55 and Better — April 27, 2021

Issue 6 | SPRING 2021

AND BETTER

M U S I CA L

MEMORIES Perfect Harmony program connects older adults with music of youth

Wish you could distance yourself from knee or hip pain?

View our free, online seminar with Leonard Buller, MD or Kevin Sonn, MD to learn the facts about hip and knee surgery.

Register at iuhealth.org/joints.

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55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

w ww . ap pl e g a t e-di llma n. c om

Are you prepared to pay for long-term care?

The rising costs of care make planning for the future more important than ever. At Applegate & Dillman Elder Law, our Life Care Planning and Long-term Care Planning services help families navigate the legal, financial and medical challenges of growing older. If you or a loved one would like to take the first step toward planning, contact our office today!

Contact our office to schedule your complimentary consultation!

317-492-9569 www.Applegate-dillman.com 55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

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MEDICARE CAN FEEL A LOT LIKE A PUZZLE. Luckily, our team of Medicare agents have experience helping our clients put the pieces of that puzzle together.

Contact us today for a complimentary review.

317.343.3215 or medicare@shepherdins.com

Disclaimer: Not affiliated with the U.S. government or federal Medicare program. A licensed agent may contact you regarding this insurance-related information.

CMS Code: B01152102

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55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

Hoosier Mobility Solutions in Carmel offers an array of customized products, including power scooters, lift chairs, power wheelchairs and stairlifts. (Submitted photo)

HMS specializes in mobility products and services

By Rick Morwick rick@youarecurrent.com

B

esides quality products and an ownership team steeped in industry experience, Hoosier Mobility Solutions co-founder Jason Bond attributes another quality for what he feels sets the family-owned business apart from competitors.

“HMS prides itself on our high level of customer service,” said Bond, who has spent 20 years in the health care industry. “We go above and beyond to meet the distinctive needs of each individual patient and family.

“We take the time to listen to our customers, learn what their current and future needs are and put together a custom solution that is tailored to provide what they need.”

Owned and operated by Bond and his wife Jennifer Bond and family friend Angela Dodson, Hoosier Mobility Solutions opened Feb. 1 at 162 W. Carmel Dr. in Carmel. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted April 1 for the new business, which serves the nine-county Indianapolis metropolitan area.

With an emphasis on personalized care and customization, Hoosier Mobility Solutions sells a wide range of mobility products, including power scooters, lift chairs, power wheelchairs, stairlifts, mobility ramps, patient lifts and compression and diabetic products, among other items.

“Having spent the past 20 years in the health care industry, including the last seven-plus years in the senior care market, I’ve seen an increase in the need for health care equipment and resources for patients and their families,” Bond said. “As a result, we were looking for an opportunity to use that background and experience to provide products and services to meet the needs of patients.

“HMS allows me to be a part of something I enjoy, which is working with patients and families to customize unique solutions that increase their freedom and improves their quality of life.”

Although Hoosier Mobility Solutions has only been open for a few months, Bond said the business has been warmly received by customers, the health care industry and the area business community at large.

“The local response has been tremendous,” Bond said. “The feedback and support we’ve received from the community, each of the local chambers (of commerce) and health care providers in the area has been extremely positive.”

In addition to selling products, Hoosier Mobility Solutions also offers rental and repair services.

For more, visit hoosiermobility.com.

Three steps to beating the pandemic blues Commentary by Dave Stewart

I

f you are feeling COVID-19 has had a negative impact on your physical and emotional well-being, you are not alone.

According to a survey by the American Psychology Association in February of 2021, 61 percent of adults reported experiencing unwanted weight change since the start of the pandemic, with 42 percent saying they gained more weight than they intended. On average, this group gained 29 pounds. Nineteen percent of these adults reported they lost more weight than they wanted to, with an average of 26 pounds lost.

Nearly half of parents reported an increase in stress during the pandemic, and all age groups reported that their mental health had worsened since the pandemic.

These survey results are not surprising. As a personal trainer during the past year, I have witnessed the decline in mental and physical health during the two-month shutdown one year ago and throughout the year. We reassessed the functional fitness of our members upon return, and it was common to see a decline.

