NWH_Boomers_072024 by Shaw Media

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BOOMERS

Return to active lifestyle after hip, knee surgery by following a recovery plan

The virtue of patience rings true for many aspects of our daily lives, particularly when recovering from an injury.

Whether the injury was sudden, or pain built up over time, we want it fixed, and we want it fixed now. And we want to feel better quickly and return to our normal lives as soon as possible.

There is opportunity where our minds and bodies can meet in the middle. Patients who adhere to post-surgical recovery plans are the most successful. That means following your provider’s advice for resting and healing; physical therapy; and any additional exercising or strengthening to help your body recover.

The decision to have surgery often comes after patients have tried medications or various nonsurgical therapies. As technology has improved, OrthoIllinois has been able to offer more minimally invasive surgery options, which allow patients to recover faster and with less pain after making the big decision to have surgery.

For hip replacements, most patients today are good candidates for the direct anterior total hip

replacement procedure, which is a minimally invasive surgery that minimizes muscle damage and doesn’t require muscles to be cut, resulting in a smaller incision, reduced pain and either return to home same day or a shorter hospital stay.

The anterior approach is a great example of improvements in treatment techniques that focus on getting patients better faster. With a traditional total hip replacement, patients are given restricted limitations on hip motion and flexing of the hip for six to eight weeks. Patients who qualify for the anterior approach can bend the hip freely and bear full weight as soon as they are comfortable doing so.

For many patients, hip and knee replacement surgeries can be performed as an outpatient procedure at an ambulatory surgery center. Other patients may stay in the hospital overnight. For hips, physical therapy often begins the same day as surgery to help with walking, strengthening and range of motion.

Here are a few more general tips that can help with your recovery.

Prepare your home: Post-surgery, you will

have some soreness and have limited range of motion. Be proactive about moving rugs and arranging furniture at home so you can maneuver around safely and prevent injuries. That means also adjusting the bedroom and the bathroom for safer sitting and standing.

Follow instructions: Whether those instructions include restrictions on driving, crossing your legs or bearing weight on your hip or knee, follow the advice of your provider, and your body will have the time it needs to properly heal.

Work with your therapists: OrthoIllinois

Rehabilitation specializes in many aspects of care, including physical and occupational therapy. With the surgery behind you, this is where the rubber meets the road. You will have an individualized plan to help you strengthen and rebuild your body over a period of weeks and months. That plan considers your goals, commitment and participation to improve your quality of life.

At OrthoIllinois, our goal is always to get patients back to their normal, everyday activities without pain. That reality can be achieved by sticking to a post-surgery recovery plan.

BOOMERS

America’s Antique Mall: ANostalgicJourneyinAlgonquin,Illinois

Nestled in the heart of Algonquin, Illinois, America’s Antique Mall beckons visitors to step back in time and discover hidden treasures from the past. Spanning 50,000 square feet, this expansive emporium is a haven for those seeking vintage charm and has become a beloved destination for collectors. Stop in for a quick visit or spend hours perusing our 285 booths, filled with beautiful items ranging from antique furniture to vintage clothes to fresh, on-trend finds… all filled with their own, unique charm. One of the highlights of America’s Antique Mall is its’ impressive collection of 240 locked showcases. These treasure troves hold a dazzling, variety of sports memorabilia, intricate jewelry, prized collectibles, and delicate, vintage glassware. Each showcase is a window into a different era, offering a glimpse of the craftsmanship and artistry that have stood the test of time.

A Journey Through Time

America’s Antique Mall opened its third location in Algonquin, IL, on Black Friday in 2023 and has quickly become a premier destination for antique enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking unique home decor. This charming antique mall boasts diverse and meticulously curated collections from various eras. Visitors are transported through time as they explore elegant 19th-century furniture, iconic mid-century memorabilia, collectible sports cards, and exquisite, vintage jewelry. Each piece tells a story, adding a touch of history and character to any home. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, America’s Antique Mall Algonquin is not just a shopping destination but an experience that promises to enchant and inspire all who visit.

Featured Collectibles – Items that Tell a Story

The mall’s extensive inventory includes timeless antiques, vintage apparel from various decades, collectible toys, delightful gifts, and unique artisan items. Each carefully curated section offers visitors a captivating glimpse into different periods of history and a chance to rediscover cherished memories. As you wander through the beautifully arranged displays, you’ll be transported to bygone eras, where every item tells a story.

