Executive Chef Frank Leake (left) and Dietary Aide Kory Lewis display FutureCare CherryWood’s Taste of the Town Award.

FutureCare CherryWood recently won the Reisterstown-Owings Mills-Glyndon Chamber of Commerce’s 9th Annual Taste of the Town Competition. The winning dish – fiesta herb-encrusted chicken and chocolate bread pudding – was judged against gourmet dishes from several nearby restaurants. The dish took first place thanks to the hard work of quite a few staff members, who took on this competition in addition to their daily duties.

“Our entire dietary team did an excellent job of planning, preparing and serving our winning entry,” said Marla Bosley, FutureCare CherryWood’s director of admissions. “We were pleasantly surprised that we won, especially since this was our first year entering the event.”

FutureCare CherryWood became involved with Taste of the Town as a result of their ongoing support for the local Chamber of Commerce. This year, the community decided to enter a dish and participate in the event they had sponsored for years.

The fiesta chicken dish is one of CherryWood’s signature dishes and one of the most popular among residents. In addition to satisfying a wide array of palates, the community’s chefs also have to fulfill a variety of dietary needs for the short-term rehabilitation patients and long-term care residents.

“Our goal is to meet and exceed our patients’ and residents’ dining needs,” said Bosley. “We hope this win will let the community know that our residents are able to enjoy great food along with excellent nursing and rehab care.”

While one of CherryWood’s primary goals is to ensure that patients get the care they need to enjoy their best possible quality of life, they also know that simple pleasures like social activities and delicious meals go a long way toward creating a positive experience for their residents. After all, a good meal is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

For most of her 76 years, Carolyn was a regular visitor at Philadelphia’s many museums. She also loved gardening and especially enjoyed Saturday afternoon strolls along the tree lined streets of her quiet neighborhood with it’s flower covered lawns and wind chimes.

But in the past several years, her walks have only left her frustrated and worried. On several occasions, she has tripped and fell on the sidewalks made uneven by tree roots. She used to think the uneven pavement was quaint. But she now worries that her eye-sight is failing and may force her to give up some of her favorite activities.

The National Eye Institute, in conjunction with Prevent Blindness America, analyzed the 2010 U.S. Census data and determined that 2.04 percent of the population or 142 million individuals have visual problems that affect every aspect of their lives.

Chances are that if you are affected by cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration or the complications of diabetes, you will at some point experience difficulty seeing. Doctors call this condition “low vision,” which can be defined as ever-present visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medical or surgical treatment.

Some individuals with low vision experience difficulty reading because the print appears to be too small or broken. Others may have problems seeing the face of their watch, cooking or writing their name on the line.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, consult your ophthalmologist or optometrist and make sure you get annual eye exams.

While your eye care specialist will prescribe an appropriate treatment regiment, here are a few tips to help the visually impaired maintain their independence.

1. If you enjoy reading, make sure you have proper lighting. Choose the light that provides the best illumination and make sure it is close to your reading material.
2. While reading, take a break and rest your eyes to prevent fatigue.
3. Talk to your doctor about prescribed reading glasses. Reading glasses purchased from the nearest convenience store usually do not have the necessary optical lenses to provide enough magnification.
4. Consult a low vision therapist who can help with strategies for everyday chores such as cooking, cleaning, writing and scheduling appointments.
5. Seek out vision rehabilitation therapy, which demonstrates equipment, strategies, and techniques that can help individuals complete activities of daily living with increased efficiency, independence and self-confidence.

Kinshasa A. Coghill, M.S. is a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and a Certified Low Vision Therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with seniors with low vision. More information is available at www.lowvisiontherapist.com. 

It is estimated that 10-20% of seniors have experienced some type of senior-to-senior aggression in an institutional setting, much of it verbal abuse.

The word bullying usually conjures images of mean-spirited adolescents cornering another child in the school corridor, but bullying is not limited to children. It can be a concern for seniors as well, especially those living in senior communities.

According to a researcher who studies issues related to aging, senior-to-senior bullying tends to take place in senior centers, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. These are places where seniors spend a lot of time together and need to share resources, whether it’s chairs, tables, TV stations or the staff’s attention.

