Promoting Healthy Habits

We are once again engaged in a little friendly fitness competition among staff members here at Maristhil... a figurative “Walk Across Massachusetts!”

 

Our objective is to promote and encourage healthy habits and lifestyles throughout the facility.  Several team members will be walking multiple times each day and some are closing in on the finish line! 

 

We hope the healthy routine continues long after the competition is over!

Music Therapy Very Popular Among Elders



Music is very popular at Maristhill

Music has a powerful impact on everyone, but can release a tripwire of powerful memories to the elderly, says Dana Larsen, a senior living writer.

“This is why music therapy is one of the most effective treatments for the elderly,” she explains.

We agree, and we consistently conduct musical events here at Maristhill, ranging from concerts, shows by professional entertainers, sing-alongs, and other performances.

Here are just a few improvements noted by elders and their families, and listed by MusicWorks, a Delaware music therapy organization:

• Better awareness and concentration
• Enhances interest levels and social interaction
• Improves memory and recall
• Happier outlook on life and higher self-esteem
• Increases mobility and coordination
• Diminishes pain and improves recovery time
• Reduces tension and promotes relaxation

Are You A Caregiver?

Recent statistics indicate almost one-quarter of American households provide care to relatives or friends age 50 or older.

If you are a caregiver it's important to take care of yourself as well as your loved-one. You might begin by taking stock of the people, services and information that can help with your situation. The earlier you find support, the better.

We understand the challenges of caring for a loved one at home, and offer respite care so at-home caregivers can have an opportunity to deal with their own medical issues or simply take a much needed break.

Please ask our Admission Department about this service.

Dogs Make People Happy!

Pet visits have consistently been a popular activity with our residents at Maristhill.

As one expert put it, "Dogs make people happy!"

But the "pets" we encounter during these visits include a wide range of cuddly critters that go well beyond just dogs...

Further, and most important, studies have shown that regular visits with pets can have positive physical, emotional, and mental benefits for the elderly, especially those living in nursing or long-term care facilities.

Physical benefits include lowering blood pressure, lowering heart rate, and reducing overall stress.

Emotional benefits include reducing anxiety and depression, and decreasing loneliness through regular social interaction with the pets.

Rehabilitation Fundamentals

People often ask about how often they will be seen by a rehabilitation specialist once they are admitted at Maristhill.

Our rehabilitation team conducts a full evaluation the day after the patient is admitted. Treatment begins the following day and continues according to the physician’s orders. 

The frequency of visits is dictated by the physician’s order, but often an order calls for a session each of physical therapy and occupational therapy six days per week. A typical session lasts 45-50 minutes. The frequency and duration of rehab services is usually based on what patients can tolerate.

Sustainability in Healthcare: Thinking "Green"

Sustainability has become an important component of running and managing a healthcare facility, and Maristhill has been consistent in our commitment to sustainability and to adhering to a wide range of "green" protocols.

In addition to our membership in Practice Green Health, Maristhill has also created a Green Team, which meets quarterly to review and reaffirm compliance with the latest environmental best practices, and which also conducts staff training programs on green-related initiatives. 

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