During this season of the year, most families focus on their loved ones. The gift giving, the sending of greeting cards, the parties, and the Christmas dinners and traditions.

For some this will be their first Christmas after losing a loved one. They take some comfort and peace in knowing they did all they could for their family member, by having them loved and cared for at the Franklin United Methodist Community.

See the note below written to our staff from two daughters who will miss their Dad, this Christmas holiday.

"Each of you had a special touch, a tender heart, or a teasing joke to brighten our Dad's days here at the Community. God used you many times as His Hands and Feet. Thank you for being a blessing."

And our response would be to them, thank you for sharing your dad with us and providing us the privilege of serving him in this place. Peace and joy,

It's always a delight to receive a note of thanks from a grateful family. Here's one we just got:

11/28/11

Dear Paula (Rehab Admissions Director)

Our family want to thank you for admitting "G." to your Rehab Center. He was there for almost a month. We appreciated your staff in the Rehab area and also the PT and OT departments. All of them were always very caring and professional. They certainly had the patients care in mind all the time. We would recommend the Franklin Methodist to anyone in need of Rehab. Thanks to all of you.

F.B. for the B. families

Editor's note: What a pleasure to help persons return to their families and former lifestyle, especially in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

What can chronic pain sufferers do when their retirement years are being hindered? Perhaps start by educating yourself by reading literature on pain and then seek help. The key to managing your pain is to find the strategy that works best for you. While your doctor should be your main source of information, it may be helpful to consult with other people who have had similar experiences. Find out what treatments other people have tried, and suggest them to your doctor for his/her consideration. Being proactive will help you get your pain under control. Consult with your doctor and ask if physical and occupational therapy can benefit you!

At the Franklin United Methodist Community, our goal is to help you enjoy many pain-free days with a balance between leisure, fun, learning, growing, and contributing to make the world a better place.

Tai Chi is a new approach for preventive health care. Tai Chi originated in the 14th century and imitates an ancient Chinese martial art called Tai Chi Quan. It is often referred to as “meditation in motion”. Unlike other forms of exercise like yoga, Tai Chi involves a greater degree of movement. Also unlike aerobic exercises, Tai Chi does not involve any jarring motions that create an impact on the spine. It is considered to be a low and deliberate, flowing movement of the body. Tai Chi has started gaining popularity as a strategy for preventive health care.

Benefits of Tai Chi:

▪ Reduces Stress
▪ Improves Balance
▪ Improves Strength
▪ Improves Agility
▪ Improves Posture
▪ Increases Energy
▪ Increases Endurance

Our residents at Franklin United Methodist Community enjoy a Tai Chi class each week in our Wellness Center. It's just one of the many fun and healthy activities available to our older adults who want to maintain their independence.

As our population continues to age there are frightening stories out there about shortages in doctors and nurses to care for all the people who are entering their older adult years.

Franklin United Methodist Community is proud to have the opportunity to work with four different universities and one vocational school to provide their clinical training sites in our health care facility. Students from around the country (and sometimes from around the world) who are in nursing programs in Central Indiana do a rotation here to learn more about geriatric nursing and dealing with the whole person.

Students from Ivy Tech College sent us a note following their Summer 2011 experience that reads "Thank you, bunches and bunches! . . . for the learning opportunity and letting us into your home!" Signed, the Ivy Tech Gang

How wonderful to have students who appreciate their experience. We believe, all of us will be better served (and cared for) thanks to these training experiences.

Sherri Hash, RN, Director of Nursing at the Franklin United Methodist Community was honored this week with the Linda Woolley Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award. This award, presented by the Indiana Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, recognizes an individual who demonstrates through her leadership passion for the quality care for older adults and the promotion and development of the nursing profession. Sherri has committed her entire nursing care to the sector that serves seniors and their families and we are proud to have her recognized for her excellence in nursing leadership, as the very first recipient of this special award.

