How to prepare for hip replacement surgery

After undergoing an orthopedic evaluation, your doctor may discuss the option of  hip replacement. This surgical procedure is becoming a popular choice, as it offers relief from pain, improved mobility and significantly improved quality of life – but how should you prepare for it? Here’s some advice from short term rehabilitation providers from our assisted living community in Gloucester County.

• Ask questions about your procedure: Your surgeon is the best source for information on what happens during your hip replacement, what joint is best for you and what you can expect as you recover. It’s a good idea to browse reputable websites like the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) or the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) for information and to help get ideas for questions to ask your doctors.
• Get in shape: The healthier, fitter and stronger you are before your surgery, the easier your recovery is likely to be. Getting down to a healthy weight by eating right and exercising (be sure to ask your doctor what exercises will be safest and most comfortable for you) is always a good idea. Building up your upper body strength will also be a big help to you, as it will make it easier to move around on crutches or a walker during your recovery.
• Meet your physical therapist: Not only will your physical therapist be able to help you with exercises for your general health, they can also take you through the exercises you’ll need to do to aid your recovery. Learning them before your surgery will make them easier to do post-surgery.
• Speak to your insurance provider: Keeping in close communication with your insurance provider  will help ensure that you are properly covered for the surgery. They will also help you understand what your post-surgical coverage or benefits can provide.
• Plan your recovery: While some patients do return home after surgery and recover with the help of friends and family, many patients find that it is easier and more beneficial to receive professional care. Short term rehabilitation providers can offer you  accommodations for your recovery that are  suited to your needs, as well as qualified therapists, nursing, meals and other assistance or support.

Short term rehabilitation services from our assisted living community in New Jersey 

United Methodist Communities at Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality short term rehabilitation services to seniors. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we offer these services in addition to assisted living , hospice care, respite care and memory support services.

To find out more about our short term rehab services or assisted living community, please contact us today or schedule a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/prepare-hip-replacement-surgery/.

The best workouts for seniors

Exercise is part of living a long and healthy life – and that means staying fit as you age! There’s no reason for seniors not to enjoy having a healthy, strong body, and the benefits speak for themselves.

Seniors who maintain their fitness:

• More easily maintain a healthy weight
• Report fewer visits to the doctor, hospitalizations and falls
• Usually recover more rapidly from falls, illness or injury
• Suffer less from arthritis, heart disease or diabetes-related issues
• Have lower blood pressure
• Feel less stressed, depressed and are less prone to mood swings
• Often have a more vibrant social life, due to shared activities

What exercises are best suited to seniors? 

First, it is important that you speak to your doctor before making any changes to your exercise routine. Generally, seniors can benefit from a combination of exercise and physical activities:

• Physical activities include gardening, walking the dog, hiking, using the stairs rather than the elevator, dancing, and other activities that get your body moving.
• Exercises are planned, structured, repeated activities that target specific results. This can include resistance exercises (using weights or stretching, for example) or activities like tai chi, pilates, yoga, or aerobics.

If you are unsure what activities or exercises would suit you best, speak to a trainer or therapist who specializes in senior health after consulting your doctor. They will be able to find something that won’t just help you meet your health and fitness goals, but that you’ll find enjoyable, too.

Assisted living for seniors at our Camden County community 

Collingswood is part of United Methodist Communities, a network of senior living specializing in high quality care and support. Our senior living community in Camden County, NJ, is known for its beautiful setting, spacious apartments and wide range of services available for residents. With qualified and experienced nursing, therapy and management staff to provide  assistance, residents enjoy an abundant life.

In addition to our assisted living facilities, we also offer a range of long term care services, including hospice and palliative care, short term rehabilitation and respite care. Our aim is to ensure residents stay in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own private apartment as their care needs change for as long as we safely can.

To find out more about United Methodist Communities, our senior living community or ourassisted living services, please contact us and schedule your visit today.

