www.cvalzheimers.org www.DesertHealthNews.com March/April 2025 Through the Generations The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 17 Helping to Unlock Inner Drive Continued from page 4 Concierge Nursing and Rehabilitation Services 24/7 Concierge Line 760-270-2390 74710 Hwy 111, Suite 102 • Palm Desert 24-Hour Care Nursing and Therapy Services Private and Con dential Services not limited by insurance and designed for clients' needs ER and ICU-level RNs and highly trained LVNs Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy Point-Of-Care Diagnostics and IV Infusions CNAs, Care Managers, and Social Workers tailoring a plan with your doctor The Clinical Team Approach Sudden hospitalization can be overwhelming for both patients and their families. At a moment’s notice, you may find yourself navigating complex medical decisions, coordinating care and managing financial concerns — all while trying to focus on recovery. But with a little preparation, you can take charge and ensure a smoother, less stressful experience. Many people assume that hospital stays are something they’ll never have to experience — until they do. A fall, heart attack, unexpected illness or accident can land you or a loved one in the hospital without warning. When that happens, being prepared can mean the difference between chaos and control. Planning ahead empowers you to ensure your medical wishes are honored, avoid unnecessary delays in treatment, reduce financial surprises and minimize stress on family and caregivers. Taking a few proactive steps today can provide peace of mind for the future. Organize your medical information. Quick access to your medical history and important documents can prevent treatment delays and miscommunication. Create a portable health file that includes: • A list of current medications, allergies and medical conditions • Contact information for your primary care physician and specialists • A copy of your insurance card and policy details • Your most recent test results or imaging reports • A list of emergency contacts Consider using a small binder, digital file or a secure app to store this information. Keep it updated and easily accessible for loved ones. Make your wishes clear. An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your medical preferences in case you’re unable to communicate them. This includes: •A living will which specifies your wishes for medical interventions like life support or resuscitation •A health care power of attorney (POA) which appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf Without these documents, family members may struggle to determine your wishes, and medical teams may have to make decisions without your input. Keep a copy with your medical records and share it with your designated health care proxy. Pack a ‘to-go bag’ for the unexpected. Just as expectant parents prepare a hospital bag in advance, you should consider assembling an emergency hospital kit. This should include: • A list of essential medical information (if you don’t have a digital copy) • Comfortable clothing and non-slip socks • A phone charger and headphones Planning for Sudden Hospitalization By Tammy Porter, DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM Continued on page 18 Preparing for the unexpected can alleviate significant stress that comes with sudden hospitalization. Fostering genuine connections. While technology offers ways to stay connected, meaningful in-person interactions remain crucial for psychological well-being. Research demonstrates that older adults who engage in purpose-driven social activities, such as volunteering or mentoring, show higher levels of life satisfaction and better health outcomes.⁶ A valley resident discovers new purpose Recently, I had the privilege of working with an 85-year old Coachella Valley resident who was struggling to find motivation after significant life changes. Instead of prescribing activities, I began by asking open-ended questions about their interests, aspirations and available support systems such as, "What activities brought you joy in the past? Are there things you've always wanted to try? Who in your life supports your goals?” Through these conversations, guided by SDT principles, we uncovered a longtime interest in art that had never been fully explored. By supporting their autonomy in choosing how to pursue this interest, building competence through beginner-friendly classes and fostering relatedness through local art groups, this individual discovered a new passion. What started as simple sketching evolved into regular participation in community art classes, forming new friendships and even teaching basic drawing to others. This transformation exemplifies how supporting basic psychological needs can naturally unlock intrinsic motivation. The key wasn't pushing activities but rather creating conditions where internal drive could flourish. Health care providers, caretakers and family members can implement these principles by: • Involving older adults in treatment decisions • Providing clear, achievable action steps • Creating opportunities for social support • Celebrating progress, no matter how small Remember that sustainable change comes from within. By nurturing autonomy, competence and genuine connection, we can help others unlock the natural drive that leads to healthier, more fulfilling lives at every age. Phillip Moore is a mental performance and wellness coach specializing in evidencebased strategies including Self-Determination Theory. He is the founder of Peak Performance and Wellness and can be reached at phillip@peakperformancecv.com. References: 1) Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68; 2) Collado-Mateo, D., Lavín-Pérez, A. M., Peñacoba, C., Del Coso, J., Leyton-Román, M., Luque-Casado, A., Gasque, P., Fernández-Del-Olmo, M. Á., & Amado-Alonso, D. (2021). Key factors associated with adherence to physical exercise in patients with chronic diseases and older adults: An umbrella review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042023; 3) Ferrand, C., Martinent, G., & Durmaz, N. (2014). Psychological need satisfaction and well-being in adults aged 80 years and older living in residential homes: Using a self-determination theory perspective. Journal of Aging Studies, 30, 104–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2014.04.004; 4) Baez, M., Ibarra, F., Khaghani Far, I., Ferron, M., & Casati, F. (2016). Online group-exercises for older adults of different physical abilities. 2016 International Conference on Collaboration Technologies and Systems (CTS), 524–533. https://doi.org/10.1109/ CTS.2016.0098.; 5) Hafström, A., Malmström, E. M., Terdèn, J., Fransson, P. A., & Magnusson, M. (2016). Improved Balance Confidence and Stability for Elderly After 6 Weeks of a Multimodal Self-Administered Balance-Enhancing Exercise Program: A Randomized Single Arm Crossover Study. Gerontology & geriatric medicine, 2, 2333721416644149. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721416644149; 6) Anderson, N. D., Damianakis, T., Kröger, E., Wagner, L. M., Dawson, D. R., Binns, M. A., Bernstein, S., Caspi, E., & Cook, S. L. (2014). The benefits associated with volunteering among seniors: A critical review and recommendations for future research. Psychological Bulletin, 140(6), 1505-1533. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037610
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