Tuesday 30 June 2020

Health Care Workers – Our COVID-19 Heroes



We are all aware that some jobs are riskier than others, and it’s expected that the people who take on these jobs know and understand the risks. But what if your job suddenly became more dangerous?

That’s the situation millions of healthcare workers, providing medical care now face. Nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, EMTs, and many others have a strikingly higher risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus. While proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 medical masks, can minimize the risk of infection, PPE is still in short supply in most countries.

Not only do health care workers fear infection, but many have abnormally high and increasing demands to work longer hours. Every day, healthcare workers are put under enormous stress while having to make difficult decisions. Some are isolated from their families, putting their lives at risk trying to save others.

As we quarantine ourselves inside for the health of others and ourselves, we start to see who the real heroes are. Our heroes aren’t wearing capes — they’re wearing scrubs and face masks, uniforms, and badges. They are putting themselves at risk to do what needs to be done, to give us hope, and to provide us with a fighting chance. The truth is that the world has overlooked them for far too long. We know they’re not just essential — they’re fundamental and why now their dedication keeps our world spinning.

We acknowledge not only the health workers, but also the heroes who drive delivery trucks, clean cities, fulfill orders, and restock our shelves. They are keeping stores open, making sure our water is still running, so even when it feels like darkness, they shed light.

In times like these, seniors are greatly affected by stress. Fortunately, at UMC, we have an experienced team of expert, smiling faces that help make things easier.

Frank Kardashian, who served on the board for many years, is one of our great heroes. His dedication to United Methodist Communities began 15 years ago. Frank has a connection with our residents and enjoys seeing them happy. When asked why he continues to devote so much of his time volunteering, Frank gracefully said, “I feel grateful that God has given me these 80+ years to help people.” Thank you for all you do, Frank. We much appreciate you!

Another hero to recognize and thank is Sharon Schwarzkopf, our healthcare administrator. Sharon plays such a vital and essential role in these times.

We would also like to acknowledge the Steering Group, Corporate Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Trustees, executive directors and housing administrators. Their support, action, and response during COVID-19 have boosted the entire organization. They have shown resilience and determination during this pandemic.

Lastly, our front row fighters, our UMC nurses, doctors, cooks, and cleaners. Every day, you come to work kitted with your breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel peace, and a shield of faith.

This time has shown us how selfless people can be giving so much of themselves even when they don’t have much left.

Let’s all stand together and say – heroes on the front line we see you, we hear you, we acknowledge you, and we sincerely thank you. Lets now all do our part to protect others by staying inside by cheering our heroes from afar by empowering them to do their best and by honoring their efforts.

United methodist communities in Bristol Glen NJ, is incredibly proud of our skilled professionals and can boast with a team that spreads hope and love. For more information on Assisted living Sussex County New Jersey Community please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org

Monday 22 June 2020

How Seniors at UMC are fighting Back Against COVID



The coronavirus pandemic is still very much part of our everyday lives, and since it affects older people with health conditions more severely, the safe thing to do is to self-isolate and take care of yourself at home. Keep your distance from others including your own family. This can be very difficult as many people are very attached to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

However, the good news is that seniors are taking proactive measures against COVID 19. The recovery and positive attitude of older adults across the world have inspired a glimmer of hope in these otherwise dark times.

 What are our elders doing to fight back against this pandemic?

 

Learning new technologies

 

There are many ways to see and catch up with family and friends without leaving your apartment with free communication tools like Skype to smartphone apps like Facetime. However, many older Americans lack the necessary skills to stay connected through technology. This did not stop our seniors — UMC residents are learning how to use these technologies and make them part of their everyday lives.

Playing socially safe bingo

 

There is nothing like an old fashioned bingo game to bring people together; in fact, bingo is more than just a fun activity. Researchers have found that playing bingo has multiple health benefits for older adults. It takes concentration – which improves listening and short term memory skills and promotes socialization – which is essential for seniors to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. Although we can not play games in groups at this time, our seniors, together with our associates, made a plan, and bingo is still being played in a socially safe manner.
 

Making masks

 

In the wake of COVID-19, seniors have been using their skills to benefit the community. Many friends of UMC have been working on the creation and distribution of face masks to protect all associates, residents, clients, volunteers, and others from the potential spread of the coronavirus.

In times like these, it is normal to be apprehensive, but we must remember that this too will pass. Thank you UMC seniors for staying positive and thank you for making an effort to stay in touch — your family needs you just as much as you need them.

At United Methodist Communities in Pitman NJ, we stay positive while staying safe, our staff experts have seniors’ best interest at heart. We encourage our seniors to stay healthy and social during these times aiding them in every way we can.