Within a month of exercising, many of our members were able to restore their functional fitness and reported feeling mentally better now that they had a place to safely work out with friends.

As vaccinations continue to increase, along with activity in our grocery stores, restaurants and on the roads, many individuals are asking how to regain mental and physical health. Based on what I have seen the past several months, I recommend three key steps to getting your well-being back on track.

First, start moving! With the weather sunny and warmer, start outside and begin walking. Even if you are concerned about COVID-19, you can maintain social distancing while walking. Find a friend to join you, wear masks and take a brisk walk daily.

Second, join a fitness facility with comprehensive COVID-19 protocols.

Although you may have been walking this past year, strength loss is a common concern of our returning members. Walking is good for the heart; however, strength is vital to everyday activities. Work with a personal trainer who understands the importance of safe and age-appropriate exercise to regain your strength, balance, flexibility and to work toward better movement.

Third, socialize while exercising.

The attendance at our fitness classes has increased significantly the past two months. With more vaccinations, social distancing during exercise, COVID-19 protocols and significant equipment cleaning, members feel safe exercising together. More important, this time with others includes laughter, camaraderie and caring for one another.

I hear on a daily basis how important this socialization has been and continues to be during the pandemic.

Some of our members did not leave their house during the shutdown and were not able to see family or friends either. One of our members. Anne, said, “I always forget how much better exercise makes me feel until I stop and start again. That is the way it was during the COVID shutdown and subsequent re-opening of Motion 4 Life Fitness. Working out in a safe, friendly place gave me more energy and a much more positive outlook.”

The stress of the pandemic has negatively impacted our mental, physical and emotional health. However, with a focus on eating healthy, engaging socially and exercising, you can regain your strength and improve how you feel on a daily basis. Beat the pandemic blues and take a step toward a better you. Remember, staying fit never gets old!

Dave Stewart is the director of personal training at Motion 4 Life Fitness.

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Durham finds perfect fit

Hoosier Village suits couple

By Steve Schneider editiorial@youarecurrent.com

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A

s an 84-year-old widowed woman trying to find the perfect place to reside, Margaret Durham wasn’t sure where to start. She wanted a place where she felt comfortable and a location that was convenient for church, medical visits and shopping.

“It was a complete relief when I found Encore 55+ Boutique Apartments,” Durham said. “It was just what Durham I was looking for. The amenities are great, along with the staff, (and) the grounds and inside of the community is immaculate.”

Prior to her retirement, she worked at a bank in its residential and commercial real estate divisions. Because of her hard work, she had a successful career and saved enough for retirement to travel to places like Alaska, Hawaii, Jamaica and other Caribbean destinations.

COVID-19 has prevented her from

traveling to visit family.

“I have three adult children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, so I’m looking forward to seeing them and having them visit me at Encore,” Durham said. “But I’ve kept very busy the past year enjoying my beautiful apartment and doing jigsaw puzzles, internet games and watching television shows. I also keep active one or two days a week with ministry work making telephone calls and participating in conference calls. I have been a member of Eastern Star Church over 25 years and have stayed busy even during the pandemic. It’s a great source of pleasure and very rewarding for me.

“Hopefully, the pandemic will be over soon, plus as the weather gets better, that will allow myself and my fellow residents to start to enjoy our wonderful outdoor amenities.”

The apartments are located at 75th Street and Binford Boulevard, close to shops, medical, grocery stores, dining and parks.

J

im and Donna Fleming moved to The Oaks in Hoosier Village for two major reasons.

The Flemings, who have been married 47 years, have lived in The Oaks, an independent living section, since June 2019. They previously lived in Columbus, Ind. A main motivation was wanting to be closer to their daughter, Katie Delp, who lives in Thorntown with her two children, an 8-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl.

“The other reason is maintaining the house was starting to be a problem, keeping the lawn up and garden,” Jim said. “One of the big drivers of coming to a retirement community was having that work taken care of for us. I’m really impressed and happy for the work they’ve done for us, not just keep up the property, but when we have a problem with the house coming over to fix it.

That’s been a real blessing.”

Donna said they moved into a brandnew duplex with a finished basement.

