Enhancing Education While Honoring Staff

Donors establish educational scholarship in honor of beloved therapist

Saint Therese serves nearly 1,000 people each day. Many of those individuals are supported by the efforts and expertise of the rehab division of Saint Therese called Saint Therese Rehab (STR).

Mark Stanfield was a physical therapist for STR at the Saint Therese of New Hope campus. He began his career at Saint Therese in August 2007; he was hired as a physical therapist to support the development of the Better Balance for a Better Life program.

“Mark was adored by residents, tenants and staff,” said Amy Taylor-Greengard, Executive Director of Saint Therese Rehab. “His easy going attitude and commitment to physical therapy made him a favorite among many at Saint Therese.”

Mark supported a variety of patients as they recovered from illness, injury or surgery. He was instrumental in establishing the therapy clinic in the apartment building at New Hope. Mark made a difference in so many ways, to so many lives, as he took the time to make sure each individual he worked with felt heard and that their concerns were addressed.

Tragically, in the summer of 2015, STR therapist Mark Stanfield unexpectedly passed away. As the Saint Therese community mourned the loss of their therapist, co-worker and friend, the wheels began turning on the best way to memorialize Mark’s commitment to physical therapy, seniors and personal development.

Mark’s Legacy

Taylor-Greengard shared that Mark was always looking for ways to improve the rehabilitation experience for residents and tenants through education, “the education of his own interest, of his fellow therapists and of the individuals and families he served,” she said.

“When we started receiving memorial gifts in honor of Mark we knew we wanted to do something special; something Mark would have wanted,” said Taylor-Greengard. “We wanted to recognize his dedication and commitment to professional development.”

Therefore, the Saint Therese Foundation along with generous support from Mark’s family, the Mark Stanfield Memorial Scholarship was established, shortly after his death.

Candidates for the Mark Stanfield Memorial Scholarship must be full-time therapists at Saint Therese Rehab in physical, occupational or speech therapy. Recipients are nominated by their peers as someone who emulates Mark’s commitment to serving others by providing an exceptional level of compassionate care, as well as a drive for continued excellence in their field over the past year.

“We’ve chosen to award one recipient each October for at least the next 10 years,” said Taylor-Greengard. “The therapist will receive a $500 scholarship to be applied toward continuing education in their area of interest.”

Additionally, each recipient’s name and year awarded, will be engraved on a plaque showcased in the rehab gym at the New Hope and Oxbow Lake campuses.

The First Recipient

In October of 2015 the Saint Therese Foundation awarded the first recipient of the award: Iva Carey. With 30 years of dedication to her profession, Iva delivers quality, compassionate and personalized physical therapy to those in need.

According to the STR staff, Iva has demonstrated her commitment to providing superior care by earning her certification in NDT (Neuro-Development Technique) and by becoming a Geriatric Clinical Specialist. Additionally, she serves as STR’s Clinical Mentor for the University of Minnesota’s Geriatric Clinical Residency program as well as operating as the lead physical therapist at New Hope.

“Iva consistently goes the extra step to support patients and other therapists to ensure the best outcome possible and states she ‘really enjoys her patient care time,’” said Taylor-Greengard.

Iva plans to use her scholarship to pursue additional education related to treatment of neurological disorders and treatment of balance disorders.

“We are just thrilled to be able to offer this scholarship in memory of Mark,” said Taylor-Greengard. “We truly believe he would be proud knowing others will carry on his commitment to our field.”

If you would like more information about the Mark Stanfield Memorial Scholarship call 952.283.2217.

To learn more about Saint Therese Rehab visit www.sttheresemn.org/str.

Grand Opening of Transitional Care by Saint Therese

Saint Therese, a faith-based senior care and housing organization, celebrated the grand opening of Transitional Care by Saint Therese on May 25. Located on the fourth floor of North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale; 32 private skilled nursing rooms provide care to patients transitioning from hospital to home due to illness, injury or surgery.

 

Transitional Care by Saint Therese is one of the few post-acute care centers located within a hospital setting. The partnership with North Memorial was developed to improve patient satisfaction and decrease length of stay for many conditions.

 

“Saint Therese continues to provide innovative care options that meet the needs of older adults,” said Saint Therese President & CEO Barb Rode. “Transitional Care by Saint Therese offers a unique setting for individuals transitioning from hospital to home. We are pleased to partner with
North Memorial Medical Center to offer this level of care for patients.”

 

Transitional Care by Saint Therese provides care that involves a multidisciplinary team working together. Patients benefit from a continuity of care by being connected to North Memorial Medical Center and may receive regular visits from specialized physicians and nurse practitioners, on-unit physical, occupational and speech therapists, registered dieticians and pastoral care staff.

 

The latest technologies are being utilized at Transitional Care by Saint Therese to provide the very best in patient care including: a two-way nurse call system, an automated medication dispensing system and on demand, in-room education.
 
