What is Independent Living? What to Look For and How to Know It’s Right For You

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Liberty Lutheran

Whether it’s health, finances, or our overall well-being, independence is one aspect of life, we strive to maintain regardless of our age. Empowering individuals to feel confident, secure, and fulfilled, independent living fills seniors with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction throughout their later years.

For residents of Independent living at Liberty Lutheran’s family of services, they often ask themselves why they didn’t move in sooner. With varying amenities and accommodations, all quality independent living communities have one commonality, and that’s the unmistakable vibrancy of the people who live there.

While independent living sounds self-explanatory, there’s common misunderstandings about what it means for seniors and how it actually helps them maintain their independence.

What is Independent Living?

Housing for seniors who need little to no medical assistance

Independent living signifies housing for seniors who need little to no medical assistance. With less focus on available medical resources, and more attention to community-based engagement, independent living provides senior adults with their own residential living space surrounded by a community of individuals with similar capabilities. This type of living encourages residents to reach their maximum level of independence while still providing assistance should they need it. With the ability to maintain their own living spaces, and have access to amenities like laundry services and other basic housekeeping, senior adults feel the fine balance of care and independence.

Independent living accommodations you should look for

Independent living accommodations vary depending on the community you choose to visit, but there are several basic accommodations that will provide the best living experience for you or your loved ones. When visiting senior living communities with independent living look for these main features:

Full kitchen
Private bathroom
Comfortable living area
Ample closet space

Consider dining options

While accommodations like a full kitchen will give you or your loved one the freedom to cook your own meals, you should inquire about the community’s dining services as well. If you enjoy a served meal with family and friends, community dining rooms that also allow reservations for special events will certainly be important.

What types of activities are offered to members of the community?

Having the privacy of your own apartment or residential living space is a large part of independent living, but community-based events where residents have the opportunity to meet other people and form friendships is important to many senior adults. Whether they’re outings to the local bowling alley, or parties within the community, if you enjoy socializing, community-based activities and events will be very important to you when choosing an independent living community.

What wellness or fitness programs do they have?

Additionally, if you’re a fitness fanatic, or enjoy staying active and healthy, you’ll want to look for independent living communities with fitness facilities or exercise and nutrition programs. Some independent living communities have rooms with exercise equipment as well as on-site personal trainers.

Independent Living at Liberty Lutheran’s Family of Services: Paul’s Run and The Manor at York Town

Paul’s Run independent living residents celebrate the Eagles’ victory last year

Liberty Lutheran’s family of services impact the health and well-being of more than 10,000 senior adults. Two of our family of services, Paul’s Run and The Manor at Yorktown, have distinguished independent living communities that empower residents to feel secure and confident.

When you’re considering independent living communities, Paul’s Run and The Manor are outstanding examples of what to look for. Our long list of independent living accommodations include all of the amenities listed above like

Full kitchen, comfortable living space, private bath, ample closet space

As well as additional amenities like

Various floor plans to choose from, refrigerators and stoves, individual climate controls, 24-hour emergency response security system, smoke and fire protection system, phone and cable outlets

Our independent living communities have formal dining rooms for those who’d like to dine with others, as well as access to wellness programs for optimal health, fitness, and nutrition.

But we’re more than just living accommodations for your present and future. We’re an active community excited about what’s happening every single day.

Independent living residents at Paul’s Run attend a flower arrangement workshop

These appealing accommodations only scrape the surface of what makes our independent living communities outstanding. It’s the activities that happen there on a daily basis that truly add to the fulfilling experience of independent living.

Walk through the halls of independent living at Paul’s Run, and you’ll see vibrant residents who enjoy a world of opportunity with engaging activities and events that happen day-to-day. Whether it’s crafting Valentine’s Day cards for family and friends, benevolent events like sewing stuffed animals for ill children laying in hospital beds, or taking a flower arrangement workshop, residents of our independent living communities are fulfilled, confident, and excited for the possibility of tomorrow.

If you or your loved one want to live in a community that fills you with excitement and empowers you to maintain your independence, click here to see if our independent living at Paul’s Run or The Manor at Yorktown is right for you.

Liberty Wellness – Employees Helping Employees

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

Liberty Wellness Works is Liberty Lutheran’s health and wellness program that helps employees reach their fitness goals, as well as achieve better health through improved diets, nutrition, and stress management. Liberty staff members are encouraged to earn points that can be redeemed for financial bonuses at the end of each Eligible employees can gain up to $350 per year.