Tai Chi originated in the 14th century and imitates an ancient Chinese martial art called Tai Chi Quan. It is often referred to as “meditation in motion”. Unlike other forms of exercise like yoga, Tai Chi involves a greater degree of movement. Also unlike aerobic exercises, Tai Chi does not involve any jarring motions that create an impact on the spine. It is considered to be a low and deliberate, flowing movement of the body. Tai Chi has started gaining popularity as a strategy for preventive healthcare.

Benefits of Tai Chi:
 Reduces Stress
 Improves Balance
 Improves Strength
 Improves Agility
 Improves Posture
 Increases Energy
 Increases Endurance

Arthritis, Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Osteoporosis Tai Chi works with body alignment and posture by training the body to avoid slouching and rounding the shoulders. Better posture and spinal alignment can help reduce back and neck pain. Tai Chi exercises tone and strengthen specific muscles offering protection for your joints. Evidence has shown that Tai Chi exercises can stimulate bone growth, helping to prevent osteoporosis.


Improve Balance and Coordination A common reason that people fall is due to poor balance and weak muscles. Tai Chi exercises aid in enhancing your coordination and balance by giving you a sharper sense of position. Evidence has shown that Tai Chi practiced by the elderly greatly reduces the chances of falls.

Talk with your Physical Therapist about incorporating a Tai Chi rehab program in your treatment plan. Common conditions that Physical Therapy can help include:

• Neck pain
• Low back pain
• Knee, ankle or foot problems
• Sprains and muscle strains
• Arthritis
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation after a serious injury


References: Spine-Health
Submitted by the HTS Therapy Department

Editor's Note: Tai Chi is just one of the many activities offered to our residents on campus through our Wellness Center. You may also contact the Therapy Department to learn more about the benefits and your particular situation.

-and yes, you have become our friends! That's the way a recent thank you note is written from Carol who watched the progress of her husband improve to a more stable living environment. Here's the rest of the story:

Thanks so very much for your kind and thoughtful care of my husband--to mention your patience is also necessary. You have helped us thru a tough spot on life's road and we appreciate you all!

Best wishes and good luck in your new unit. We shall miss you! God's blessings to all of you.

Sincerely,

Carol


If you know of someone who is in a tough spot on life's road, please let them know there are people who care and places who will care for them.

This week we opened an expanded area of our Rehab Services, bringing our total capacity to 60 accommodations. As the pictures show we have completely renovated this lovely area including new wallcovering, floorcovering, and paint. Additionally, new decor and furnishings have been added to make this Rehab Services area the best in Indiana! Who else can boast of natural lighting through Skylights, a private patio for patients and families, walking areas for PT right at the site, and staff coming and going to make this an "action area"? Our Rehab Services is designed to "Rehab you to Home!", whereever you call your home, whether it is in an apartment, a condo, a private residence, or even a retirement community like Franklin United Methodist Community.

If you need approved Medicare skilled nursing care to help get you back to where you want to be, please let us know how we can assist you. Call us at 317-736-1194.

What's the difference in the kinds of therapy available and what do the therapists do?

The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation designates a week to educate people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation. Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists all work together to help individuals overcome obstacles and accomplish normal tasks of daily living.

Physical Therapy:Physical therapists are experts in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems that affect peoples’ abilities to move the way they want and function as well as they want in their daily lives.

When do you need physical therapy?

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Knee, ankle or foot problems
• Sprains and muscle strains
• Arthritis
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation after a serious injury
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Shoulder problems
• Problems with balance
• Hip fractures
• Incontinence

Occupational Therapy:Occupational therapy uses goal-directed activity in the evaluation and treatment of persons whose ability to function is impaired by normal aging, illness, injury or developmental disability. Treatment goals in occupational therapy include the promotion of functional independence and prevention of disability.

Who should receive occupational therapy?