“There’s an area there that gives the

Jim and Donna Fleming have lived in Hoosier Village for nearly two years. (Submitted photo)

kids a lot of room to play when they can’t go outdoors,” she said.

Donna worked as a family consumer science teacher at Columbus East High School, retiring in 2004. She taught for 37 years, previously teaching at Columbus North and Connersville high schools.

Jim, 74, worked several different jobs during nearly 40 years with Cummins.

He was a business systems analyst before retiring in 2006.

Donna, 76, grew up in Connersville.

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I cleaned my equipment and then saw a staff member pick it up and reclean it. I realized M4L was serious about protecting their members, so I continue to go back each week. I feel really blessed to have a safe place to go during the pandemic to exercise and actually talk to someone face to face. My trainer is extremely careful, always wearing a mask and staying socially distant. Joyce, M4L member

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55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

Real estate market is impacting downsizing Commentary by Todd Howard

I

f you haven’t heard by now, housing inventory is historically low. Sellers have been receiving multiple offers and buyers are standing in line. There aren’t enough homes for sale to offer a balanced market. So, how is this impacting those who are downsizing? There are positives and negatives.

If you are downsizing and moving into a community for older adults, it’s a great time to sell. In fact, it’s never better. Why? Because you won’t be on the “buying end” of an unbalanced market. Even if your home is not market-ready, there is a high likelihood you should still “go to market.” Because of this unbalanced “seller’s market,” you will get away with not doing all of those home improvements/deferred maintenance items that you have put off. Caution though, you should be ready for a feeding frenzy when you list: multiple showings every hour, multiple offers, lots of information to digest and the need to make quick/educated decisions. I would strongly suggest the guidance of a professional senior real estate specialist to help you.

If you are selling then planning to buy a smaller resale home, this is where it can get tough. You need to be prepared to enter a very competitive market. This means you’ll likely lose out on many offers you make. That can get aggravating and drain you emotionally. You might even consider renting if only for one or two years and see what the market does. Your lifestyle might change significantly as you age during that time.

If you know which neighborhoods you are interested in, your Realtor might be able to reach out to residents to find out if anyone is interested in selling. Working with a professional is more important than ever to help navigate you through the buying process.

Todd Howard is the president and owner of Halo Senior Solutions. For more, visit haloseniorsolutions.com or call 317225-0420.

Stay Fit. Stay Connected. Stay Inspired.

Marquette is a not-for-profit senior living community, giving you the life you want to live. With a wide variety of beautifully designed residential options and maintenance-free living, you have the flexibility and control over everything you do.

Our community offers various dining venues, a state-of-the-art aquatic center, wellness programs, and a massage studio for endless opportunities — and just steps from your front door.

Call (317) 875-9700 or visit MarquetteSeniorLiving.org to schedule a personal appointment.

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Owned by Retirement Living, Inc., a Not-For-Profit Corporation

55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

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ADVERTORIAL

IU HEALTH ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON ADDRESSES TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT QUESTIONS Dr. Leonard Buller, orthopedic surgeon at IU Health North and Saxony Hospitals, answers questions about total joint replacement.

What is a total joint replacement?

Total joint replacement (hip or knee replacement) is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip or knee joint and replaced with artificial components. In a hip replacement, the damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem that is placed into the hollow center of the femur, which may be either cemented or “press fit” into the bone.

A metal or ceramic ball is placed on the upper part of the stem, which replaces the damaged femoral head that was removed. The damaged cartilage surface of the socket (acetabulum) is also removed and replaced with a metal socket with screws or cement sometimes used to hold the socket in place. A plastic, ceramic, or metal spacer is then inserted between the new ball and the socket to allow for a smooth gliding surface.

A total knee replacement might be more accurately termed a knee “resurfacing” because only the surface of the bones are actually replaced. The bone is prepared by removing the damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia. The removed cartilage and bone are then replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint, which may be cemented or “press-fit” into the bone. In some cases, the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button. Finally, a medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.

How do I know if I need a total joint replacement?

The main indication for total joint replacement is arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs most often in the elderly. This disease affects the tissue covering the ends of bones in a joint called cartilage. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes damaged and worn out, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and restricted movement in the affected joint.

