It can be difficult to buy useful and thoughtful gifts for inactive or less active senior citizens. Often grandparents and other elderly family and friends have few needs, few wants, and very little storage space. Here are some good gift ideas for less able loved ones.

Actually sold as a children’s toy, a Cozy Cookie makes a lovely gift for the elderly. These adorable, warm and cuddly plush gingerbread cookie dolls feel and smell wonderful. Just pop them in the microwave for two minutes and the warmth and the wonderful aroma of gingerbread will delight any senior.

Book Butler Book Stand: The Book Butler is a book stand that makes it easier for older people with hand pain or weakness to view books and turn pages. This book stand will accommodate almost any paperback or hard cover, including very large books, all at a comfortable angle.

Long Playing Card Holder: Active seniors who enjoy playing card games with others, but who have limited hand usage, will enjoy this thoughtful gift. This long rack displays cards so they may be easily seen, added, or removed much more easily than trying to hold multiple cards. Pencils fit on the front of the holder and it can also hold recipes or memos.

Losing Your Vision Doesn’t Have to Mean Losing Your Confidence

Throughout your life, vision has likely been your main primary sense. Some researchers estimate that the sense of sight provides approximately 80% of all the information we receive about the world. You’ve probably been using your vision - unconsciously for the most part - to double check the accuracy of your other senses. For example, when you hear a siren from a fire engine, your tendency is to confirm that it is indeed a fire engine by turning to look at it. Because of this tendency, you may feel less confident about your other senses since you can’t depend on vision as you used to.

In time, and with training, you can learn to make maximum use of all your senses: touch, hearing, smell, and any remaining vision - as well as improve your visual memory. Gradually, with practice and successful new experiences, you can begin to trust your other senses and rebuild your confidence.

There are many misconceptions about vision loss and blindness among the general public. Here are some of them:

All blind people are totally blind.
There is a wide spectrum of sight loss among people who are legally blind, ranging from slight impairment of vision all the way to total  blindness. Only about 10 percent of legally blind people are totally blind. The majority of people who are blind have some degree of vision remaining.

Legal blindness means total blindness.
Legal blindness is a term used by the IRS and other agencies to determine whether a person is eligible for disability benefits or other services. Legal blindness does not necessarily mean total blindness. You are considered legally blind if the central vision in your better eye, with the best correction possible, is no better than 20/200 (20/20 being normal); or if your peripheral vision is no greater than 20 degrees diameter in your better eye.

All blind people can read braille.
Only about 10 percent of people who are blind or visually impaired can read and write braille.

There is no treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
There are two types of AMD-”wet” and “dry.” The wet form can often be successfully treated with laser surgery to prevent further vision loss if caught early. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the dry form. However, most people with AMD will not become totally blind and will retain some peripheral vision.

“I’d be legally blind without my glasses.”
This is incorrect, as an important qualification of legal blindness is the phrase “with best correction.” A person is legally blind only if their vision is so impaired that even while wearing the best glasses that doctors can prescribe, they are not able to read the big “E” on the doctor’s eye chart.

Training will prepare military recreation managers to assist service members returning to active duty

In addition to advances in medical care, recreation programming is playing a crucial role in reintegrating wounded military personnel into family, community, and military life. Since 2001, more than 65,000 military personnel have been wounded by hostile, as well as nonhostile acts, in Iraq and Afghanistan. To help these wounded warriors, Penn State has developed a first-of-its-kind training program for military recreation managers worldwide. The Department of Defense (DoD) has agreed to fund the program through 2011, and the first program is planned for Jan. 11-15 at University Park campus.

“The Inclusive Recreation for Wounded Warriors program provides the knowledge, tools and resources recreation managers need to integrate active-duty wounded warriors into their existing recreation programs,” said Ruth Ann Jackson, executive director of the Penn State Hospitality Leadership Institute and co-principal investigator for the project. Inclusive recreation refers to modifying activities and using adaptive rehabilitation equipment to enable individuals with physical, behavioral or emotional limitations to participate in recreation.

Rehability is happy to be presenting products at this event and offering solutions to their different needs. Some of the products being featured are for specific sports such as golf, fishing and bowling. The Kool Tee golf tool addresses the problem of pain involved in bending over while playing golf, which is a common condition that affects golfers of all ages. The Strong Arm fishing rod holder helps people with limited grip and hand use to maintain total rod control, and helps stabilize the wrist and relieves fatigue.

Rehability will also be presenting products to help aid daily living such as the Slip on Typing Aid. This device enables those with hand conditions to type on a computer or typewriter. It attaches comfortably to the hand and provides 5 inches of an extended reach to touch the keyboard. For those with vision problems the page magnifier helps see small print more clearly. Also, for those who like to play cards, an automatic card shuffler and card holders that help people with limited hand use enjoy the game!

Since the economy has you cutting back on extravagant gifts this holiday season, you are probably looking for a practical item that your loved one can really use. Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network’s online store, Rehability, is the perfect place to find a practical holiday gift for the aging adults on your list. Rehability allows people with various levels of physical disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives by providing access to specialty products and services and expert clinical support.

Some products available at RehabilityStores.com include a TV/computer screen enlarger, which doubles the size of the display screen for those with visual impairment, a talking clock, which helps when glasses are out of reach, and a handy crochet aid or extra large playing cards make great stocking stuffers and allow older adults to maintain active lifestyles.

