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 senior care options for a loved one can feel overwhelmingespecially when trying to make the right choice quickly. Thats where senior placement services can offer tremendous value. In a growing community like Colorado Springs, where senior care options are plentiful, finding the right fit requires both local knowledge and trusted guidance.In this article, well break down what senior placement is, why it matters, and how families in Colorado Springs can benefit from this support when planning for long-term care. What Is Senior Placement?Senior placement refers to the process of helping older adults and their families find appropriate housing or care solutions based on their individual needs. These services can guide families toward options like assisted living, memory care, independent living, or skilled nursing, depending on health status, lifestyle, and budget.Senior placement professionals or agencies often work closely with care providers in the area, understand the local landscape, and assist families in evaluating their choices. Their expertise can make a significant difference in both the speed and quality of decision-making. Why Senior Placement Services MatterChoosing a senior living community is not just about finding availabilityits about finding the right community for a seniors health, happiness, and long-term well-being. Placement services are beneficial because they:Help families understand levels of care and housing typesReduce the time spent researching and touring facilitiesOffer unbiased support tailored to your unique situationGuide seniors through transitions with compassion and clarityMany placement professionals also provide additional resources like financial planning tips, Medicare/Medicaid education, or referrals to local support networks. Senior Placement in Colorado SpringsWith its breathtaking mountain views, a variety of senior housing options, and access to healthcare facilities, Colorado Springs has become a desirable destination for retirement and aging in place. But with so many options comes the challenge of knowing where to begin.Whether your loved one is relocating to the area or you're transitioning from independent living to higher levels of care, local senior placement guidance can be a valuable first step.Explore Senior Resources in Colorado Springs Find Senior Placement Services in Colorado Springs What to Look for in a Senior Placement ProfessionalIf you decide to work with a placement specialist, its important to choose someone with deep local expertise and a commitment to neutrality. Look for individuals or agencies who:Offer free consultations or assessmentsMaintain knowledge of a wide range of local communitiesDo not push one facility over another based-on profitProvide personalized recommendations based on needs, not availability aloneFollow through with support during the transition periodThe best placement support will advocate for both the senior and their familyoffering peace of mind every step of the way. Final Thoughts: Making Confident Care DecisionsWhen it comes to senior living, one size doesnt fit all. Senior placement services in Colorado Springs exist to help families cut through the noise, make informed choices, and ensure their loved ones receive the right care in a community that feels like home.Whether you're beginning your search or simply exploring future options, Seniors Blue Book is here to guide you with neutral, informative resources and a local directory of trusted professionals.