• Individuals who have limitations in their abilities to carry out self-care
activities
• Individuals whose strength and endurance are at risk
• Individuals whose ability to function in the community has been impaired
• Individuals whose physical, cognitive, or psychological problems prevent
them from achieving tasks that are currently important to them
• Limitations following a stroke or heart attack
• Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, other chronic conditions, mental health
problems including Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress


Speech Therapy:Speech language pathology, also known as Speech Therapy, is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of defects and disorders of the voice and of spoken and written communication. Speech therapy also evaluates and treats neurological and physical disorders and conditions caused by an injury or illness.

Who should receive speech therapy?
• Individuals that have swallowing difficulties
• Individuals who have trouble with memory or have increased confusion
• Individuals who cannot follow simple commands or have trouble understanding
• Individuals who cannot formulate words and sentences correctly
• Individuals who have slurred speech, are very hoarse, or strain to talk
• Individuals who are having trouble reading and writing
• Individuals that have lip, mouth or tongue weakness, lack of coordination or
decreased range of motion


If you would like to learn how therapy can benefit you or a loved one, please contact our Therapy Department at the Franklin United Methodist Community.

Our Garden Memory Care Apartments are assisted living accommodations provided for those who are experiencing the effects of an early stage of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The lovely area was recently renovated and opened to the first residents who are enjoying the secured environment, but have access to the outdoors via the Sunken Gardens. This gives them the chance to plant flowers and enjoy the nice, but unpredictable, Indiana weather. Special activities and services make this the perfect starting point for residents who have some memory impairment, but still function fairly independently.

Grandparents who live at the Franklin United Methodist Community love to have their grandchildren come and visit. They can stay overnight or just visit for the day. Many times, they wander the campus and spend time fishing at the pond, playing billiards in the pool room, hitting tennis balls back and forth, or using the swimming pool. Now, thanks to a generous charitable gift from a couple, a new playground swing set and climbing ladder has been added for their enjoyment. Professionally built and installed by a commercial playground company, the swings will even hold a Grandpa or Grandma who wants to swing with their special child. It's just one more way that we want to "provide a retirement experience filled with well-being and wholeness".

We were pleased to have an opportunity to have a display in the Hospitality Tent on the grounds of Ball State University for the Annual Conference meeting of the Indiana United Methodist Church.

Many friends, both pastors and lay representatives, to the Annual Conference event stopped by to greet us and find out what is new on campus. It was fun to see old friends and renew acquaintances, while meeting others who were hearing about our great retirement community for the very first time.

The Franklin United Methodist Community will host two events to help persons wanting to sell their home so they can move forward with their retirement plans.

The Lunch, Learn and Live sessions will occur on Friday, May 20th and on Thursday, June 2nd. Each of these identical sessions will offer a complimentary lunch while a local real estate expert will share the secrets of being a smart seller in today’s market. Also,for those who are considering what living options are available, professionals from the Community will update the many opportunities available for senior living.

Broker/Owner of Tomorrow Realty, Inc., Judy Hoeping, will identify current trends and tips for getting your house sold for the right price. Space is limited and reservations for your preferred date can be made by calling 317-736-7185.

The Franklin United Methodist Community is a 5-Star rated, accredited continuing care retirement community on a 120-acre campus, located on Highway 44 (Jefferson Street) across from Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in four men age 50 and older will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to weak and brittle bones. Breaking a bone is serious, especially when you’re older, broken bones can cause severe pain that may not go away. Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans.

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Factors that put you at risk and are difficult to change include:

a) Gender: Women have lighter, thinner bones than men. One in two women over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture.

b) Age: Osteoporosis can affect people of all ages, but it is far more common in older people than younger people. As we age, we lose bone density and some of us will lose more bone than others.

c) Family History: Heredity and genetics play a major role in osteoporosis and broken bones. If either of your parents had a history of broken bones, you are more likely to break a bone.

Lifestyle changes are your first line of defense to prevent osteoporosis. A few of the lifestyle factors that affect bone health include: Calcium & Vitamin D: Calcium is the building block of bone and Vitamin D helps your body use calcium. Adults age 50 and older need a total of 1200 mg of calcium and 800-1000 IU of vitamin D every day.

