Category Archives: Senior Health & Wellness

Senior Women Say Wear Lipstick!

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Paradise Village Retirement Community is home to the Ms. Senior San Diego Pageant!“Wear Lipstick.” This is about the craziest advice for living well given to senior women that I have seen, but in a way it makes perfect sense. A scientific example of this was given in a Harvard study which found that women who thought they looked younger after a visit to a salon actually had a drop in blood pressure. Anecdotally, a recent interview of vibrant women entering their 11th decade – yes, 11th decade – with vigor and spirit found a similar thread in the consensus of the group – that self confidence is a marvelous thing and a little vanity is good for you.

We have seen this same phenomenon on our senior living campus too. To the delight of everyone, Paradise Village Retirement Community has the privilege of calling itself home to the Ms. Senior San Diego Pageant. This event honors women in the ‘Age of Elegance’ who best portray dignity, maturity, and inner beauty, and is intended to inspire all of us to live a full, balanced, and vivacious life. One cannot help but feel that this group of gracious, fit, happy and social contestants, lives by the ‘Wear Lipstick’ philosophy.

This leads to the thought that of course it is not really about makeup and it’s not about being model perfect or conforming to guidelines that do not fit us. The senior women who offered their insights on living well were talking about enhancing who we feel we are, about recognizing within ourselves something worth celebrating and something worth sharing. Their insights, summed up by the idea of wearing lipstick, were full of approaches to feed your soul, indulge in yourself, generate positive energy and grow confidence.

So there it is. Feel beautiful. It is key to a long and wonderful life.

Proud of our Neighbor…In January, Paradise Valley Hospital Recognized Among Top 15 in Nation

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What a blessing for a Retirement and Assisted Living Community to be located adjacent to such a quality medical facility!

National City, CA – Jan. 24, 2012 – Paradise Valley Hospital and Alvarado Hospital Medical Center were recognized this week as part of the only hospital system—Prime Healthcare—in California named one of the nation’s top 15 by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare.

The prominent award is based on objective criteria such as clinical outcomes, patient safety, patient satisfaction and operational efficiency.

“Our healthcare system excelled even in this elite group,” said Luis Leon, CEO of Alvarado and Paradise Valley hospitals. “We have long been proud of our clinical quality, but now San Diegans can see that the high level of quality care, better survival rates, fewer complications and better patient safety provided to our patients has been validated by an outside source based on federal data.”

Researchers from the Thomson Reuters “100 Top Hospitals” program analyzed the clinical quality and efficiency of more than 300 health systems to identify the top 15 in the nation. The study found that regardless of their size, the top health systems shared many of the same qualities, including:

Lower 30-day mortality rates
Better survival rates
Fewer complications
Shorter hospital stays
Better patient safety
Core measure adherence

In fact, top health systems had 23% fewer adverse patient safety events than expected and had better adherence to core measures of care than their peers.

Prime Healthcare, which operates 14 hospitals in California and one in Texas, ranked higher than the other 21 health systems in California and the more than 30 other health systems on the West Coast.

The study used the 2010 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) and the CMS Hospital Compare data sets to examine health systems with two or more short-term, general, non-federal hospitals; cardiac and orthopedic hospitals; and critical access hospitals.

What are the most important lessons you have learned?

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The Legacy Project began in 2004, when Karl Pillemer, a professor of human development at Cornell University, began collecting advice for living from American’s seniors. He gathered 1500 responses to the question: “What are the most important lessons you have learned over the course of your life?”

People from all over the nation in their 70′s and above shared their advice and wisdom for living a live with no regrets. A summary of his findings can be found in his recent book, 30 Lessons for Living-from the Wisest Americans.

Here is a summary of some of their thoughts.

How To Be Happy: The consensus of the elders is that we can’t wait for external events to bring about happiness. They suggest we can make a choice not to brood negatively about life. Don’t think on any past shortcomings or failures. Learn what you can from them, resolve to do better, and live on. Almost all elders viewed happiness as a choice, not the result of how live treats you.

On Aging: “Embrace it. Don’t fight it. Growing older is both an attitude and a process”, an 80 year old man said. The experts advice to the young: “Don’t waste your time worrying about getting old.”

Maintain social contacts. Avoid becoming isolated. When an invitation is issued, say yes. Take steps to stay engaged, and take advantage of opportunities to learn new things. Although many were initially reluctant, those who moved to a senior living community found more freedom to enjoy activities and relationships then they had before.

On Regrets: Travel more when your younger rather than wait until the children are grown or you are retired. Travel is so rewarding that is should take precedence over other things younger people spend money on. Create a bucket list now and start whittling it down.

Vist the web site for more advice and Meet The Elders videos.  www.legacyproject.human.cornell.edu

Paradise Village enjoy nearby waterfront park!

