Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehab Center Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists are health, wellness and rehabilitation professionals dedicated to maximizing function across the lifespan so individuals can live life to its fullest. Our Therapists utilize a holistic approach that incorporates all facets of wellness to assist residents to age successfully and incorporate wellness beliefs into all aspects of their day-to-day lives. Our efforts are to empower our residents to take control of their health, well-being, and quality of life while preserving dignity and independence. The therapists at Mahoning Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center work closely with families and caregivers to provide education and training for increased carryover of learned techniques to promote the highest level of independence.
It is important to be aware of the hidden dangers that could be in the home. In Fact, more accidents happen in the home than anywhere else, especially in the bathroom and the kitchen. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control, 1 out of 3 people aged 65 and older experience a fall every year. That’s 2.3 million seniors with injuries requiring treatment! The therapists at Mahoning Valley provide resident and caregiver education for home safety to allow their loved ones to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
Some basic recommendations for a safer home environment include:
- Keeping pathways clear of clutter
- Removing throw rugs
- Taping cords to the floor
- Use of cordless phone/life alert
- Environmental changes
- Furniture modifications
- Use of assistive devices
- Grab bars
- Shower/tub chair
- Reacher/long handle sponge/sock aid
- Elevated commode
Upon discharge from our facility, safety education for the transition home is discussed on an individual basis according to the resident’s needs.
Some of our treatment approached include:
- Swallowing Disorder Management
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Gait and Transfer Training
- ADL Re-training (Activities of Daily Living)
- Seating and Positioning
- Cognitive Re-training
- Restorative Nursing
- Fall Prevention
- Energy Conservation Techniques
- Home Safety Training
Our therapists also use a variety of standardized test to assist with implementing the most appropriate treatment plan for our residents.
Tinetti Balance and Gait Test
- This test is used to measure a residents gait and balance. It is scored on the resident’s ability to perform specific tasks.
The Times Up and Go Test(TUG)
- This test is used to assess functional mobility during daily tasks including self care and recreational activities. The therapist is observing and assessing the resident’s postural stability, safety, gait, stride length, and sway.
The Functional Reach Test
- This test is used to assess the resident’s stability and safety awareness by measuring the maximum distance an individual can reach forward while standing in a fixed position. There is also a modified version which requires the resident to sit.
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- This test is used to assess different cognitive domains:
- attention and concentration, executive functions, memory, language, visuoconstructional skills, conceptual thinking, calculation, and memory.
The Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS)
- This is another test used to detect cognitive impairment in the areas of orientation, calculations, word finding, visuospatial construction, and memory.
Various Speech/Language assessments are utilized to fully assess skills of residents with speech and language deficits.
The therapists at Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehab Center are dedicated to helping our residents reach their maximum potential for their individual needs. Each resident receives an individualized treatment plan on their diagnosis, their personal goals and needs to provide the best possible outcome.
