement Partners....................................................................17

VNA of Hudson Valley........................................................................19

Boomers nd

Westchester County

& Beyo

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. 10 - 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.

Our View Halloween is just around the corner. Many people may think of this holiday as being “just for kids,” but people of any age can enjoy the festivities. Halloween is a great time for baby boomers seniors to let their inner youth show.

So make sure you stock up on candy, and if you’re eager to have youngsters knocking at your door asking for a treat, make sure to display all kinds of seasonal décor, such as fake cobwebs and pumpkins, to let people know you're embracing the Halloween spirit.

Halloween is also a great date to host a fun “monster bash.” Gather friends, family, and neighbors for a night of dancing and dining, complete with a Halloween theme.

Of course, the best part of Halloween is the costume. The holiday gives you an opportunity to assume a different persona for a few hours, so take part in the Halloween fun and turn yourself into a different person (or creature) altogether.

Have some fun and a Happy Halloween!

Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

Next Month Alzheimers Awareness Month Top Facilities for care National Home and Hospice Care Making a difference in patient lives Top Leaders in Senior Service Recognized Recognition for exemplary service to their communities Bladder Health Month Importance of bladder health

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Dental Care for Seniors

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October, 2016

Thrush. Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.

Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Drugs can also affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.

source:webmd.com

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as: Darkened teeth. Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin - the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel -- and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages. Also caused by thinning of the outer enamel layer that lets the darker yellower dentin show through.

Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, and medication side effects. Many medicines can cause dry mouth.

Diminished sense of taste. While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.

Root decay. This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Roots do not have any enamel to protect them and are more prone to decay than the crown part of the tooth.

Gum disease. Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.

Tooth loss. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.

Uneven jawbone. This is caused by tooth and then not replacing missing teeth. This allows the rest of the teeth to drift and shift into open spaces

Denture-induced stomatitis. Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.

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9 Physical Therapist tips to help you #AgeWell PAGE 8

October, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

We can't stop time. Or can we? The right type and amount of physical activity can help stave off many age-related health problems. Physical therapists, who are movement experts, prescribe physical activity that can help you overcome pain, gain and maintain movement, and preserve your independence—often helping you avoid the need for surgery or long-term use of prescription drugs.

Here are nine things physical therapists want you to know to #AgeWell.

1. Chronic pain doesn't have to be the boss of you.

Each year 116 million Americans experience chronic pain from arthritis or other conditions, costing billions of dollars in medical treatment, lost work time, and lost wages. Proper exercise, mobility, and pain management techniques can ease pain while moving and at rest, improving your overall quality of life.

2. You can get stronger when you're older.

Research shows that improvements in strength and physical function are possible in your 60s, 70s, and even 80s and older with an appropriate exercise program. Progressive resistance training, in which muscles are exercised against resistance that gets more difficult as strength improves, has been shown to prevent frailty.

3. You may not need surgery or drugs for low back pain.

Low back pain is often over-treated with surgery and drugs despite a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that physical therapy can be an effective alternative—and with much less risk than surgery and long-term use of prescription medications.

4. You can lower your risk of diabetes with exercise.

One in four Americans over the age of 60 has diabetes. Obesity and physical inactivity can put you at risk for this disease. But a regular, appropriate physical activity routine is one of the best ways to prevent—and manage— type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

5. Exercise can help you avoid falls—and keep your independence About one in three U.S. adults age 65 or older falls each year. More than half of adults over 65 report problems with movement, including walking 1/4 mile, stooping and standing. Group-based exercises led by a physical therapist can improve movement and balance and reduce your risk of falls.

It can also reduce your risk of hip fractures (95% of which are caused by falls).

6. Your bones want you to exercise.

Osteoporosis or weak bones affects more than half of Americans over the age of 54. Exercises that keep you on your feet, like walking, jogging, or dancing, and exercises using resistance, such as weightlifting, can improve bone strength or reduce bone loss.

7. Your heart wants you to exercise.

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the US. One of the top ways of preventing it and othercardiovascular diseases? Exercise! Research shows that if you already have heart disease, appropriate exercise can improve your health.

8. Your brain wants you to exercise.

People who are physically active—even later in life—are less likely to develop memory problems or Alzheimer's disease, a condition which affects more than 40% of people over the age of 85.

9. You don't "just have to live with" bladder leakage.

More than 13 million women and men in the US have bladder leakage. Don't spend years relying on pads or rushing to the bathroom. Seek help from a physical therapist.

