Author: Jolene

In this era when you have so many forms of communication coming your way – social media, news outlets, emails, texts and more – thank you for taking time to read this blog!

As we reach the end of a decade, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness through the years and how much has happened at Tel Hai Retirement Community. During the last ten years, the number of accommodations in residential living at Tel Hai has doubled with more than 250 new apartments and cottages on the campus. Now, more than 875 residents call Tel Hai home!

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5 NRSV

During 2019, we have experienced God’s continued blessing and faithfulness. We have seen many different examples of our mission of providing a vibrant caring community that enhances the lives of those served. I frequently enjoy listening to stories from residents and the positive impact on their lives from being part of the community at Tel Hai.

During the year, we were recognized for the quality of services and care at Tel Hai. We are grateful for many positive reviews from the Pinnacle resident engagement surveys and the 5-Star rating for Meadows Health Care from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

One recent resident testimonial shared, “Tel Hai is a great place to live. The people are nice and it’s a great environment. I hated to leave my home, but I’ve found great friends and have so much more fun.” What a blessing!

We look forward to enhancing our services in the year ahead. In 2020, we plan to begin work on a memory support area in Lakeview Personal Care for 25 individuals in need of a secure, specialized program. We will be defining the right size and time-frame for the needed modernization of Meadows Health Care. Later in the year, we are hopeful to add 18 new cottages to meet the needs of future residents enrolled in the Ready-Set-Go Program.

As we enter into the decade of the 2020’s, we continue to seek God’s wisdom, guidance and direction so that Tel Hai continues to be a vibrant, caring community for all.

I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas season and a wonderful 2020!

Dave Shenk

President & CEO

Tel Hai Retirement Community

When you hear the term Outpatient Therapy, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Stretching, exercise, ice packs…?

You don’t have to have a traumatic injury to benefit from Outpatient Therapy Services. Here at Tel Hai, you have access to a team of professional Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Pathologists to help guide you to a better quality of life.

Our team can provide therapy services prior to a planned procedure, after surgery, or if you simply want to improve the quality of daily activities. Our therapists can help with falls, pain, urinary incontinence and balance issues.

Tel Hai is equipped with state-of-the art equipment and direct access to the StoneCroft Aquatics Center that our therapists utilize while working clients. We treat and address a wide variety of physical and medical diagnoses. You will never have to worry about squeezing in appointments since our team members provide flexible appointment times in our StoneCroft Health Suite.

Best yet, we serve individuals from the greater community, team members and their families.  We are open and ready to serve!  Prior to any assessment or treatment, we will review your care options and verify insurance eligibility coverage and potential member responsibility fees for outpatient therapy services.

Are you in need of Outpatient Therapy Services? We’re here to help. Tel Hai Therapy Services are powered by Symbria. Please contact us directly at 610-273-9333 ext. 4005 or email therapy@telhai.org

If you have ever had the flu, you know how severe it can be. Here are some tips to prevent you from getting it.

1. First, get vaccinated! All healthy people should be vaccinated. It can reduce your chance of getting the flu and lower the risk of hospitalization and death caused by the flu.
2. Wash your hands. Viruses may be spread by indirect contact. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent getting sick.
3. Cough into your elbow. Viruses cling to your bare hands. By coughing into your elbow, you can reduce the spread of viruses.
4. Disinfect common surfaces. A virus can live on a surface for up to 72 hours.
5. Drink plenty of water. Water can help strengthen your immune system. If you do get sick it flushes your system and rehydrates you.

If you would happen to get the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or are severe. Your doctor may prescribe an Antiviral medication.

Common flu symptoms include: Cough, sore throat, headache, feeling tired, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, fever or feeling feverish, and having chills.

Remember, by protecting yourself with the flu vaccine you are also protecting those around you.

Justine Hall, RN

Infection Preventionist

Tel Hai Retirement Community

 

You’re a healthy person, right? You eat lots of fruits and veggies, exercise a few times a week, wear sunscreen, and all the other ‘good for you’ stuff!

Well I’m here to inform you of another unexpected healthy thing you should be doing. It might not register as affecting your health but… it’s volunteering! You read that right: VOLUNTEERING is healthy for you!