Eating Fruits and Vegetables: Eating a well-balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is important for healthy bones. In addition to calcium and vitamin D, magnesium, potassium and vitamin K are a few of the many minerals and vitamins that are important for bone health.

Exercise: Certain types of regular exercise can help keep your bones strong. These include weight-bearing exercises such as fast walking and muscle-strengthening exercises.

Smoking & Alcohol: The chemicals in cigarettes are bad for your bone cells and can make it harder to absorb calcium. Consuming heavy amounts of alcohol can reduce bone formation and affects the body’s calcium supply.

Physical therapists are trained experts on preventing and treating osteoporosis. Physical therapy can help prevent osteoporosis as well as reduce falls and injuries for those diagnosed with the disease.

Therapy goals for preventing and treating osteoporosis include:
• Maintain or increase bone mass density
• Improve muscle strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness
• Improve posture
• Improve psychological well-being
• Prevent fractures
• Reduce falls
• Provide education

For more information, please contact our FUMC therapy department.

References: National Osteoporosis Foundation

Today we shared with our department directors thank you notes and cards from five different families. All five of these were for experiences in our Rehab Services area, as well as one who also experienced our long-term care health center.

Here's a few of the excerpts from their written thank yous:

"The work that you do, with such dedication, is priceless . . ."

"We appreciated all your thoughts and time you helped with our mother."

"The care (our mother) received by the third floor rehab nurses and staff was unprecedented. Every need was met. Her care was top notch."

And finally, one of my favorites read today describes who we really care for and how many lives are touched by what we do.

"We all truly appreciate everything you do for our baby sister, sister-in-law, friend, Aunt, Wife, Mother, Grand-Mother. She's all this and more - so thank you for caring for her".

The card is signed by 13 members of the family.

Speech Language Pathology (Speech Therapy) is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of defects and disorders of the voice and of spoken and written communication. Speech therapists play an important role in working with the aging population. As people age they are likely to have changes that occur in their speech, language, memory and swallowing due to an injury, illness or normal aging. In addition, their chances of having a stroke or developing dementia or Parkinson’s disease increase, as do the chances of acquiring a communication or swallowing disorder related to these diseases.

Speech therapists provide vital services to those individuals who do have communication, cognitive, or swallowing impairments following illness, trauma, or disease. Speech therapists also have a role in preventing communication and swallowing disorders by promoting a healthy lifestyle and educating consumers about how to prevent stroke and other disorders that may lead to impairment.

Who should receive speech therapy?
• Individuals that have swallowing difficulties
• Individuals who have trouble with memory or have increased confusion
• Individuals who cannot follow simple commands or have trouble understanding
• Individuals who cannot formulate words or sentences correctly
• Individuals who have slurred speech, are very hoarse, or strain to talk
• Individuals who are having trouble reading and writing
• Individuals that have lip, mouth, or tongue weakness, lack of coordination or decreased range of motion

Treatment goals for speech therapy include reducing the disability, educating and counseling on how to cope with the stress associated with speech and communication disorders.

What are the goals of speech therapy?
• Communicate wants and needs effectively
• Able to understand those around them
• Able to be independent and functioning on the least restricted diet possible
• Act as an advocate for patient and family

Fortunately, most people with speech and language problems can be helped. Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, speech therapists teach people strategies to cope with their problems so that they can live fulfilling and independent lives. It fits nicely in our Community's overall mission to "provide a retirement experience filled with well-being and wholeness".

If you would like more information on speech therapy services, contact our therapy department, which also provides physical and occupational therapy.

Although our Community is far more than "just a nursing home", we are proud that the U.S. News and World Report has listed our nursing facility in their comprehensive report- Best Nursing Homes for 2011.

We have been named due to our overall 5 Star Rating, which is the highest rating from the federal government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A facility's overall rating is geared to its performance in health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality measures in medical care.