Source: www.moveforwardpt.com/

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

STORIES WANTED ABOUT HOW BOOMER/SENIOR COUPLES MET!!! www.janfowler.com

J a n F ow le r is author of the best-selling book, “ H ot C h oc ola te for Se n i ors ” (w i n n e r of national & international awards); w i n n e r of Gol d H a l o Aw a rd from th e S o. C a l i forn i a M oti on P i c tu re C ou n c i l for Outstanding Literary Achievement; w i n n e r of F i rs t P la c e E x c e lle n c e i n J ou rn a li s m Aw a rd (SPJ –Southern CA); Town & Gown “P h e n om e n a l Wom a n ” Aw a rd ; former television host & KS P A ra d i o h os t of “Senior Living at its Best with Jan Fowler”; speaker; c ol u m n i s t of “Not Born Yesterday!” Senior newspaper; c on tri b u ti n g a u th or to “Savvy Women Revving Up for Success”; fou n d e r of Sta rb u rs t I n s p i ra ti on s , I n c . 501(c) (3) nonprofit which supports Redlands Drug Court. ******************

Do you have a story (300-500 words)which you’d love to share about how you and your sweetheart met? If so, then please contact us! You need not be a married couple as long as you met after age 50 and are in a committed relationship. AND IF your tip is one of the fifty-two true-life accounts selected by Jan Fowler’s editorial staff, you will be contacted for your permission to publish your story in her forthcoming book about how boomer/senior couples over age fifty met. All contributors will receive one complimentary signed copy of Jan’s book upon its release. Please describe your real-life first encounter in several short paragraphs. Here are some examples for starters: “Tom and I met when he stopped to help change my flat tire on the shoulder of a busy highway, then followed me to safety. Afterwards, he stayed with me and calmed me down while my tire was being repaired. We found each other very easy to talk to and were surprised to learn we had so much in common… We were both lonely and gradually discovered new purpose together. I’m happy to report that we’ve been loving sweethearts for the past seven years!”

“ Glori a s low e d d ow n to a s k m e for d i re c ti on s w h i le I w a s ou ts i d e w a s h i n g m y b ra n d n e w c a r. Sh e a n d I fe lt a n i n s ta n t a ttra c ti on for e a c h oth e r s o s h e li n g e re d ju s t a li ttle b i t lon g e r th a t d a y to ta lk s om e m ore . I t w a s ob vi ou s th a t s p a rk s of c h e m i s try w e re fly i n g , s o w e a g re e d to e x c h a n g e c on ta c t i n fo. On e th i n g le d to a n oth e r a n d w e w e re m a rri e d i n le s s th a n a y e a r. Sh e a n d I a re n ow h a vi n g th e ti m e of ou r li ve s ! ” – Your full name (required) ____________________________________________________ – Your Email address (required) ________________________________________________ – Your phone number _________________________________________________________ – Your full address (required) ___________________________________________________ – How did you meet? (Use extra paper as needed)__________________________________ Please call with any questions (909) 793-6419. This completed form may be emailed to jan@janfowler.com or sent to: JAN FOWLER SENIOR PRODUCTIONS, 1554 Barton Rd., Suite 251, Redlands, CA 92373.

DEADLINE: November 30, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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As you age: You and your medicines PAGE 12

October, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

It is important to know that many medicines do not mix well with alcohol. As you grow older, your body may react differently to alcohol, as well as to the mix of alcohol and medicines. Keep in mind that some problems you might think are medicine-related, such as loss of coordination, memory loss, or irritability, could be the result of a mix between your medicine and alcohol.

As you get older you may be faced with more health conditions that you need to treat on a regular basis. It is important to be aware that more use of medicines and normal body changes caused by aging can increase the chance of unwanted or maybe even harmful drug interactions. The more you know about your medicines and the more you talk with your health care professionals, the easier it is to avoid problems with medicines.

Drug Interactions • Drug-drug interactions happen when two or more medicines react with each other to cause unwanted effects. This kind of interaction can also cause one medicine to not work as well or even make one medicine stronger than it should be. For example, you should not take aspirin if you are taking a prescription blood thinner, such as warfarin, unless your health care professional tells you to.

• Drug-condition interactions happen when a medical condition you already have makes certain drugs potentially harmful. For example, if you have high blood pressure or asthma, you could have an unwanted reaction if you take a nasal decongestant.

• Drug-food interactions result from drugs reacting with foods or drinks. In some cases, food in the digestive tract can affect how a drug is absorbed. Some medicines also may affect the way nutrients are absorbed or used in the body.

• Drug-alcohol interactions can happen when the medicine you take reacts with an alcoholic drink. For instance, mixing alcohol with some medicines may cause you to feel tired and slow your reactions.

What Are Side Effects?

Side effects are unplanned symptoms or feelings you have when taking a medicine. Most side effects are not serious and go away on their own; others can be more bothersome and even serious.

