Idaho - Boise and the Treasure Valley

SAINT ALPHONSUS MAKING A CRITICAL DIFFERENCE FOR SENIORS In response to the needs of an aging population, Saint Alphonsus Health System opened Senior ERs this past year within all their emergency departments in Boise, Eagle, Nampa (2 locations), Ontario and Baker City. Saint Alphonsus emergency staff are highly skilled and trained to provide the most advanced medical care for patients of all ages, said Sally Jeffcoat, President and CEO, Saint Alphonsus Health System. As part of our mission to heal body, mind, and spirit we have chosen to seek additional training and education and go even further to address an unmet need for this growing segment of our population. We are proud to be the first in Idaho and Oregon to create Senior ERs. Saint Alphonsus Senior ERs address the special medical needs, preferences and physical comforts of older adults and their caregivers. Beyond the typical ER visit, where staff focus on treating the medical issue at hand, the Senior ERTM goes deeper, assessing and addressing root causes for each visit . The care and attention senior patients receive is intended to make them feel more calm, safe, secure, informed and cared for. And caregivers can have greater peace of mind that staff are looking at their loved ones long-term needs. To create the Senior ERTM, Saint Alphonsus implemented fundamental changes in culture, physical environment and operations. Each Senior ERTM is run by a specially trained care team focused on providing a better, gentler, more patient-centered experience that produces better patient outcomes. Emergency Nurses have completed in-depth courses on Geriatric Emergency Nursing Education Emergency physicians have specialized knowledge in the care of seniors Pharmacists may review medications that could pose a problem or may have contributed to the patients ER visit Licensed social workers or case managers may be available to discuss care options and screenings with both the patient and the caregiver Facility modifications have been made to address the safety, comfort and communication for seniors, and may include: quieter setting for care pressure reducing mattresses hearing and vision aids large print appropriate flooring and lighting Saint Alphonsus has physical variations in each ER. In some locations, seniors will be treated in dedicated Senior ERTM space and in others all patient beds are outfitted for seniors. The Boise ER is currently under construction to expand to better serve the needs of seniors, so the accommodations will change during each phase of construction. No matter what physical variations you may encounter, all Saint Alphonsus staff have received the additional, specialized training and are committed to offer a similar Senior ERTM experience to all seniors accessing emergency services. Locations: Boise1055 N Curtis Road Eagle323 E Riverside Drive (Eagle Road/State Hwy 44) Nampa1512 12th Avenue Road Nampa4400 E. Flamingo Road (off I-84/Garrity Exit) Ontario351 SW Ninth Street Baker City3325 Pocahontas Road

Cognitive Benefits of Gratitude as You AgeGratitude, a simple yet powerful emotion, plays a strong role in emotional well-being, especially as we age. More than just saying "thank you," expressing gratitude can greatly transform our lives and positively impact our cognitive processes. Practicing and expressing gratitude regularly can give seniors a more optimistic outlook on life. Senior Helpers Boise Treasure Valley is dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors by encouraging the practice of gratitude. We'll delve into the remarkable cognitive benefits of gratitude, particularly in the context of aging. We'll look at the scientific evidence, discuss the emotional and physical health benefits, and provide some tips on how seniors can start expressing gratitude more often.The Science Behind GratitudeGratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it is deeply rooted in scientific research. When we express gratitude, it activates areas of the brain that release the feel-good hormone dopamine, leading to an improved mood and subjective well-being. More specifically, seniors can enjoy cognitive advantages such as improved memory function, increased mental resilience, and an overall enhancement in cognitive function. Studies have revealed that gratitude can decrease symptoms of depression and ultimately lead to better mental health.Emotional and Physical Health Benefits of GratitudeExpressing gratitude doesn't just help us mentally; it also has substantial emotional and physical benefits. On the emotional front, regularly expressing gratitude can increase happiness, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance overall mood and emotional well-being. This was confirmed in a study that revealed that seniors who practiced gratitude were found to have lower rates of depression and a better overall mood. Additionally, on a physical level, gratitude promotes better sleep, lowers blood pressure, and even boosts the immune system, leading to overall improved health.The Power of Gratitude in AgingWhen applied to the context of aging, gratitude can have a profound impact. For seniors, practicing gratitude can enhance social connections, as expressing appreciation for others fosters stronger relationships. It also increases a senior's sense of purpose, as reflecting on one's blessings can create a positive outlook and promote a sense of contentment with life. Most importantly, it can improve the overall quality of life for seniors by promoting positive attitudes and good health. How to Practice GratitudeWhile it may seem challenging for seniors to start expressing gratitude more often, there are several ways to incorporate it into daily life. To express gratitude to others, consider writing thank-you notes to loved ones, sharing positive thoughts, or participating in acts of kindness. Beyond this, gratitude can also be cultivated internally. Keeping a gratitude journal, for instance, has proven to be a practical and beneficial approach. Writing down positive experiences or things one is grateful for can significantly improve one's mood and outlook on life. Mindfulness and meditation can also bolster gratitude. By practicing mindfulness, seniors can stay present in the moment and appreciate the good things around them. Reflecting on positive experiences and memories can also enhance feelings of gratitude and improve overall mental health.Contact Senior Helpers for Customized Senior CareGratitude can play a powerful role in enhancing the cognitive, emotional, and physical health of seniors. Its benefits are expansive, from improving memory and mental resilience to increasing happiness and even boosting physical health. As we age, nurturing a sense of gratitude can wonderfully enhance our lives and overall well-being. For those living in Boise, Eagle, Nampa, and Lewiston who might need a little help or companionship, Senior Helpers Boise Treasure Valley is always here to assist. Contact us to learn more about our senior care services.

