Living better — and longer
The following article was submitted by Holland Home and appeared in the Grand Rapids Press Health Section on Sunday, March 10.
Bob Bode, a resident at Holland Home’s independent retirement living complex, Raybrook Estates, is living proof we don’t have to accept disability as an inevitable component of aging.
Bob walks the halls of Raybrook Estates six days a week — a trip just shy of a mile and which takes him 30 minutes.
He also exercises for 25 minutes, six days per week, on the NuStep — a recumbent cross trainer available in Raybrook’s William C. Buiten Wellness Centre.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, he participates in a half-hour senior exercise class on the campus, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he takes a balance and stability class.
Bode will turn 91 in March of this year.
Not about genes
In 1998, the MacArthur Foundation commissioned a study to determine just how and why we age. The study revealed that, contrary to popular belief, the biggest impact on how we age comes not from our genes and heredity but from our lifestyle. A full 70 percent of the aging process is determined by the choices we make.
It is possible to live long, without significant disability, if we maintain our physical and mental skills, reduce our risk for disease and stay productive and engaged with life.
Most age-related changes can be reversed or halted by positive changes in environment and diet, exercise, stress management, medication and other lifestyle choices.
In other words, “use it or lose it.”
After the study was released, the Mayo Clinic, University of Michigan and other experts on aging used the findings to create Masterpiece Living — a program that addresses the components of successful aging.
Holland Home has made Masterpiece Living available free to residents on their Breton Woods and Raybrook campuses.
“At Holland Home, we have a strong commitment to wellness for our residents. Masterpiece Living allows us to offer them a cutting-edge program that is guaranteed to help them live better, longer,” said David Claus, president and CEO of Holland Home. “Masterpiece Living is based on four core beliefs that include staying physically and mentally active; maintaining social engagement; adhering to the belief that age does not have to be limiting; and finding ways to make a difference to others and to the community.”
Exciting results
Masterpiece Living has been in place for three years on Holland Home’s Breton Woods campus.
“The results have been exciting,” said Amanda Baushke, director of Masterpiece Living. “We took measurements of our residents’ medical and lifestyle risk factors in 2009 and again in 2011. Our residents have seen a significant drop in both factors.”
Some of the results have been quite impressive. The percentage of residents with high triglycerides dropped from 15 percent of those studied in 2009 to less than 1 percent in 2011. Tobacco use declined from 8 percent in 2009 to barely 1 percent in 2011. The percentage of participants engaging in a regular exercise program went up 20 percent, while those practicing safety measures such as using sunscreen, wearing a seatbelt and installing fire and smoke alarms, increased by almost 20 percent as well.
Recovering from a fall
Two years ago, Bode had a bad fall that required physical therapy. Determined to regain his strength, Bode joined the Masterpiece Living program when it was introduced on the Raybrook Campus eight months ago. The program encourages walking, and Bode received a pedometer to track his steps. Since starting the program, he has increased his speed and, even though he uses a walker, he is “keeping up with the Joneses.”
On a recent trip to Colorado, Bode’s daughter gifted him with a half-hour ride in a Piper Cub. Not content to just sit back and enjoy the scenery, Bode took over the controls for almost half the flight. The instructor said not only was Bode the oldest student he’d ever had, Bode also outperformed all his younger students.
Bode plans to continue his fitness regimen as long as he can. His advice: “Make it part of your routine.”
“Everyone can benefit from applying the principles of Masterpiece Living,” Baushke said. “Regular exercise, both physical and mental, and staying involved with friends and the greater community all contribute to living better, longer. And most of important of all — don’t use age as an excuse to limit yourself.”
March 19th, 2012 | Posted in Breton, General, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
Announcing the Breton Rehabilitation & Living Centre
For many years our facility has been known simply as Breton Manor. We have recently changed the name to the Breton Rehabilitation & Living Center to more accurately reflect the breadth of our rehabilitation program.
At the Breton Rehabilitation & Living Center, our comprehensive rehabilitation team provides individualized and goal-oriented treatment programs specifically for the older adult. Our focus is to help patients reach quality outcomes and return home.
