February, 2021
News from Diamond Care Inc.
HCO No. 394700011 RCFE392700721
Welcome to our February 2021 Newsletter


Through our newsletter we will be bringing a variety of articles of interest, as well as the latest developments in the field of healthcare. We hope you will enjoy it and will feel free to contact us with any questions or input you would like to share.
Our Mission
Diamond Care Inc. provides services for seniors and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities. Our mission is to enable any adult or senior to safely and comfortably age in their place of choice for as long as possible, with dignity, confidence, and, to the greatest degree possible, quality of life, whether it be their own home (our In-Home Care-Provider program) or at our Residential Care Home in French Camp, CA.

Providing high quality, fully licensed professional staff to implement these programs is an essential element that is inherent in every service we provide. It is, in fact, the foundation and hallmark of the organization. Accordingly, we adhere to very strict guidelines and requirements with all of our services and care providers.

As always, we maintain a safe environment - All patients and care-providers are tested on a regular basis to ensure that they test negative for COVID-19.

email: [email protected]. Phone: (209) 914-2859

Stretching: The Why's and How's!
Stretching keeps muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. If this occurs, when you call on the muscles for an activity they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That can cause joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. Healthy muscles also help a person with balance problems to avoid falls.

You don't have to stretch every muscle. "The areas critical for mobility are in your lower body: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors (in the pelvis), and quadriceps (in the front of the thigh)." Stretching your shoulders, neck, and lower back is also beneficial. Plan to do daily stretches (or at least three or four times per week).
Tips for stretching safely
•  Avoid stretching cold. Before you begin, it’s a good idea to get your blood flowing. Doing a low-intensity activity like walking for a few minutes can help. Hold a stretch for 30 seconds. Always stretch gently. You should feel tension, but not pain. Avoid bouncing while you’re stretching.
• Make stretching a routine and a regular habit. Plan on doing your routine at least two to three times per week.
•  Stretch both sides. to avoid flexibility imbalances.
Basic Stretch
Place your right foot forward and bend into a lunge, placing your fingertips on the floor or on two firm cushions if your hands don’t reach. Take a breathe in, exhale as you straighten your right leg. Slowly return to the lunge position. Repeat four times. Switch sides.
Side Stretch 
Stand with your feet together and your arms raised straight up. Lace your fingers with pointer fingers extended. Inhale as you reach upward. Breathe out and bend your upper body to the right. Take five slow breaths. Slowly return to the center. Repeat on the left side.
 Forward Stretch
 Place your feet hip-distance apart and slightly bend your knees. Lace your fingers behind your back. (If your hands don’t touch, hold on to a dish towel.) Breathe in and straighten your arms to expand your chest.
Exhale and bend at your waist, letting your hands stretch toward your head. Hold for five deep breaths.
Staying Safe During the Pandemic.
WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN'T
Face masks - The more snug the fit, the more layers you have, the better.
Plastic face shields - Reduces your risk by about 65% so you still need a mask.
Gaiters, scarves, Bandannas - Less effective because they are usually single layer and usually not a snug fit.
Disposable gloves - Good if you you change them regularly and use sanitizer on them. The virus can stick to them as well as it does to skin. Better to carry hand gel and use it often.
Our beautiful garden area.
A mini-guide to Mindfulness –
A practice for increasing positive
emotions while reducing
negative emotions and stress
Mindfulness is simply our basic ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. The basis of Mindfulness is a quality that every human being already possesses. It is the ability to focus on your breathing. It can be done seated, walking, or standing, (it’s also possible lying down but often leads to sleep) and can be included in short pauses and inserted into everyday life;
How to Sit for Mindfulness Practice
Here’s a posture practice that can be used as the beginning stage of a period of mindfulness practice or simply as something to do for a minute, maybe to stabilize yourself and find a moment of relaxation before going back into the fray.
·        1. Take a seat. Find a firm, solid and comfortable place.
·        2. Notice your legs. If on a chair, it’s good if the bottoms of your feet are touching the floor.
·        3. Gently straighten your upper body. Your head and shoulders should comfortably rest on top of your vertebrae.
·        4.Place your upper arms parallel to your upper body. Then let your hands drop onto the tops of your legs.
·        5. Lower your chin and let your gaze fall gently downward. You may lower your eyelids or close them, whichever makes you more comfortable.
·        6. Breathing is the key to Mindfulness. Be aware of your breath as it goes out and as it goes in. If your attention leaves the breath and your thoughts wander, slowly return your attention to the breath. Don’t judge or worry about it…. Just slowly come back to focus on your breathing. You go away, you come back.

That’s it. That’s the practice. It’s often been said that it’s very simple, but it’s not necessarily easy. The work is to just keep doing it. Results will happen slowly, but surely.

If you are interested in pursuing the practice of Mindfulness there are many excellent resources in your library or on the internet.

Physical, Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors
  • The ability to have something to pet or touch can result in lower blood pressure, normal heart rate and reduced stress.
  • Pets provide emotional stability during stressful situations, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.
  • Caring for a pet helps increase a senior’s self-confidence and self-esteem, providing a way to feel useful and responsible for something.
  • For dementia patients, animals can be soothing to those who have difficulty using language.
  • Animals can help improve socialization- they listen without judgment and give unbiased affection, especially when a senior may desire to share the thoughts they may not be comfortable telling family or friends.

Our Therapy Dog, Suri
San Joaquin County and State of California Community Resources
Where to learn more about Covid-19 in your community
San Joaquin County Aging & Community Services -
Senior Info & Assistance Program -
209-468-1104
800-510-2020