Original content posted on  https://umcommunities.org/blog/best-workouts-seniors/

Recognizing and treating depression in the elderly

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, so our CCRC in Sussex County is taking this opportunity to talk about a very real and serious senior health issue: depression.

Depression can happen to anyone, at any age or in any circumstance – it’s not a weakness or a character flaw. It’s also not a normal part of aging. Getting older comes with plenty of challenges  that can leave you feeling down, but that’s not depression. Everyone should enjoy their later years, which is why recognizing and treating depression in seniors is so important.

Symptoms of depression in seniors 

Some signs of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness and despair
• Weight loss/loss of appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• Insomnia, fatigue or oversleeping
• Loss of self-worth
• Slowed movement and speech
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Neglecting personal care
• Lack of energy
• Loss of interest in hobbies, social events, etc. that were usually enjoyed

While sadness is a common symptom of depression, many patients don’t report feeling sad at all. Rather, they feel a lack of motivation, increased headaches and physical complaints like arthritis pain, and low energy.

Medical conditions can lead to depression

Certain medical conditions and medical treatment can cause depression as a side effect. Examples of these include:

• Stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Thyroid conditions
• B12 deficiency
• Dementia
• Lupus

Examples of medications can include:

• Blood pressure medication
• Beta-blockers
• Sleeping pills
• High cholesterol medication
• Arthritis medication
• Estrogen-based medication

Treating depression in seniors 

Professional help is available for seniors suffering with depression and treatment, including therapy, medication or medication changes (depending on the cause of the depression) is available. With a combination of professionally-guided treatment and healthy lifestyle changes, seniors should be able to regain enjoyment of life and reconnect with their community and loved ones.

Experience a caring, compassionate community at our CCRC in Sussex County, NJ 

Bristol Glen is a CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey offering seniors independence, comfort and a vibrant social life along with high quality care, when needed. Abundant senior living with a full continuum of care can be yours.

With a personalized and customized set of services, seniors are able to fully access the level of care they require, when they require it. We are also fully equipped and able to assist Alzheimer’s and dementia residents through our memory care and support services.

Contact us to find out more about our community, and book your visit today.

Orinal content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/recognizing-treating-depression-elderly/

5 things to consider when looking for hospice care

Hospice focuses on end-of-life care and many of us will have to consider it someday for parents, loved ones or ourselves. Finding the right provider is about choosing services that are appropriate for the patient’s needs, desires and budget. Here are some useful tips for making this important decision.

1. Testimonials: Find out what people are saying about the hospice service providers you are considering – speak to local hospitals and doctors as well as families about their experiences.
2. State licenses and accreditations: Each state has different licensing requirements for healthcare facilities to ensure that they are up to standard. Additional accreditations are not necessary, but they are considered a good indicator  of quality services.
3. Services: It’s important to know exactly what services will be provided and how your loved one will be cared for. While some hospice facilities offer more limited services and staff per patient, others provide a team of specialists to deliver holistic treatment, companionship and support to patients as well as their families.
4. Staff: Ask about staff training and experience, as well as how the staff is expected to interact with the patient throughout the day. Will there be someone on duty 24-hours a day? What happens in the event of an emergency? Will they be able to assist you in the provision of  any additional care to your loved one?
5. Your impressions: If you want proper peace-of-mind, the best course is to visit the different facilities in person. This gives you a chance to get a good feel for the facility, their services and their staff. Scheduling a visit will ensure that you can properly tour the area, meet staff, ask any questions and evaluate their level of care.

Compassionate, personalized hospice care in South Jersey 

The Shores, a United Methodist Communities campus servicing Cape May County, offers full-service hospice care as part of our our assisted living community. Known as Bridges, our hospice neighborhood  provides high quality end-of-life care in  a comforting and caring environment.

Run by an experienced and nurturing team ofassociates, we offer advanced therapies, emotional support and care within a customized personal care program.

For more information on United Methodist Communities at The Shores please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-things-consider-looking-hospice-care/.