It is estimated that 10-20% of seniors have experienced some type of senior-to-senior aggression in an institutional setting, much of it verbal abuse. Men and women are equally likely to be the victim and the aggressor. Women tend towards passive-aggressive behavior like gossiping and whispering about people when they enter a room, while men are more direct and “in your face”.

Bullying behavior can range from verbal intimidation all the way to physical violence. Features to be alert to include the following:

-Repetitive, negative behavior towards another person which violates standards of appropriate conduct
-Negative behavior occurring over a period of time, typically becoming more extreme
-Behavior which may be consciously or unconsciously committed by the bully
-Behavior which is unsolicited by the victim
-The effects on the victim are lasting and harmful

The causes of bullying vary. Dementia can sometimes be the cause of violence since someone with dementia may wrongly perceive things as threatening so they resort to a more primitive response. Alternatively, a person with dementia can be the victim who is picked on. Bullying can also be a result of the human phenomenon of the strong picking on the weak, and not a function of aging at all. Alternatively, some people don’t adjust well to aging and can become disruptive and abusive, pushing others away from group activities, social gatherings or meal time.

Bullying impacts both the victim and the bystanders. The impact for the victim can be cognitive, physical, psychological and physical. Take the case of Mary, who had never experienced bullying until she moved in to a building for seniors. Since moving in, a number of residents who make up a “controlling group” have conspired to isolate her. They’ve spread false rumors, including one that she’d been evicted from her previous home. As a result, she curtails her activity in the building, avoids the laundry room if others are present and stays out of the recreation room. She’s been having a hard time sleeping and is often fatigued. She says, “It’s hard because I’ve never had to deal with it before. It would be easier to take if there was any truth to it.” For bystanders, bullying creates a toxic environment of fear and mistrust.

“Intervention is the key to halting bullying. Third party bystanders should report any abuse,” says Jean Tucker, MA, LPC, LBSW, a Medical Social Worker with THE MEDICAL TEAM. She suggests that seniors and family members who are concerned about potential bullying should report their concerns to the management or the social workers at their center who are trained to address it. Those in the process of selecting a senior community should ask if the community has a policy in place to handle bullying. Bullying behavior should not be ignored as the behavior can often escalate.

Sources:
Keashly, L. (2011). Bullying in senior communities: Old enough to know better? PDF document.

Mapes, D. (2011). Mean-old girls: Seniors who bully. Retrieved from www.msnbc.msn.com

Simovska, A. (2012). Senior citizens bullying more prevalent than you think. Retrieved from www.uppermichigansource.com

Zuteck, C. and McGhie, M. (2012). Bullying Among Seniors. THE MEDICAL TEAM powerpoint presentation.

Dawn Strumsky, John Strumsky and Michelle Caldwell pictured in the fitness center at Oak Crest represent the new breed of health conscious community residents.

Although the “obesity epidemic” seems to be grabbing headlines, Baby Boomers are surprisingly quite serious about their physical health and exercise regimens. A recent survey sponsored by Humana revealed that nearly 75 percent of over 50 Boomers exercise at least three times a week, and nearly half of the respondents have established a commitment to exercise for at least five years.  These statistics are already changing the face of senior living communities as this more active and health-conscious consumer begins to research alternatives.

Charlestown and Oak Crest are two senior living communities in Baltimore County that are ahead of this curve by having made a commitment to embrace this trend offering state-of-the-art facilities, services and support to address the needs of residents now and in the future.

“Oak Crest and Charlestown are adapting with the times and with the needs of their residents,” said Jeff Getek, public affairs manager with Oak Crest and Charlestown.   It is through an ongoing dialogue with the residents of these large campuses that they are able to deliver. “Each year we survey the residents, we ask them what we do right, what we could improve upon. They give us feedback and, together with them, that’s where we see better results,” Jeff continued.

The campuses have made a commitment to deliver on the results of the survey, At Charlestown, the fitness center with amenities will be expanded to 4,300 square feet, and the aquatics center will grow to nearly 6,000 square feet as part of the campus modernization underway.  A new computer room will be opened in Charlestown Square. Meanwhile at Oak Crest, individuals have seen an expanded fitness center with personal training services among other improvements. Both campuses have expanded the hours of operation for their fitness centers to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“This new generation of residents wants more freedom, wants more flexibility as to when they want to do things, and we try to adapt to that,” said Jeff.

