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

As families in Northern Colorado navigate the many complexities of aging, one essential resource is gaining increasing attention: the Geriatric Care Manager. Whether youre coordinating long-term care, handling a recent health crisis, or simply trying to understand your options, a geriatric care manager can be a vital ally in ensuring that older adults receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve.In this blog, well break down what geriatric care managers do, how they support families and seniors, and why theyre especially valuable in communities across Northern Colorado. What Is a Geriatric Care Manager?A Geriatric Care Manager (also known as an Aging Life Care Professional) is a trained specialisttypically with a background in nursing, social work, gerontology, or related fieldswho assists older adults and their families in managing aging-related challenges.These professionals offer a wide range of services, including:Assessing the needs and capabilities of the seniorCreating a personalized care planCoordinating medical, legal, and financial servicesMonitoring ongoing care and health statusSupporting transitions between home, hospital, and senior livingActing as a liaison for long-distance family membersAdvocating for the seniors best interests Why Hire a Geriatric Care Manager?Families often face overwhelming questions when caring for an aging loved one. A geriatric care manager provides clarity and direction, helping navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions.Benefits include:Expert guidance through complex healthcare and senior care systemsReduced family stress by managing logistics and communicationImproved quality of life for seniors through well-coordinated carePrevention of avoidable health crises through proactive planning The Role of Geriatric Care Managers in Northern ColoradoNorthern Colorado is home to a growing senior population, along with a wide range of senior care resources and medical facilities. While this variety is a strength, it can also make navigating options more complicated. Thats where a local geriatric care manager becomes invaluable.With their understanding of regional services, from Fort Collins to Greeley and Loveland, these professionals help families make the best use of available local resourceswhile tailoring care to each persons individual needs.Many geriatric care managers in Northern Colorado work closely with:Home health agenciesAssisted living and memory care communitiesHospitals and rehabilitation centersLegal and financial advisorsCommunity-based senior servicesThey also stay current on regional developments in healthcare and aging services, helping families benefit from new programs and initiatives as they become available.Browse available senior resources in Northern Colorado Explore local professionals in Geriatric Care Management When to Consider a Geriatric Care ManagerIf you're facing any of the following situations, a geriatric care manager could be a helpful solution:You're unsure about the best type of care for your loved one.Your family is in conflict over care decisions.You're caring for a loved one from out of town.Your loved one has multiple health conditions or needs support with complex care.You're exhausted trying to coordinate care on your own. How to Choose the Right Geriatric Care Manager in Northern ColoradoWhen selecting a geriatric care manager, consider the following:Are they certified or credentialed by recognized organizations?Do they have experience working in Northern Colorado?Can they provide references or testimonials?Do they offer clear and transparent billing?Are they willing to collaborate with other providers?Meeting in person (or virtually) can also help ensure that their approach aligns with your family's values and expectations. Final ThoughtsAs the aging journey becomes more complex, a geriatric care manager can provide the guidance, coordination, and compassion needed to support both seniors and their families. In Northern Colorado, where options are plentiful but often overwhelming, these professionals offer peace of mind and personalized care. At Seniors Blue Book, were committed to helping you find trusted, neutral information and local services that meet your familys needs.