Saint Therese is excited for this addition to its growing senior care organization. It remains committed to providing exceptional care and better outcomes.

Photo: Zaneeta Best, Clinical Director Transitional Care by Saint Therese; Barb Rode,
President & CEO Saint Therese; Marcia Glick, City Manager City of Robbinsdale; Jeff Wicklander, President North Memorial Medical Center; William Blonigan, Council Member City of Robbinsdale; Julius Webster Vice President/Senior Project Manager D.J. Kranz Co., Inc.

Saint Therese Honors Outstanding Youth Volunteers

Saint Therese awarded four $1,000 educational scholarships to youth volunteers for their service to seniors at an event on April 23. Nearly 50 people attended and had the opportunity to meet the outstanding youth and hear a portion of their essays. Saint Therese is grateful for the time and commitment of all volunteers.

The Youth Volunteer Scholarship recognizes intergenerational relationships and encourages other youth

Scholarship Recipients: Katie, Ryan, Morgan and Alexandra

to engage with older adults. Earlier this year, Saint Therese held a scholarship contest for youth ages 12 to 18 years old. Participants volunteered 20 hours or more and submitted a written essay or illustration demonstrating how volunteering with an older adult impacted their life.

“Youth bring extraordinary energy and a unique view of the world to our communities,” said Barbara Rode, Saint Therese President & CEO. “It is essential that we engage youth today to encourage them to recognize the value and wisdom of seniors. They are our future caregivers.”

Saint Therese is honored to recognize:

Morgan Richter, age 12, of Maple Grove

“Volunteering with elderly people, is a way for members of the youngest generations to teach and learn things from the members of the most senior generations.”

Alexandra Corbin, age 14, of Brooklyn Park

“We each took away something through our experiences, but we all can agree about three experiences that we learned - responsibility, being respectful, and building relationships without even knowing it.”

Katie Segner, age 17, of Golden Valley

“My volunteering has filled my heart with gratitude and respect for these beautiful people, and has left a mark on me that will forever be in my soul, inspiring me to improve the lives of senior citizens to make them as joyful as they can be.”

Ryan Coughlin, age 18, of Maple Grove

“When I volunteer, I think about the fact that each older person I encounter is someone’s mother or father, daughter or son, wife or husband, aunt, uncle, nephew or niece.”

Read the recipients full essays on our website: sttheresemn.org/youth-scholarship.

Saint Therese receives an Aging Services of Minnesota Leading Change Innovation Award

Cardiac Care

Saint Therese accepted the Aging Services of Minnesota Leading Change Innovation Award for its Cardiac Care Program on February 7 at the Aging Services Institute and Expo.

The Cardiac Care program at Saint Therese of New Hope is a leader in the industry promoting specialized care for cardiac patients in the transitional care unit (TCU). The program began in May 2012 in an effort to prevent hospital readmissions for cardiac patients through excellent care and detailed follow-up support.

Saint Therese is honored to accept this award for the New Hope Cardiac Care program. The organization saw a need in the community and developed a program to uniquely serve cardiac patients.

The goals of the program are to: provide integrated care, enhance the quality of life for patients and their families, strengthen each patient and give them confidence before returning home, and reduce hospitalizations and be fiscally responsible to the health care system.

More than 450 TCU patients have gone through the program to date. Last quarter, Saint Therese’s average readmission rate while patients were under its care was approximately 7%. This is far beneath the national average for Medicare patients of 18%, according to Kaiser Health News.

The needs of a cardiac patient are managed through an integrated care model involving nursing, social services, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists and dietitians. An interdisciplinary team meets weekly to review charts and measure patient progress.

Cardiac Spotlight: Dietitians
A Saint Therese dietitian works with each patient and their family to create a nutritional plan. The plan helps patients learn about a heart-healthy diet. The dietitian also works to educate patients and families on appropriate meal plans for when they return home.

Dietitians provide information to help our patients be successful in their journey toward living healthy. Below is a list of five foods to include in a heart-healthy diet, according to WebMD Heart Disease Health Center.

1.   Blueberries

      • Contain anti-inflammatory which reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer

      • Enjoy as a snack, dessert or in a salad

2.   Salmon

      • Packed full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids

      • Grill, bake or cook on stove top

3.   Soy Proteins

      • Contain fiber, vitamins and minerals

      • Soy protein bar or soy nuts make a great snack

4.   Oatmeal

      • Great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, which helps lower cholesterol

      • Use traditional oatmeal rather than instant, it contains less sodium

5.   Spinach

      • Phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals help fight disease, protecting the heart

      • Try mixing spinach in smoothies, soups, or pasta dishes

Better Balance for a Better Life

Awareness is the key to maintaining balance

National Falls Prevention Awareness Day is being recognized on Sept. 22, 2013, the first official day of fall.  Its purpose is to “promote and increase public awareness about how to prevent and reduce falls among older adults”.