And if these communities can meet the demands of two fitness buffs, Oak Crest resident Michelle Caldwell and Charlestown resident John Strumsky, then they are clearly ahead of the curve in addressing the needs of a healthier population.

Temica Carter a personal trainer at Oak Crest works with Michelle on her fitness program

Michelle Caldwell
A native of Baltimore, Michelle’s path to Oak Crest was an interesting one. In 2002, Michelle’s parents had moved to the community.

“At first my Dad did not want to move, so they had an application in for a few years and finally Dad agreed to make the move,” she said.  “At first my Dad did not want to move, so they had an application in for a few years and finally Dad agreed to make the move,” she said.  “Once he got here, he quickly made the transition.”

Visiting her parents regularly, Michelle quickly felt like a part of the community, “I became very familiar with many of the residents and staff and I fell in love with Oak Crest,” she said. “Everyone embraced me as well as my parents.”

She recalled one example in which she went to pick up a meal in the café for her mom and did not return for 45 minutes having started conversations with residents.

When her mother passed away, Michelle began working on closing her parents affairs.  She inquired about the minimum age requirement to live at Oak Crest

“They said 60 and at that time I was 59-1/2, so that day I was able to put in an application and reserve my parents’ apartment,” she said with a smile. “I was able to move in for my 60th birthday. I think I had the distinction then of being the youngest resident.”
Since moving to the community, Michelle said she has been “going non-stop.”  This is not hard to believe with her extensive list of activities ranging from Bible study to volunteering at the resident-run TV station. As a result, she has formed many friendships. “There is such a wealth of sharing that many of the residents actually want to do,” she said.

It is Oak Crest’s ability to support her commitment to health and fitness, however, that really makes her happy.  Working with Temica Carter, a wellness manager and personal trainer at the community, Michelle never misses a session.

“She’s an inspiration to everyone here. She is here three days a week at 8:00 a.m. sharp, and she’s just a pleasure to have around,” said Temica. “The fact that she really makes fitness a priority is something that both the employees and residents really look up to.”

While she maintains a healthy lifestyle, Michelle is especially appreciative of the security she has at Oak Crest, whether it is regarding her physical safety walking at night or knowing she has access to different levels of care, including assisted living and nursing, should she need it in the future.

Dawn and John Strumsky enjoy the vast fitness and social offerings at Charlestown as well as the sense of community and security.

Dawn and John Strumsky
“I am very competitive with myself,” said Charlestown resident John Strumsky with a smile.  The former Marine has not only pushed himself to new limits in fitness, but he has inspired others.  In 2000, John and his wife Dawn co-founded the US Running Streak Association (USRSA) whose members strive to run at least one continuous mile within each day. Membership in the organization is open to those running every day for one year, however, there are members that have run every day for multiple years including John.

It was an injury that forced John to end his multi-year running streak, and that played a role in the couple’s decision to move to Charlestown.  Dawn had a friend that lived at the community who she had visited several times.

“I thought the community was wonderful,” she said.  “Since we didn’t have family nearby, it could provide us with security for the future.”

Hesitant at first, John eventually saw how important the transition was for his wife and presented Dawn with his signature for her birthday. Now that the couple has settled into their new home, he has found the community offers more than enough outlets for his highly active and competitive nature.

Although he was a regular visitor to the fitness center, he has shifted his focus to the Walk Challenge, a competition between Erickson Living residents and staff throughout the nation. “He literally walks day and night,” said Dawn.  “When we lived in our old neighborhood I was always nervous when John would go on an early morning run and now I have no worries.”

John has also enjoyed the fact that the pathways are well lit, and in the event there is bad weather, there are miles of climate-controlled walkways throughout the campus that can be used without stepping outside.

Overall the Strumskys described their life at Charlestown as “living large.”  Their home offers them so many amenities, clubs and dining options that they have to carefully budget their time.

While the fitness, amenities and security are great benefits to living in Charlestown, the couple said that the feeling of connectedness to their neighbors is what makes it truly special.  Dawn tearfully recounted when their beloved dog, Twinkie passed away.  Although saddened by the loss of their ‘family member,’ she was amazed at the outpour of support she received from her new neighbors. Both Dawn and John have felt they are part of an amazing family.

