In honor of Nurses Appreciation Week 2021, take some time to thank the nurses who have been working tirelessly and selflessly to care for our communities. Here are two ways you can show your appreciation this Nurses Week.

Write a Thank-You Note

Although simple, heartfelt notes can mean a lot. Your note can be a hand-written letter, a decorative card, or even an ecard. Just be sure to be sincere and let them know specific things you are grateful for. Even if you don’t know any nurses personally, you can write notes to the nurses at the hospitals or skilled nursing facilities in Los Gatos and drop them off during Nurses Week. 

Give a Social Media Shout-Out

One of the easiest ways to say thanks this Nurses Week is to give a shout-out to nurses on social media. Create or share a post on social media thanking nurses for all they do, and tag the nurses you know. They will appreciate the recognition, and others will be inspired to thank nurses, too!

At Woodlands Healthcare Center in Los Gatos, we hope you take some time during National Nurses Week to thank the nurses in our community. These are some ideas to get you started, but feel free to be creative in the way you choose to express your thanks!

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We understand that mental health during COVID-19 can be especially challenging for seniors since age and health conditions can lead to more isolation and anxiety. There are, however, things you can do to take care of your physical and mental health during COVID-19. Follow these suggestions to make sure your mind and body can perform their best. 

Have an Exercise Routine

It’s no surprise that physical exercise is good for your body. But exercise can also do wonders for your mental health, too. Exercise can be a powerful antidote to depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and PTSD. The exercise doesn’t have to be intense; good exercises for seniors include walking, chair yoga, water aerobics, and pilates. 

No matter the exercise, it is important to build some kind of regular exercise into your schedule. With the challenges of the pandemic, doing so will help you improve not only your physical health but also your mental health during COVID-19.

Make Sure You Are Sleeping Enough

Getting enough sleep does more than just give you energy. In fact, good sleep is shown to improve your immune system, balance hormone levels, and enhance your mental functioning. 

On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can increase depression, bodily inflammation, risk of type 2 diabetes, and risk of heart disease and stroke. So, do your mind and body a favor by making sure you are getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night, as recommended for those who are 65 or older.

Keep Up Good Hygiene

Keeping yourself clean and put together will not only keep you healthier and safer, but it will also help you feel more confident and prepared for your day. In the morning, shower, groom yourself, and get dressed to give a little boost to your self-esteem. Then, throughout the day, be sure to wash your hands frequently and drink plenty of water so you can feel fresh and stay healthy. 

Consider Meditation

If you are facing challenges with your mental health during COVID-19, you might want to consider meditation. Practicing meditation is proven to be positively impactful on both mental and physical health. Research shows that meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, asthma, chronic pain, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more. There are a variety of ways to meditate, but mindfulness meditations are shown to be especially transformative. So, take some time out of your day to slow down and meditate.

We know that this pandemic has been a hard time for nearly everyone, and we want you to stay healthy and happy. Doing these four simple things will help you take care of your mental health during COVID-19 and will be worth the extra effort.

The post How Seniors Can Maintain Their Mental Health during COVID-19 appeared first on Woodlands Healthcare Center.

We have been impressed by the dedication and commitment the staff has shown to balancing professional responsibilities with their own personal and family needs. Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the lives of others.

With great admiration and appreciation,

Bob

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As recommended by the CMS and CDC, we are doing the following:

1. Ensuring that we are following all CMS and CDC guidelines related to infection control and safety
2. Implementing system screening for all staff members and residents
3. Assigning the same staff to care for the same group of residents consistently
4. Ensuring all staff members are using appropriate protective equipment when interacting with and caring for residents
5. Designating separate areas for healthy and sick residents

Our residents are our number one priority. Please know that they are receiving outstanding care and attention. If you have questions pertaining to the recently issued recommendations above, please contact us.

The post Coronavirus Update: New CMS and CDC Recommendations for Skilled Nursing Facilities appeared first on Woodlands Healthcare Center.

Woodlands Healthcare Center is committed to keeping our patients, staff, and visitors safe as we manage the emerging global public health situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19). As part of our commitment, we are taking additional proactive measures to help prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 at our facility.

Based on the increasing incidence of COVID-19 in California, effective Wednesday, March 11, 2020, and until further notice, Woodlands Healthcare Center will implement visitation restrictions on all volunteer programs, vendors, and family members unless deemed absolutely necessary. We want to offer options such as FaceTime, Skype, or other means of seeing and communicating with family members or loved ones residing at the facility. Please call (408) 356-8136 or email bobb@aspenhealth.com if you’d like to try these alternative methods. If there is an unavoidable reason you must visit the facility, we require a health screen and approval process to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

We are monitoring this developing situation closely, staying in regular contact with federal agencies, health organizations, and other experts. For additional information and updates on our response to this evolving situation, please visit our website: www.woodlandshealth.net. In addition to our visitation changes, frequent handwashing is always encouraged to protect our employees, patients, and families from the spread of germs and viruses. Our patients, staff, and visitors are always our top priority, and we will continue to do all we can to ensure a safe environment to give and receive care.

For more information, read CMS’s Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes.

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COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has become a main issue today as it spreads throughout different countries and cities. We know that many patients and visitors may be nervous about catching this infectious disease. We assure you that we have developed protocols and safety measures to protect those in our facility.

Below is what you need to know about the coronavirus, including what we are doing to help you and your loved ones.

Is the facility prepared?

Yes. Our highly trained team of healthcare professionals is prepared to treat patients with serious illnesses and complex diseases. We have infectious disease specialists who understand and follow safety protocols established by local, state, and federal healthcare officials. They are closely monitoring healthcare developments and findings.

Should I wear a facemask?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that the general public wear face masks outside of work settings. You should wear a face mask, however, if you have an airborne infectious disease.