The pain and decreased function eventual markedly impact a patient’s activities of daily living. Patients may become unable to climb stairs or put on shoes or may need a cane and at that point should begin to think about joint replacement. When a patient has to change their activities or avoid social outings because of pain, it may be time to consider this procedure.

What are my options when it comes to a total joint replacement?

There are many approaches to joint replacement.

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55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

Some cutting-edge techniques include minimally invasive total joint replacement, in which the surgical procedure is performed through a smaller incision. Direct anterior approach hip replacement is an example of a minimally invasive hip surgery to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles or tendons, which is different than a traditional hip replacement that involves cutting major muscles to access the hip joint. This may result in an accelerated recovery and potentially has some decreased risks, as well. Another cutting-edge technique for joint replacement is the utilization of computer navigation, which provides the surgeon with real-time 3-D images of a mapped knee or hip and the surgical instruments during surgery. The data for the images is provided by infrared sensors fixed to the bones of the knee and surgical instruments and helps restore normal anatomy more reliably and accurately. Finally, short-stay and fasttrack hip and knee replacement is another innovation that utilizes a synchronized perioperative approach directed at decreasing surgical stress and promoting quicker postoperative recovery.

How do I know if I qualify for a total joint replacement and when should I talk to my doctor?

You should consult with an orthopedic joint replacement specialist to discuss your hip or knee symptoms.

If you are experiencing the following symptoms it might be the right time: the joint pain is causing you sleep loss, you have difficulty walking up or down stairs, you feel a “grinding” or “grating” of your hip

or knee joint, your range of motion (bending and straightening) is limited, you experience stiffness and swelling, especially after sitting for longer periods, the pain is by activity and/or exercise, you have already tried pain medication and non-operative treatments with no improvement to your pain level, the pain is preventing you from leading the kind of healthy, active life that you want or is affecting your quality of life.

What does the recovery process look like?

The recovery after a total joint replacement varies by individual, but there are some common milestones.

Once your surgery is done, you’ll be taken to a recovery room, where nurses or other medical personnel will monitor your vital signs while the anesthesia wears off. That day you will work with a physical therapist on getting up and walking on the new joint and practicing returning to your normal activities. You will be discharged to your home either the same day or the next day after surgery. And will be working with a therapist at your home or doing the exercises on your own at home for the next several weeks. Most people are able to resume the majority of their normal activities of daily living independently within three to six weeks. It usually takes about four to six weeks to start feeling stronger and to be able to get around with less pain than before the surgery. The full recovery after a joint replacement, however, is oftentimes up to a year long recovery as you continue to improve your strength, endurance, flexibility, joint motion and overall balance.

Wish you could distance yourself from knee or hip pain?

You can. We can help.

Learn how to distance yourself from the pain without leaving home. View one of our free, online seminars to learn the facts about hip and knee surgery.

At our seminar you’ll: ■

Hear from our highly skilled surgeons

■

Discover the benefits of our personalized approach

■

Learn more about our experienced care team

■

Leonard Buller, MD

Kevin Sonn, MD

Get answers to the most common questions about hip and knee pain

Register for a free, online hip & knee pain seminar. Visit iuhealth.org/joints. ©2021 IUHealth

IU Health Saxony Hospital | 13100 E. 136th Street in Fishers

55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

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M U S I CA L

MEMORIES Perfect Harmony program connects older adults with music of youth

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

M

usic always brings back memories.

“Perfect Harmony was developed five years ago by the Great American Songbook Foundation with the idea of returning to the way music was originally enjoyed – as a community experience in which family, friends and loved ones grabbed a piece of sheet music, gathered around a piano and enjoyed music together,” said Renée La Schiazza, director of programs for the Great American Songbook Foundation. “The songs that the Perfect Harmony program selects are aligned with the music that was popular when most older adults were in their late teens or early adulthood. Research suggests that music from this period of a person’s life has a special significance due to biological factors and life experiences that connect our memories to feelings we experienced during that transformational time. For older adults today, this tends to be music from the Great American Songbook, the most important and influential American popular songs, Broadway hits, and jazz standards from the early 20th century that have stood the test of time.”