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Pepper Park

 

 

 

 

Paradise Village retirement community residents love the close access to parks and recreation we have within a few miles of our senior living community.  National City’s own Pepper Park, named after National City businessman and civic leader Leonard Pepper, is a 5-½ acre park with picnic areas, a busy boat launching ramp and a fishing pier equipped with lighting for night fishing.  Paradise Village is located two miles from the beautiful, waterfront area in our city.

Residents venture off on their own to explore these local area gems or are taken in our lovely coach van to a variety of parks, waterfront areas and picturesque places in town.  Our walking club heads out weekly on Saturday mornings.  World renown Balboa Park is only 5 miles away.

Paradise Village offers affordable senior housing in San Diego’s beautiful South Bay!

PEPPER PARK stats:

Special Events Permitted: Yes
Maximum Occupancy for Events: 1,000
Weddings/Receptions: Yes
Location: South Terminus of Tidelands Avenue
Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Amenities
Telephones Bike Parking Play Equipment
Boat Launch Picnic Telephones
Bike Restrooms

Independence at Home Demonstration Program Commences

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Medical practices equipped to provide at-home care services for chronically-ill patients may be eligible for incentive payments under a new demonstration project created by the Affordable Care Act.

Starting this month, the Independence at Home Demonstration is calling for applications to test whether providing coordinated home-care services for patients with multiple chronic conditions will keep them out of the hospital, improve patient satisfaction and outcomes, and lower Medicare costs.

Up to 10,000 eligible beneficiaries, as well as up to 50 providers may participate during the study’s 3-year period. Applications from medical practices to the program are being accepted until Feb. 6.

“When critically-ill patients can remain in familiar surroundings, the benefits are many: the person retains greater control over their lives, families and caregivers report greater satisfaction with the care, and unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided,” CMS acting administrator Marilyn Tavenner said in a statement.

In order for beneficiaries to participate, they must have multiple chronic conditions, have received rehabilitation treatment in the last year, be covered under fee-for-service Medicare, have been admitted to the hospital in the last year, and need assistance with at least two daily activities (such as walking or bathing). CMS will track beneficiaries’ experiences through a variety of quality measurements.

To qualify for the program, medical practices must have experience providing at-home care, they must serve at least 200 eligible beneficiaries, they must use electronic health information systems, and they must provide at-home visits and have available 24/7 coverage. They must also report required quality measures. Practices may apply separately, or multiple primary care practices within a geographic area may form a consortium in order to participate.

Practices that demonstrate a specific savings target as a result of participation in the project will receive an incentive payment if they also meet at least three of six quality measures. The amount of the incentive payment will be commensurate with the savings achieved. Saving targets will be determined on a per capita basis.

If you would like more information on how this program may benefit you here at Paradise Village, contact our Executive Director for assistance.

Paradise Valley Hospital Earns Award

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Paradise Valley Hospital Recognized as Top Performer

The Joint Commission Recognized PVH on Key Quality Measures

National City, CA – Sept. 27, 2011 – Out of more than 3,000 hospitals across the country, Paradise Valley Hospital was recognized as a top performer on key quality measures by The Joint Commission.

Paradise Valley ranks in the top 14 percent of all commission-accredited healthcare facilities based on clinical processes data shown to improve care for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.

“Today, the public expects transparency in the reporting of performance at the hospitals where they receive care, and the Joint Commission is shining a light on the top-performing hospitals that have achieved excellence on a number of vital measures of quality of care,” said Joint Commission President Mark Chassin, MD, FACP, MPP, MPH.

To be recognized, a hospital had to meet or exceed 95% performance on a composite score that included all of the accountability measures, and meet or exceed 95% performance on every performance measure that it reports to the Joint Commission. Of the 34 California hospitals recognized, nine are Prime Healthcare hospitals, including Paradise Valley Hospital. Paradise Valley also is one of only three recognized hospitals in San Diego County.

“I want to thank the physicians, nursing staff and employees at Paradise Valley Hospital for adhering to our motto of bringing quality, cost-effective and compassionate healthcare to every one of their patients,” said Regional CEO Luis Leon.

The commission is the leading accreditor of healthcare organizations in the United States.

The commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals,” recognizes hospitals that are top performers in using evidence-based care processes closely linked to positive patient outcomes. The 405 organizations identified as attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance for the full previous year (2010) represent approximately 14 percent of commission-accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals that report core measure performance data.

San Diego Experiences Significant Power Outage

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Yesterday, San Diego experienced a power failure, the likes of which have not been experienced before on this scale.  More than two million households were without power, from Baja, California into South Orange County.  This disrupted most all area businesses, caused extraordinary gridlock on highways and surface streets, and closed the Lindbergh  Airport for all in-bound and outbound flights.