The Franklin United Methodist Community offers retirement living options for those wanting independent homes and apartments, assisted living services, dementia care, 24/7 nursing care, skilled nursing rehabilitation services, respite and hospice.

We are proud to be recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as the only Johnson County facility selected for inclusion.

Occupational therapy is therapy based on goal-directed treatments that help individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. They assist people in developing the “skills for the job of living” necessary for living and functioning independently. Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals. Their education includes the study of human growth and development, with specific emphasis on the social, emotional and physical effects of illness and injury.

Nearly one-third of occupational therapy practitioners work with older adults. They perform many types of activities, employing many types of therapies, with the overriding goal of helping older adults regain or maintain a level of independence that will allow them to age in place for as long as possible. Occupational therapy has been proven effective for seniors living with various medical conditions or recovering from surgery.

•Education and training in daily living skills such as bathing, dressing and eating
•Using adaptations, such as assistive equipment (walker, cane, shoe horn) and physical environmental design
•Sensorimotor treatment in strengthening, endurance, range of motion, coordination, balance and functional mobility
•Compensation for loss of one or more of the 5 senses
•Therapeutic activity for memory, orientation and cognitive integration
•Prevention and health promotion through conserving energy, proper body mechanics, and joint protection/preservation

Chances are that you or a family member will benefit from occupational therapy services at some point in your life. For more information on how occupational therapy can benefit you now or in the future, visit our therapy department. Occupational therapy is a part of the rehabilitation department at FUMC and services are covered by Medicare, and most insurance plans.

Submitted By: Therapy Department
References: www.aota.org

Have you ever wondered what's going on in the kitchen where you are served your food from? Many of our residents have asked about our kitchen operation which supplies the food for our 12 dining rooms throughout campus. Recently, Dietary Director Jim Beck and his staff arranged some "behind the scenes" tours for our residents. Over 75 residents took advantage of the opportunity to see where the food comes from, how it is prepared, transported, and served to our people. They even got a visit to the storeroom, freezers, and employee dining room. The results-they can now see an even bigger picture and better appreciate their meal, knowing how much it takes to get it from the delivery truck to their table.

Last week, our Franklin Indiana location received a major winter ice storm. More than two inches of ice built up on roads, sidewalks, driveways, and power lines. Fortunately, our campus did not lose power and our dedicated employees made their way to work allowing us to continue our care and service to over 600 residents.

A family called and asked about their mother and father who live in one of our 196 independent homes on the 120-acre campus. What if they lost power? What if they run out of food? When you are stuck in your home and can't leave because of county storm emergencies, these are great questions. So, here's the response we gave and are reprinting it for all our families and residents to know what to do. Hopefully, they'll never find themselves in this situation, but if they do, we want to know about it.

Attention: Cottage Residents: Following the winter ice storm, it is important to remember that as independent residents in our Community, you are free to come and go as you wish and responsible for your own care. You should also be aware that we do our best to be available, should an emergency come that affects you. For instance, if our cottages would have lost power, we had a plan in place to get you inside our main building and keep you warm. The same is true in tornadoes. Likewise, if you are “stuck” in your cottage due to the elements and have a medical emergency, we will likely involve 911 and will attempt to assist you as you await their arrival. In the likely situation where you ran out of medicine, food, water, or heat, these would all be appropriate reasons to notify our switchboard to see how we can assist you. We remind you that our recommendation is to use your garages for access in and out of your cottage during these ice and snow days, and stay inside when conditions are threatening.

In our on-going pursuit of excellence, Franklin United Methodist Community has received our accreditation certificate which extends our original five year recognition through December 31, 2015.

Our efforts, which include annual reports and a recent site visit by peer evaluators, has been noted by CARF International(Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) as demonstrating that we conform to the standards, policies, and procedures required to retain accreditation. The CCAC (Continuing Care Accreditation Commission) arranged and staffed the three-day accreditation site visit in mid November, 2010.

President/CEO of CARF International wrote "We commend your organization for its commitment to improving quality and appreciate your dedication to CARF International accreditation."