La Schiazza, a Carmel resident and 2012 Carmel High School graduate, said over the last year, Perfect Harmony has evolved into an online resource to serve older adults in Indiana and across the U.S., especially those who are struggling with isolation and limited social engagement due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Family caregivers, activity directors, and other healthcare professionals from over one hundred eldercare organizations across the state of Indiana and as far as Canada take advantage of Perfect Harmony’s free online resources each month by signing up to receive monthly emails and accessing materials at TheSongbook.org/ PerfectHarmony.

Indianapolis resident Allegra Hein, a board-certified music therapist, has been consulting with Perfect Harmony since 2018.

“The consultation I provide to Perfect Harmony is based on my clinical experience with older adults as the regional music therapist for Justus Senior Living,” Hein

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55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

Olivia Broadwater with her late grandmother Sara Broadwater (Submitted photo)

Allegra Hein, a board-certified music therapist, has been consulting with Perfect Harmony since 2018.

(Wayne Images) said. “Growing up in a family of professional musicians, I had early exposure to the benefits of music listening and participation. However, it was not until I started studying music therapy that I began to understand just how beneficial music can be when used as a therapeutic tool by a trained professional. In music therapy, we use music in a clinical setting to improve functioning in areas such as cognition, communication, physical skills, social skills, and mental and emotional health. It’s incredible how the brain’s processing of music, which occurs throughout the brain rather than in one localized region, can improve the quality of life of an individual needing to increase physical strength, regain speech after a stroke, maintain cognition, etc.”

‘Singing for Smiles’ Olivia Broadwater, a 2020 Zionsville Community High School graduate, saw the impact music had on her grandfather with Alzheimer’s disease when she was

younger.

“I would go to the nursing home and I would sing and dance for him in the room,” Broadwater said. “It got to point where his abilities deteriorated and he couldn’t speak, or feed himself and he would look at the corner. He would always look up when I sang. It was the one thing that brought him back to us. That stuck with me because I realized at an early age how powerful music is.”

So when she had to create a platform when she was Miss Fall Festival’s Outstanding Teen in 2018 it occurred to her she should combine her passion for the Alzheimer’s Association and music. So she created “Singing for Smiles.”

“My grandmother (Sara Broadwater) recently passed away from Alzheimer’s and my other grandma (Diane Perkins) was recently diagnosed with dementia,” Broadwater said. “It’s something that has been so relevant in my life. I think it’s been comforting for me to know I have music and it’s a way for me to continually reach them as well as continue to honor them through my work with the organization and platform.”

Before COVID-19 pandemic, Broadwater was performing at nursing homes and memory centers. She sang with the Perfect Harmony program at an outdoor event in the summer of 2020.

“We sang outside at a Carmel nursing home,” she said. “We made a virtual show for nursing homes with some of my Ball State classmates and also made a link for the public with a link to my The Longest Day donation page for Alzheimer’s.

Broadwater, who will compete for Miss Indiana in June, was a Songbook Academy Top 10 finisher in 2018.

Daugherty has new adventure

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A

t 91, Patty Daugherty recently accomplished a first.

She went to California April 16 for the first time to visit her youngest son, Doug. Daugherty, who still drives and doesn’t need a walker or cane, traveled by herself.

Daugherty has an older son, John, who lives in Chicago, and a daughter, Diane Freeland, who lives in Westfield. She has seven Daugherty grandchildren Patty Daugherty is in the independent living section at The Reserve at Hamilton Trace in Fishers since 2017. Daugherty previously lived in Lawrence area.

“Everyone was so positive and there was so much going on,” Daugherty said.

“The minute I walked in here all I saw was happy faces. That’s what I loved.”

During the lockdown, Daugherty said The Reserve at Hamilton Trace Life Enrichment Director Valerie Howard or

another staff member would knock at the door and bring a popsicle, ice cream or some treat.

Daugherty, who grew up in Indianapolis and attended Howe High School, worked as a vice president of branch administration for 25 years.

After her husband, Don, died in 2009, her children gave her a cat for company.

The cat is named Bella, although it was seven years before she found out it was a male cat. The grandchildren named him.