Falling is not a normal part of aging. Yet, one in three adults, 65 years and older fall each year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2009 alone over 2.4 million seniors were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. The United States spends over $19 billion annually for the treatment of fall-related injuries.

The good news is falls can be prevented. Simple adjustments to daily activities can greatly reduce the risk of a fall.

What is balance?

Balance is the body’s awareness of where it is in space. We rely on our eye sight, inner ear functions and our joint/muscle awareness to maintain balance. If even one of those systems is slightly impaired, our balance is at risk.

Sometimes, the loss of balance can be a symptom to another issue the body is experiencing. For instance, an individual may trip on a rug while rushing to get to a restroom, fall and twist an ankle. In this case, a doctor or a therapist may be more concerned as to why the person was rushing to the restroom, rather than the fall itself.

Preventing falls

One of the best ways to prevent a fall is to simply be aware. Be aware of what the body is trying to communicate and be aware of what factors may increase the risk of a fall.

The following are four simple techniques to reduce the risk of a fall:

1. Begin an exercise program to improve leg strength and balance.

2. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review all medications. Learn about the medications you are taking and understand the side effects.

3. Get an annual eye exam and update the prescriptions.

4. Review your home environment regularly to check for clutter and tripping hazards. Consider installing extra railings or grab bars.

Balance education

Fall prevention programming is a growing trend among many health care organizations. Balance programs are available to not only treat the effects of a fall, but also to prevent a fall from occurring. If you have a fear of falling or recognize you may be at risk for a fall, contact your physician and ask for a full balance assessment.

Falls are not a normal part of aging. Don’t let the risk of a fall slow you down. Be aware and be proactive with your health.

Saint Therese Rehab

The Saint Therese Rehab (STR) Balance Program incorporates state-of-the-art balance assessment and training techniques to help each individual live a better life.

STR therapists are specially trained to assess and treat balance disorders in older adults. Each patient builds a relationship with a therapist who observes, listens, develops and executes a plan of action specific to the balance and wellness goals of each individual.

To learn more visit www.sttheresemn.org/saintthereserehab or call 763.531.5435.

Quilt Projects Helps Mother and Daughter Heal

Mother-daugher team:
Carol King and Joyce Ferrie

Saint Therese was the beneficiary of a special quilt project lead by a mother-daughter team. As Mother’s Day approaches, Saint Therese reflects on the project and celebrates its success.

Carol and Calvin King were one of the first tenants to move into Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in September 2006. Calvin’s health had begun to decline and they decided it was time to move to a low-maintenance home. At Oxbow Lake, Calvin enjoyed cribbage and connecting with friends and Carol was involved in the annual Treasures & Treats sale on campus. Carol was the primary caregiver for her husband until his death in November 2011.

The family struggled with the loss of Calvin. In the midst of her grief, Carol approached her daughter, Joyce Ferrie, with the idea of creating a quilt in his memory. Joyce, who lives out-of-state, thought it was a wonderful idea and that it would be therapeutic for them. The project began and the quilt, titled Healing Together, was created over the next several months.

Joyce, who visits often, and her mom, liked the notion of using the colors decorating the halls of Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake. The team also decided to include the medallion from Saint Therese’s logo.

Carol King stands with the finished quilt.

“While I did all the piecing, it really was a collaborative project between mom and myself,” explained Joyce. “There were shopping trips together for fabric selection, numerous phone conversations about design and emailing of photos to show progress.”

As the project near completion, the mother-daughter team approached Saint Therese. They wanted to find a way to share this special project in memory of Calvin with others. It was decided to donate the quilt to Saint Therese for a raffle, with proceeds benefiting Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake.

Carol and Joyce worked with Saint Therese to set-up the raffle. The quilt was displayed at the Oxbow Lake campus for tenants and visitors to see. Carol stayed busy selling tickets to tenants and staffing a table at Saint Therese’s annual fundraising dinner. Joyce reached out to family and friends.

The raffle drawing took place at the annual Treasures & Treats sale in December. The mother-daughter team was pleased with the over $1,600 that was raised for the activity fund at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake. Proceeds will be used to enhance several activities on the campus, such as bringing in a special music act for tenants to enjoy.

“The project brought joy to me and Joyce while healing from the loss of a wonderful husband and father,” said Carol. “It meant a lot to have the Oxbow Lake campus involved; Cal and I were happy living at Oxbow Lake. I still enjoy being a part of the community here.”

Richard's Story

Update: Since Richard was interviewed for this article, he passed away. We are grateful for Richard sharing his story with us.

Richard Bonine was getting ready to do a TV interview about the relationship between St. Odilia Catholic Community and Saint Therese at St. Odilia. He sat in a big leather chair in the family room of the St. Odilia house, waiting in anticipation. Soon, over 20 kindergartens from the St. Odilia school crowded into the family room, sitting on the floor in front of Richard. He answered question after question with grace and a smile. Questions including: How many children do you have? And, what happens when you die? Through their questions, the children slowly unveiled bits of Richard’s life. Like Richard, everyone who comes to Saint Therese has their own unique, interesting tale. This is Richard’s story.

