Homestead Hills Presents First Annual SLC Wellness Week, September 14 - 18
September 07, 2009
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Winston-Salem, N.C. - At exactly 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, amidst the noise of hotly contested debates . above the fray of rowdy town hall meetings . despite the growling of partisan politicians, a group of seniors living in Homestead Hills retirement community will join seven other communities across the Southeast as they quietly and simultaneously begin their morning exercises. The eight retirement communities are owned by Senior Living Communities, and the community-synchronized exercise class is one of many activities scheduled for the first annual "SLC Wellness Week," taking place September 14 - 18, 2009.
The event represents a decidedly fresh approach to improving the outcome for seniors embroiled in the health care reform debate. SLC Wellness Week celebrates the healthy, happy lifestyle advocated by Senior Living Communities' innovative wellness program which was developed in conjunction with Wake Forest University Medical Center's J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging. Broad in scope, the Homestead Hills' wellness program emphasizes the importance of preventative health care, physical activity and brain health in enhancing quality of life for community members.
The debate surrounding end-of-life care includes concerns about the cost of providing quality health care for an aging population. Homstead Hills' approach to wellness helps residents live happier, healthier lives through holistic exercises that can both prevent the onset of chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and address balance or mobility issues that may result in catastrophic falls or expensive hospital stays.
Wake Forest tested more than 15 percent of Senior Living Communities' 1,300 residents with a balance assessment, chair stand test and a walking speed component. The average score of the 189 volunteers who participated in the initial test was 9.7, with scores from 8 to 12 considered highly functional.
Sandi Griswold, Homestead Hills' wellness coordinator, oversees the wellness program at the Winston-Salem, N.C. campus.
"Our biggest challenge is convincing our residents that we can enhance their quality of life no matter their age," Griswold said. "If balance is a concern, they can participate in our tai chi class. If low oxygen levels are an issue, they can take advantage of aquatic therapy. Even our Alzheimer's and dementia patients have the opportunity to participate in classes that engage their bodies and minds in healthy, productive activity."
Griswold believes SLC Wellness Week is one way to increase resident awareness and benefit local senior populations by hosting an array of health care vendors while demonstrating first-hand the types of exercise classes offered to residents.
Other SLC Wellness Week highlights include a health fair, and dining events that emphasize healthy eating habits.