Community Engagement – Events for All

More than just a shopping experience, America’s Antique Mall fosters a sense of community among boomers and fellow collectors. Events, such as antique appraisal fairs and themed exhibitions provide opportunities to share knowledge, forging bonds over shared passions for collectibles, antiques, and vintage home decor. AAM also features educational events for those looking to learn skills from our talented vendors… such as furniture painting and macrame. These initiatives not only engage the local community but attract visitors from neighboring towns and beyond… cementing the mall’s reputation as a charming cultural landmark in the region.

More than Antiques – Spark Your Joy

For those seeking to uncover hidden treasures or simply indulge in nostalgia, America’s Antique Mall offers a trove waiting to be explored. Whether you are searching for a unique statement piece to complement your home decor or hoping to stumble upon a rare find that sparks joy, the possibilities are endless within its expansive aisles. Each visit promises a delightful journey through time, where every discovery brings a touch of magic and a sense of wonder.

When you shop at America’s Antique Mall in Algonquin, you’ll be greeted by hundreds of vendors with a wide variety of items. We’re one of the largest antique malls in Illinois and provide a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with quality customer service. America’s Antique Mall offers vendors space to fit their business needs. Enjoy a variety of sizes of vendor booths, or display your items in one of our glass showcases. Come shop with us!

SCAN HERE!

50,000 SQUARE FEET

285 Booths & 240 Showcases

Tips for daily living with arthritis

Arthritis isn’t a single disease, but a term that refers to more than 100 conditions characterized by joint pain or joint disease, says the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and affects women at a proportionally higher rate than men.

People experiencing arthritis can take steps to make living with the condition somewhat easier.

Work with an occupational therapist

An occupational therapist can assess work and home situations and make recommendations on potential modifications to these spaces that might be right for your situation. The bathroom and kitchen typically are two spaces where people spend a lot of time and can be areas of focus. Having items at counter height; purchasing smaller sizes of products that are easier to hold; avoiding bending down by using a grabber tool; and having a chair or stool nearby so that you can sit while doing an activity can help.

Use smart devices

The bevy of smart devices now available can work to your advantage. With the push of a button on a phone app or through voice control, you can turn on lights, switch the thermostat or perform any other tasks programmed around the house. This can help when mobility is compromised.

Meal preparation can be a chore when arthritis makes it painful. Rather than eating out all of the time, some tips can help. Utilize frozen fruit or vegetables that already are chopped and prepared to cut down on these tasks. Invest in lightweight cookware and dishes to simplify moving items around. Electric jar openers, kitchen scissors and

even vegetable steamers that require less water are additional kitchen tools that can make life with arthritis a little easier.

Move your bedroom

If climbing stairs repeatedly is problematic, move clothing or even your bedroom downstairs to reduce trips up and down. Additional relocation techniques can include putting a mini fridge in your bedroom or relocating the washer and dryer upstairs to make laundry easier.

Get a rollator

A rollator is a wheeled walker that doubles as a seat. It provides support when walking, but also can be a comfortable place to stop and take a seated break.

Get the right pain relief

Strategies include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and massages, stretching and exercising, and even prescription therapies that target the immune system in people with autoimmune arthritis. Work with health professionals to get the right combination of what is needed to alleviate pain and stiffness.

Arthritis affects millions of individuals around the world. By making some changes, people living with the condition can find life a little bit easier.

Just who lives at The Garlands?

dogs & their humans

Like Rambo and Lee Myalls who experience doggone good times meeting and greeting neighbors on their daily walks throughout The Garlands beautifully landscaped and well-maintained grounds. “We love it here!”

The Garlands of Barrington oﬀers older adult the ﬁnest in resort-style services, convenient amenities, stunning homes, and great friends with whom you can enjoy it.

Focus on kitchen tasks

➤➤➤➤ BOOMERS

Are there ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Researchers around the globe continue to investigate Alzheimer’s disease, the most commonly diagnosed form of dementia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia that affects around 6.5 million people in the United States. Since AD affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, notable symptoms include memory loss and difficulties communicating.

AD can be a debilitating condition, so naturally people want to do all they can to avoid it. Right now there are no proven prevention strategies nor a cure. However, the Mayo Clinic says there is strong evidence that healthy lifestyle habits may play a role in reducing AD risk, as well as risk for other types of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Mayo Clinic recommend these strategies to help reduce dementia risk.

• Reduce risk for heart disease. Some autopsy studies show that as many as 80 percent of individuals with AD also have cardiovascular disease. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels may, in turn, help individuals reduce their risk for AD.