Reflecting on his initial “foot dragging” when making the move, John said, “I should have at least been more open to it.  You develop a mind set about things that you haven’t experienced. And then when you experience them, you realize that the experience, the reality, is so different from what your personal perceptions were and you could be so off-base with something””and that’s what happened with me.  I couldn’t be happier with where we live and the opportunities it has created for us now and in the future.”

Communities Prepared for the Future
“We’re seeing more and more residents like the Stromskys and Ms. Caldwell who come in and are really engaged in health and wellness activities,”said Jeff.  “When you see people like them, you’re motivated by what they do. They inspire me personally, because it shows that, at any age, these health and wellness activities can really make a difference.”

Staying regularly engaged in social interaction, pursuing new interests and playing challenging mind games are recommended steps for seniors to adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle.

Surveys of adult “baby boomers” consistently find that memory loss is a top concern, and Alzheimer’s disease is their most feared disabling disease. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive and fatal disease of the brain in which brain cells fail. The disease seriously impairs a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can not only help keep your brain healthier as you age but also protect you from chronic illnesses. A study of older men and women found that those who were more physically and mentally active and more socially engaged had a lower risk for developing dementia. To protect your brain, follow these recommendations.

Stay Physically Active. Exercise helps maintain good blood flow to the brain, encourages the growth of new brain cells and can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, which are all conditions that put you at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Just 30 minutes a day will get the body moving and the heart pumping.

Adopt a Brain Healthy Diet. Like the heart, the brain needs the right balance of nutrients to function well. A brain-healthy diet reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, encourages good blood flow to the brain, and is low in fat and cholesterol.

Stay Socially Active. Research shows that people who are regularly engaged in social interaction maintain their brain vitality. Stay active in the workplace, have lunch with friends, go to church, volunteer in community groups and join social groups.

Stay Mentally Active. Mental decline as you age may be due to altered connections
among brain cells. But research has found that keeping the brain active seems to increase its vitality and may build its reserves of brain cells and connections. You can even generate new brain cells.

“The best way to stay mentally active is to cross train your brain by engaging in a variety of brain-stimulating activities on a regular basis with increasing levels of challenge,” says Karen Briskie, Director of the Medical Team’s Journey Behavioral Health Program. Here are some ways you can improve your thinking skills and stay mentally active:

 Commit to lifelong learning: read a book and discuss it with a friend, or take up a new language;
 Play games to challenge your mind: chess, jigsaw puzzles, cards, and memory games;
 Pursue a new interest: learn to play a musical instrument, or go to the theater;
 Break your routine: walk on a different route or change the order of your morning routine;
 Involve one or more of your senses in a novel way: use your non-dominant hand to perform daily tasks such as brushing your teeth;
 Play stimulating video games like Tetris, which has been shown to improve efficiency in parts of the brain associated with reasoning, critical thinking, language, and processing;
 Keep up hobbies such as scrapbooking, knitting, and gardening.

“If you have concerns about memory loss, thinking skills and behavior changes, consult your doctor since an early diagnosis can have many advantages,” says Briskie. No treatment can stop Alzheimer’s, but there are drugs that can relieve symptoms in the early and middle stages of the disease and help control behavioral symptoms. There are also programs available, like THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Journey Behavioral Home Health Program, which can help patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. The program assists and educates patients and caregivers in areas such as safety, medications, communication techniques, coping strategies and provides assistance with activities of daily living.

Sources: THE MEDICAL TEAM Aging and Memory Loss Wellness Program, Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease Health Sense from THE MEDICAL TEAM, Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), and Ask Dr. Sears (www.askdrsears.com).

Alan’s story is all too common; in 2009 he was downsized from his job in the information technology field. After spending considerable time and energy looking for similar work, he started to think about changing his career path and other entrepreneurial ideas and business opportunities.

One of the paths Alan followed was an idea of creating a concierge service designed to specifically assist seniors and family caregivers. Steve Gurney, publisher of Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook reviewed Alan’s business plan and asked him one simple question, “What do you REALLY like to do?” Alan responded with passion that he has played the drums for over 30 years, which sparked the idea to organize drum circles in senior living communities.

In less than a month Alan secured his first “gig” at a senior living community and launched his company, The Beat Goes On.

One of the first communities to take a chance on Alan’s innovative concept was Sunrise at Bluemont Park. Activity Director Danielle Nelson says, “It was a huge hit with all of our residents, from independent living to those with memory impairment.”

