Speech Therapy
Have you ever heard of speech therapy? Isn’t that just for people “who can’t talk right”? No, speech therapy is more complex than you realize! The field of speech-language pathology (also known as speech therapy) is made up of nine domains with the most common being: speech, expressive/receptive language, swallowing, and cognition. Speech therapy is one of the therapeutic services provided by Liberty Healthcare Rehabilitation Services for our residents in independent, assisted, and skilled living settings.
Who provides speech therapy?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained experts in communication sciences and disorders. SLPs are required to earn graduate degrees, complete 400 clinical hours, pass a national exam, complete a clinical fellowship year, and be certified at state and national levels. A SLP is trained to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders. SLPs are trained to provide therapy services for the full range of human communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages, including those in our aging adult population.
How do I know if I need speech therapy?
As we age, our brains change. This can affect the way that we communicate, swallow, and think. SLPs are part of the interdisciplinary medical team that are involved in the care of the aging population. If you go to the hospital for a stroke or a broken hip, you may be recommended for speech therapy. What? How does breaking my hip mean I might need speech therapy?
Speech therapy also addresses memory, safety, thought organization (planning), and sequencing tasks. If you now require a walker after surgery, but have never used one before, it may be beneficial for a SLP to help assist you in adjusting to safely using one.
SLPs are also commonly involved in the care of individuals with a variety of diagnoses including dementia, mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke injuries, cancer, and COVID-19.
Swallowing disorders are often present in the populations listed above, and speech-language pathologists are trained to address and manage swallowing disorders. The medical term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia. Dysphagia can occur when there are deficits in the ability to feel food or liquids, the ability to move your mouth, or coordinate movement of muscles in your throat, in any of the phases of swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, or esophageal). Swallowing problems can cause dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, and even pneumonia.
What are some red flags? When should I seek out a referral for me or my loved one?
Red Flags for Swallowing Disorders:
- Unintentional and unexplained weight loss
- Prolonged chewing and swallowing
- Fatigue when eating
- Painful swallowing or feeling that food liquid “gets stuck”
- Coughing or choking on liquids / “getting strangled”
- Coughing or choking on solids
- Recurrent chest infection or pneumonia
- Heartburn or acid reflux
Red Flags for Cognitive, Speech, and Language Disorders:
- Becoming short of breath when speaking
- Reduced ability to communicate wants and needs
- Difficulty pronouncing speech sounds
- Reduced language and speech skills due to a neurologic event such as a stroke
- Difficulty in remembering appointments and taking medicine
- Reduced confidence in verbal abilities and engaging in social conversation
If you are concerned at all about any of the red flags listed above for you or a family member, talk to your doctor about a referral to the speech-language pathologist. Early intervention can help!
At Liberty Healthcare Rehabilitation Services, our speech-language pathologists are key members of the rehabilitation team designed to provide a positive rehabilitation experience for patients and their loved ones. They are involved with the interdisciplinary care model. Contact us today to learn more about our speech therapy and other services.
How to Reduce Your Risk for Dementia
In previous articles, we looked at what dementia is and how it’s diagnosed, as well as the early signs and different stages of dementia. While there is no known cure or way to completely prevent dementia, there are several tips to reduce your risk for developing dementia. Let’s take a closer look at those tips now.
1. Regular Physical Activity
Numerous studies link regular physical activity to reducing your risk for dementia. From a medical perspective, exercise triggers neurochemicals and a boost in neurons in the brain. In turn, this helps improve your mood, cognitive development, and memory. There are several options for exercising, which gives you an opportunity to explore different activities until you find something you enjoy. A good goal is to exercise for at least two and a half hours a week, which can be spaced out over several days for short durations. Remember that some exercise is still better than none at all, which poses health risks to your mental and physical health.
Exercise Ideas:
- Joining a fitness club
- Pilates
- Riding a bicycle
- Stair climbing
- Strength training
- Water aerobics
- Yoga
2. Eat Healthy
Eating healthy, balanced meals can help reduce your risk for dementia. Additionally, eating healthy can prevent cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. An example of a balanced meal contains fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Healthy Tips:
- Eat four to five portions of fruit and vegetables daily
- Eat protein twice a week, such as lean meats, fish, beans, and eggs
- Eat healthy grains, such as whole grain bread and pasta, as well as potatoes
- Limit your sugar and sodium consumption
- Limit your saturated fat consumption
- Drink enough liquid daily, such as water, sugar-free drinks, and low fat milk
3. Drink Moderately
Like most things in life, moderation is important. When it comes to drinking alcohol, it’s best to drink small amounts. Drinking excessively increases your risk for developing dementia. It’s recommended to drink less than 210 milliliters of alcohol a week, which is shown to be the ideal amount to reduce your risk for dementia. This is slightly over 8 ounces of liquid.
Safe Drinking Tips:
- Keep track of how much alcohol you drink every week
- Replace drinks with alcoholic-free drinks
- Have friends and family join you, so you maintain your goals
4. Connect with Others
Humans are social creatures that need to be around other people. This doesn’t mean you have to be an extravert to connect with others. Studies show that maintaining strong social connections as people age can reduce the risk for cognitive decline and dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. Due to the current pandemic, it has become challenging to safely meet other people face-to-face. Social isolation is not healthy for anyone and it may increase your chance for developing dementia. Thanks to social media, phones, and video chat apps, it has never been easier for people to reach out to their friends and families on a regular basis. These strong social connections help keep the brain active and healthy because you are listening, talking to, and interacting with others.