Our rehab staff
With an emphasis on rehabilitation, our staff provides innovative treatment approaches to assist patients in returning to their previous lifestyle. Our rehabilitation professionals include occupational therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and speech language pathologists.
About our services
Our program delivers the highest standard of quality care in the most cost-effective and value-added manner. Individualized treatment programs are designed to serve geriatric patients in a wide variety of clinical categories.
The Breton Rehabilitation & Living Center
For those needing in-patient rehabilitation, our Breton Rehabilitation & Living Center has private rooms available in a clean and cheerful environment. Lounges and outdoor patios provide ample space for visiting with family and friends. Meals are prepared on-site by a professional chef, and recreational activities are available.
For more information
For more information about rehabilitation at The Breton Rehabilitation & Living Center, to request an on-site evaluation of your patient or to arrange a tour, please contact (616) 235-5113.
We welcome referrals from physicians, discharge planners, social workers, family members and case managers.
June 28th, 2011 | Posted in Breton, Fulton, General, HomeCare, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
The Purls of Raybrook
The Purls of Raybrook, a group of ladies from Raybrook Estates, gather each Wednesday to create various hand- knitted garments. Recently the Purls donated their handmade items to a sale to benefit Health Intervention Services of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization that provides medical services to the under-privileged and those unable to afford insurance.
Members of the Purls include Betty Bishop, Betty Eberlein, Emma Hunderman, Pat Jacobs, Marguerite Koster, Martha Kuiper, Joyce Lanting, Betty Lotterman, Louise Maring, Cyndy Nyboer, Nancy Ryan, Jan Schultze, Elaine Tiesenga, Anna Vander-Pols, Grace Wormmeester and Lorraine Zeeuw.
The Purls were featured in an article in the Spring 2011 Health Interventions Services newsletter.
March 31st, 2011 | Posted in Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
Applications being accepted for ArtPrize, Fulton-style
It’s time for ArtPrize again — Fulton Manor style, that is. Applications for submission of art work will be accepted at the front desk until September 24. The contest is open to staff, residents and family members and friends of Fulton Manor. Art work is due by October 1.
ArtPrize will run from October 8 to October 29. Works will be displayed around the Fulton Campus. It promises to be an exciting exhibit! Plan to spend a morning or afternoon enjoying the art work, and be sure to cast your vote for your favorite. The top ten works will be announced on October 21 at 2:00 p.m. The top four winners will be announced on Friday, October 29 at noon in the Main Dining Room.
September 20th, 2010 | Posted in Breton, Fulton, General, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
Second annual Holland Home Remember Me Walk
The second annual Holland Home Remember Me Walk campaign kicks off on Monday, August 2nd! Proceeds from the walk will benefit our Memory Care program and our Memory Care residents.
The walk will take place on Saturday, October 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Stanaback Park, off Pfeiffer Woods Drive, adjacent to the Breton Woods campus. Everyone is welcome to participate! Refreshments will be available. Canine companions are also welcome.
Last year we were blessed with beautiful fall weather, and participants thoroughly enjoyed walking through the park which was blazing with exquisite autumn colors. We were fortunate to raise almost $25,000! Proceeds went to our benevolent fund for our memory care residents as well as toward the purchase of advanced tools for our memory care program.
Donation envelopes can be obtained at all Holland Home campuses and the corporate office. Or, they can be mailed to Holland Home Remember Me Walk, 2100 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546.
We look forward to seeing you on October 9th!
July 30th, 2010 | Posted in Breton, Fulton, General, HomeCare, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
Holland Home wins silver award in national media contest
Holland Home has won a silver award in the 19th Annual National Mature Media Awards. The recognition was awarded to “The Holland Home Experience,” a fictionalized account of a resident working her way through the Holland Home continuum of care. The three-part piece appeared in the Winter, Spring and Summer 2009 issues of New Horizons.
Holland Home also received a Merit Award for our radio advertisement “The Retirement Bundle.”
