Do you have enough energy for the holidays

Posted on December 19th, 2012

Do You Have Enough Energy for the Holidays?

Whether you have an energy zapping disease or condition, or you’re just plain overbooked during this busy holiday season, practicing principles of energy conservation and work simplification may help you to survive, and even enjoy all the festivities.  Consider incorporating these techniques into your daily activities:

·         Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary steps.  Gather all of your materials before beginning a task.  Use a bag or basket to carry materials to your work station.

·         Store items close to their place of use, and store items most frequently used at the same time together.  An example of this would be to put all of your baking supplies together and store them near the stove.

·         Sit to work instead of stand.  The ideal work height is where shoulders are relaxed and elbows are bent at 90 degrees. 

·         Use good body mechanics.  Face your task directly to avoid twisting and reaching.  Use two hands whenever possible.

·         Avoid lifting or carrying heavy items.  Slide them across a level surface such as a counter top or use wheels to transport larger items.  Get in the spirit of the season and purchase an inexpensive sled to move items in the snowy outdoors!

·          Balance work (activity) with rest.  Plan rest periods between activities and alternate light tasks with those that are more strenuous.

AARP safe driver program

Posted on October 18th, 2012

Check our event calendar/updates to find out about upcoming AARP Safe Driver Program and "We Need To Talk" program. A program designed for families when the time comes to have the talk with Mom or Dad that is time to stop driving.

Home Safety Part 1

Posted on August 29th, 2012

Home Safe Home –  Part 1

Some general tips to improve home safety include…

·         Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

·         Keep pathways and entrances clear of clutter and well lit

·         Have an accessible or portable phone with emergency contacts handy

·         Have a working fire extinguisher and know how to use it

·         Have an emergency exit plan in place

To decrease trip hazards and reduce falls and injuries…

·         Remove throw rugs and runners that tend to slide around

·         Use double face carpet tape to secure the edges of large rugs and carpet

·         Tile floors can be slippery when wet!  A small rug with a non-skid back may be used in front of a sink or tub if the floor tends to get wet

Dress for success…and safety…

·         Wear non-skid shoes rather than stockings when walking indoors

·         When possible, wear lace-up shoes for better foot/ankle support

·         Wear clothing without long or loose sleeves that could touch cooking surfaces or get caught on knobs

·         Wear a hat when out in the sun and sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful rays

·         Wear gloves when doing yard work to prevent injury or infection

Gardening Tips #3

Posted on July 21st, 2012

Gardening Tips #3 – Conserve Your Strength and Energy in Gardening and Yard Work

To be as efficient and productive as possible in gardening and yard work, follow these tips for energy conservation and work simplification:

·         Analyze your activities by breaking them down into components.  Prioritize and eliminate unnecessary steps or activities when you are able.

·         Delegate tasks that are too difficult or taxing by asking family members, or hiring someone to do the job.

·         Consider environmental conditions – temperature and humidity can affect the amount of energy that you have.  Avoid gardening and yard work in the direct sun in the heat of the day (10 a.m.-2 p.m.).

·         Change positions often.   Alternate light tasks with those that are more difficult.  Take frequent rests and stop working before you become overtired.

·         Sit or kneel to work whenever possible to conserve energy and decrease stress on back, knees and hops.

·         Avoid lifting heavy loads.  When possible, slide or push the load rather than lift, or use wheels to transport heavy items.

·         Plan ahead to avoid rushing or unnecessary steps.  Have the proper tools handy and ready for use (blades sharpened and gas in tank).

·         Use good body mechanics and posture to reduce stress, fatigue and injury.  Avoid holding your breath during exertion.

·         Store equipment close to the point of use, or keep it handy with a garden cart or wagon that can be rolled to the job.  For smaller tools, carry a bucket or wear an apron with pockets.

·         Use larger muscle groups for the task.  Rather than grasping a bag with your fingers, drape it over your forearm and use the biceps to carry the load.

·         Use both hands for a task whenever possible.

·         Avoid working above shoulder level for extended periods of time.  Use long handled equipment to extend your reach.

·         Consider planting perennials or shrubs.  Chose hardy plants that don’t require a lot of maintenance and are tolerant of heat and drought.  Shop for seed tapes or shake gardens.

