Apr 20, 2020 | Wellness
The current “Stay at Home” COVID-19 order can make it challenging to stay active. But exercise is the key to healthy aging, so our community partner, the Lititz recCenter, has provided some tips…
Fitness Classes
During this time of “distancing,” the training staff at Lititz recCenter is providing a variety of fitness activities on their website at http://lititzrec.com/fitness-from-a-distance/. On this page, scroll down to these three free classes:
• SilverBalance (for stability, balance, and posture)
• SilverYoga (for flexibility, breathing, and meditation)
• SilverStrong (an advanced class to improve the cardio and strength)
Staying Limber
Staying flexible and limber as we age can help increase range of motion and make everyday tasks easier. Daily stretching may allow for greater movement in joints and improves posture. It also helps to release muscle tension and soreness, and reduces the risk of injury. Lastly, it may also help increase circulation, muscle control, and improve balance and coordination. Stretching is convenient, requires minimal equipment, and can be done anywhere.
The Lititz recCenter offers the following stretching tips:
• Take a deep breath and slowly exhale as you stretch.
• Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds to give the muscle ample time to relax.
• Don’t bounce while you stretch, as this increases your risk of injury.
• Only stretch until you feel tension in the muscle, not to the point of pain.
• Always warm up before stretching by moving around for 5 to 10 minutes, such as going for a walk.
Neck Stretch
Stretch the neck by slowly bringing your chin toward your chest and turning your head side to side (Hold each position for 15 seconds)
Chest Stretch
Stretch your chest by extending both arms to the side, palms facing forward.
Ankle Stretch
Stretch your ankles by sitting in a chair and slowly moving your foot up and down and side to side.
Hold each position 30 seconds and repeat on other foot.
Hamstring Stretch
Lie on your back and extend one leg perpendicular to your body.
Grasping around the back of your thigh, slowly pull the leg towards you, keeping your other leg and hip on the ground. Do not pull on your knees when stretching.
Quadriceps Stretch
Start your hips by lying on your back, bringing one knee out to the side of your body.
Pull your foot towards your body until you feel a stretch. You can use a belt or a towel to help if you cannot reach your foot, and this can be done in a standing position as well.
Hip Stretch
Stretch your hips by lying on your back, bringing one knee out to the side of your body.
Lower Back Stretch
Stretch your lower back by lying on your back, knees bent and feet together. Keep feet flat on the floor. Keeping knees together, lower your legs to one side, twisting your torso until your feel a stretch. Hold and repeat on other side.
Tips for Tight Muscles
Any new exercise or even stretching exercises can lead to tight muscles. These tips can help alleviate any soreness one experiences. If your pain persists, consult your physician. Stop and call 911 if you experience major muscles pain, dizziness or Nausea.
1. The Rice Principle
You may feel some muscle soreness when you begin a regularly scheduled exercise program. This is possibly due to the lack of conditioning and or/ overexertion. If you experience any musculoskeletal injury or soreness, stop exercise and follow the “RICE” principle.
• Rest
• Ice the area for roughly 15 minutes then wait 15 minutes before reapplying.
• Compression: Secure a bandage to hold the ice firmly around the injured area.
• Elevate the injures area. If the pain persists – consult your physician.
2. Exercise Safety
• Always warm-up and cool-down
• Start slowly and progress gradually
• Drink plenty of water… before, during and after.
• Breathe evenly and never hold your breath.
• Maintain proper body alignment and avoid lifting too much weight.
• Don’t over train… rest days are important.
3. Flexibility Component
• Frequency: 3 to 7 days per week. Stretching is encouraged after each exercise session, during the cool-down phase.
• Intensity: Stretch each muscle to the point of slight discomfort, do not bounce.
• Time: Hold each stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Hold the stretch, not your breath.
• Type: Any slow stretch that incorporate each muscle group of the body.
• What You Should Know: Specific stretches will be personalized for each participant if necessary, based on their health history and musculoskeletal limitations. Stretches should be held steady.
4. Benefits of Stretching Exercises
• Increases flexibility and enhances coordination.
