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Top 5 Amazing Health Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

A green thumb is a healthy thumb. Discover the benefits of gardening for seniors to inspire you during this growing season! 1. Gardening helps keep seniors active. Gardening is a way to get your whole body moving. As you plant, weed and water, you’re putting your whole body to work. For seniors, an added benefit… Read more »

What is the Average Length of Stay for Rehab?

If you or a loved one has experienced a hospital stay and require post-acute care rehab after being discharged, you may wonder how long you’ll be there. You may also worry about the cost of your rehab stay and what Medicare covers. Learn about the average length of stay for inpatient rehab and what Medicare… Read more »

How To Meal Prep Before Planned Surgery

Meal prepping is one of the best things you can do to prepare for a planned surgery, such as a knee replacement or cardiovascular surgery. It’s an easy way to make the transition home from the hospital or post-hospital rehab center a little smoother. If you or a loved one will be having surgery soon, here… Read more »

Heart-shaped tomato on top of lettuce signifying heart health

Guide to a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

February is well known for being American Heart Health Month, a yearly awareness campaign created to alert people of the risk factors for heart-related illnesses and encourage them to take steps in protecting their heart. Optalis participates in various ways such as helping to educate adults on the disease and preventative ways to potentially reverse… Read more »

image of man falling on snow

Top 10 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Being a family caregiver during frosty northern winters can be especially challenging. From power outages to slip and fall accidents on black ice, being prepared is key. Here are our top ten suggestions: Preparing for Winter Emergency Kit: Ice and snow storms can keep individuals stuck indoors for several days in a row. Make sure to… Read more »

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Home Safety Checklist for Seniors

If you chose to spend time visiting a senior loved one at their home over the holidays, you may find yourself wondering how safe they are living alone. Adult children often find themselves in the position of trying to evaluate an older family member’s home environment for safety. Do the stairs have strong handrails? Is… Read more »

image of crushed up paper on a head

Is this Alzheimer’s?

A concern we frequently hear from family caregivers is that they don’t know how to tell if the changes they see in the person they care for are a normal part of aging or Alzheimer’s disease. Loved ones often rush to the conclusion that their family member has Alzheimer’s when they exhibit one of the… Read more »

hot chocolate with marshmellows

Easy Healthy Holiday Recipes

‘Tis the season to explore easy healthy options to bring to your family and friends this holiday gathered by our Dietary team at Canal Winchester Health & Rehabilitation Center! PB&J Parfait What you’ll need: 1 cup Fage Plain Yogurt 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter 2 Tbsp Fruit Preserves of choice 2 Tbsp High Fiber Granola Layer… Read more »

Christmas ornaments

7 Tips for Holiday Planning with a Loved One in Long-Term Care

If this is your loved one’s first year in a long-term care community, holiday planning can be a stressful time. Even if they’ve lived there for some time, it can still be difficult. Your celebrations will be different from how they were in years past — but “different” doesn’t have to mean “bad.” Here are… Read more »