Retirees with Chronic Pain

Friday, October 28, 2011

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.

Retirees Enjoy Tai Chi at Franklin

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

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.

Training Nurses for Senior Care

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

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.