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.