• Improves posture, joint mobility and circulation
NOTE: Always consult a doctor before starting a new exercise routine. If you have any muscle or joint injuries or previous surgeries, be sure to ask your doctor or physical therapist what stretches are best for you. Never stretch to the point of pain or hold your breath d
Apr 17, 2020 | COVID Update
TO: Residents and Staff
FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO
DATE: April 17, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #8
Greetings! As I write update #8, I find it hard to believe that we have been “at this” for almost two months. In some ways, it feels like a week; in other ways, more like a year.
A special thanks to all of you for complying with all the guidance over the Easter and Passover holidays. I found being physically separated from our family and friends to be very hard. However, the weekend at Moravian Manor Communities was quiet, and there were no issues of significance.
As I shared in our Resident Association meeting (via ZOOM) this week, our dietary staff prepared 230 take-out dinners this past Sunday. Kudos to our team, and also to all of you, for staying home and ordering take-out meals. Also, our shopping duties have increased astronomically. I apologize for anyone who was expecting food over the weekend and had to wait a few days. At this point, we are stating that upon ordering your groceries, please expect delivery within 72 hours. Please do not wait until the last minute to order food; it is a service in high demand. And please, no tipping of our staff is permitted. Our local stores are backed up for about two weeks with their home delivery.
During our Thursday Resident Association meeting, I was asked about maintenance service. They will address the following issues:
• Heating/Cooling issues
• Water temp/pressure issues
• Plumbing issues that hinder use
• Appliance issues hindering use
• Items such as grab bars or non-skid strips if it is needed for the residents’ safety
• Refrigerator filter changes- some models will not dispense water or ice if the filter is due for a change and we want to be sure residents have drinking water
• TV/Phone/Internet issues
If you have specific questions, please email or call Jackie Brendle. Some situations will not fit neatly into a list!
At the time of this writing, we remain a COVID-19 free facility. We are grateful for this; our infection control team led by Donna Gerofsky is doing an incredible job. There are daily risks with residents and staff that need to come and go from our facility. We remain vigilant with our temperature testing of all employees two times/day. Our COVID-19 Task Force is currently meeting three times/week to review any changes from the Center for Disease Control or the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The question most often asked of me is, “what next?” I fully expect Pennsylvania to follow New York State’s lead in extending the “Stay at Home” order until May 15. At that point, there should be enough “smoothing” in the virus to begin reopening businesses gradually. It is not yet clear what this would mean for our care areas. The Department of Health will guide us through that process.
I offer a weekly word of encouragement to our staff as well. The challenge I laid out to our team members I share below (abbreviated):
Earlier this week, I was meeting with Chaplain Rich. He asked me a thought-provoking question, “What are we learning from all of this?”
The question can be directed at Moravian Manor Communities as a whole, or to each one of us individually. I would ask that we all ask that question of ourselves during this crazy time in history.
I read an interesting article by David Baum this week entitled, “Circles of Care.” In his article, he asked four questions:
a. What can I do to transform myself?
b. What can I do to transform my essential relationships?
c. What can I do to transform my work and a sense of purpose?
d. What can I do to transform the larger world of which I am a part?
I have found myself “dancing in my shoes” with the lack of activity outside of work. After many years of complaining that I never have enough downtime, this discomfort seems ironic.
The French mathematician, Pascal, stated, “All humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Great food for thought.
With the comments above in mind, I offer a challenge to you (and to myself), “in what area can I grow during this interesting time?”
John Wesley said, “Do all the good you can. For as long as you can. As best as you can. For as many people as you can.”
You are all living that quote. Please keep up the good work; at the same time, take care of yourself and chose one area that you can grow in during this time.
Thank you! You are all special people.
The challenge above is one for each one of us to consider. Thank you for your ongoing support of each other and our staff. It means a lot and is necessary. It is a sign of a very healthy community.
I am very appreciative of the Resident Association initiative to raise money for our front-line staff. Thank you for recognizing their efforts!
Have a great weekend. Stay strong, hang in there, and keep walking!!
