Northwest Indiana is so densely packed with resources for seniors, that finding the best resources suited for you or a family member’s needs can seem overwhelming. On Tuesday, Life Care Center of Valparaiso looked to make things simpler for seniors and their families by hosting a health fair that gathered local leaders in senior health and service providers.
Life Care Center of Valparaiso is a 24-skilled nursing facility that focuses on speedy inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs. Their staff works closely to build strong relationships with their patients, often helping them find the information best suited to an individual’s specific needs. The health fair was their way of introducing other members of the Region’s healthcare community to their patients, families, and Valpo at large.
“They need these tools so if something happens down the line, they have everything they need,” said Cathy Ellis, Marketing Director for the Life Care Center of Valparaiso. “Education is key. If we keep everyone well informed, they’ll have a healthier life. Plus this gives people the chance to come in, see what we’re all about, and what we can offer them.”
22 different vendors set up shop inside the Life Care Center, ranging from assisted living facilities, such as StoryPoint and Rittenhouse Village, to Home Health Services from the Community Healthcare System. Every person has different wants and needs when it comes to their healthcare. People such as Danielle Balek, Senior Lifestyle Counsler at Rittenhouse Village, did their best to explain their services and refer attendees to the best options.
“If we don’t work and partner with other organizations, we can’t fulfill our mission which is to provide a safe and healthy environment to all seniors in our community,” Balek said. “We’re all in the healthcare industry and it’s more than just a job for us, we’re here to provide a service and help those that truly need it. Someone has to be a voice for our seniors and that’s what all of us here do.”
Visitors also toured the Life Care Center’s physical therapy facilities and engaged with experts on matters like social security. Some even did a little shopping, with vendors selling jewelry and massive stacks of winter clothing and accessories offered their wares. And of course, Life Care Center offered plenty of free snacks and bags of freshly popped popcorn. Life Care Center’s fair helped seniors not only stay informed, but also engaged with their community.
“The need for senior care is so big for the Porter, LaPorte, Jasper and Lake Counties,” said Ro Loughmiller, Director of Business Develop for the Community Healthcare System’s Home Health Services. “What better way to get involved with the community than to come out to events like this.”
Learn more about the Life Care Center of Valparaiso at lifecarecenterofvalparaiso.com.