For more information on Assisted Living at our Pitman please visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-seniors-at-umc-are-fighting-back-against-covid/

Friday 12 June 2020

Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss, Even During Quarantine!


During times like these, it’s easy to indulge in comfort food and set aside the importance of exercise. However, as we age it’s vital to maintain muscle mass, particularly during this time of self-quarantine. Age-related muscle loss is known as sarcopenia and can start at the early age of 30.

Muscle loss can contribute to a few related health problems like a low-trauma fracture, hip injury, and can impact your ability to recover from illness. However, the good news is that you can rebuild some of your muscle mass with simple lifestyle and diet changes.

Train your muscles
 

If you are used to training at a facility that is now closed, don’t stress — you don’t have to sacrifice exercise altogether. Even a daily 30-minute exercise routine in the comfort of your home can be advantageous to your health.
  • Stretch for a few minutes in the morning, if you are not sure how or what to do, follow this link on 10 Minute Morning Stretches For Seniors.
  • Set out 10 minutes for a light walk at lunch. This will not only strengthen your muscles but will help with digestion after your meal.
  • Following dinner, use light weights or a stretch band for 10 more minutes of exercise.
Some exercises that are easy to do include:
  • Heel raises
  • Squats
  • Marching, standing or sitting

Eat balanced meals


Protein is vital for muscle growth so include foods like chicken, turkey, white fish, oily fish (like salmon), tuna, and eggs to your daily meals. Replace white, refined grains that lack vitamins and fiber with whole grains like brown rice, bulgar, quinoa, barley, or oats. Fresh vegetables are also high in fiber. Opt for low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese.

We all like a sweet treat and there is nothing wrong with that, but try to save those cookies, cakes, and delicious desserts for special occasions.

Sleep 

 

Make it a priority to sleep at least seven to nine hours a day. Getting enough sleep is essential for helping maintain optimal health and well-being. When it comes to health, sleep is as vital as regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet.

Limit alcohol intake

 
Drinking alcohol causes dehydration and can affect your muscle function. Women should have no more than one glass of alcohol a day, while men should set their limits at two. It is believed that the loss of muscle mass is inevitable with age, but the effects caused by sarcopenia are avoidable and can be prevented with proper lifestyle choices.

‍At United Methodist Communities in Collingswood NJ, we encourage our seniors to stay healthy and active during these times aiding them in every way we can. We have staff that is more than willing to assist any senior wanting to exercise. visit our website at https://collingswood.umcommunities.org

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/prevent-age-related-muscle-loss-even-during-quarantine/

Friday 5 June 2020

Differences Between Normal Forgetfulness and Dementia

 

What is dementia?

 

Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms that commonly include problems with memory, thinking, problem-solving, language, and perception. Dementia is not a disease in its own right, and it is not a natural part of aging; instead, dementia symptoms are caused by a variety of diseases that affect the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is caused by a loss of nerve cells and is a progressive condition that gradually worsens symptoms. When a nerve cell dies, it cannot be replaced, and as more and more cells die, the brain starts to shrink. This can sometimes be seen in a brain scan of someone with dementia.

Dementia or forgetfulness?


The fear of dementia and Alzheimers in older adults is common as some cognitive changes are part and parcel of normal aging. Seniors can easily forget where they put their glasses or misplace their keys. Maybe they even miss an appointment when too busy or distracted. They might forget where they parked and have to go searching the parking lot for their cars. However, forgetting your keys is one thing, but if you pick up the keys and don’t know what they’re for, it could be worrisome.

People experiencing a marked decline in memory that interferes with their everyday functions could justify a workup. However, the reality is that if someone has memory lapses or other kinds of cognitive complaints, there are very robust cognitive function screenings called neuropsychological tests. These tests have been done on seniors for years and are very useful in distinguishing the worried from those truly affected.

The good news on Alzheimer’s and related dementias


Cognitive changes are pretty standard in the population, but they don’t necessarily have to lead to dementia. Before dementia, there’s a stage we call mild cognitive impairment when people have milder difficulties that don’t interfere with daily living.

Before that, there’s a period of at least 15 years when preventive actions are vital. There’s much evidence that lifestyle interventions during this latent phase may be helpful. What you do through midlife in terms of your cognitive lifestyle, including diet, aerobic exercise, and social connectedness, all play into the success of your brain aging.

Senior Communities Like UMC are there to help.


Because senior citizens are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s and related dementia, our aides work closely with our residents to help them recognize and treat this disease. Staff help seniors live a normal life while staying positive and healthy.

For more information on Assisted Living in  County New Jersey Community please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org