“I was always thought if I wanted a cat or dog, I wanted it to be a female because I thought they would be easier to take care of,” Daugherty said. “After seven years, I went to the vet and he said ‘you know Bella is a boy, right?’ I laughed all the way home. I got after my grandchildren but they thought it was really funny.’

She sometimes calls him Mr. Bell.

“Sometimes I think he doesn’t want to be called a lady’s name but he answers to everything,” Daugherty said.

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Website created for seniors

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

D

r. Gene Helveston wanted to create a format for adults 55 and older.

The Marquette Manor resident created Your Good Life website, which is produced for seniors by seniors Helveston, a retired pediatric ophthalmologist, moved into Marquette Manor in Indianapolis in 2011 with his wife, Barbara, who died in 2018. Helveston also Helveston is an emeritus professor of ophthalmology at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Since he has been in Marquette Manor, Helveston, 87, has written five books, including three thrillers he described as G“We started an online book club in September of 2018,” said Helveston, who previously lived in various spots around the Indianapolis area, including Carmel. . We kept working and putting things together. Then in December 2019,

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55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

we published our first full-time continuing website. We’ve continued that weekly.”

The website is open to any seniors anywhere to contribute.

“It’s billed as the only literary book club available for seniors,” Helveston said. “I’ve tried to find a literary website for seniors and they are all dating sites, travel agencies, selling books, selling medical substitutes. But ours is just literary, no advertising, no paid sponsorship and all free.”

Helveston said he approves all contributions.

“We establish a format and it’s kind of rigid,” he said. “I write a 500 to 700word column every week. It’s about anything I feel like.”

The Chapbook, called by Savvy Senior, is a 500 to 700 word story about a memory, thought and idea that seniors have.

“There is no political ranting or provocative points,” Helveston said.

For more, visit yourgoodlife.org.

Medicaid needs should be planned early Commentary by Lisa Dillman

M

edicaid has become the single-largest provider of financial assistance for nursing home residents. Why? Long-term care is so expensive that most families exhaust their hard-earned savings within two years of a family member moving into a nursing home.

However, families can use Medicaid Planning to protect their assets.

Don’t delay Families often think they have plenty of time to worry about paying for longterm care or to protect assets. However, Medicaid planning needs to occur at least five years before the Medicaid application process because of the program’s five-year look-back period.

Medicaid can look back over a period of five years in Indiana when running the financial analysis to determine if you qualify for coverage. Medicaid checks to

ensure no assets were sold or given away for less than they are worth in order for an applicant to meet the asset eligibility limit.

For Medicaid purposes, the transfer of assets to a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust is seen as a gift and violates the look back rule, which can result in a period of Medicaid ineligibility.

Medicaid Asset Protection Trust Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, MAPT, are irrevocable trusts that can be

valuable tools for Medicaid planning.

When an irrevocable trust is established, there is a trustee appointed that manages all assets and decisions regarding the trust.

Lisa Dillman is the Managing Attorney at Applegate & Dillman Elder Law. The firm specializes in elder law and Life Care Planning, a holistic approach to deal with the legal, financial, medical and emotional issues involved in growing older. The firm has offices in Indianapolis, Carmel and Zionsville. Find out more at www.applegate-dillman.com

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LIFE AT SANDERS GLEN — • One and two-bedroom apartments • Access to the Midland Trace Trail • 24-hour on-site nursing staff • Maintenance-free living • Three meals a day included • Medication management available • COVID-safe activities calendar • Low staff turnover • Respite care services • Pet friendly FOR A LIMITED TIME — • First month rent free • Rent rate frozen at $2,021 through December 2021 (plus level of care) • Waived community fee • $98 respite rate to celebrate 98% of our residents vaccinated against COVID-19 334 S CHERRY STREET • WESTFIELD, IN 46074 PH: 317-867-0212 • SANDERSGLEN.COM 55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

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Don’t live with back pain Commentary By Linda Barnes, Therapy on Wheels

I

f you have back pain, physical therapy may be your ticket to relief.

Physical therapy can relieve pain, promote healing and restore function and movement.

If you get physical therapy when your back problems first begin, you may even be able to avoid surgery.