In response to the needs of an aging population, Saint Alphonsus Health System opened Senior ERs this past year within all their emergency departments in Boise, Eagle, Nampa (2 locations), Ontario and Baker City.Saint Alphonsus emergency staff are highly skilled and trained to provide the most advanced medical care for patients of all ages, said Sally Jeffcoat, President and CEO, Saint Alphonsus Health System. As part of our mission to heal body, mind, and spirit we have chosen to seek additional training and education and go even further to address an unmet need for this growing segment of our population. We are proud to be the first in Idaho and Oregon to create Senior ERs.Saint Alphonsus Senior ERsTM address the special medical needs, preferences and physical comforts of older adults and their caregivers. Beyond the typical ER visit, where staff focus on treating the medical issue at hand, the Senior ERTM goes deeper, assessing and addressing root causes for each visit . The care and attention senior patients receive is intended to make them feel more calm, safe, secure, informed and cared for. And caregivers can have greater peace of mind that staff are looking at their loved ones long-term needs.To create the Senior ERTM, Saint Alphonsus implemented fundamental changes in culture, physical environment and operations. Each Senior ERTM is run by a specially trained care team focused on providing a better, gentler, more patient-centered experience that produces better patient outcomes.Emergency Nurses have completed in-depth courses on Geriatric Emergency Nursing EducationEmergency physicians have specialized knowledge in the care of seniorsPharmacists may review medications that could pose a problem or may have contributed to the patients ER visitLicensed social workers or case managers may be available to discuss care options and screenings with both the patient and the caregiverFacility modifications have been made to address the safety, comfort and communication for seniors, and may include:quieter setting for carepressure reducing mattresseshearing and vision aidslarge printappropriate flooring and lightingSaint Alphonsus has physical variations in each ER. In some locations, seniors will be treated in dedicated Senior ERTM space and in others all patient beds are outfitted for seniors. The Boise ER is currently under construction to expand to better serve the needs of seniors, so the accommodations will change during each phase of construction.No matter what physical variations you may encounter, all Saint Alphonsus staff have received the additional, specialized training and are committed to offer a similar Senior ERTM experience to all seniors accessing emergency services.Locations:Boise 1055 N Curtis RoadEagle 323 E Riverside Drive (Eagle Road/State Hwy 44)Nampa 1512 12th Avenue RoadNampa 4400 E. Flamingo Road (off I-84/Garrity Exit)Ontario 351 SW Ninth StreetBaker City 3325 Pocahontas Road

Seniors Blue Book Article Fall 2014 Edition Stephanie Bender-Kitz, Director, Friends in Action Family Caregivers Matter! Do you know that there are more than 40,000 Treasure Valley family members-- spouses, adult children, parents and grandparents who provide care and support to ill, disabled, or frail loved ones at home? These family caregivers are de facto care coordinators, medication managers, personal and medical care providers, fiscal and legal managers, planners and decision-makers for tens of thousands of chronically ill or disabled people in our community. Our health care and social services rely heavily on family caregivers to provide care but don't address caregivers needs for training, information and support. As a result, family caregivers experience stress, depression, anxiety, and often become isolated; they have to leave jobs or reduce their work hours; they spend much of their own money to care for others; and most sobering, they can die before the person they care for. Family caregivers are the backbone of our community's health care, and they deserve to be informed, prepared, and supported! Do you know someone who is a family caregiver? A great way to help is to encourage that person to say I am a family caregiver, and I deserve to be supported! Caregivers who self-identify are much more likely to seek information and support that can help them provide care AND they are more likely to take care of themselves too. Where can a family caregiver turn for information and support? A great resource is the Seniors Blue Book. Another great resource is a nonprofit agency called Friends in Action (FIA). FIAs services help family caregivers build a "toolbox" of resources, skills and strategies to navigate the challenges of caregiving, reduce stress, connect with resources, and build confidence in their abilities. FIAs education programs (Powerful Tools for Caregivers and Living Well in Idaho) teach caregivers how to manage stress and feel less overwhelmed. Our in-home support services (Legacy Corps Caregiver Support Program) gives regular breaks to veteran and military families. The JumpStart program works with caregivers one-on-one to connect them with quality information and resources to meet their unique needs and concerns. FIAs 4th Annual Family Caregiver Conference (January 31, 2015) is a one-day education event to connect caregivers with great information, community resources, and mutual support. Many of FIAs services are provided by amazing volunteers (more than 160 of them), who extend the expertise of professional staff and allow FIA to cost-effectively serve many more caregivers. Don't hesitate to reach out to FIA and ask how we can help any family caregiver you know. We believe family caregivers matter!