Press Release May 5, 2008

  Elant to Host Open House for New Spa Program

GOSHEN, N.Y. -- – Elant will launch its new therapeutic spa program with open house events from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 28 at all Elant campuses in Orange, Dutchess and Westchester counties. The events are free and open to the public, and will feature aromatherapy, mini-massage and other spa treatments.

Called CALM, for comfort and life memories, the spa program employs aromatherapy, sensory stimulation and massage to help improve the cognitive abilities of elderly residents, as well as increase the overall well-being of those who receive CALM treatments.

Elant is the first and only long-term care network in the region to offer this cutting-edge therapeutic program.

Spa programs featuring aromatherapy treatment have generated interesting results, documented most recently in a program at Eastern Carolina University.

Families and caregivers in the test facilities marked significant cognitive improvement in residents being treated with aromatherapies, resulting in increased ability to complete tasks without direction, and reduced agitation.

“In addition to improving the quality of life for residents, this program reduces staff stress and assures families that their loved ones are receiving the best care possible,” said Donna G. McAleer, President and CEO of the Elant system.

The CALM program also includes a structured sensory stimulation component that helps residents remain socialized and retain motor skill functions and memories.

Refreshments and facility tours will be available to all who attend the CALM spa open house events. For more information, contact Anne Striphas at 845-291-3847.

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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is a leading provider of services for older adults and chronically ill people of all ages. Elant has grown from a 120-bed nursing home, which opened in 1985, to a comprehensive system of organizations that provides a full range of health and housing services to the Hudson Valley and beyond. On any given day, Elant serves more than 3,000 people through its network of communities, home care agencies and services. Elant’s mission is to provide personalized, high quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures and needs.