The system is based on a 1 point equals $1 system. Regular wellness visits with a physician that include bloodwork are worth 200 points, which converts to $200. Completing a monthly challenge will earn an employee 5 points. Being a non-smoker for over 12 months is worth 10 points. Having your annual dental exam is worth 15 points. Points are also awarded for such activities as reading a book on stress management, receiving an annual flu shot, joining a gym (or Liberty’s own Becoming Center), and more.

Each month, employees are encouraged to submit healthy recipes they enjoy making at home. Rebecca Ditore, wellness program coordinator, then assembles the recipes and shares them with the entire network of Liberty employees through her email blasts.

This summer alone, 60 recipes were sent to Rebecca by staff to encourage others to eat healthy this summer.

Here is just a sample of those recipes:

Tropical Papaya Smoothie
Submitted by: Annamma from Paul’s Run
Servings: 1
1 papaya, cut into chunks
1 c fat-free plain yogurt
½ c fresh pineapple chunks
½ c crushed ice
1 tsp coconut extract
1 tsp ground flaxseed

Combine the papaya, yogurt, pineapple, ice, coconut extract, and flaxseed. Process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth and frosty.

Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Submitted by: Heidy from Liberty at Home
½ cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 container plain or flavored Greek yogurt
1 egg

Mix together, cook with coconut oil
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto skillet to make 1 pancake
Wait for edges to bubble and flip pancake

Cantaloupe Salsa
Submitted by: Luanne Fisher, Whitemarsh
4 cups cantaloupe, small chunks
1 cup tomatoes, small chunks
½ red onion, diced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cucumber, small chunks
4 jalapeno peppers, diced
2 tbsp. each lemon & lime juice
Clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil

Mix everything & refrigerate until chilled & flavors combine (about 1 – 2 hrs.)

Summer Fruit Salad
Submitted by: Sherry, The Village at Penn State
1 – 29oz can of peach slices (don’t drain)
1 – 20oz can of pineapple chunks (don’t drain)
3 1/8 box of instant vanilla pudding
1 lb. of strawberries sliced
1 banana sliced
½ pint blueberries
1- Bunch of grapes

In a large bowl combine peaches, pineapple, pudding and juice from cans. Mix well. Stir in remaining fruit and chill.

Carrot Dogs
Submitted by: Areatha, West Philadelphia Senior Center
5 carrots – cut each end of the carrot off, to fit a hot dog bun,
Shave the outer layer of skin off.
Put 2 cups of water in a pot with:
2 tbls. soy sauce
2 tbls. liquid smoke
2 tbls. steak sauce such as A1 sauce
2 tbls. maple syrup
2 tbls. ketchup
(Preferably organic, without high fructose corn syrup)

Stir the pot and add the carrots.
Let it boil for 10 minutes
Cover the pot and boil for 10 more minutes.
Place your carrot in a hot dog bun and dress it with coleslaw, white onions, mustard and ketchup.

Delicious Cauliflower
Submitted by: Diane, Whitemarsh
1 large head of cauliflower, cleaned and cored (keep it whole)
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon brown mustard
4 slices Swiss cheese; other sliced cheese may also be used
Pepper, to taste

Clean, core and steam one large head of cauliflower.
Drain cauliflower and place on a serving dish.
Mix mayonnaise and mustard together to blend them.
Spread the mixture over the hot cauliflower.
Sprinkle with pepper.
Lay the four cheese slices on top to cover the cauliflower.
Serve when the cheese has softened and melted.

Low Carb Taco Salad
Submitted by: Sheryl, Village at Penn State
8 oz. low fat sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese
1 lb. lean ground beef
Mild taco seasoning packet
Mild taco sauce
1 bag shredded or chopped lettuce
1 bag mild shredded cheddar cheese
Tomatoes
Whole grain Tostitos (optional)

Mix sour cream & cream cheese until creamy and layer on bottom of 9×13 pan.
Brown ground beef & mix taco seasoning according to package.
Layer on top of sour cream mixture.
Pour taco sauce over ground beef.
Layer lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
Dip Tostitos if desired.

Summer Veggie Pasta
Submitted by: Sophie, Artman
Pre-cooked ziti (zucchini diced, tomatoes diced)
Garlic chopped or minced depending on your preference
Basil leaves
Mozzarella balls or Parmesan cheese
Yellow squash
Mushrooms if you like it

This recipe is quick and easy to make. The amount of ingredients depends on how many people you’re cooking for and the timing also depends on how you like to eat your vegetables. I like to eat mine crunchy, so I don’t cook them as long.