To help prevent possible problems with medicines, seniors must know about the medicine they take and how it makes them feel.

Keep track of side effects to help your doctor know how your body is responding to a medicine.

New symptoms or mood changes may not be a result of getting older, but could be from the medicine you're taking or another factor, such as a change in diet or routine. If you have an unwanted side effect, call your doctor right away. source:fda.gov/Drugs

The basics of safe medication use

• Keep updated lists of all medicines, both for yourself and for the person you are caring for. Keep the lists with you at all times Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, other nutritional products, and herbal remedies on the list. Share the lists with your doctors or the doctors of the person you are caring for.

• Some caregivers have to prepare and administer injectable medicines, such as insulin. Injections involve the use of a syringe and needle, which may be inserted under the skin or into a vein or muscle. Be certain that you understand and are comfortable with preparing the proper dosage and administering the injection. Nurses in doctors’ offices and pharmacists can and should instruct you on the proper techniques for injectable medicines.

• Store all of your medications in a designated location in your home. Keep all medications stored together in one place unless they

require refrigeration or are labeled “store in a cool place.” This will help if an emergency situation occurs and your doctor needs to review all your medications.

• Be sure that your medications are stored out of reach of any children that may visit, especially if you have non-child proof containers.

• Do not mix different medications together in one container; this will make it difficult if not impossible to identify your medications If you are caring for someone with cognitive or memory problems, be sure all medications are safely stored away.

• Medicines should be stored in a cool, dry area. Do not store your medications in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom or in the in an emergency.

kitchen because heat and moisture cause deterioration. Instead, store your medications in a designated area in your bedroom, dining room or living room.

• Medications stored in the refrigerator should be separated from other items in the refrigerator. Consider keeping refrigerated medications • Medications taken by mouth should be kept separate from other items that are for external use only, such as creams and ointments. in a plastic box or container in one consistent location in the refrigerator.

• Expired medications (there are expiration dates on all of your medications) and any medication that your doctor has discontinued • Never share or give your medications to another person. should be discarded.

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Flu season is around the corner PAGE 14

October, 2016

Flu season in the United States tends to run from October to May. We are already receiving alerts and advertisements that the flu vaccine is now available reminding us to prepare by getting a flu shot.

But the question arises – can I get the flu shot too early?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated soon after the vaccine becomes available, and definitely by the start of October. For the upcoming flu season the CDC is recommending only the flu shot and not the nasal spray version due to efficiency concerns.

Studies have shown that the lifespan of the flu vaccine’s protection can become a little shorter in older individuals, and may not provide adequate protection for influenza later in the flu season when it’s given very early. This can be a concern for the elderly population that is hit hard by the flu every year.

However, a waiting to vaccinate strategy, while discussed widely amongst flu and geriatric experts, has not as of yet been endorsed officially by the CDC according to Dr. Kevin Dieckhaus, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UConn Health.

“The CDC believes that we need to get as many people as possible vaccinated as soon as possible once vaccine is available,” says Dieckhaus. “The problem is that if many people across age groups wait too long into the start of flu season, there may be higher rates of the flu virus circulating in our communities.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

This leads to more people becoming infected and spreading the virus to others which puts the highrisk populations of the young and old at risk.

Missing an opportunity early in the season to vaccinate may very well lead to failure to vaccinate at all, or very delayed vaccination.”

He adds: “Hopefully the ongoing research of the UConn Center on Aging will one day help answer the question about when is the best timing for people to get vaccinated to have the most optimal immune response and protection throughout flu season.”

To better understand this, Dr. Laura Haynes of the UConn Center on Aging and its director Dr. George Kuchel are leading two National Institutes of Aging funded clinical trial studies to closely examine the immune response across age groups including the young and old post-flu vaccination. Haynes and her team are particularly interested in better understanding the body’s immune response in both healthy and frail older adults over the age of 65.

Haynes is actively recruiting clinical trial participants to share small blood samples prior to flu vaccination and after at 2 month, 4 month and 6 month follow-up intervals so her team can track their body’s immune response both on an overall and cellular level.

This June in the journal Oncotarget, Haynes and her UConn Center on Aging research team published their latest study findings showing that one subset of lymphocyte flu-fighting immune T-cells can have a lower function in older flu-vaccinated adults. In laboratory experiments researchers were able to bolster the function of aged Tcells by adding cytokines, which are small hormone-like molecules that can direct T-cell function. Researchers believe these findings may help lead to newly designed flu vaccines in the future to enhance T-cell immune response in older adults to help them to be better protected from the flu.