Apr 3, 2020 | COVID Update
TO: Residents and Staff
FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO
DATE: April 3, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #6
Happy April! I am writing once again to bring everyone up-to-date on the most recent developments regarding COVID-19. This past week, as expected, the COVID-19 cases in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, have climbed significantly. Also, there are more and more retirement communities with a positive test for COVID-19. At the time of this writing, Moravian Manor Communities does not have any identified cases at this time. We tested some residents and staff for COVID-19; thus, far, all results have been negative. While we rejoice the reality of today, I realize that our news could change by the time you receive this memo!
In the spirit of continuously planning, our COVID-19 team continues to meet regularly and fine-tune our plans. My update today will be relatively brief. Below I outline some of the significant updates.
• We implemented Residential Living residents receiving a daily call as part of a “check-in” system this week. Thanks to all of you who are assisting with this critical effort.
• All staff is wearing masks when they are in the building (unless they are alone in an office).
• We have also moved our Information Technology Services (IT) to emergency-based services for our residents. We do not want any more staff/resident contact than necessary.
• We have taped “six-foot” markers in the café. During lunchtime hours, there was inadequate social distancing while waiting in line to pick up food. No dining is permitted in the café.
• We are “spreading out” our employees in the break room to one per table. We have added tables in the Zinzendorf Room for additional seating for our employee breaks and lunches.
• We will reopen Health Center South (currently unoccupied) for any Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, or Personal Care resident who would test positive for COVID-19. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is encouraging residents who test positive to be isolated to one area if possible. We have the unintended good fortune of having that area vacant at present and plan to use this to our advantage! If a resident in Residential Living tested positive for COVID-19, they would self-isolate in their home unless more medical care is warranted.
I hope you can live the balance between being cautious while enjoying life. Most people tend to focus on negative statistics. Keep in mind that ninety percent of COVID-19 tests come back as negative. Most who test positive recover thoroughly!
Dealing with Coronavirus is a stressful time. This week I read online an individual saying, “in normal times I am a guy who would talk to my house plants. Now I am playing board games with them!”
I was reading a devotional this week written by a not-for-profit leader during the Great Recession (in 2008). Remember, we thought that would never end either, and it did! The author of the devotional quoted Psalm 89: 1-2.
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
With my mouth, I proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
I declare your steadfast love is established forever,
Your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.”
Regardless of your beliefs, I hope you can hold on to the word “steadfast” in these verses. God is steadfast and will see us through these times.
Thank you for your support and endurance during this difficult time. Remember to keep walking and moving if you can do so. I have also attached a short tip sheet from Hospice and Community Care on how to deal with stress. While it is intended for caregivers, it applies to all of us.
Each time you hear from me, we are one week closer to the end of this! Stay strong!
Apr 1, 2020 | Community
It’s been said that “technology drives us apart.” However, at Moravian Manor Communities we believe the opposite. It is times like these when we can celebrate technology and its ability to bring people together when connectivity is most needed.
Life Plan Communities (formerly called Continuing Care Retirement Communities) are considered to be essential and life sustaining businesses, and continue to operate 24/7 during these uncertain times. In doing so, we have to be resourceful in making sure the emotional and social needs of residents and their family members are met. In addition to using technology such as FaceTime to keep residents in assisted living and personal care, as well as in our nursing center in touch with family and friends, we’ve been using applications like Zoom to keep residents fit and informed.
We know that exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day! Our Community Life Director has been using Zoom to help residents stay active through virtual classes such as Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditation. It’s equally important for residents to be able to exercise their voices and continue to have the opportunity to participate in meetings like Resident Council, and that is why we will be conducting our next Resident Council meeting virtually. Our Information Technology staff has been helping residents become more acquainted with the technology that is available to them, as well as assisting with installation, set ups, and upgrades.
Welcoming new Residential Living residents to our community also has taken a unique turn. The typical face-to-face meeting that included a traditional handshake and a warm welcome has been replaced with a virtual meeting and a smile using FaceTime. While it’s not the way we want to welcome new residents to life in Lititz at Moravian Manor Communities, we believe it’s the safest way to introduce them to their new community and help get them acclimated to their new surroundings.