Zucchini Casserole
Submitted by: Teri, The Hearth at Drexel
1 large zucchini, chopped into ¼-inch slices
2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
Croutons
1 tomato, sliced,
4 – 5 slices American cheese or sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook zucchini 10 minutes or until tender and drain well.
Sauté onions, mushrooms and green pepper in butter.
Add zucchini to sautéed mixture; season with salt and pepper.
Put mixture into buttered 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with croutons, then sliced tomatoes.
Arrange cheese slices on top.
Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese melts.
Vegetable mixture may be prepared ahead of time. If so, heat casserole longer to warm through.

Apple Turnovers
Submitted by: Samantha, West Philly Senior Community Center
Total Time: 30min
Servings: 8
Small Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, cut into 8 (1/2-inch) slices
Tablespoons butter, melted
One can (8 oz.) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
One teaspoon apple pie spice

Heat oven to 375°F.
Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper, or grease cookie sheet.
Set aside.
In small bowl, toss apple slices in 1 tablespoon of the melted butter; set aside.
Separate dough into 8 triangles.
In small bowl, mix brown sugar and apple pie spice.
Divide mixture evenly among triangles.
Top each triangle with apple slice. Starting at short side of each triangle, wrap dough around apple.
Place on cookie sheet. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until crescents are deep golden brown and apples are softened.
Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Learn more about the benefits of working for Liberty Lutheran at LibertyLutheran.org/benefits

Five Questions Your Doctor Wishes You Would Ask About Your Heart

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

February is officially designated as Heart Health Month. According to The Heart Foundation, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable.

Dr. Christopher Pitsch, Medical Director at Liberty Lutheran’s Paul’s Run community, offers five questions he wishes his patients would ask.

Q: What is heart disease?
A: Though “heart disease” may be used to describe a few different conditions, it is most commonly used in reference to coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged and cannot supply enough blood to the heart.

Q: What causes heart disease?
A: Heart disease starts with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a process in which fatty substances build up inside the walls of the arteries. Blood components can also begin sticking to the wall, causing a “plaque” buildup and narrowing/hardening of the vessels.

Q: What does high blood pressure have to do with heart disease?
A: Several years of high blood pressure can damage artery walls, causing them to become stiff and narrow. Though controlling our blood pressure is always important, there is more flexibility as we get older. Too aggressively lowering our blood pressure can cause problems as well.

Q: Is it OK to exercise?
A: Yes, regular exercise improves blood flow to the heart and makes the other muscles in the body more efficient, increasing their functional capacity as well as any medicine. As little as 10 minutes of an exercise you enjoy can go a long way.

Q: How can I lower my cholesterol?
A: Though sometimes medicine is required, healthy lifestyle changes can also make a big impact. Eating more fruits, lean meat, vegetables, and fish can go a long way, while eating less organ meats, egg yolks and fats.

Dr. Pitsch recommends that everyone should have an open and honest conversation with their doctor about heart disease and the prevention of heart disease.

For more information about heart disease, and how to reduce your risk, visit TheHeartFoundation.org.

Volunteering with Liberty Hospice – A Day in the Life

Posted on February 15, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

Jean Irvin, volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice

There is a belief in the Lutheran Church that throughout our individual lives, we are accompanying each other on our respective journeys. As part of Liberty’s Day in the Life series, Jean Irvin, volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice, shares how this concept rings true for Hospice volunteers and patients. Here is Jean’s story.

Liberty Hospice’s team includes our medical director, social workers, our chaplain, skilled nurses, hospice aides, and volunteers. We all work together to provide support and compassionate care to those who have a life expectancy of six months or less, although if a patient improves but still manages a life threatening diagnosis we have served them upwards of a year prior to their passing.

I joined Liberty Hospice as the volunteer coordinator on January 25, 2017, and for the past year there has been no typical day. Hospice is very fluid, and one day is never the same as the next. My work depends upon the needs of our patients and our case load.

Each morning I check to see if there are any new requests for hospice services from residents at Paul’s Run, Artman and The Hearth at Drexel. Liberty Hospice also currently provides services to patients in six other communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, while maintaining relationships with communities we’ve served in the past.

We currently have about 30 volunteers who engage patients in a variety of ways. Some of our patients can be more active, while for others, just talking about pictures in their room can bring back incredible memories that create a real sense of joy. For those who are non-verbal, simply sitting with them provides support and a connection that reassures them that someone is there for them.

