It may be obvious by now, but things are changing here at Chicago Methodist Senior Services. In addition to our new look, there are a few more exciting new programs we’ve been kicking off this year. Here are a few things you should know about the new Chicago Methodist Senior Services.
HeartBeats Cardiac Rehabilitation
New at Wesley Place is HeartBeats, a short-term cardiac rehabilitation program. The program is designed to assist in management of weight and fluids in congestive heart failure, heart attack and bypass surgery recovery, coronary heart disease management and a wide range of other cardiac-related conditions.
Interested participants will receive accommodation at Wesley Place, a cardiac trained staff and nurse practitioner and the hands-on care needed to assist with recovery. HeartBeats is led by cardiovascular disease specialist, Dr. Sanjay Gill.
Art Therapy
While our focus on the arts isn’t new, our art therapy volunteer program has been rolling out this fall, and we want to spread the news about it far and wide. If you’re not familiar with art therapy, the American Art Therapy Association describes it as way for mental health professionals and individuals to use art to help “resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.”
CMSS is working with Bringing Art to Life – Chicago to offer visual art therapy tailored to people with memory loss. The Bringing Art to Life program, which is supported at CMSS by the High Socks for Hope Foundation, is a research-based art therapy program in which Bringing Art to Life therapists guide participants through art workshops. Students work with the participants to help them record memories and stories that the therapy sessions draw out, while researchers track how the program helps participants.
In addition to this art therapy program, we value all forms of engagement with the arts. At our communities, we offer a wide variety of art classes including open studios and watercolors. Additionally, we make it a point to take regular trips to the Art Institute of Chicago’s Art in the Moment Program – specifically designed for people with memory loss.
At Heart, We’re Still the Same!
Despite these exciting changes, CMSS is still guided by the same central principles to support, improve and enhance the quality of life for older adults. Although our look has changed, our core values, amazing staff and locations have all remained the same.
It’s truly been a journey launching the new Chicago Methodist Senior Services, and we are excited to continue with the CMSS community by our side. Explore our new site to learn more.