• Eat a balanced diet. Many doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein coming from sources containing omega-3 fatty acids. This diet also is heart-healthy.

• Embrace physical activity. Regular physical activity may lower the risk of AD as well as vascular dementia. Exercise can boost blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Cardiovascular exercise is an essential part of any wellness plan.

• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help maintain brain health and reduce the risk for various diseases.

• Avoid head injuries. Always wear protective safety equipment when participating in sports or while riding motorcycles or other motorized vehicles. Fall-proof your home and wear seatbelts while riding in cars.

• Maintain social connections and activity. A number of studies indicate that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as people age might lower the risk of cognitive decline as well as AD.

• Keep a healthy weight. Manage weight through diet and exercise.

Although there is no guaranteed way to avoid a dementia diagnosis, certain lifestyle changes may help people reduce their risk. TF246024

Did you know?

Golf carts are go-to transportation options for people who live in retirement communities and private residential neighborhoods. Individuals aspiring to call such communities home may be happy to learn that a new golf cart will not cost them nearly as much as a new car or truck. Though golf carts require a sizable financial commitment, the electric off-road recreational vehicle dealers at Kandi America estimate the cost of a new electric cart at between $12,000 and $14,000, while gas-powered alternatives may begin around $4,000 and cost as much as $10,000 depending on the model, brand and accessories. Though electric golf carts are not maintenance-free, such vehicles generally require less upkeep than gas-powered carts, so the cost of maintenance should be factored in when drivers decide which type of vehicle best suits their needs and budgets.

Your background, personality, and interests are what make you unique and what will allow you to fit right in at our community. We embrace – and celebrate – everyone’s differences and open our doors to all. If you’re ready to amplify the life you already love with new friendships, experiences, and ideas, visit us for our next event and feel the genuine connection for yourself.

Tips to find a home health aide

A desire to live independently seems to be part of human nature. Though that desire may continue to burn as individuals approach retirement age, unforeseen circumstances like medical issues or the death of a partner may result in a need to work with a professional caregiver.

Home health aides (HHAs) can help aging individuals or those with certain physical or cognitive limitations live full lives without requiring them to move into assisted living facilities. Individuals living in well-populated areas may have no shortage of options as they seek to hire a professional. Individuals or families beginning their search for a home health aide can keep these tips in mind.

• Identify the services required. The Family Caregiver Alliance® notes there are several main areas to assess when identifying which services individuals may need help with. Personal care consists of bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, and grooming. Household care involves cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping. HHAs who provide medical care may help clients manage medications, provide physical therapy and help clients get to their doctor’s appointments. Companionship is a component of emotional care, which also may entail engaging clients in meaningful activities and conversation.

• Seek recommendations from trusted doctors and confidantes. An individual who needs daily assistance at home can ask his or her physician for recommendations (family members can ask as well). Physicians undoubtedly have had previous patients who have benefited from the services of HHAs, so they can likely recommend local professionals. Trusted confidantes, such as neighbors, relatives and friends, who have been in similar situations, or have family members who have required HHAs, also can be an invaluable resource.

• Contact a local agency. The FCA notes that contacting a local Home Care Agency is a formal way to find an HHA for yourself or a loved one. Various agencies are likely in operation within a reasonable distance of a person’s home, though the FCA notes far fewer agencies serve rural areas. Contacting a local Home Care Agency can put individuals and their families in contact with professionals who can help match people with particular needs with HHAs who specialize in such care or have extensive experience providing a range of home care services.

• Look into a direct-hire group. AARP® notes that direct-hire agencies maintain networks of independent caregivers and facilitate connections between those professionals and individuals and families seeking help. When working with a direct-hire group, inquire about their fees and ask if they can share any information regarding how to pay independent contactors who can be found through their agencies. It’s also important to ask if direct-hire groups formally vet professionals that can be found through them or if individuals and families must conduct their own background checks.

Individuals who need some assistance with daily living can employ various strategies to find home health aides.

Cheers to the Good Life

Enjoy life unencumbered by the worries of day-to-day responsibilities, where it’s full of possibilities and opportunities. Where modern, spacious residences, a dynamic calendar of events and programs, continuum of exceptional care, and delectable chef-prepared cuisine await. Here, you create the life you want!

Call 815-261-0547 to learn how you can save $7,000 when you move in by August 31, 2024.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE 965 North Brighton Circle • Crystal Lake, IL 60012 crystallake.watermarkcommunities.com