Stephanie and Colleen both find volunteering for Liberty Hospice a rewarding opportunity.

Our volunteers demonstrate an incredible amount of commitment. Serving as a hospice volunteer isn’t easy, but it’s purpose-driven and fulfilling for many of those who share their time with us. We want to make sure they are connected with our mission and recognized as valuable members of the Hospice team. To achieve that goal, I check in with our volunteers over the phone and through e-mail to see how they’re doing and to checkup on their availability. We also host volunteer appreciation events and education programs, and during major holidays and volunteer appreciation month we also send out cards and notes expressing our gratitude for everything they do. Making our volunteers feel appreciated is key to providing the best hospice care.

I also recruit volunteers on a daily basis. This includes managing applications to ensure they’ve met our criteria to volunteer. Once their paperwork is complete I coordinate and provide orientations, and try to meet them in the field when they’re visiting a patient for the first time.

There’s a large administrative aspect to my role as well. As the volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice I’m also a member of the interdisciplinary team. When there is a request for our services we usually get paperwork on the patient from a nurse or a social worker. From there we log information into a variety of systems to track and generate reports for the patients’ records.

Phyllis and Penny volunteer at Paul’s Run.

Every time a volunteer goes out to see a patient, I organize the correct paperwork and work with other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure that we track which volunteer is working with a certain patient. All of the information we create ends up in our patients’ charts, which also needs to be logged in to Hospice’s patient tracking system.

Hospice offers several programs and activities to create positive experiences for those we’re serving, such as Music and Memory and pet therapy. It warms my heart when I see a patient light up with joy at the sight or touch of one of the volunteer-dogs we bring in to provide companionship. Some of our patients have been required to give up a beloved pet, so when they get the chance to participate in pet therapy the positive impact can be immeasurable.

Part of my job is to also work with volunteers to create playlists for our Music and Memory program. For this, we contact family members to find out what our patients enjoyed listening to throughout their life, and what songs may draw special memories. We dig deep and do our homework to make a meaningful impact. I’ve seen non-verbal patients sing songs verbatim, and those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia recall memories based upon the songs we play for them on an iPod.

Mr. Smart T. Pants and his human volunteer at Artman.

Coordinating services can include organizing ceremonies for our We Honor Veterans program, which recognizes the sacrifices of those who have been in our armed forces. As with everything we do, this can be requested in advance or require a very quick turnaround. We work very diligently to ensure we meet the needs of those we’re serving.

Liberty Hospice also provides bereavement services to families of patients who have passed away. We keep in touch with them for 13 months following their loved one’s passing. The first card each family member will receive is one that is hand-signed by our staff. Every time we have a team meeting, which is every other Wednesday, I bring the cards for everyone to sign and then send them to each family member.

Right now we’re providing support to approximately 500 family members by offering grief counseling and holding support groups, which are also open to the public. We stay connected with them in a variety of ways; one of which is through the mail, which is the area I coordinate with volunteers. Given the number of family members we’re reaching to out this can be a large and important task.

The important thing I want to share is that there are tons of volunteer opportunities with Liberty Hospice, whether they’re directly connected with patients or helping us within our offices. We even have some volunteers who work within Liberty Lutheran’s family of services and we’ve have had their friends and family referred to us as well.

Being a Hospice volunteer is not about being part of someone’s death. It’s about being part of someone’s life. The comfort and companionship we provide at Liberty Hospice is so important for our patients and their families, and I see it on a daily basis. Being a part of this team is a truly important part of my life.

The compassionate care that Jean, and everyone at Liberty Hospice, brings to our patients and their families is integral to Liberty’s mission to serve as a vital resource for individuals and their families. If you are interested in volunteering with Liberty Hospice, or know someone who might be, please reach out to Jean at jirvin@libertylutheran.org or visit LibertyLutheran.org/volunteer.

Keep on Moving – Winter Stretching Tips!

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

When we are stuck inside due to the cold weather-maybe sitting around more than we would like- a daily stretching routine is something that can keep our bodies warm and mobile.

Dot and Jaime from Liberty at Home have put together five tips to keep you moving this winter.

Lack of flexibility is something that can occur as we age due to less mobility and changes in our body’s make-up. It’s important to keep your joints moving. Some of the muscles that can become tight include the muscles in the back of the thighs, called your hamstrings, as well as your calf muscles, hip muscles, and your chest and shoulders.

