The NCH Wingard Stroke Institute has earned The Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval for Comprehensive Stroke Center Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. There are only 4 designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Florida accredited by The Joint Commission and NCH Wingard Stroke Center will become the 5th and only center on the West coast of Florida to achieve this designation. For more than 70 years, The Joint Commission has been a global driver of quality improvement and patient safety in health care. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organizations highest commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Proper accreditation is now more important than ever for a hospital to display its commitment to high-quality, comprehensive patient care. Thats why The Joint Commission focuses on quality care with the goal of helping hospitals become high reliability organizations for delivering safe, effective care. Achieving Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Certification is the benchmark for delivering the highest level of care in the healthcare industry. No other certifications are as comprehensive, respected, and as widely recognized as the Joint Commission. We could not be more proud of this amazing accreditation we receive today, said Mazen AbuAwad, MD, Medical Director for the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute. This accomplishment as the only Joint Commission designated Comprehensive Stroke Center in SW Florida is the culmination of years of teamwork. It represents a commitment to quality process improvements that are ultimately reflected in the higher-than-average outcomes and care we provide to stroke patients who come to NCH as opposed to going to a non-accredited hospital. NCH had already received certification as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center from The Joint Commission in coordination with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. This designation makes NCH the one and only certified Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida. Todays designation from The Joint Commission further confirms that NCH is the best place to go in a stroke event, said NCH President and CEO, Paul Hiltz. Our community should feel confident in choosing the best quality in SWFL, right here at NCH. We are always doing more to strive for excellence for our patients. As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire a safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate, says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend NCH for its commitment to advancing safety, quality, equity, and compassion for all patients.   

For older adults, life can become quieter and lonely as the years go by. One way to combat this life change is by owning a pet. The health benefits of owning a pet for seniors far outweigh the work that goes into owning one.Our furry, feathery, or even scaly family members can provide a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. The bond between seniors and their pets goes far beyond mere companionship. Here are some of the top health benefits of owning a pet for seniorsReduces Loneliness And IsolationAs they get older, many seniors experience feelings of social isolation and loneliness. This can lead to depression and other significant health problems. Having a pet, whether its a dog, cat, or even a bird, provides companionship and helps to reduce these feelings of isolation. Pets are loyal and loving, offering unconditional affection that can significantly improve your mental and emotional well-being.Increases Physical ActivityOne of the biggest benefits of owning a pet, particularly an active dog, is that it forces you to be physical. Dogs need to be walked, which in turn encourages regular physical activity on your part. Seniors with dogs are more likely to go for daily walks or play with them in the yard. Even this little bit of physical activity helps maintain mobility, joint flexibility, and cardiovascular health. In addition, physical activity of any kind leads to a stronger immune system and a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.Lowers Stress And AnxietySimply looking at a picture of a little puppy or kitten is almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Studies show that petting a dog or cat can trigger the release of the mood-regulating hormone serotonin. It also increases the feel good hormone dopamine while decreasing the level of the stress hormone cortisol. This fluctuation helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, a pets rhythmic, soothing presence can help lower blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.Boosts Mental AlertnessInteracting with pets can stimulate mental alertness and cognitive function. While training your pet and teaching them tricks helps to boost their mental capacity, it also helps to maintain your mental acuity. This mental stimulation can delay the onset of cognitive decline and reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimers disease.Fosters A Sense Of PurposeMost of us work hard and look forward to the day we can finally hang up our work boots and retire. However, when that day finally comes, many seniors often experience a diminished sense of purpose. Owning a pet can give you back a sense of responsibility and purpose. Caring for a pet requires routine tasks like feeding, grooming, and exercise, providing structure to your days and a reason to get out of bed in the morning.Enhances Social ConnectionsA study has shown pet owners are more apt to meet their neighbors than non-pet owners. Pets make great icebreakers for seniors when they are out on walks or at pet-friendly facilities. This can give you an opportunity to connect with others and strike up a conversation.Reduces The Risk Of Allergies And AsthmaAlthough it sounds like it would be the opposite, having a pet has been found to reduce the risk of developing allergies and asthma the older we get. This can be an added health benefit for seniors who have had pets throughout their lives.Get Your Purrfect CompanionOwning a pet can do wonders for your health and well-being. These little bundles of joy enrich seniors lives in ways that extend far beyond companionship. The emotional, physical, and mental health benefits of having a pet cannot be argued or overlooked. Seniors who share their lives with a furry friend often experience reduced stress, increased physical activity, enhanced emotional well-being, and a greater sense of purpose. This article was submitted by VIPCare.  For more information visit the website: getvipcare.com

Basics of Reverse Home MortgageA reverse home mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners to access a portion of their home equity without having to sell their home or make monthly mortgage payments. Unlike a traditional mortgage, the loan balance of a reverse mortgage increases over time and is typically only repaid when the homeowner sells the home or passes away.Differences from Traditional Mortgage Reverse mortgages do not require monthly mortgage payments, while traditional mortgages do. The loan balance of a reverse mortgage increases over time, while the loan balance of a traditional mortgage decreases over time as payments are made. Reverse mortgages are typically only repaid when the homeowner sells the home or passes away, while traditional mortgages are repaid over a set term. A Financial Solution for Seniors       For seniors, a reverse mortgage can be a great financial solution. It allows them to access the       equity in their homes without selling or giving up ownership.      Reverse mortgages are also a great way to supplement retirement income. They provide a steady stream of funds that can be used to cover living expenses.   With a reverse mortgage, seniors can enjoy their retirement years and have peace of mind knowing they have a reliable source of income.Reverse mortgages are also a great way to pass on wealth to heirs. The loan is paid off from the sale of the home, and the remaining equity is passed on to the heirs.Eligible homeowners obtain reverse mortgages for many reasons including:          Repairing or modifying the home to meet the physical needs of getting older         Supplementing retirement income to meet expenses         Managing the costs of in-home care         Paying off an existing mortgage         Paying increased bills due to inflation and economy         Paying property Taxes         Delaying Social Security         Providing a source of funds for living expenses in lieu of liquidating financial investments during     times of market downturn or disruption         Helping retirement savings last longer         Purchasing a retirement home  Recent ClientsA retired couple in their late 60s, John and Susan, were struggling to make ends meet on a fixed income, due to inflation and the cost of living increasing. They had significant equity in their home but were hesitant to sell it and downsize because of the current real estate market.  They decided to explore a reverse mortgage as an option to access their home's equity without having to sell it. The reverse mortgage allowed John and Susan to access their home's equity and use the funds to pay off their existing mortgage and cover their increased living expenses. They were able to stay in their home and maintain their quality of life, without having to worry about making monthly mortgage payments. Mary Anne, a retired infusion nurse, suffered some medical challenges and her insurance did not cover all of her additional expenses.  She decided a reverse mortgage was her best option. It allowed her funds to seek non-traditonal treatment and was able to eliminate the financial stress in her life, allowing her body to heal.A retired widow in his late 70s, James wants to stay in his home as long as possible. His home was mortgage free and he intends to leave it to his two children who live out of state. The reverse mortgage allowed him to access his home's equity and use the funds to make the modifications to continue staying in the home unassisted.It allows him the peace of mind knowing the has additional money to pay an in-home care giver if and when he needs one.He is able to stay in his own home and now worry about being a burden on his out of state children.  He expressed to me that feeling of relief is priceless.This article was submitted by Nicole Cramer with Anchor Funding, Inc.  Contact Nicole at 251-349-9891 or email her at nicole@cramergrp.com for more information about whether a reverse mortgage can work for you.