One senior’s second chance at life thanks to Shalom Village
When Ellen Hoffman moved into Shalom Village Apartments in December 2016, she was determined to change her life around. Frankly, she felt she had no other choice. Just two months earlier, she had been lying on her floor, listening to the fire department bang on her door. She felt like she was having a heart attack and prayed that they would break down the door in time to save her life. Ellen arrived at the hospital to learn she had a number of life threatening conditions. She grew despondent as she fought for her life; and at one point, after being unconscious and on life support, she was asked if she had her affairs in order. As helpless as she felt in that moment, it was a turning point in her life. “I knew then, that I would do whatever it took to reclaim my life,” she later explained. “I thought I am a strong and determined woman and I need a strong support system to survive and ultimately to thrive.” She found that support when she moved in Shalom Village Apartments. That’s not to say change was easy. Her heart wasn’t strong and she had weight issues, debilitating water retention and sleep and breathing problems. She needed a walker to get around. Cognitively impaired and emotionally distressed, she struggled to turn her health around and was tempted to just give up. The staff at Shalom Village, however, wouldn’t let her. The team at Shalom Village believed in Ellen, seeing her as a unique individual full of potential with a lot of life ahead to enjoy. The healthcare staff of nurses, personal support workers, therapists and fitness and nutrition specialists rallied to support her journey. As the staff took the time to get to know Ellen, her recovery progressed. The team at The Shalom Village Fitness Club developed a custom fitness plan. She lost more and more weight and grew physically stronger. One of Hoffman’s first goals was to walk to the top of the hill outside Shalom Village. She started slowly on a treadmill twice a day, gaining strength one day at a time until she finally made it to the top of the hill… and just kept going. Today, Ellen no longer uses a walker, her heart is strong and she no longer needs a breathing machine to sleep. She has lost more than 170 lb and continues to improve her health at The Shalom Village Fitness Club thanks to an individualized fitness and diet plan of high protein and low carbohydrates. “Today I find joy in taking walks, and marvel at the beautiful trees, birds and waterways along my walk route,” says Ellen. “I am more socially active both at Shalom Village and out in the community. I am volunteering and enjoying hobbies once again. And each day, my heart and hope grows by leaps and bounds.” The Shalom Village Fitness Club invites all members of the Hamilton senior community to join. A membership can help seniors stay in their homes longer and live happier, healthier lives. The Shalom Village Hustle 4 Health walk/run is coming up! Sign up and support the hundreds of members who rely on The Fitness Club to help them continue enjoying their independence.