Blog

image of different foods like juice, blueberries, jam, bread

How’s the Food in Rehab?

My mother is having her knee replaced, and she will be staying at an Optalis rehabilitation facility to recover. However, she is an extremely picky eater. I’m concerned she won’t like the food and will be miserable during her stay. Yours Truly, Cynthia Choose the Food You Like at Rehabilitation Centers Dear Cynthia, Your mother… Read more »

man holding his chest

What is Congestive Heart Failure

We sat down with a local Heart Specialist about Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) to answer some of your top questions including causes, symptoms, prevention and more. Check out the questions and answers below to learn more about CHF. What causes Congestive Heart Failure? CHF represents symptoms caused by injury to the heart. The injury causes… Read more »

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Providing Long-Distance Care for My Aging Parent

Providing care for a loved one from afar doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these tips, you can develop a meaningful long-distance caregiving relationship with your parent or loved one that will be rewarding for everyone. Let’s get started! What is Long-Distance Caregiving? Providing care from a distance of more than an hour is… Read more »

daughter giving senior mom coffee

Hospital to Home: Prevent Rehospitalization

My uncle, who I am a guardian for, is in the hospital. In addition to having surgery to repair his broken leg, he has Alzheimer’s disease. He has been living with my wife and me for about a year now. We were having a tough time managing his care before the fall that caused his… Read more »

candle and a book

How Are Spiritual Needs Met at Optalis?

Hello, My mom is going to be moving into Cranberry Park soon for assisted living. For the most part, she is ready for the move but there is one thing she’s worried about—her religion. Mom was raised Catholic and is very devout. She attends weekly Mass and before her health issues made it harder for… Read more »

yoga

Exercises for More Energy

One of the biggest struggles I’ve had since growing “older” is maintaining my energy level. I just can’t do everything I want to in a day. Now that I’m retired and finally have time to pursue my hobbies, I’m just too tired most days. I think getting more exercise might help. But I’m not sure… Read more »

seniors reading books smiling

Staying Connected in a Physical Rehab Center

During your stay in a post-hospital rehabilitation center, you may find it challenging to keep in touch with your friends and family. To keep your spirits up and your crowd of well-wishers informed, we have some unique ways to communicate with your loved ones while you’re in rehab we’d like to share. Unique, Easy Ways to… Read more »

senior man taping a moving box

Must-Haves When Downsizing to Assisted Living

When you’re preparing to make the move to an assisted living community, it can be a little intimidating to contemplate the downsizing process (also known as rightsizing). Many of us have lived in our homes for decades, which makes it difficult to imagine what our life will look like somewhere else. However, there are a… Read more »

daughter and senior mom looking at camera smiling

Finding Long-Term Care For Your Parent

If you’ve started to notice changes in your senior parent, you may be looking for answers. Maybe Dad is having trouble eating and bathing himself. Perhaps Mom has received a new diagnosis or her chronic illness has worsened. After seeking solutions and discussing your concerns with a physician, you might wonder if long-term care is… Read more »