Is coronavirus dangerous?

According to the CDC, the general public is considered at low risk of getting coronavirus. Often, those who have the disease suffer from only a mild illness. Some who are infected may not even realize it. Like influenza, coronavirus can develop into a more serious illness such as pneumonia and result in death. Those who are of older age and who have underlying conditions are the most susceptible to coronavirus.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath and can appear within two to 14 days after exposure. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately to get tested. If you have recently been in close contact with someone diagnosed with coronavirus or who has recently traveled to an area infected with coronavirus, call your physician.

What is the facility doing to protect patients?

To ensure the well-being of our patients, we screen all current and new patients for coronavirus symptoms and review their travel history. If a patient shows symptoms or has recently visited an infected location, he or she will receive a coronavirus test performed by trained specialists. We adhere to strict protocols designed by the CDC when interacting with those being tested to prevent transmission. In addition, our staff members strictly observe standard, contact, and airborne precautions and monitor visitor access and movement within the facility.

How can I protect myself and those around me from coronavirus?

To avoid exposure and prevent transmission of the disease, public health professionals have recommended the following steps:

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Refrain from touching your face, including your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay at home if you are experiencing ill-like symptoms.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue.
• Disinfect objects that are regularly touched at home and at your workplace.
• Wear a facemask if you show symptoms of coronavirus or other infectious airborne diseases.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water multiple times a day, especially after being in public or shaking hands with others.

The health and well-being of our residents are our main priority. We assure you that our staff members are doing everything in their power to help maintain the safety and cleanliness of our building. We ask that all patients and visitors follow the recommended guidelines above to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus.

The post Coronavirus: What You Should Know, Including Our Safety Protocols  appeared first on Woodlands Healthcare Center.

If you are looking for exercises that will help you break a sweat without breaking a bone, here are seven safe activities for seniors that will get your heart pumping.

1. Toe Lifts

Sitting for long periods of time puts you at a greater risk for blood clots. If possible, take a break from sitting and spend time working out your lower leg muscles. Toe lifts are an excellent exercise that can increase your calf muscles and your balance.

How They Work

Hold on to the back of a chair, a countertop, a table, or another sturdy object for support. Begin to lift up on your toes so that your heels come off the floor. Hold the position for five seconds and then slowly bring your heels back to the floor. Repeat this exercise nine to 30 times.

Make It Harder

Hold two dumbbell weights (one in each hand) as you lift up on your toes. Start with three pounds in each hand and increase the weight from there.

2. Wall Push-Ups

The standard push-up is an excellent way to strengthen your shoulders and arms, but it can be extremely challenging for many. That’s where wall push-ups come in. Wall push-ups are easier than the standard push-up and still strengthen your muscles.

How They Work

Stand about a foot away from a wall. Put your palms against the wall with your fingers pointing up and your arms slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Slowly bend your elbows as you would if you were doing a standard push-up. Bring your head close to the wall and then push your body away from the wall. Your feet should not move during the entire exercise. Repeat nine times.

Make Them Harder

If you are able to perform multiple reps of wall push-ups, try incorporating single wall push-ups into your exercise. Start with five push-ups on each arm.

3. Single-Leg Stance

According to NCOA, one in four American seniors fall each year. If you have fallen in the past or have a fear of falling, performing exercises that increase your balance can stabilize your body and reduce your worries. Single leg stances can help increase your balance and prevent future falls.

How They Work

Stand next to a chair, counter, or any other stable object for extra support if needed. Place both feet side by side on the floor. Lift up one leg and hold your stance for 10 seconds. Slowly place your leg down and repeat the exercise with the other leg. Perform the exercise five times on both legs.

Increase the Intensity

Hold a dumbbell, kettlebell, or any other heavy object with both hands as you balance on one leg. Start with a smaller weight and increase the weight from there.

4. Standing Rear Leg Raises

If you feel like you have mastered single leg raises, try standing rear leg raises. This type of exercise helps strengthen your core, glutes, and hamstrings while increasing your balance.

How They Work

Hold on to a chair, counter, or stable object and stand with both feet on the floor. Raise one leg behind you, squeezing your glutes. Make sure that you do not bend forward at your hips or raise your leg so far back that you feel pressure on your lower back. Repeat the exercise nine times and then switch legs.

Make It Harder

Strap an ankle weight to both ankles and perform the exercise eight times on each leg.

5. Walking

Walking is not only free, but it’s also easy to do. Grab a pair of comfortable shoes and reap the benefits of a nice stroll. Some of these include burning calories, strengthening your heart, and lowering your blood sugar.

Make It Harder

Walk at an incline. Find a gradual hill in your neighborhood or set a treadmill to a moderate incline. This can help you break a sweat faster and tone your glutes and calves.

6. Shoulder Blade Squeeze

This exercise helps strengthen the muscles between your shoulder blades, stretch your chest, and improve your posture.

How It Works

You can perform this exercise sitting or standing. Place your arms at your sides and relax your shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for five seconds. Relax your shoulders and repeat nine times.

7. Abdominal Contractions

You don’t have to do a full sit-up to strengthen your abs. Abdominal contractions won’t hurt your back as a crunch or sit-up would, but they’ll still give you the ab workout you want.

How They Work

Lie on the floor or a bed. Take a deep breath and tighten your abdominals, holding for three to five seconds. Release the contraction and repeat nine times.

If you want to increase your fitness level, the seven exercises above can help you safely reach your fitness goals. Incorporate them all to achieve a long and intense workout, or choose a few and increase your number of reps for a quick but challenging session.

The post 7 Safe Exercises for Seniors That Actually Work appeared first on Woodlands Healthcare Center.