Richard was born in 1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He lived there with his parents and sister until he enlisted with the Army Security Agency in 1952. The Army Language School taught him Russian in an intense 46-week program. After graduation, he was assigned to Fort Richardson in Alaska. Richard spent his days listening to Russian tapes and transcribing them.

When Richard completed his service, the GI Bill enabled him to attend the University of London where he received a Ph.D. in Russian Studies. This gave him the opportunity to study abroad and travel throughout Europe to places such as Paris, Berlin and Florence. He smiles widely as he recalls stories from his days overseas.

Upon his return to the states, Richard spent the next 10 years as a teacher of Russian history and western civilization, mostly at Dalhousie University. It was a profession he was extremely passionate about.

In 1964, Richard married his wife Sue, who he had met at one of his teaching positions. They had a son, Michael, who was born with a congenital heart defect. Michael’s health problems brought Richard and Sue to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. After a successful surgery, the family decided to settle in Minnesota.

Richard went back to school at Brown Institute to study computer programming. He worked as a programmer from the late 1970s until 1994 when he retired.

In “retirement”, Richard lives a very active life. He began writing, and has self-published, several books including Alice in Washington, a satire about Bill and Hillary and the Boomers and Fade to Black, a history of the intelligentsia and an analysis of multiculturalism. An avid lover of sports, Richard was a class c champion squash player. When he had to hang up the racquet, he took up the game of ping pong.

In the summer of 2012, Richard was diagnosed with esophagus cancer. A social worker helped him find Saint Therese at St. Odilia and he moved in last December.

At St. Odilia, Richard continues to live his life. He likes to sleep in late. When he wakes up, he enjoys breakfast and reading the paper. Most days, Richard checks his email and plays a few games of Free Cell. A music therapist comes in weekly and meets with Richard. They play the downstairs piano and sing together. Friends regularly stop by and pick up Richard to go to the movies, coffee or concerts. Richard also enjoys talking with the other residents and staff.  He says, “Talking is the best therapy; it helps me forget about the cancer.”

Richard wishes he could still be in his condo, but St. Odilia is where he calls home now. At Saint Therese at St. Odilia, Richard’s story continues. 

Youth Volunteer Scholarship Awards

Photo: (Left to Right) Joey Anderson, Carly Koch,
Alayna Wessman and Cecilia Johnson.

Saint Therese recently awarded the 2013 Youth Volunteer Scholarships to four recipients. On April 11, over 50 people attended a celebration and had the opportunity to meet the outstanding youth. Each of the recipients was given a $1,000 educational scholarship. We are honored to recognize: Alayna Wessman, age 12, from Otsego, Joey Anderson, age 14, from Champlin, Carly Koch, age 16, from Minnetrista and Cecilia Johnson, age 18, from Brooklyn Park.

The Youth Volunteer Scholarship was created to recognize intergenerational connections and encourage other youth to engage with older adults. Earlier this year, the Saint Therese Foundation held a scholarship contest for youth ages 12 to 18 years old. Participants submitted a written essay or illustration demonstrating how volunteering with an older adult has impacted them.

“Youth who have taken the time to volunteer with an older adult are giving as much as they are gaining,” said Barbara Rode, Saint Therese President & CEO. “The youth volunteer scholarship was created in an effort to both recognize these youth volunteers and highlight the profound effect volunteering has on all those involved. We received many wonderful essays. It was inspiring to read what each person has contributed to, and gained from, their experiences.

The following quotes are taken from the recipients essays:

“[Volunteering] helped me realize the importance of helping others and giving time to your community and charities.”- Alayna Wessman

“Older people have done a lot to make our communities stronger and they have done a lot for the younger generations. Volunteering in ways that pay back makes a lot of sense and is the right thing to do.” - Joey Anderson

“This is what volunteering does. It makes you feel so good about making someone else happy for a moment.” - Carly Koch

“I started to volunteer in order to spend time with my great grandma, but the experience blossomed into even more than that. In truth, it actually became the basis for a lifestyle.” - Cecilia Johnson

Saint Therese is grateful for the time and commitment of all volunteers. The organization is happy to recognize the youth volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Month. To read the recipients entire essays, please visit our website.

Heart Health Nutrition

The new Cardiac Care Program at Saint Therese of New Hope was launched in May 2012. After a cardiac-related hospitalization, patients are often discharged to a transitional care unit in a skilled nursing facility to complete their care prior to returning home.

Jennifer Tallant, Saint Therese of New Hope Registered Dietitian, is part of an interdisciplinary cardiac care team that meets regularly and reviews changes in patient’s medical status. For example, an increase in weight may be an indicator that the patient is retaining fluids and needs adjustments made to their diet or cardiac medications. This holistic approach helps staff identify any problems before they become serious.

