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.