Hundreds of organizations participate annually in the National Mature Media Awards including Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, retirement housing organizations, writers and publishers, as well national organizations such as AARP, Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans, Mayo Clinic, the National Institute on Aging and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
July 8th, 2010 | Posted in Breton, Fulton, General, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
Give the gift of help this Christmas
Not sure what to get a friend or loved one for Christmas? Give the gift of help from Holland Home’s In-Home Helpers. Our friendly, caring staff can help with light housework, meal preparation, errands or shopping as well as more skilled tasks like medication set-up, dressing changes and care coordination.
Your gift of an In-Home Helpers gift certificate can provide your loved one with transportation to an appointment or outing, assistance with bathing or dressing or just some one-on-one companionship. There’s no need to worry about size or color—the gift of help is always right and always appreciated.
To purchase your gift certificate for an In-Home Helper service, call 616-643-2525, or, for a free consultation, call 616-235-5113.
We’re on the web at in-homehelpers.org.
December 15th, 2009 | Posted in Breton, Fulton, General, HomeCare, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
Remember Me Walk
Holland Home’s first annual Remember Me Walk was held on Saturday October 10th. Proceeds from the walk will benefit Holland Home’s memory care residents.
The week leading up to the walk was damp and rainy, but we were blessed with a window of sunshine Saturday morning. The walk kicked off at 10:00 am with approximately 125 people and 20 canine companions traversing the one-half mile to two mile trails in Stanaback Park. The changing autumn leaves created a perfect backdrop to this beautiful day!
A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers who made this event possible! Another big thank you goes to our donors who, even in this time of economic constraints, reached deep into their pockets and gave so generously to our cause.
A special thank you to our sponsors—Fifth Third Bank and Morrison Dining Services as well as our trail sponsors The Breton Group and Valley City Linen.
October 15th, 2009 | Posted in Breton, Fulton, General, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
Living Life to the Fullest—How Occupational Therapy Can Help
“Is the glass half full or half empty?”
Occupational therapists and assistants have the answer: It’s full when client and therapist work together in harmony to ensure that clients are doing their best no matter what challenges they face.
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), “Occupational therapy enables people to achieve their goals, function at the highest possible level, concentrate on what matters most to them, maintain or rebuild their independence and participate in everyday activities that bring meaning to their lives.”
Occupational Therapy (OT) aids in maximizing function, including bathing, dressing, grooming, home management (cleaning, cooking, laundry), equipment use, upper extremity strength/range of motion, cardiac rehabilitation, client education and the reduction of pain. OT is not simply getting back to your occupation; instead it is getting back to your daily activities. Some areas of treatment in Occupational Therapy include:
• Enabling recovery after arm and wrist fractures
• Decreasing complaints of shoulder and elbow pain or decreased motion
• Addressing difficulty with self care or Activities of Daily Living
• Progressing cardiac rehab and energy conservation/joint protection
• Obtaining adaptive equipment for self care, dressing, or home modification
Holland Home provides Occupational Therapy (OT) services at all levels of the continuum. With 19 registered Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants working at all Holland Home Campuses and throughout the community, the services can be brought to where you live. OT services are provided in skilled nursing facilities, in your home for homebound individuals, and at our three CORF accredited outpatient centers, at Breton Terrace, Raybrook and Fulton.
If you have questions about whether you might benefit from Occupational Therapy services, call the Holland Home Intake Department at (616)235-5113. We can give you more information and arrange for a free in-home screening by one of our occupational therapy clinicians. Occupational Therapy services are covered by Medicare, Medicare HMOs and most private insurances.
“Living Life To Its Fullest”™ is what occupational therapy is truly all about.
October 1st, 2009 | Posted in Breton, Fulton, General, HomeCare, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter
The Wellness Series Presents: Staying Healthy This Winter
HomeCare of Holland Home is proud to present Marilyn Schutter, RCN on “Staying Healthy This Winter.” Marilyn will present tips on staying healthy during the cold winter months ahead along with everything you ever wanted to know about the ‘flu!
Tuesday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Breton Terrace – Centre Place
2500 Breton Woods Drive
Grand Rapids
RSVP: 616-235-5112
September 29th, 2009 | Posted in Breton, Fulton, General, HomeCare, Raybrook | Share this on Facebook or Twitter