Tallant also meets with patients and their families to discuss their physician-ordered diet, review the heart-healthy menu options that are available at Saint Therese (easily denoted on menus with a red heart) and provide education for the return home. “Often the patient is not the primary cook in the home so it is important to get family members involved,” said Tallant.

A healthy diet is important for everyone, especially for cardiac patients. Tallant talks to patients about the importance of good nutrition and a low salt diet. “When it comes to heart health, we particularly look at the importance of a low salt diet because salt can cause the body to retain fluid which causes your heart to work harder,” explained Tallant. Following a low salt diet can also help manage high blood pressure.

For cardiac patients, no more than 500 mg of sodium is recommended per meal. It is important to review labels and look for lower sodium options.

Tallant provides three tips for better nutrition for cardiac patients that everyone can do at home:

• Take the salt shaker off the table and don’t add extra salt when cooking.
• Choose fresh foods whenever possible. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain very little sodium.
• Avoid spices and seasonings with the word salt or sodium in the name. For example, substitute garlic powder for recipes that call for garlic salt

Saint Therese Launches a Cardiac Care Program
Saint Therese is happy to announce that we have launched a specialized cardiac care program on our New Hope campus.

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Unit’s 2012 Minnesota Heart Disease Fact Sheet, in 2010 Minnesotans experienced over 48,000 acute heart disease hospitalizations, incurring more than $1.8 billion in charges for inpatient hospitalizations.

“The statistics are alarming. We saw a need in the community and developed a program to uniquely serve cardiac patients,” said Denise Juday Barnett, Saint Therese of New Hope Executive Director.The Cardiac Care Program, which started in May 2012, is an effort to reduce hospital readmissions among cardiac patients. Since May, nearly 180 patients have participated in the program at Saint Therese of New Hope. The program is one of the first of its kind in Minnesota.

“Saint Therese has had many successes over the past nine months,” explained Stacy Lind, Saint Therese of New Hope Director of Clinical Services. “An interdisciplinary team meets twice a week to review charts and measure patient progress. It allows us to prevent most issues before they become a problem and provide the best possible care to each individual.”

After a cardiac-related hospitalization, patients are often discharged to a transitional care unit in a skilled nursing facility to complete their care. At Saint Therese of New Hope, heart patients receive care provided by specially trained nursing staff and cardiac trained rehab staff. On-site EKG equipment, medication management by a licensed on-site pharmacist and specially designed beds to monitor weight help identify problems before they become serious.

To prepare the patient for the return home, several steps are taken. Heart-healthy nutrition education is offered by a registered dietitian to both patients and their family members. A home visit with a licensed occupational therapist is provided to ensure a safe return home. And, a fitness routine based on strategies to restore, adapt or compensate the patient’s body and living environment is developed.

Distinctive and essential parts of the program’s success are the extensive follow-up procedures after discharge to help prevent hospital readmission. Saint Therese provides continued rehab for cardiac patients through outpatient programming and social workers make regular calls to the individual to confirm appointments and transportation and to check on progress.

“It is our goal to give cardiac patients the tools they need to be successful at home and to prevent future complications through proper physical training and support,” said Amy Taylor-Greengard, Saint Therese Rehab Executive Director.

Saint Therese believes this integrated approach to care will help patients manage their cardiac health condition and keep them at home.

Spending Time with Seniors During the Holiday Season
It is usually this time of year, whether it’s the holiday season or the snow emergency season here in Minnesota, that we think of our senior loved ones most often. We worry about their safety and well-being. We think back to fond memories and consider ways to let them know how special they are. For seniors, this can be a lonely time of year as the thrill of the holidays come to an end and travel conditions become risky. Most elderly people enjoy the gift of time and even a 30-minute visit can greatly improve their emotional and social well-being.

Here are some activities to consider when planning a visit to an adult in their home or a long-term care facility.

1. Create a scrapbook or special memory album. This is especially useful for adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia as it helps to stimulate their minds and keep track of family events.
2. Bring some recent family photos to enjoy and leave there. They make for interesting conversation when your loved one has visitors to their home or independent living apartment.
3. Take a few minutes beforehand to write down some of your favorite holiday memories to reminisce with your loved one.
4. Go techno! Load your Ipod or Ipad with some fun holiday songs or your favorite YouTube videos to listen or you can watch together.
5. Bring a deck of cards or a fun game to play. Keep a running tally of who wins each time you visit.
6. Check their room(s) for burned out light bulbs, clutter, or ask if they need assistance with something. Sometimes not being able to reach an item or retrieve objects that have fallen under a table is a simple fix.
7. Give their wheelchair or walker a special clean up! Make sure it’s wiped down and well taken care of.
8. Take a walk! Get out and go touring. If possible, go outside. Many retirement homes have walking paths around the grounds such as the Family Courtyard and Healing Gardens at Saint Therese of New Hope.
9. Escort them to a special activity that is close by their home or within their senior housing complex, such as a movie or program. Check the activity calendar at their assisted living center or skilled nursing facility. The ones at Saint Therese are always full!
10. If you are looking to bring a gift to your visit, try some nice grooming items that would be a treat. Perfume, makeup, aftershave, fun lotions, etc. In Minnesota, soft, warm socks are a must! Ask if they would like you to apply the items while you are there to spruce themselves up a bit!