Paradise Village residents and staff, however, took great comfort in one another and rode out the electrical disruption in style.  With ample power produced from back-up generators, Paradise Village operations continued with only minimal interruption.  Central services in the Plaza, such as restaurant dining, WiFi internet, all elevators, Club Paradise wellness facilities, and most other services did not experience problems.  In fact, the camaraderie produced through the event was extremely positive!  It even caused an impromptu social hour around both the speech from President Obama and the season opening NFL football game.

“I’m so happy with the response from staff and management and the community was quite prepared to handle this problem!” exclaimed one Paradise Village resident.

Other communities in the San Diego, without generators to back up their electrical systems, did not fare as well.  With some residents stuck in elevators and complete shut down of services and amenities, these communities had a much more difficult time during these long hours.

Thanks go out to staff and residents for such a positive response to an unprecedented blackout.  Paradise Village’s design and construction proved worthy to provide residents and employees safety and security in an otherwise daunting situation.

Getting the Most From Your Doctor’s Visit by Dr. Sonia Huntley, M.D.

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Let’s face it: going to the doctor is not always a pleasant experience, and in fact can be frightening, time consuming and even intimidating.  Here are six ways to make your doctor visits more comfortable and productive.

  1. The first thing to remember is that your health is your most important asset.  While spending time in a doctor’s office may not be your favorite thing to do, it is a necessity and will help you maintain staying healthy and therefore increase your quality of life.

 

  1. When you feel fearful about the exchange between you and your doctor, try to adopt a practical attitude.  Detach from your feelings: it’s a fact finding visit – it doesn’t have to be an emotional one.  When you can look at it with the right attitude, you will feel less intimidated and more focused on what the appointment is about.

 

  1. It’s a good idea to take someone with you.  Not only will there be another pair of ears to remember what was said, but you will have your own support system in place during the appointment.  They may also be able to ask the questions that elude you.

 

  1.     Before you arrive, make a list of problems you want to discuss. 

For example: low back pain, left side, 3 weeks – taking Tylenol or dry itchy patch on

 right cheek for3 months

Make your list precise and short – not too many problems per visit.  Give your list to the medical assistant before you see the doctor.  You will feel more in control of the situation this way and the staff will also be able to help you more efficiently.  Repeating what you have learned before the visit ends will help you remember what took place and allows the doctor to see if further explanation is needed.

  1. Be sure to ask questions and take notes.  Just like the prepared list of problems, you’ll

want your query to be simple and to the point.  Then if you write down what is being said, you can ask for clarification of a term or specific instructions before you leave.  You can also ask for handouts with more information for your specific problem.

  1. It’s a good idea to organize your own medical history.  In an emergency or upon seeing new care providers, you will be able to help track important issues.   Start by listing every medical concern you can recall for the past five years, including past surgeries and medications. For example, you can obtain clinic notes, imaging and tests, lab reports and hospital summaries.

 

Finally, remember that your health is the number one subject during your visit.  Following these six guidelines will optimize your time with the doctor, and you can continue to focus on what’s most important: you.

Water Exercises, Hydrotherapy, Swimming & Water Therapy for Arthritis

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Warm water exercises are beneficial to health and wellness of everyone but play a special roll in keeping arthritis sufferers healthy as well as the easing of some symptoms over time. Swimming, water aerobics and other water exercises are low impact, with the water’s buoyancy supporting the body’s weight to decrease pressure on joints and making it easier to perform range of motion exercises. The benefits to keeping your body in motion are to build strength, loosen stiff joints and relaxing sore muscles.

Although pain stops many arthritis patients, regular movement has been proven to relieve pain and improve joint function. Listen to your body and take advantage of the best time of day or the way you feel. Relax, feeling anxious can amplify pain and know your body – when it’s OK and when its time to stop.  Always, consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Paradise Village offers gentle aquatic exercises by Arthritis Foundation accredited instructors at the pool! Ability to swim is not required.

Eat Your Veggies! Nutrition is Key to Senior Health

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Getting the right nutrients is vital to your health and wellbeing. Balance is the key – make sure you are consuming a variety of healthy foods every single day. Certain health issues require doctor and nutritionist involvement, so make sure whatever you do, you are consulting your medical professionals. The best places to start a healthy diet include:

  1. Eat nutrient packed food – fruits, vegetables, whole grains
  2. Find flavorful foods that provide nutrition
  3. Snack between meals, depending on your physician’s advice
  4. Eat with others often, to get more well rounded meals
  5. Get help with food prep, consider your situation and which options would be most practical

Senior health issues can have many individual or interrelated causes including eating too little food, taking in too few nutrients, and aging related digestive changes and problems. Symptoms might include fatigue, depression, weak immune system, anemia, weakness, digestive issues, lung, and heart problems, and skin concerns.   It’s not difficult or complicated to improve your nutritional intake and your health. Help is always available, consult your doctor before making lifestyle changes, and don’t be uncomfortable discussing issues.

At Paradise Village meals are prepared by our award-winning chef that are both healthy and packed with flavor!