Tag: therapy

Why Seniors Should Stay Active

Physical Activity for Older Adults

Physical Activity

For the first time in a decade, the U.S. government has updated its recommendations for regular physical activity. While the guidelines continue to suggest that adults get  at least  150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, there are new suggestions for adults age 65 years and older. The report now advises that the time older adults allot to exercise includes multi-component activities, encompassing balance training, aerobic exercise, and muscle strengthening (all of which factor into preventing falls). The report went on to point out that recreational activities such as dancing, yoga, tai chi, gardening, or sports often incorporate the multiple types of activities needed. Even walking stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator contributes to weekly activity.

P.S. Brisk walking, swimming, and cycling are considered moderate-intensity activities.

Nursing Homes Therapy Dogs

Using Therapy Dogs at Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

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If you’ve ever owned a pet like a dog or a cat, then you know the joy that they can bring you as a pet owner.  However, as our friends and family members age they might not be able to care for a pet as they once did.  But that does not stop a pet lover from smiling when they see a puppy or love patting a pooch on their head.  The use of pets in a care facility like a nursing home can add smiles, joy, to the days of the residents.  That’s where special dogs like Snickers who is a Therapy Dog can be helpful to make the residents day a little brighter.

Therapy Dogs are used to visit schools daycares, group homes and rehabilitation homes like Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  These dogs have stable friendly temperaments and easy-going personalities.  Patients are encouraged to talk, pet and interact with dogs which helps reduce stress and encourage healing.

Snickers is one of our therapy dogs that started coming to visit when he was a “Puppy”.  He came to visit last week while we had the residents on the porch enjoying popsicles.  And of course, he had to have some too.  Snickers also can do a lot of tricks with the help of his Mommy.  Visit again soon Snickers.

 

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Do I Need Physical Therapy?

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We here at Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in operation of our daily duties of helping our residents believe that discussing issues of health and quality of life are important.  And so we have a topic we feel passionate about.  We all have been ill (which nobody likes) or had some sort of bump or bruise, maybe a broken arm.  So knowing how to answer the next question is helpful when dealing with your health or that of a loved one.

Do I Need Physical Therapy?

Have you ever wondered if you’re a candidate for physical therapy, or if therapy could help with nagging pain or problem you’re having?  Physical therapists know the answer to this question.  That is a resounding yes.  Most people can benefit from physical therapy, this could be something as simple as a sprain all the way through post-surgical rehabilitation.

Physical therapists can help from hospitals, sports medicine, and nursing homes.  Physical therapists and their services span across the lifespan of each individual as they age from birth to death.

The physical therapist uses all sorts of techniques from methods, which address healing, prevention of injuries and disabilities.  Physical therapy uses non-invasive and other non-medical tools to help overall body functionality.

Promoting health, relieving pain, restoring bodily function and movement along with an adaptation of due to injury.  Therapy also focuses on wellness, fitness, training, and proper ergonomics, which all play a major part in health and well-being.

Something you should remember is regardless of your age.  If you are having a problem with mobility you certainly may benefit from physical therapy to help return to optimal function.

Most common reasons to seek physical therapy can include:

  • Neck Pain and low back pain
  • Arthritis in one or multiple joints
  • Fractures and other orthopedic condition
  • Bowel or bladder incontinence
  • Problems with balance
  • Mobility issues
  • Chronic fatigue and weakness
  • Pre-surgical and post-surgical conditioning & strengthening
  • Cancer recovery
  • Weight loss, fitness, and overall wellness education.
  • Respiratory problems / poor cardiovascular endurance
  • Cardiac Rehab
  • Problems with knee, ankle or feet
  • Shoulder, arm, hand, wrist problems
  • Neuro-rehabilitation, including post-stroke, spinal or head injuries
  • Sprains & muscle strains
  • Repetitive motion injuries, slip, and fall accidents that can happen in the workplace
  • Sports injuries
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation

If you still have questions whether you are a candidate for physical therapy discuss with your doctor, and they can provide guidance.

But something you should really take away from this is that if you’re having difficulty moving due to loss of range of motion, or pain that inhibits movement.  Weakness or loss of strength you are likely a candidate for physical therapy.   In addition to dealing with the injuries, your physical therapist can help you with techniques to avoid pain and re-injuring yourself.

 

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies

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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:

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  • 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.