Depending on whether they’re in a two-bedroom independent apartment, assisted living suite, or a nursing care room, your loved one probably has limited space and more treasures than they have room to hold. Even gifts of food can sometimes be difficult for seniors with dietary restrictions.

If you bring small children along to visit, only stay as long as the child can handle. Warn them ahead of time if the senior you’re visiting has breakables or medical equipment that shouldn't be touched. Also try to steer the conversation towards events the child would like to share and that your loved one might find interesting such as an “A” on a school project or “big win” at a sporting event.

For visits that include more than just a few people, request a special room or find a restaurant with a quiet area. All of this will help to alleviate the stress that can come along with visiting a senior who looks forward to simply spending time with you and your family.

Taking a moment for thought and care will show your elderly loved one that they are special and remembered all year long. 

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and Family Caregivers Month

It’s not a coincidence that National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and National Family Caregivers are recognized in the same month. In the United States alone, there are nearly 15 million caregivers providing over $210 billion worth of care for 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and dementia, over 100,000 of those living in Minnesota, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website.

Caregivers face special challenges while caring for their loved ones due to the mental, physical and emotional aspects of memory loss including personality changes and social difficulties. Resource needs also evolve as a person goes through the different stages of Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, with organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, which is the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, families of loved ones with the disease have hope and support.

Planning and determining care options for a loved one with memory issues can be stressful and challenging; so the Alzheimer’s Association website offers these five tips:

1. Research all care options before deciding which is a good fit.
2. Ask providers if they have training in dementia care.
3. Familiarize providers with the needs and likes of the person with dementia.
4. Know that it's normal to be apprehensive about changing care.
5. Re-evaluate care as needs change.

Two community support resources created by the Alzheimer's Association are:

• The Alzheimer's Navigator™ which is an online tool to help caregivers and people with dementia evaluate their needs, identify action steps and connect with local programs and services.
• The ALZConnected™ which is the first social networking community designed for people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. These online resources exemplify the innovation needed to assist with the unique challenges of those with Alzheimer’s.

When living independently at home is no longer safe or requires more care than a loved one can provide, a person may transition into a housing option that meet their unique care needs from private apartments to a skilled nursing setting.

Saint Therese strives to actively and compassionately care for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss. “Caring for an adult with Alzheimer's long-term requires special training in meeting their physical, social and emotional needs," said Denise Juday Barnett, Executive Administrator of the Saint Therese of New Hope Care Center.

It was former President Ronald Reagan who designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, and was later diagnosed with the same disease. We are thankful for his foresight that Alzheimer’s could have a large impact on our society and his determination to fight the disease was inspiring. On November 5, 1994, Reagan published a letter to the American people announcing his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and is quoted saying, “I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done.”

Saint Therese was a proud Long Distance sponsor of this year’s Alzheimer's Association “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” held on September 22, 2012 at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, MN. This walk is the largest event in the United States to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s support, care and research. Fourteen walks were held through the Minnesota/North Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association whose goal was to raise $1.48 million. Participants walked with energy and enthusiasm through the beautiful Minnesota park to reclaim the future of their family, friends and co-workers with Alzheimer’s.



Saint Therese’s involvement is a reflection of our Community Benefit Statement: From the very beginning, Saint Therese has taken pride in the fact that it has always been a good member of the community. As a non-profit organization, Saint Therese strives to help others within our neighborhoods and beyond. We believe it is also important to communicate our outreach and support of the greater community as part of our mission. 

Get Out and Exercise, Experience Great Benefits

Fitness tips from Heidi Kimmes, Saint Therese Fitness Specialist

Last month’s blog post, Fitness, talked about developing a fitness plan. This month, Heidi Kimmes, Saint Therese of New Hope fitness specialist, shares about the benefits of exercise, general guidelines and exercise tips.

The benefits of exercise:

• Regular physical activity helps older individuals perform Activities of Daily Life (ADL), such as eating, bathing and dressing, and allows them to maintain independence longer.
  • Decrease in these ADLs is high with advancing age, especially for seniors 85 years and older
• Disease prevention and management of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and arthritis
• Stress management and psychological well-being
• Weight control
• Increases longevity
• Slows the physiologic changes of aging that impair exercise capacity
• Optimizes age-related changes in body composition

General exercise program guidelines for seniors:

• All seniors should avoid inactivity. Adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits.
• A fitness routine should include both cardiovascular fitness and resistance training.
• If adults are looking for substantial health benefits, they should engage in physical activities for at least 30 minutes, on five or more days of the week.
• For weight loss and more extensive health benefits, adults should engage in 60-90 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
• When seniors are unable to reach the 30 minutes of exercise a day because of chronic conditions, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow.
• The American Heart Association recommends taking 10,000 steps per day for health purposes.

