February Is National Heart Month
Every February, National American Heart Month shines a spotlight on cardiovascular health and the steps we can take, at every age, to care for our hearts. At The Neighbors of Dunn County, located in Menomonie, Wisconsin, we use this time as an opportunity to reflect on what it means to support heart health in a senior living setting.
As a non-institutional skilled nursing community, we offer more than medical care. Our environment is built around dignity, independence, and the power of feeling at home. That commitment carries through in the daily routines, relationships, and surroundings that can help support overall health, including cardiovascular well-being.
Why Heart Health Matters For Older Adults
According to the CDC, heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and the risk increases with age. Adults age 75 and older are more likely than younger adults to have one or more cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood glucose, and obesity, key contributors to heart disease risk.
For older adults, maintaining heart health isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s also about preserving energy, mobility, and independence. That’s why heart health for seniors is such an important part of wellness conversations during National Heart Month and beyond.
A Supportive, Non-Institutional Setting
At The Neighbors of Dunn County, we provide care through a household model that is intentionally designed to feel more like home and less like a facility. Each household features:
- Private suites with personal bathrooms
- A shared living room, dining area, and open kitchen
- Access to an outdoor courtyard
- A small team of consistent, universal caregivers
- Family-style meals prepared within each household
This structure naturally fosters calm, connection, and continuity, all important contributors to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Unlike traditional nursing homes where routines are rigid and care teams rotate constantly, our residents live in a setting that prioritizes comfort, familiarity, and relationship-building. For many, this sense of emotional stability and belonging helps reduce stress, a known risk factor for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
Nutrition And Emotional Well-Being
Heart-healthy living starts with daily habits, and mealtime is no exception. At The Neighbors of Dunn County, meals are served home style, with residents choosing from the chef’s special or a variety of à la carte items, always tailored to their individual nutritional and hydration needs. Our friendly staff assist each resident in selecting their meal just prior to dining, ensuring both comfort and personalized care.
In addition to food, social interaction and emotional well-being also play a significant role in heart health. Research has shown that social isolation is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. At The Neighbors of Dunn County, residents enjoy regular socialization through:
- Shared meals in a communal dining space
- Comfortable common areas for visiting and relaxing
- Support from social services staff
- A close-knit group of caregivers who become familiar faces
These elements support a lifestyle where residents are encouraged to engage with one another, develop friendships, and maintain their sense of identity, all of which contribute to emotional health and quality of life.
Personalized Support And Skilled Nursing
While our environment is designed to feel home-like, residents also have access to professional skilled nursing care, including therapy services and restorative nursing. Each resident has a customized care plan that guides our services based on individual needs, history, and preferences.
Although we do not advertise specific cardiac care programs, our approach to skilled nursing ensures that each resident’s health is closely monitored and supported. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or simply aging with dignity, our team provides compassionate care rooted in respect and attentiveness.
The Power Of Preventive Care
National Heart Month encourages awareness of the everyday decisions that can influence heart health. For seniors and caregivers alike, this can mean:
- Encouraging mobility and movement appropriate to one’s ability
- Supporting emotional well-being through personal connection
- Reducing environmental stressors
- Creating a calm, structured routine
- Ensuring regular health check-ins with primary care providers
Our staff is trained to recognize the importance of these factors and support residents in ways that feel natural and respectful. Because our care teams work consistently within the same household, they build relationships that allow them to notice subtle changes in behavior, health, or mood, and respond quickly.
National Heart Month encourages awareness of the everyday decisions that can influence heart health for seniors. For residents in long-term care communities, small lifestyle factors like movement, social connection, and consistent routines can make a meaningful difference.
A Heartfelt Commitment To Quality Living
At The Neighbors of Dunn County, our mission is to deliver person-centered care in an environment that honors the dignity of each individual. During National Heart Month, we are reminded that health isn’t just a medical outcome, it’s also about how we live day to day. From the food we enjoy to the people we spend time with, to the routines that make us feel safe and comfortable, heart health is woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
For residents of our community, this means having a place to call home that is both supportive and empowering. Our model of care is built on compassion, respect, and quality, values that contribute to well-being of both the heart and the whole person.
During National Heart Month, we are reminded that heart health for seniors involves more than clinical care, it’s supported by compassionate relationships, meaningful routines, and the comforts of home.
Contact The Neighbors Of Dunn County
For over a century, our legacy has been one of “Generations of Caring since 1892.” If you would like to learn more about our resident-centered neighborhood of homes, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care, or hospice services, please contact The Neighbors of Dunn County. Our team would be honored to answer your questions and help you find the right support for your loved one.