And if you do need surgery, physical therapy can greatly help you recover.

Getting Started Some spine specialists recommend physical therapy sooner, particularly if the pain is severe. In general, the goals of physical therapy are to decrease pain, increase function, and get the patient on a maintenance program to prevent further recurrences.

Depending upon your needs, your physical therapist will come up with a treatment plan to assist you. The first thing they will do is work on treatments to ease your back pain and improve your flexibility including: • Massage: Helps relax your mus-

cles, increases circulation, and eases pain in your soft tissues.

• Mobilization: Measured movements to move bones and joints into position helping with flexibility.

• Manipulation: Pressure on your body with the hands or a device ranging from gentle to strong, and slow to fast helping improve strength and endurance.

Therapy on Wheels is one of the few companies that has Physical Therapists who specialize in the treatment of back pain in the home. All one-on-one therapy is provided in the comfort of your own home with no homebound restrictions. Therapy On Wheels accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare.

Therapy On Wheels can help you manage your back pain. Contact our office to set up an appointment at (317) 332-9861 or visit our website at therapyonwheelsinc.com.

Now Open! Story Cottage at Carey Road & 136th Street • • •

Boutique memory care residence in Carmel Custom-designed with innovative safety features One dedicated caregiver per three residents

NEED OCCUPATIONAL/ PHYSICAL THERAPY? Rain or Shine, We’re on Our Way!

It can be difficult for a lot of our patients to travel.

Our OCCUPATIONAL/PHYSICAL THERAPISTS help the patient focus their energy on healing and not worrying about making travel arrangements to an outpatient clinic.

Please call us for your complimentary assessment.

Outpatient Therapy at Your Doorstep. Call us today 317-332-9861!

(317) 449-5696

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55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

Therapy On Wheels, Inc. 317-332-9861 | www.therapyonwheelsinc.com | 317-893-4453 (FAX)

Tips for older adults to avoid heat stress Commentary by Patrick Broccolo

W

ith spring in full swing, summer will be here before you know it.

Did you know that older adults are more prone to heat stress? It is important that they and those who care for them be proactive in the increased temperatures that sunny summers can bring.

As people age, they tend to dehydrate more quickly, and their skin is more susceptible to the sun. Other contributing factors can be prescription medications and chronic medical conditions.

To help stay proactive, consider the following: • Stay hydrated with adequate daily fluid intake throughout the day. Water is the best choice as soda, coffee and tea contain diuretics which increase water removal from the body.

• Stay protected by wearing a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses when outside. Even while driving in the car, the sun’s rays can penetrate the front windshield and cause sunburn.

• Stay cool and find some shade.

Wearing loose, lightweight, or light-colored clothing can make a big difference.

While a little Vitamin D is good for us all, it is important to remain mindful of our own heat and humidity tolerance. Enjoy your safe and sun-filled summer days.

Patrick Broccolo, CNA, is coowner of Senior1Care, which provides trained, in-home caregivers who assist with dementia care, homemaker and companion services throughout Hamilton and Boone counties.

Visit Senior1Care.com for more information.

Book to help children understand Alzheimer’s disease — To help adults discuss Alzheimer’s disease with young children in an age-appropriate way, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of Americ has published “Dancing with Granddad: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families” in both English and Spanish.

The book can be purchased through AFA’s e-store at shop.alzfdn.org. Proceeds go toward AFA programs, services and research toward a more effective treatment/cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Cedarwood is Now Open!

Welcome to the newest apartments at Hoosier Village.

Our unrivaled amenities and laid-back lifestyle at Hoosier Village are unmatched in the Indianapolis area. We’ve met demand by expanding our assisted living apartments so you can enjoy maintenance-free living in one of the finest communities in town, while taking advantage of a wide variety of on-campus social engagements, organized activities, impromptu gatherings, and much more.

Hoosier Village is a BHI Community, a non-profit, faithbased organization.

Come see for yourself what all the excitement is about.

Call 317.873.3349 or visit www.hoosiervillage.com for more information.

www.hoosiervillage.com 9935 Wood View Pkwy.

Indianapolis, IN 46268 | 317-873-3349 55 AND BETTER Spring 2021

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