The staff is equally enthusiastic about the unique activity. When the drum circle is in full swing it is common to see several staff members joining in, dancing in the hallways or sharing a drum with the residents. “Seeing the success of the drum circles inspires you to think outside the box when planning activities,” says Danielle Nelson.

Alan is signing up new communities every week and has been enthusiastically asked to return by nearly every community at which he has conducted a drum circle. Although his new venture has not replaced his previous income, he says, “It’s a dream come true to be sharing my passion for drumming and music with others in such a positive manner.”

The Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) broadly defines aging-services technologies as those that can influence the aging experience for seniors, including their quality of life, health outcomes, satisfaction and/or the quality of care they receive. CAST groups these technologies into four broad categories: Safety, Health and Wellness, Social Connectedness and Electronic Documentation.

Renaissance Gardens at Greenspring is exploring technology in the social connectedness category by working with Linked Senior, a company that is pioneering the use of MP3 audio and visual content to improve the lives of elders living in senior housing communities.

The system is the first MP3 player for seniors and centers on a centrally-located kiosk in the community where residents and staff can choose from a variety of content, such as audiobooks, music and visuals. The resident can choose to utilize the kiosk for listening to content or downloading it to an easy-to-use portable MP3 player. Individuals and groups can even enjoy games and brain fitness at the kiosk.

The Linked Senior system has been used and tested by hundreds of residents at senior living communities across the country. The current product reflects input from users, hours of research, and cutting-edge technology.

Ben sees the product being especially helpful to those that might have developed a fear of technology. He says, “The nice thing about the kiosk is how easy it is to use to access the content that is available.”

Still active in various organizations, Russell and Tricia Marks wanted to be in control of their own healthcare decisions and chose an independent living community.

There is no question that Tricia and Russell Marks, married for 55 years, are world-rounded individuals constantly seeking ways to stay active and challenge themselves.

Tricia, who served on the faculty of Princeton University, edited the prestigious Princeton University Library Chronicle. Her book, Deconstructing Legitimacy: Viceroys, Merchants, and the Military in Late Colonial Peru, was received in academic circles as a landmark study.

As the couple lived in Latin America for 15 years, Russell’s business career included managing a sugar and paper complex in Peru as well as the presidency of Phelps Dodge International Corporation and of the Americas Society. “I truly enjoyed international management,” he said. “Phelps Dodge operated manufacturing and sales facilities in 15 countries.”

With a family that had grown from two daughters to four grandchildren, the couple wanted a maintenance-free lifestyle with plenty of free time to spend on their outside activities.

For the Marks, an independent living community was the best option, and with good friends who were already well-established at Princeton Windrows in Princeton, NJ, they knew it would be a perfect fit.

“We did not want a continuing care community, because we want to control our own healthcare decisions,” said Russell. “Also, we wanted to own our home and to enjoy enhanced condominium services, such as the fine food served in our dining rooms.”

Now, the couple can plan their lives around their numerous academic, community and personal activities with the assurance that the basic support requirements of their lives are provided by the cordial staff.

Those activities include another book that Tricia is currently writing that covers important aspects of the creation of an independent Peru. She also serves on the Council of The Friends of the Princeton University Library.

Russell serves as Chairman of International Schools Services, an organization that manages 15 kindergarten through 12th grade schools around the world and provides services to about 250 other international schools. He is also president of People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos, an organization that brings literature to those who would otherwise have no access to it. Currently an elected trustee of Princeton Windrows, he is the former treasurer of the community’s Condominium Association. With his interests in painting, sculpting and writing, he has had numerous exhibitions featuring his abstract, hanging sculptures, and earlier this year he self-published a novel Nematodes.

On the verge of completing another novel, he and Tricia are a perfect example of the vibrant individuals in their community as they continue to relish their free time.

Choose carefully to go outside based on the weather and your abilities. Avoid going out when fatigued since fatigue increases the chance of falling.

Be equipped. Always use your walking device and wear appropriate winter footwear. Wear a mask if you have respiratory problems, especially if windy. Cold and wind can lead to chest tightness and shortness of breath. Being out of breath can result in decreased balance. If you fall, it can be hard to get up. Carry a cell phone so you can contact someone in case of an emergency.

