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Alexian’s “Village Wellness” department needs to be celebrated in its unique purpose to keep you independent, active and involvement as completely as possible. That’s a bold statement and a large goal but this department does an admirable job and ought to be highlighted for it.
Unique
in Healthcare
Many places offer “wellness” and talk about it in their printed materials. What separates them from Alexian Village is the engagement and deliberate follow-through showing results. Many places offer older adults a roof over their heads and then you’re on your own and your resources. Again, Alexian Village is on the cutting edge by empowering you to stay active and proactive in your well-being. Medicine persistently takes a “sickness” approach to healthcare. You wait to get sick, then you go to your doctor for treatment or a cure. That’s the scenario in our country today. Little by little, this is changing. It needs to change because the model does not treat the whole person and equip you to handle life.
“Wellness” begins with a total picture of your state of health and proceeds from there to see how you can strengthen the positives parts of your health and what can minimize any already-existing health problems. By doing this, “wellness” takes a lead in guiding you toward ongoing independence that, in the past, could have failed much earlier. I can think of many present residents who would be living the nursing home right now if it wasn’t for Alexian’s wellness efforts and their own resolve. That is admirable and wonderful. Also, little by little, our understanding of a “nursing home” is changing. No longer is it intended for long term care unless there is no other possible alternative. So the “assisted living” model found an important niche in our healthcare needs where individuals still live an active and participating life. Avoiding a nursing home is something we all wish to do. “Wellness” is a big piece of that puzzle. Through the efforts of Kari, Robyn, Mary Ann, Diana and Rachel, we have in place a systematize way of ensuring your active participation in life and the things you consider important.
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Engagement
and Empowering
One hallmark of Alexian Village is its engagement and empowering philosophy. There is so much activity here that is heartwarming for the spirits and heart healthy for the body. It is that kind of activity that I encourage and would even welcome more of it. It’s healthy.
We are always evaluating our wellness efforts to increase your stimulation and involvement. Our walking trail has been a huge success for residents and employees alike. Keep it up. Our exercise rooms have record participants and are in use daily. Keep it up. Rachel’s classes are growing in number. Keep it up. Our hallways provide a perfect avenue for those who want exercise but need to keep it under control. Keep it up. Robyn begins the popular “Summer Saunter” weekly walk. Please consider joining her a leisure 45-minute walk around our community.
In others words, the opportunity to stay active always begins and ends with you. Alexian Village can only direct and assist you in your goals and efforts. I hope this summer inspires you to begin, if you haven’t yet, a program of organized activity designed to move those legs and arms and make that heart beat a little faster. It is truly preventative and ensures your living and enjoying independence for the rest of your lives.
"Village Wellness,"
by Gary Mohn,
CEO and President,
Alexian Village of Milwaukee |
