Donna's Story
May 24, 2021Supporting Seniors’ Health
Easy-to-access Exercise that Gets Results
Twice a week, Donna dances her way to fitness at Holy Cross Health’s Ballet Gold class held at Holy Cross Senior Source. In addition to being just plain enjoyable, “The class gives students a good physical and mental workout,” Donna says. “Because we have to remember our changing dance routines, we’re using the muscles in our brains, too.” Donna’s physical therapist and doctors have noted the benefits. In combination with her Senior Source Tai Chi class and her Senior Fit exercise class, also offered through Holy Cross Health, Donna’s ballet class has improved her cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as her body mass index. Donna also values the social dimension of getting together with classmates.
Exercise and dance programs are far from Donna’s only experience with Holy Cross Health. “Over the years I’ve had radiation therapy at the Holy Cross Radiation Treatment Center and I’ve been in the Seniors Emergency Center at Holy Cross Hospital a couple of times, followed by an overnight stay at the hospital for observation. I like the concept of having an emergency center just for seniors,” says Donna.
“All these programs for seniors show that Holy Cross Health takes a holistic approach to the health and welfare of our community," said Donna. "As a former nurse, I think that’s excellent!”
Seniors across our communities are leading fuller lives every day because of Holy Cross Health’s wide range of innovative health and wellness programs.
Donna also attended a Medication Review program along with her 96-year-old mother. Recognizing the special challenges facing caregivers such as Donna, Holy Cross Health offers caregiver services such as support groups, classes, information and links to critical resources.
“I’m always bragging to my friends outside of our area about the large number of high-quality Holy Cross Health programs available to us, and at a low cost or free,” says Donna. “All these programs for seniors show that Holy Cross Health takes a holistic approach to the health and welfare of our community. As a former nurse, I think that’s excellent!”
Working Together for Seniors
Our community boasts the highest population of people aged 65+ in the state of Maryland. Holy Cross Health welcomes every one of them, offering conveniently located, high-quality wellness programs and classes either free or at minimal cost, so that seniors can live long and in the best of health.
Our partners and services in senior programming include:
- The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County; the Maryland Department of Aging; and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, supporting Holy Cross Senior Source health and wellness classes, health screenings, and general education programs for adults age 55 and older. In 2021, Holy Cross Senior Source anticipates relocating on the same block to a newly constructed building called Elizabeth House III, which will also house the third Holy Cross Health primary care practice in Montgomery County.
- Kaiser Permanente; the Maryland National Parks and Planning Commission; the Montgomery County Department of Recreation; Asbury Methodist Village; and local churches, partnering with Holy Cross Health to offer Senior Fit, a free exercise class for seniors to increase strength, flexibility and endurance. Senior Fit classes are led by certified instructors and offered in more than 20 community-based centers.
- The Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center, providing a full scope of aging adult services, including medical, social, rehabilitative and recreational programs focused on compassion, quality of life and safety.
- Holy Cross Private Home Services, Inc., and Holy Cross Home Care and Hospice, providing treatment at home and offering assistance with activities of daily living.
- The nation’s first Seniors Emergency Center at Holy Cross Hospital, setting a new standard of quality care and comfort for seniors.