Beyond our elder care community and rehabilitation services, we offer community programs to help people maximize their independence and prevent them from returning to the hospital or a long-term care facility. Ask us about our Personal Exercise Program to assist with specialized wellness/ fitness needs once you return home. Or join one of our lively community communication groups through our Aphasia Conversation Connection.
Personal Exercise Program
Barnes-Jewish Extended Care's Personal Exercise Program assists in improving strength training, mobility and fitness levels that may be restricted by chronic diseases, neurological disorders, cardiopulmonary disorders or any type of impairment inhibiting one's ability to exercise.
There are many potential benefits of exercise, including:
-
Improved functional mobility
-
Reduced risk of falling and severity of an injury if a fall occurs
-
Increased capacity to perform everyday activities safely with decreased fatigue
-
Enhanced problem-solving ability
-
Reduced depression
-
Increased resistance to illnesses
-
Increased self-esteem
-
Increased social interaction
Sessions are tailored to each individual based on age, fitness level and past exercise experience. Held at Barnes-Jewish Extended Care, these sessions will likely consist of cardiovascular endurance, strengthening, balance and flexibility.
A trained exercise specialist will provide all session equipment. Each session lasts 45 minutes.
Please call the Personal Exercise Program Coordinator at 314-273-0178 for more information.
Aphasia Conversation Connection
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder due to damage to the language centers and pathways of the brain. Aphasia can limit listening comprehension, ability to recall words and produce sentences, as well as reading and writing. Aphasia can mask a person’s competence. People with aphasia know what they want to say, but cannot find the words to express it.
Aphasia is usually due to stroke, but also can result from head trauma, brain tumors, or neurological disease. In this country, about 1 million people have aphasia, or one out of every 275 adults. It is almost twice as common as Parkinson’s disease. However, public awareness about aphasia is minimal.
Aphasia often persists after rehabilitation, resulting in diminished social participation, changes in self-image, and reduced quality of life. The Aphasia Conversation Connection (ACC) addresses the social communication needs of people with aphasia. The program is supported by the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation.
Stroke survivors with aphasia meet in a small group setting to:
-
Converse with others who are dealing with aphasia
-
Enhance social interaction skills
-
Increase participation in social communication
-
Gain confidence for facing the challenges of aphasia
-
Communicate successfully within the parameters of aphasia
-
Improve overall quality of life
Trained group facilitators enhance and support communication among group participants. The needs and interests of the participants guide conversation and activities.
To enroll in the Aphasia Conversation Connection program, participants must have a communication diagnosis of aphasia, complete an application form and a have pre-enrollment interview. Groups meet at Barnes-Jewish Extended Care, 401 Corporate Park Dr. in Clayton.
An Aphasia Caregiver Support Group meets monthly in the spring and fall of the year. There is no cost for this program.
For information or to enroll, call or email Beth Barbeiri at (314) 273-0184 or [email protected].