Tag Archives: Senior Citizens

Senior Renewal

January 6, 2013

You can call it the winter blues or the January blahs or post-holiday depression. But no matter what you call it, this time of year can be difficult.

The end of the holidays coupled with inclement weather and previous losses can make winter a physical, mental and emotional challenge.

To help, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese offers Senior Renewal, an outpatient service for adults (generally) 60 years old and over who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety and “nerves.”

Services, available weekdays at the hospital HealthPlex, focus on restoring well-being and quality of life and helping participants return to the peak of their capabilities. (more…)

Senior Yoga Classes

December 28, 2012

Senior Yoga, for those 55 years old and over, will be offered from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, beginning Jan. 21, and/or Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 23, at the St. Joseph-Breese HealthPlex.

Classes will feature typical Yoga poses but with modifications to allow those in an older age bracket to participate, said hospital Physical Therapy Director Lynn Rinella. Those who follow an active lifestyle or who are more sedentary are welcome to attend.

“Modifications take into account physical issues—especially heart-related concerns—that many in this age group experience,” Rinella said. “Poses and methods will focus on increasing muscular strength, endurance and flexibility as well as an increase in stamina, lung capacity and overall wellness.”

In all its forms, Yoga is also considered a great stress reliever.

Christi Persing, a certified YogaFit instructor, is the class instructor.

Cost is $30 for either the Monday or Wednesday series or $60 for both. Participants need to register for and only attend that specific day.

HealthPlex membership is not required.

Class size is limited. For more information or to register (required), contact Marion at 526-5628 or marion.krebs@hshs.org

Advanced Senior Exercise Class

December 14, 2012

Start the New Year off right! The next Advanced Senior Exercise classes are scheduled from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 8-31, at the St. Joseph-Breese HealthPlex.

Space is limited and registration is required.

Flexibility, strength and cardiovascular fitness will be the focus, said Kathy Rakers, a certified athletic trainer with Athletes Advantage, the hospital’s sports medicine program.

“The class is for those 60 years old and over who want to participate in a group exercise program but don’t know if they can handle a regular advanced class,” Rakers said. “It’s designed to help individuals who want to be in a group setting and do more than the gym.”

Sessions will cover exercise techniques and use of equipment such as stability balls, dumbbells, steps, exercise bands and activities of everyday living, she said.

Rakers holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from McKendree University in Lebanon and joined the hospital’s Athletes Advantage program in 2004. During the school year, she is an athletic trainer at Carlyle and Okawville high schools.

Cost is $40 for eight sessions. Those attending should bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

For more information or to register (required), contact Marion at 526-5628 or marion.krebs@hshs.org

Lifeline with AutoAlert

December 5, 2012

Home for the holidays! Lights on the tree. Pretty packages. Cookies baking.

But, is mom getting a little shaky? Is dad starting to totter? Maybe your loved ones could use some additional support when the decorations are put away and everyone goes home.

“Seniors are living longer and remaining in their own homes but falls have become epidemic – a problem that jeopardizes their chances of living independently,” said Gerrie Haukap, Social Services Director at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

Each year, in the United States alone, she said, one out of three people age 65 and over will fall.

“Among seniors, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries, hospital admissions for trauma and injury-related deaths,” she said. “Close to 50 percent of seniors can’t get up from a fall without help and lying on the floor for an extended period can lead to serious complications including pressure ulcers, muscle necrosis, dehydration, hypothermia and pneumonia.”

St. Joseph’s in Breese may have one solution – an enhanced medical alert service such as a Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert. This integrated solution combines the Lifeline medical alert service with automatic fall detection that can automatically call for help.

If a fall is detected, subscribers still have the opportunity to receive quick access to assistance even when they can’t push their help button if, for example, they lose consciousness, become immobilized, forget or won’t push their button because they feel they can manage the situation on their own.

According to an internal laboratory study of simulated falls, Lifeline with AutoAlert detected 95 percent of many types of falls and had a low rate of false alarms.

The system is designed to help reduce the risk of a senior lying on the floor for a long time. Receiving help more quickly may also reduce emotional distress and the potential costs of extended treatment, rehabilitation and supported living.

Just as important, the service can provide added confidence and peace of mind to the 22 million seniors who fear falling and their loved ones.

“One of the greatest threats to seniors’ health is falls and associated injuries,” Haukap said. “Lifeline with AutoAlert can help seniors maintain their independence and provide caregivers with peace of mind.”

For more information, visit the hospital’s website at www.stjoebreese.com, then go to Hospital Services, then Lifeline, or contact 526-5330 or gerrie.haukap@hshs.org.

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