According to Dr. Stephen Post’s research survey about volunteering (an average of 100 hours/year), here are facts about volunteering and your health:

• • • 96% said volunteering makes them feel happier
    • 68% said volunteering makes them feel healthier
    • 58% said volunteering makes them sleep better

I don’t know a single person who doesn’t want to feel happier, healthier and get a better night’s sleep. Sign me up for some volunteering!

Volunteering has also been shown to reduce your stress levels by releasing endorphins (the feel good stuff) making volunteers feel good about what they’ve done and in turn lowering depression rates. Your friendships and relationships can also get a boost since many volunteer opportunities involve group activities, helping to improve volunteer’s social skills. A more obvious benefit is that volunteering can help keep you physically active which can lower your risk of conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and obesity.

Lastly, and probably the best unexpected benefit, is that volunteering may help you live longer. When volunteering you are improving your overall health, therefore improving your chances for reduced health issues later in life. By volunteering at least 2 hours per week, or at least 100 hours per year, you too can reap these unexpected benefits of volunteering.

So now the hard part is choosing which volunteer opportunity to choose! Good luck and may you enjoy the volunteering as much as you enjoy those who you’re helping.

Amy Whary
Volunteer Coordinator
Tel Hai Retirement Community

(Courtesy of Forbes & Care2.)

When we think about retirement we often think of enjoying more time with family and grandchildren, volunteering for community agencies dear to our hearts, spending more time traveling, and crossing things off our bucket list. When we think about retirement, we most likely aren’t thinking about moving to a nursing home. However, long term nursing care may be a reality in your future and it’s never too early to start the planning process.

Long term nursing care, also called health care, can be defined as medical or non-medical care provided in a facility setting for patients who need 24-hour, 7-day a week custodial assistance with basic daily activities such as dressing, mobility, bathing and toileting, etc. While the term “nursing home” is still often used, many in the industry call it a “skilled nursing facility” or “healthcare center.” The Pennsylvania Health Care Association indicates that approximately 70% of people currently turning 65 will need some form of long term care – many in a healthcare setting.

So, how prepared are you? Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process of long term nursing care.

Tip 1- Educate yourself on the admissions process/criteria and tour the facility!

Many people don’t think about long term nursing care until there is a crisis, and then are forced into making quick decisions with little or no information at all about a facility. It can be beneficial to start a conversation with the facility’s Admissions Team prior to actually needing care. Many healthcare centers will require you to complete an application and provide medical information/documents. Scheduling time with the Admissions Team will allow you time to ask questions and tour the community. Discuss what is included in the daily cost of care, additional ancillary charges not included in the daily cost of care, what insurances the facility contracts with, and what services they offer like transportation and hair care services. Be aware that some Continuing Care Retirement Community’s or Life Plan Communities may not accept individuals from outside their own campus community for long term nursing care. Also, availability varies between each community on a daily basis.

Tip 2- Financially prepare for the cost of long term nursing care!

Genworth’s 2018 ‘Cost of Care Survey’ indicated that the average cost for long term nursing care in Pennsylvania is between $10,000 – $12,000 per month. Medicare covers long term nursing care provided in a skilled healthcare facilities for certain, specific conditions for a very short period of time from 0 to 100 days. Residents requiring long term nursing care often use private assets, long term care insurance, and/or state-funded Medical Assistance programs to help cover the cost of care. Facilities may have financial criteria for admission and may require a spend-down of personal assets prior to applying for Medical Assistance benefits.

Tip 3- Include your family members/POA in your retirement plans & medical information!

By the time many people need care in a long term nursing setting, it may be difficult for them to physically access medical, financial, and/or insurance records. Your Power of Attorney or family members may need to assist you with decision making, accessing documents, signing paperwork or paying bills. Make sure your loved ones are informed and can gain access to your finances, insurance, advanced directives, and important health information. This will help facilitate a smooth transition to a nursing care setting and ensure your wishes are honored. If you haven’t already done so, make sure to establish your Advanced Directives or Power of Attorney documents.

Randi Martin, BASW
Admissions Coordinator
Tel Hai Retirement Community