Get Fit - Exercises to do on your own to meet the above guidelines:
Cardiovascular Endurance Exercises:

• Engage large muscle groups in continuous, rhythmic activity
  • Ideas include: walking around your retirement home, jogging, cycling, swimming, stair climbing, aerobics and water exercise
  • Cycling is a great non-weight bearing activity for adults and older adults with exercise limitations. Saint Therese Wellness Centers feature the NuStep and Biodex cycling equipment.

Resistance Training Exercises:

• Work a muscle or a group of muscles by overcoming resistance several times consecutively.
  • Should be done two days a week for major muscle groups
  • Ideas include: free weights, machines, theraband/rubber tubing and large therapy balls
    • Free weights require balance and some skill to perform exercises properly and safely. Using free weights may require supervision.
    • Resistance equipment is located in the Saint Therese Fitness Centers. These machines are safer than free weight exercise for the older adults.

Exercise tips for at home.
Looking for a few exercises to do while watching your favorite television program in your senior apartment? Here are a few simple exercises with great benefits:

• Find a wall and place hands at chest level, shoulder width apart, against the wall. Take a large step away from the wall and do some push-ups (1 or 2 sets of 10).
• Work out your hips—holding onto the back of a chair or your kitchen sink, simply keep your right leg straight and kick it forward (15 times), backwards (15 times) and out to the side (15 times). Continue with the left leg.
• While sitting in your favorite recliner, try going from a sitting position to a standing position 10 consecutive times. Easy? Take a break and try 10 more.
• Also from your recliner, you can march your knees up and down from a seated position. Time yourself for 30 seconds. As it gets easier, try increasing your time to a minute.

Heidi Kimmes, Fitness Specialist
Heidi has been an exercise specialist at Saint Therese of New Hope since 2011. Exercise and sports have always been a personal interest. In high school Heidi was a three-sport athlete and enjoyed various other recreational activities and in college she continued to play basketball, her favorite sport. Heidi always knew that she wanted an occupation in health and fitness. She attended Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall and graduated May 2009 with a degree in Exercise Science. “I could not have asked for a better place to be,” said Heidi. “I enjoy coming to Saint Therese every day and working with individuals to improve their lives!” 

Fitness

Last month’s blog post, “At the Heart of a Senior’s Health is Good Nutrition”, focused on why healthy eating is so important to a senior’s quality of life and how even slight dietary changes can decrease the risk of certain diseases. Well, the same is true for staying active. According to the Weight Control Information Center, regular physical activity may help prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and colon cancer. It can also increase a senior’s energy and boost their mood. As a person ages, the metabolism naturally slows down making maintaining a healthy weight a challenge. Proper nutrition combined with exercises that increase the metabolism and build muscle mass will help to burn more calories. Perhaps you’ve heard this from your doctor, loved one or from a personal trainer at one of our senior housing campuses, but you don’t know where to begin. You’re not alone. Many seniors feel discouraged by ongoing health problems and pain or concerns about balance or falls. The truth is, no matter your age or physical condition, you can benefit from exercise. The key is to develop a plan that gets your body moving and builds upon the hurdles you overcome and successes you achieve.

Developing a Fitness Plan
Before you make any changes in physical activity, consult a medical professional. They can provide guidance on maximum heart rate, warning signs of distress and even the timing of medications and meals around your exercise schedule. Saint Therese in Minnesota offers fitness services through Wellness Centers in both our New Hope and Oxbow Lake senior care centers. The licensed physical therapists, therapist assistants and exercise physiologists in our long-term care facilities can help you develop and maintain an exercise program for your condition and goals.

Incorporate cardio and strength training exercises to build endurance for everyday activities such as walking, stair climbing and house cleaning. Saint Therese offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment in our Wellness Centers to help build muscle with repetitive motion and external resistance methods which prevents the loss of bone mass. Consider taking a group exercise class. It’s easier to maintain a fitness plan with support.

Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 and over (according to www.ihlcaregiver.com) and many falls are preventable with balance training. Practices such as yoga and tai chi are posture exercises that increase confidence with balance. For a more “high tech” approach to gaining balance, try the NeuroCom EquiTest assessment and rehabilitation system, available in the Saint Therese Balance Clinic. This system uses the same technology used to measure equilibrium in NASA shuttle crews.

If aching joints or injury is preventing you from starting a fitness routine, consider water therapy. Water aerobics or even slow, repetitive movements in water builds muscle without breaking down joints and tissue. Opening soon, a warm water pool at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, MN.

