Comprehensive Massage for Seniors

Joliet Area Community Hospice Considered the model for quality compassionate care for people facing end of life, hospice provides expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to each patients individual needs and wishes.Hospice can improve a persons quality of life when curative treatments and technology are no longer effective or desired. Like various sectors of the medical community, Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) includes complementary therapies in patient care plans and with family bereavement. Currently music, art, pet, massage, Reiki and aroma therapies are offered to our patients. These non-invasive therapies promote comfort and well-being and complement the medical and social support they already receive from their interdisciplinary care teams. Complementary therapies promote relaxation and rest, minimize anxiety and stress, release tension, reduce pain, helps with agitation and improve functional status and quality of life.Aromatherapy has minimal side effects and is ideal in hospice care. Not only does it benefit the patient but also family members and caregivers. Our trained staff choose the right essential oils and method of application. They incorporate aromatherapy through touch and massage or through diffusers. Massage in itself is beneficial and when paired with aromatherapy, canboost the mood and ease the tension many hospice patients experience.Reiki treats the whole person. It is a Japanese therapy for stress reduction and relaxation. Reiki is a popular and beneficial healing modality that is utilized for health and wellness. It is based on energetic principles and is practiced in many hospitals, medical settings, and in private practice all around the world.Music can be a powerful tool at end of life by bringing peace and harmony to a hospice patient. Studies have shown that patients at end of life engage more easily when music is playing. Music therapy has always proven to enhance verbal and motor abilities for adults, teenagers and children.Pet therapy promotes conversation, activity and emotional connections during a visit. Some patients enjoy petting the animal and having them lay by them to cuddle. Others like to throw a ball and play fetch, while some give the dog commands to do. People who love animals and have had pets of their own can feel a sense of normalcy from a pet therapy visit.Art therapy is also beneficial to hospice patients as well as their family member and can help when dealing with anticipatory grief. Art is a perfect outlet to express feelings and in turn reducing anxiety. Adults, teenagers and children benefit from art therapy as a means of relaxation and stress relief. Therapies offered to JACH patients and families are administered wherever home is and by licensed staff or volunteers as required. Editors Note: As a hospice patient or family member, ask your care team about these additional therapies that may provide additional bene?ts to you. Submitted by Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 815.740.4104.

As we age many things are different and it is important to realize that our age is an advantage mainly in terms of time and experience. Physiological and psychological age is a variable result in the formula of life where your attitude towards personal health and activity determine the quality, endurance, efficiency and longevity of your life. The complex of minor disorders and injuries, collected for a lifelong period, appear as chronic pain syndromes, limiting our physical activity and darkening our sense of surrounding beauty.However, the number of disorders lowering our quality of life has functional and reversible character. It means that a positive attitude can make a drastic difference to the quality of your life. Manual therapy, can give you efficient impact and a weapon for struggle with aging and weakness in the most knowledgeable, natural, physiological, efficient and joyful way without side effects. Massage can be different from anything that you knew before. Massage can be used like surgeons tool; exactly and precisely focused on that structural and physiological condition in your body which causes discomfort, pain, activity restrictions and even disability.Comprehensive massage is a powerful fusion of the most effective techniques of massage and bodywork. Comprehensive means inclusive, flexible, universal, and efficient; this is true of knowledge, education and wisdom at the base of professionalism. It is targeting our common enemies pain and weakness, depression and aging.For seniors a specialized 30 - 40 min geriatric procedure is a unique way of rehabilitation and rejuvenation during and after a wide variety of disorders. It works as a symptomatic and preventive while maintaining measure with amazing effect.Geriatric Massage is a holistic type of therapy that treats the whole person, not just condition. It is focused on vascular, nervous and muscular systems, improving metabolism and cellular regeneration in the organism, literally; it fills you with energy while restoring neuromuscular functionality, relieving pain and increasing physical performance. It fights depression and anxiety, improves sleeping, confidence, and motivation. It is not a miracle! The miracle is you, your mind, and your organism that enables you to overcome any disease. We just cooperate and assist.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Victor Likhobabin, PhD, LMT, and NCBTMB of 1st Comprehensive Massage Clinic. He may be reached at 801-274-0462

Navigating Medicare: A Comprehensive  Information Guide with MediConnectAre you turning 65 soon or approaching eligibility for Medicare? Understanding your healthcare options is crucial for ensuring you receive the coverage you need. With Medicare being a cornerstone of healthcare for millions of Americans, its essential to familiarize yourself with its information. At MediConnect, our Medicare advisory firm, were here to help you find the plan that works best for you.What is Medicare?Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for people who are 65 or older. However, it also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities and those with end-stage renal disease. It consists of different parts, each providing coverage for specific services:1. Medicare Part A: Hospital insurance that covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.2. Medicare Part B: Medical insurance that covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health care.3. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): A private insurance alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), often including prescription drug coverage and additional benefits like vision, dental, and wellness programs.4. Medicare Part D: Prescription drug coverage available through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.Understanding EnrollmentEnrolling in Medicare can be a straightforward process if you understand the information for your options and the timing of key decisions: Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Typically, this is a seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65. General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, late enrollment may result in penalties. Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Some individuals may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to specific life events, such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for additional assistance programs.Making Informed Choices with MediConnectChoosing the right Medicare coverage depends on various factors, including your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. At MediConnect, our Medicare advisory firm, we take the information you give us to offer personalized guidance and expertise. Helping you make informed decisions: Coverage Needs: Our team will work with you to assess your healthcare needs, including prescription medications, doctor visits, and any specialized care requirements. Costs: Well help you understand the premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance associated with each Medicare option to determine the total cost of coverage. Provider Networks: Well explain the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, helping you choose the option that aligns with your provider preferences. Prescription Drug Coverage: Our experts will evaluate your prescription drug needs and compare Part D plans to find the one that best covers your medications at the lowest cost.Additional ResourcesNavigating the complexities of Medicare may seem daunting, but youre not alone. Here are some resources to give you additional information along the way: Medicare.gov: The official Medicare website offers comprehensive information, including plan comparisons, enrollment guidance, and eligibility criteria. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs): These programs provide free, personalized Medicare counseling and assistance to help you understand your options and make informed decisions. Medicare Plan Finder: Use this tool on Medicare.gov to compare Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies available in your area.As you approach Medicare eligibility, remember that MediConnect is here to support you every step of the way. Our Medicare advisory firm is dedicated to helping you find the coverage that meets your unique needs and preferences.By understanding the various parts of Medicare, enrollment periods, and factors to consider when choosing a plan, you can make confident decisions about your healthcare coverage. Let us guide you through the process and ensure you have the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive Medicare coverage tailored to your individual requirements.