·         Wear gardening clogs or shoes that can be hosed off and left at the door.  This will save time and effort when cleaning the house.

·         Garden near a water source or use a hose caddy on wheels.  Curly hoses tend to be lightweight and don’t need to be coiled for storage.  Adapters are available to make faucets more accessible and more ergonomically friendly.

·         When choosing pots for planting, shop for lightweight containers (resin or plastic) verses clay or cement.  Fill pots with packing peanuts rather than rock for improved draining with less weight.  Larger pots will require less frequent watering.

Gardening Tips #2

Posted on July 3rd, 2012

Gardening Tips #2  –  Getting BACK into the Garden

Enjoy working in the yard and garden without injuring or aggravating your back by following a few simple suggestions offered by Cadence Health Occupational Therapists…

·         Stretch your back before, during and after gardening activities.

·         When bending, keep back straight and bend at knees.  Avoid excessive bending by using long handled tools.

·         For planting or weeding at ground level, squat or kneel rather than bend at waist.  Knee pads or a soft, foam kneeling pad can be helpful.

·         When lifting, know your limits.  Consider breaking up the load into smaller, lighter loads and/or asking for help.

·         Squat and lift with your legs, not your back and keep load close to your body.

·         When raking, move close to the area that you are raking, keep your back straight and use your arm muscles to do the work.

·         When shoveling, keep knees slightly bent and shift weight from the back foot to the front foot.  Pivot with feet to avoid twisting the back.

·         When digging, stand directly over the area that you are digging and insert the tool vertically into the soil.  Lift small amounts of dirt, keeping hips and shoulders aligned with the task at hand.

·         If you have an existing  back injury, consider planting in flower boxes or raised beds to avoid bending.

Gardening Tips #1

Posted on June 20th, 2012

Try your HAND at Gardening

Repetitive stress and activity can aggravate joints, muscles and tendons in the elbow, wrist and hand.  Follow these recommendations to prevent pain and injuries during gardening activities:

·         Gently stretch before, during and after gardening activities

-           Bend the wrist down toward the palm and then back up (repeat x 10)

-          Make a fist, then extend fingers so that they are straight (repeat x 10)

·         Avoid a tight, sustained grasp.  Stop to rest frequently and/or change positions or tasks.

·         Try to keep hands in a neutral position (palm toward body with wrist cocked slightly back) especially when working against resistance.  A wrist support (available at most drug stores) may help you to avoid aggravating positions.

·         Consider purchasing ergonomically designed hand tools that keep hands/wrists in good positions (available at hardware and specialty stores).

·         Build up handles on gardening tools.  This can be done by wrapping them with rubber shelf liner (secure with rubber bands) or foam pipe insulation.

·         Wear gloves to increase grip/traction and to avoid injury and infection.  Consider purchasing anti-fatigue gloves with a small gel pack in the palm to absorb forces.

·         Use scissors or a utility knife to open bags or cut twine.

·         Keep cutting tools sharp, well oiled and in good repair.

Delnor Glen adopts a family for Christmas

Posted on January 13th, 2012

Delnor Glen Seniors and Staff Create a Happy Holiday for Area Family

Part of the person-centered care philosophy practiced at Delnor Glen Senior Living involves giving back to the community.  During the recent holiday season, the staff, residents and their families did just that.

Business Manager Kristin Landahl became aware of an area family whose 14 year old daughter was getting ready to move to a hospice level of care.  She had become wheelchair bound and was no longer able to take food orally.  Recently the girl’s mother, a nurse, had a work-related injury.   No longer able to work, the family income was cut in half.

After hearing that the family’s Thanksgiving dinner had been provided by a food bank, the team at Delnor Glen asked the family to submit a wish list for Christmas.  A small tree in Delnor Glen’s lobby was decorated with ornaments that displayed these wishes, and staff and residents were invited to take one and purchase the item for the family.

Residents and their families chose ornaments and enjoyed shopping for the family that includes the 14 year old girl, her 16 year old brother, and mom and dad.  Staff members from all levels gave generously including one who purchased an i-pod for the family.  Between individual donations and money raised through a raffle and tips at their holiday party, the group raised over $800 in gift cards and $130 in cash for this family in need.