Many seniors turn to massage to relieve aches and pains but passage can actually be part of your workout. Massage therapy can reduce pain around joints and muscles, making it easier to use full range of motion during exercises. The Mayo Clinic reports that massage therapy can actually improve circulation which is especially important if you have diabetes which reduces blood flow to the tissues of your lower legs and feet. The personal trainers at our Saint Therese of New Hope senior apartments, assisted living and nursing care campus offer pain relief solutions such as moist heat and relaxation therapy.

If the thought of “working out” takes you back to the days of tight spandex and body crunching exercises of the 1980s, think again. Think about activities that you enjoy and incorporate them into your day. Some examples are:

• Take pictures of nature while on one of the community's many walking paths.
• Walk around the mall and window shop.
• If you used to love tennis but now find it too intense, try pickleball or badmitten.
• Watch a favorite television show or read a book while walking on the treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle.

At Saint Therese, our seniors enjoy life because of inspirational services we offer such as unique exercise programs which help them achieve their optimal health and well-being and to live life to the fullest at any age. 

At the Heart of a Senior’s Health is Good Nutrition

In our world of fast food, large portions and rich desserts, eating healthy can be difficult. Even for seniors living in communities with prepared meals and a variety of dining options, eating healthy can be a challenge. Studies show that a healthy diet in your later years may reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and certain cancers (http://my.americanheart.org/professional/StatementsGuidelines/ByTopic/TopicsD-H/DietNutrition_UCM_320704_Article.jsp)

If your goal is to maintain a high quality of life for as long as possible, good nutrition keeps muscles, bones, organs and other body parts strong. Eating vitamin-rich food boosts immunity and fights toxins which cause chronic illnesses. Consuming fewer calories keeps weight in check, which helps to prevent diabetes and high blood pressure. For individuals who wish to decrease their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, selecting brightly colored fruit, leafy vegetables, fish and nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids, provides key nutrients for brain function. Wholesome meals give seniors more energy, faster recovery times and better management of chronic health problems.

But proper nutrition doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. For seniors living independently, like those in the senior apartments at Saint Therese of New Hope and Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake, preparing one’s own meals can be a way to maintain proper health and nutrition. When planning meals, grocery shopping and cooking, thoughtful selections help achieve better health. The following are a few tips to keep in mind while grocery shopping:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Select deeply colored items– such as spinach, carrots, peaches and berries which tend to be higher in vitamins and minerals. For more fiber, look for beans, peas, oranges and bananas. When fresh foods aren't available, choose frozen or canned vegetables and fruits in water instead of juice or syrup.
• Dairy: Use egg whites or egg substitutes instead of egg yolks. Don’t buy a lot of butter, cream and ice cream. Save those for special occasions and, even then, limit how much you eat. These foods have more saturated fat than whole milk.
• Meat: Eat one serving of grilled or baked fish at least twice a week. Choose cuts of red meat and pork labeled “loin” and “round”; they usually contain less fat. Select leaner light cuts of poultry and try the skinless version.
• Grains: Look for labels that say “whole-grain” rather than “whole wheat”. Check for store-baked goods that are made with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oils, skim or reduced-fat milk and egg whites — or make your own.
• Oils: Choose canola oil, corn oil, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil which are lower in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Use nonstick vegetable spray when cooking.

Good nutrition as an older adult can also be enhanced by eating with friends. That is why the chefs and dietitians at Saint Therese work to prepare nutritious options for those seniors who wish to enjoy prepared meals in our dining rooms, whether they’re in assisted living, an independent apartment or transitional care unit.

Saint Therese makes an effort to educate our seniors about why certain meal choices are healthy by noting carbohydrate amounts and lower calorie options on our dining menus. We have a registered dietitian on staff, Jennifer Tallant, who has worked in the nutrition services department on the transitional care unit at Saint Therese of New Hope for the past six years. One of the things she likes most about working at Saint Therese is having the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by striving to provide the best nutritional care possible. For example, click here to learn Jennifer’s tips on making many of your favorite recipes healthier by using lower-fat or no-fat ingredients. These substitutions can help you cut down on saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, while noticing little, if any, difference in taste. Click here to see a heart healthy recipe for Grilled Chicken with Strawberry and Pineapple Salsa that Jennifer recommends.

Lycopene, an important antioxidant, is found in high concentrations of cooked and canned tomato products. Lycopene fights free radicals that can interfere with normal cell growth and activity. These free radicals may potentially lead to cancer, heart disease and premature aging. For a great source of lycopene, Mary Ryan, Dining Services Manager at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park recommends this Easy Marinara Sauce recipe. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C and contain high amounts of potassium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin B. As a source of fiber, one medium tomato will equal one slice of whole wheat bread with only 35 calories.

Health and nutrition advice has changed and even been contradictory over the years. However, you’ll never go wrong with Mary Ryan’s tip, “Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”