“The need for older adults to remain active is important to their health and well being,” explains Jennifer Gramps, marketing specialist for Rehability. “Having products that help them continue to take part in everyday and recreational activities helps their self esteem.”

Rehability is offering 20 percent off and free shipping on all its items during the holiday season. Its convenient online store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all major credit cards are accepted.

Product categories available at RehabilityStores.com include recreation, wellness, communication, education, home and daily living, mobility, clothing and children’s merchandise. The site offers products for people and patients with various disabilities and can help improve their chances of living independently when they transition back to their homes from a hospital or nursing home stay. These practical gifts also make sense for those living in assisted living facilities with limited space.

Rehability is a part of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, a nationally recognized leader in rehabilitation located in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Good Shepherd is holding a Health Fair at the Bethlehem Senior Center.  Come and enjoy the day with our Health Fair Offerings:

• Stroke Screening: blood pressure check, carotid bruit testing, review of risk factors

• Balance screening with tips for fall prevention

• Lee Silverman Big and Loud Screens for those with Parkinson’s Disease

Learn more about:

• Non-surgical options for spine and joint pain

• Advance Directives

• Aging in place for seniors, including home modification

• Care for dizziness and neurological diseases

• Inpatient and Outpatient rehabilitation

• Senior products to make your life easier from Rehability

FREE refreshments -Raffle Prizes and giveaways!
For more info call 610.778.9220
goodshepherdrehab.org

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network
Health Fair at Bethlehem Senior Center
November 19, 2008
9:30 am to 1:30 PM
Bethlehem Senior Center
720 Old York Road Bethlehem, PA

Physical or developmental disabilities should not keep you on the sidelines. Come to Good Shepherd’s Adaptive Sports Day to learn about the numerous sports opportunities available for men, women and children with disabilities.

Eastern Pennsylvania is a hotbed of Adaptive Sports. Learn about opportunities in:

• Skiing
• Basketball
• Golf
• Hockey
• Cycling
• Tennis
• Bowling
• Fishing

and many more!!

Thursday November 13th 2-7 pm

Good Shepherd Health and Technology Center

850 South 5th Street Allentown

The event is free and open to the public. For more info call 610.776.9291 or 610.776.3588.

Rehability will be attending the 2008 MS Conference & Expo Saturday November 1^st 2008 at the Valley Forge Convention Center from 9:30 to 4:00. We will feature a selection of our products including: Rocking T Knife, Talking Watch, magnifiers and much more. Stop by our booth # 414 and enter to win a screen enlarger for your Computer or TV!

The World’s Largest Conference For People Living With MS

The 2008 Greater Delaware Valley MS Conference & Expo is designed especially for people with MS and those who love and care for them. All in one place, on one day, you’ll find:

» Innovative workshops about MS symptoms, caregiver issues, current research, wellness and much more

» A comprehensive Expo Center showcasing more than 80 exhibitors, including wellness centers, community resources, assistive technology companies, tax consultants, legal experts, private nursing organizations, rehabilitation facilities, pharmaceutical companies and beyond

» A keynote presentation by leading financial journalist, Fox News Channel’s Neil Cavuto

» The details about Fast Forward, a new drug discovery initiative by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

This event is provided at no cost to attendees. Parking is free, and transportation is provided from select locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Scooters will be provided on site for people with mobility issues on a first-come, first-served basis.

The MS Society has harnessed the power of our community to create a day when no one is alone in their fight against MS. They welcome people with MS, caregivers, health professionals, family and friends to join the movement.  To learn more about MS, please visit the National MS Society website!

Take Charge. Take Action. Make your mark against MS.

Monday, September 8th, 2008 was a beautiful day for Golf and Tennis as 110 golfers and 12 tennis players took to the links and courts at Saucon Valley Country Club for Good Shepherd’s Golf and Tennis Invitational.

The fundraiser, which received generous sponsor support from local businesses, organizations and individuals netted more then $105,000 for the Good Shepherd pediatric program. Last year alone, they logged more then 22,000 therapy visits from children struggling from autism, brain injury, cerebral palsy and other various developmental problems. This annual fundraiser provides charitable care, pediatrics products, and many families whose insurances do not cover extended therapy have the chance to visit with their children and help them become physically and mentally stronger.

With continued help from our wonderful donors, Good Shepherd will be there for years to come providing exciting and progressive assistive technologies, expert care and compassion for the  children of our communities who have significant needs,” says Sally Gammon, President and CEO of Good Shepherd.

August 8, 2008 wasn’t just the Opening Day of the Beijing Olympics. It was also the Opening Day for Good Shepherd’s Wheelchair Summer Olympics. Not only did their Olympics have their share of athletes, they also had their share of cheerleaders that encouraged everyone to try their very best. This way, those who could not participate in the physical tests, could cheer along their friends and still be a part of the action.

Armed with their wheelchair accessories, the patients of Good Shepherd competed in events, including the 100-foot weave, which seemed to be fan favorite, the backwards distance throw and the basketball free throw. The “stadium” (otherwise known as the macadam parking lot) was decked out in balloons and streamers to give it a festive feel.

Not only did the patients and residents of Good Shepherd participate, but the staff also got in on the action with a race of their own. At the end of the day, medals were given out to the winners and all participants were recognized for their hard work.

The event was organized by Jillian Torres, who is an East Stroudsburg University Senior majoring in Recreation and Leisure Management Services and a Concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. Jillian was the Olympic torch bearer for the days festivities.