“The elderly are more severely affected by the flu as it is among the top ten causes of death in the elderly each year,” says Haynes. “The bodies of older adults have a harder time defending against the flu virus. The virus can also develop into more severe lung issues in the elderly including second-bacterial pneumonia.”

To prepare for flu season UConn Health experts recommend you: • Get vaccinated • Vaccinate your children • Wash your hands frequently • Use hand sanitizer • Don’t put your hands near your face • Sanitize door handles • Stay away from those with the flu

Symptoms of the flu can include: • Respiratory infection • Cough • High fever • Sore throat • Headache • Muscle ache • Body pain • Fatigue

Typical treatment for the flu is: • Prevention with vaccination • Stay home • Rest • Stay in bed • Drink plenty of fluids • Antiviral medications via prescription • Antibiotics if pneumonia develops • Flu recovery can take a couple of weeks, or longer for the young and old “If you can get a flu vaccine to prevent the virus you should,” says Haynes. “If you don’t get vaccinated you are putting everyone at risk, especially the elderly.”

To learn more or to participate in the UConn Center on Aging’s flu vaccine clinical trial studies contact Lisa Kenyon-Pesce at 860-679-2305 or kenyon-pesce@uchc.edu.

UCONN TODAY ARTICLE: http://today.uconn.edu/school-stories/flu-season-around-corner/

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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The importance of Physical Therapy for seniors PAGE 16

October, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Physical therapy can help seniors retain their independence, whether they are managing a long-term illness or just want to improve their general health and mobility.

The goal of physical therapy is to help restore and improve functionality, reduce pain and increase mobility for better strength and balance.

Falls are the major reason seniors require physical therapy.

As people age, they tend to lose flexibility, strength and often their balance, so maintaining the desired level of fitness becomes increasingly challenging. Loss of these functions could lead to a fall that could cause serious injury. Physical therapy helps improve these functions.

Osteoporosis, which is a progressive bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, can lead to an increased risk for fractures. It is often the cause of many falls. Physical therapy and a regular exercise program help control the effects of this condition.

Strength training and exercise provided in physical therapy can also help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. People with arthritis can benefit from physical therapy because it provides exercises to help preserve the strength and use of the joints. Physical therapy also teaches therapeutic methods to relieve discomfort through both physical techniques and activity modifications.

Physical therapy is prescribed in many cases following a hospital stay and is essential for seniors for the following reasons.

Potential consequences of seniors skipping physical therapy, especially following a hospitalization:

Falls – After a hospital stay, many are weak and more prone to falling. Failing to have therapy after hospitalization could potentially lead to a re-hospitalization due to an injury from a fall.

Infections- Without active movement because of weakness that could have been improved with physical therapy, there is an increased risk for pneumonia. There is also increased potential for skin problems, such as ulcers, which may develop because of lack of movement.

Reduced Long Term Strength and EnduranceDuring recovery, physical therapy can influence your strength and endurance level that you will have long after you finished your sessions.This can also cause increased blood pressure and heart rate and decreased oxygen saturation levels, which can lead to stroke, blood clots and heart attacks.

Reduced Education- Education through physical therapy shows ways to complete activities of daily living in a more efficient way to help improve physical and mental well being and quality of life.

Increased Pain- If you’re not moving because you are not taking physical therapy, joints tends to get stiff. Decreased mobility leads to more pain.

Physical therapy for seniors has a variety of benefits which can include not only gaining strength and balance, but also providing a renewed sense of confidence. Physical therapy can give seniors back their independence and make daily tasks easier.

Working with a physical therapist will not only reduce pain, but it will also help improve overall strength and ability and reduce the risk for injuries, helping you maintain a higher quality of life.

source:ascseniorcare.com

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“Waveny Walkers” raise funds for Alzheimer’s disease research PAGE 18

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

provided

Waveny LifeCare Network’s 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, the “Waveny Walkers,” raised essential funds for the Alzheimer’s Association that will be used for care and support services for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Waveny LifeCare Network staff, volunteers and family members helped fight Alzheimer’s disease by walking and raising funds for this year’s annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk on Sunday, September 18th.

Held annually at more than 600 sites nationwide, the Association’s Walk is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Waveny’s team has participated in the three-mile walk since its inception 20 years ago. Funds raised through donations and sponsorships support the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut

Chapter, and stay in the community to fund essential care and support services for people with Alzheimer’s.

Waveny’s team is especially passionate about this mission given the dedicated, therapeutic care Waveny provides to patients, residents and participants with Alzheimer’s disease at Waveny Care Center, The Village – Waveny’s innovative assisted living residence 100% dedicated to memory care, and in Waveny’s Adult Day Program.

Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a non-

profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home and Geriatric Care Management. For more information, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County