If you live with or care for an older adult, the approach of the fall season is a great mnemonic device to focus attention on a leading health threat for seniors—the risk of falls. In fact, according to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 older adults report falling each year and about 37% of falls results…
Aging well is a big topic. It’s something we all strive for, which is likely why it’s inspired an entire wellness industry. At The Nathaniel Witherell, we’re blessed to count several centenarians among our residents. They’ve aged well, weathering many of life’s storms. But they also have something to teach us about longevity from their…
Residents and visitors to the Witherell say our clean, perfectly maintained, beautiful campus makes everyone feel at home. But, managing a facility where 200+ short and long-term residents live, plus a 20-acre campus, is no small task. Lucky for all, the Witherell has two pros at the helm. Together, they and their staff manage daily…
Aging in place has been receiving a lot of attention lately, and it’s often a discussion older adults have with their family members. On the plus side, being in familiar surroundings and following the same old routine is comforting. But it’s also important to know that as we get older, our bodies change. Aging brings…
While we know that diet plays a key role in overall wellness by enhancing the body’s immune response and reducing the risk of disease, for seniors, proper nutrition is essential to healthy aging. Beyond nutrition, food can also evoke memories of family celebrations and cultural connections. For the Witherell’s registered dietitians, creating meal plans for…
The job of a social worker in a skilled nursing facility is challenging and complex. It generally involves overseeing the psycho-social well-being of hundreds of seniors, while also supporting family members before, during, and after the transition of a loved one to long-term care. During the last year, however, the pandemic brought new challenges: health…
As spring approaches, optimism is in the air! As of this writing, most of our residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and we continue to make strides in vaccinating all staff. New federal data now show that the number of new COVID-19 cases in nursing homes has dropped dramatically since December, when vaccinations of…
In early January, the Nathaniel Witherell began vaccinating our residents and staff against COVID-19. As of today, many at our facility have been fully vaccinated and our clinics will continue providing vaccinations this month. In the words of our medical director, Dr. Frank Walsh, “It’s important for us all to do everything we can to…
The pandemic has certainly challenged us all. For nursing home residents and their families, balancing regular visitation with health and safety protocols has been especially difficult. But, thanks to some creative brainstorming from our team at the Witherell, we’ve recently pioneered unique and innovative visitation solutions. The Witherell has become the first skilled nursing facility…