Be alert to difficult conditions. Go slowly to ensure greater safety. Being a little late is better than rushing and causing a fall. Check railings to make sure they are sturdy and appropriately placed. Beware of slopes. Know that when the sun is out, you may experience snow blindness. Watch out for black ice, especially at night when headlights may reflect off ice and snow.

Rely on others. Use delivery services from pharmacies or grocery stores so you can avoid going out in icy conditions. If you must walk across an icy sidewalk or parking lot, try to find a steady arm to lean on.

Have a plan. When you are going out, ask yourself, “if I slipped and fell here, what would I do?”

Most importantly, keep stretching and exercising. “Since balance and strength are an important element of steadying yourself if you slip, seniors should be sure to continue their exercise routines throughout the winter months,” says Suzi Klyber, OT/L. There are many exercises that can be done at home when the weather is too cold or icy to exercise outdoors. Start with a few repetitions of each of the following exercises and build up gradually, but be sure to check with your physician before beginning any new exercise routine. 

For Improved Flexibility:  Circle your arms slowly to stretch the upper body. Sit down and extend your knee straight out. Pump your ankle up and down to stretch leg muscles.  Repeat on the other leg.

To Increase Strength:  Stand at the kitchen counter and do small knee bends. Do sit-to-stand exercises by simply sitting down then standing up. From a standing position, go up on your toes, then down again. March on the spot. Do side leg raises while standing at the kitchen counter.

For Better Balance:  Balance on one leg (do this near something you can grab onto). Tap step by moving your right foot forward, to the side, to a position behind you, and then back to starting position. Do the same with left.

For Increased Endurance:  Keep walking! Apartment hallways and indoor shopping malls are excellent places for walking. Do arm exercises at shoulder height or above in order to challenge your heart and lungs.

With the help of these fall prevention and exercise tips, active seniors don’t have to stay cooped up indoors all winter and can maintain their independent and healthy lifestyle to the greatest extent possible.

Seniors aren’t sitting still and allowing this dynamic to slow them down.  In fact, according to a media management company — comScore, among older people who went online last year, the number visiting social network sites grew almost as fast as the overall rate of Internet use among that group.  Seniors have time and an interest in being connected.  Many suffer from chronic illnesses and are in search of data and support groups, while others want to feel a part of a community.  Others just want a means by which to keep their minds active and a place to journal their thoughts.  In fact, some research suggests that loneliness can hasten conditions like dementia and that online social connections may help delay this illness by keeping the mind active.

They need a way to keep the mind lively, to journal their legacy along with daily activities and the sense of support in coping with the day to day challenges associated with the aging process can be primary drivers.  Today, there are a number of options on the social networking landscape for seniors and caregivers — but one in particular caught our attention.  TreatmentDiaries.com has many distinctive attributes and as a result is growing quickly.

There are numerous sites enabling the connection of family and friends as a means of providing updates on a medical procedure or overall wellbeing following a surgical event.  Few sites, however, capture the daily struggles of coping with a condition with anonymity and international reach to those who share your condition and want to show support.  Why is this important? Most begin to feel guilty sharing the details of their condition(s) with family members/friends and would rather connect with those who have empathy and understanding and seek the same level of support.  As much as our families love us, they can never truly grasp the challenge without having personally lived it.

TreatmentDiaries.com is a unique online resource, providing real information exchange between people coping with or caring for anyone with a chronic illness or rare disease.  This virtual support group is free and always available; offering a safe place to anonymously keep multiple diaries of your daily journey, across more than one condition – either privately or shared with others – allowing for shared coping strategies, support for others and the exchange of information.

 The networking site is dedicated to the needs of all types of users including individual patients, caregivers, family members and advocates.  It promotes the importance of keeping a diary of life-changing experiences and the significance of engaging in behaviors and activities which promote health, mental wellness and the self-management of chronic conditions.

“We want people to make authentic, quality, lifelong, and if they wish anonymous connections, and inspire others to face their condition,” said Amy Ohm, executive director and co-founder of the site.

TreatmentDiaries.com was inspired by real stories of people struggling with chronic conditions and in desperate need of support.  The goal is to connect those facing similar circumstances and facilitate the sharing of valuable information and support at every stage of an illness through wellness. Finding and sharing genuine information and experiences is a powerful thing, and this tool gives people the opportunity to do just that.