Sitting can cause these muscle groups to become shortened and less flexible and frequent change in position is ideal for prevention. If you find yourself sitting for long periods of time, make sure to stand up intermittently and walk around if you are able.

Remember to follow the advice of your doctor or health professional when you are walking or standing, and use your assistive device if needed.

Hamstring stretch – You can stretch your hamstrings simply by just extending your leg fully in a seated position. This is called an active stretch because it stretches the muscles while you are moving. Try to do at least 20 repetitions on each side. This is a safe way to stretch your hamstrings without hurting your spine or hip joint. For a more intense stretch, and to involve your calf muscles, try pulling your toes back toward your head. You will feel a more intense stretch in the back of your hamstrings and calf. You can also perform ankle circles to get those feet moving.
Hip flexors – These are the muscles in the front of your hips. To stretch your hip flexors, stand in front of your kitchen counter or sink, with feet staggered, one in front of the other. Shift your weight forward as if someone was pulling you by your belt buckle, bending your front knee and keeping your back knee straight and heels on the floor. Try to keep your back straight and avoid arching it. You should feel a slight pull in the front of the hip on the back leg, as well as a calf stretch on the back leg. Hold your stretch for up to 30 seconds, performing 3 repetitions on each side.
Chest stretch – To stretch out your chest, in either a standing or seated position, sit with good posture and perform a rowing motion, pinching your shoulder blades together and pushing your chest out and up. Try to perform at least 20 repetitions. If this is rough on your shoulders, try doing backward shoulder rolls. Roll your shoulders up and back for 20 repetitions to open up the front of your chest and shoulders.
Back stretch – Sitting is hard on our backs too. To stretch, try standing up at your kitchen counter with your hands on the counter for balance. Try slightly arching backward to extend your spine. If you are unable to do this in standing, you can also do this in a sitting position by alternating between a slouched posture and then moving to an over-exaggerated upright posture, slightly arching your back. Try to perform 10 repetitions.
Shoulder stretch – In either a standing or seated position, with good posture, reach your arms overhead as high as you are able to perform without pain or pinching in your shoulders. Posture is key when performing this movement, as you will want to keep your shoulder blades back to minimize pinching and to maximize your range of motion. Try performing 10-20 repetitions in a pain free range.

As always, before beginning a stretching program, consult your doctor or physical therapist to make sure that these movements are safe for you and your body. “No Pain, No Gain” is not necessarily true, so you should never stretch through pain or discomfort. You should not feel your muscles trembling or need to hold your breath when stretching either. You should feel a gentle pull in the muscle group you are working on. While many recommend stretching at least 3 times per week, a daily light stretching program will provide the most benefit and keep your body moving and grooving.

Keep moving!
Jaime – Outpatient Therapy Manager for Liberty at Home
Dotty – Clinical Manager for Liberty at Home

Liberty at Home empowers Philadelphia-area seniors to confidently remain in the home they love. If you want to live independently, or you are a caregiver struggling to take care of a loved one, you will find that Liberty at Home provides the services you need.

A Golden Anniversary Gift

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

This past November, Bob and Beverly Bortz celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. Married on November 18, 1967, they saw a golden opportunity to give back. The Bortzes chose to use their celebration as a fundraiser for Liberty Lutheran.

“When you need for nothing materially, it is best to give to others,” said Bob.” We didn’t need another bottle of wine or a gift certificate. We suggested that, if guests wished to recognize our milestone in a tangible way, they make a donation to Liberty Lutheran Services.”

To date their friends and family have generously donated over $5,300. “The outpouring of support is overwhelming,” said Beverly. “I am so grateful to our friends and family for making these gifts. It’s just a neat feeling and it makes you feel so good to do something like this for an organization that both of us are honored to be a part of.”

The couple’s bond with Liberty runs deep. Beverly has served on Liberty’s Board of Directors for over five years. Meanwhile Bob has been the chairman of the Artman Golf Outing for three years.

Bob credits Beverly with the clever idea to share in their good fortunes. Married on November 18, 1967, The Bortzes returned to the historic William Penn Inn exactly 50 years later to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. Through their charitableness, they also showed their commitment to Liberty Lutheran’s family of services.

Milestones of 1967:
Average Cost of new house $14,250.00.
Average Income per year $7,300.00.
Average Monthly Rent $125.00.
Gas per Gallon 33 cents.
The Beatles release Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Rolling Stone Magazine’s first issue was printed.