A few days before Christmas, several of the directors from Delnor Glen loaded up the bus with gifts and groceries.  Lindahl said, “The bus was stuffed with gifts and food including a ham, a turkey and a cooler full of frozen foods that aren’t available at the local food bank.  It’s cool to think that the 16 year old son could actually invite a few buddies over for pizza during the holidays, when that’s not something he could have done before.”

Staff members who helped make the delivery said that the family appeared “stunned and overwhelmed” by the generosity of the gifts.  The parents seemed particularly grateful to know that their children would have a happy holiday.  As for the seniors at Delnor Glen, even though they may need some assistance themselves at times, they still enjoy helping others in need.

For more information about Delnor Glen Senior Living, please call 630-443-8220.

Don't be a Victim of Cons or Scams

Posted on December 7th, 2011

Don’t Be a Victim of Cons or Scams

Con-artists often try to victimize older adults – follow these tips and guidelines to avoid being a victim of con games, insurance fraud, home repair, telephone or internet scams.

Don’t be afraid to hang up the phone on telephone sales people.  You are not being rude – you are taking care of yourself!  You can say “no” to any offer!

Don’t give any personal information out over the phone unless you were the one who made the call.  This includes credit card and bank numbers, your social security number and any passwords or pin numbers.

Don’t be fooled by deals that seem too good to be true – they probably are!

Don’t fall for deals that require you to put money up front and promise you more money later.  Check with the local Better Business Bureau to get more information about any company you may have concerns about.

Don’t take money from your bank account if a stranger tells you to.  In one common swindle, a thief pretends to be a bank employee and asks you to take money out to “test” an employee.  Banks do not check on their employees this way!  

Do tell a trusted family member or friend and contact the police if you believe that you have been a victim of a scam, if someone has or is trying to con you, or if you accidentally gave out personal information .

About Delnor Glen

Posted on December 7th, 2011

From the moment someone enters the grounds of Delnor Glen Senior Living in St. Charles, they get the feeling of being home. 

   Maybe it is the variety of quality facilities and services that Delnor Glen features on-site such as independent townhomes, assisted living, memory loss care and rehabilitation services.  Maybe it is the familiarity of the staff, many of whom have been at Delnor Glen for ten years or longer.  Maybe it is the staff’s dedication to person-centered care; creating an environment to foster relationships, creativity, spirituality, learning and personal growth.  If you ask Delnor Glen’s public relations director Cathy Duer, she says that it is all of these things, and more.

 “Our residents have a sense of belonging”, reports Duer.  “There is always a familiar face, someone to talk to whether they are having a bad day and need a hug, or are celebrating good news or a happy event.  It is excellence in the quality of care for every resident.”

 The staff is not only dedicated and compassionate, but they have the certifications to show for their advanced training in the field.  Every nurse in the facility is certified in assisted living.  This is just one of the factors that helped Delnor Glen receive the Seal of Confidence from Life Services Network, earning them five stars in the area of quality of care. 

 The staff offers professional care and services around the clock including wellness checks, medication reminders, and assistance with bathing, housekeeping and other activities. There is a dedicated site for rehabilitation services where residents can receive physical, occupational and speech therapies from licensed Delnor therapists.

 The residents enjoy the comfort of beautiful apartments with private bathrooms and emergency response systems.  They enjoy three delicious meals a day, served restaurant-style in an elegant dining room.  All are welcome to attend a variety of engaging activities that include outings and a membership to Delnor’s Health & Wellness Center.

 Some members of the community think of Delnor Glen as their home away from home.  They may come for a week or a weekend, for a vacation or a respite stay.  Others have used Delnor Glen as a bridge between the hospital and home. A short-term stay allows them to complete their recovery in a safe, accessible environment.  They are able to maintain their privacy, while getting the help and support that they need with easy access to nursing and therapy services.

 It’s clear that there isn’t just one thing that stands out at Delnor Glen.  From the cozy fire in the front room, to the warm relationships between residents and staff,  We all know the saying,  “There’s no place like home”.  As you can see, “There’s no place like Delnor Glen”.