5. Knowledge is Power
Did you know keeping your mind active helps prevent your risk for cognitive decline and dementia as you age? It turns out that receiving more education in early life has a positive, lasting impact on your brain. A Southern California professor named Lon Schneider found that as people learn, this increases the “cognitive reserves” in their brain, which makes people more resilient to health issues, including dementia. Apparently, knowledge really is powerful!
Tips to Keep Your Mind Strong:
- Connect with friends and family on a regular basis
- Do crosswords, puzzles, or sudoku
- Learn a new hobby or language
- Play board games, card games, or video games
- Read engaging books
6. Reduce Head Trauma Risks
Studies show that there is a link between serious head trauma injuries and an increased risk for cognitive decline later in life. If the injury involves loss of consciousness, that risk increases even more. Luckily, there are safety tips people can follow to reduce the risk for head trauma injuries. When you are driving or riding in a vehicle, always wear a seatbelt when the vehicle is in operation. Always wear a proper fitting helmet when playing sports and riding a bike. At home, you can do things to minimize the chance for falling and becoming injured. This includes removing loose rugs and clutter from the home, as well as installing better lighting both indoors and outdoors. Indeed, these safety tips can help avoid head trauma injuries and thus, reduce the likelihood for getting dementia.
7. Quit Smoking
Among other health issues, smoking can increase your risk for developing dementia. This may be due to the chemicals in tobacco, which causes inflammation in the body. In turn, this inflammation can affect the blood vessel functions and circulation of blood within the body. As a result, this causes someone to be more susceptible to having a stroke or bleeding in the brain. If you smoke, it’s never too late to stop smoking. Older adults that quit may significantly reduce their risk for dementia. In today’s modern age, there are several options to quit smoking, including medications, nicotine patches and gums, and therapy.
8. Hearing Loss
Since hearing loss is socially isolating, this means people are less likely to hear and talk to others. This lack of social engagement makes it more challenging to maintain an active and healthy mind. When older people have hearing issues and do not use hearing aids, this increases their risk for dementia. It’s recommended that people avoid excessive loud noises whenever possible because this is an effective way to prevent hearing loss. For those that already have issues with hearing, it’s important to talk with their doctor to get their hearing tested and use a hearing aid, if necessary.
As you can see, there are numerous benefits to reducing your risk for dementia. Aging is a natural process that everyone experiences. We hope these tips help you reduce your risk for developing cognitive decline and serious conditions like dementia. Contact us today to learn more about our liberty healthcare services designed to meet your individual goals.
Top Tips for Stroke Prevention
In last week’s article, we discussed what a stroke is and the warning signs. It’s also important to know how to do your part to prevent a stroke, especially when over 795,000 Americans have a stroke each year. There are helpful ways to reduce you or your loved ones risk of having this serious medical condition. Keep reading to check out the top tips for stroke prevention.
1. Eat Healthy
One of the best ways to reduce your risk for a stroke is to eat healthy. A healthy meal consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and seafood, and whole grains. You can take it a step further to eat foods that can lower your blood pressure levels and prevent high cholesterol, which reduces your chances of having a stroke. This includes foods that are low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, sugars, and cholesterol, while consuming more foods that are high in fiber.
Healthy Food Choices:
- Beans
- Dark chocolate
- Fish
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Nuts
- Whole grains
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise has several health benefits, particularly with reducing your blood pressure and helping you maintain a healthy weight. It’s recommended that adults exercise for two hours and 30 minutes a week, while children and teens should exercise for an hour a day. This is a realistic health goal because you can break up the exercises into short durations each week. For example, you can do 30 minutes a day or 15 minutes twice a day. To help gain the most benefits, try to reach a level where you are breathing hard, but can still talk.
Physical Activity Ideas:
- Dumbbell strength training
- Joining a fitness club with friends
- Pilates
- Stair climbing
- Walking
- Water aerobics
- Yoga
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
It’s no surprise that obesity can lead to several health risks, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. These health concerns then increase your risk of having a stroke. Since each person has unique health needs and goals, it’s recommended that you talk to your primary doctor about creating a health plan to help you maintain a healthier weight. As little as losing 10 pounds can reduce your stroke risk.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthier Weight:
- Eat an appropriate amount of calories based on your health needs, activity level, and current BMI (body mass index).
- Make physical activity a part of your regular routine. Do something you love, which will make it likely to become a new healthy habit.
4. Drink Moderately
Like anything in life, moderation is key. Studies show that drinking one alcoholic drink a day may help prevent strokes. This benefit goes away once you start drinking more than two drinks per day, which significantly increases your risk for having a stroke. The key takeaway here is to either drink a little a day or avoid it altogether.
Drink Tips:
- Having one glass of alcohol a day is healthy and safe, as long as your doctor approves based on your health needs and current medications.
- Red wine is an excellent option that contains resveratrol, which is good for your brain and heart.
- Just like with food, watch your drink portions. A standard drink is 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.
5. Quit Smoking
Aside from stroke prevention, quitting smoking is important for your overall health and well-being. When you smoke, this increases clot formation by thickening your blood and increasing the amount of plaque buildup in your arteries. Since it’s not easy to quit smoking, talk with your doctor about the best treatment options to safely stop smoking.
How to Stop Smoking:
- Don’t give up. Most smokers need several attempts before they can permanently stop smoking.
- Have a support system to help you get through this difficult time.
- Use a variety of options to quit, such as nicotine pills or patches, therapy, chewing gum, or medications.
6. Lower Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure significantly increases your risk for having a stroke, especially if it’s not treated. It’s important to talk with your doctor about how to monitor and treat your blood pressure levels on a regular basis. For most people, having a blood pressure level that is less than 120/80 is ideal. Please note that some people have higher levels due to medications they take or from dizziness when standing.
Tips to Lower Blood Pressure Levels:
- Lower your consumption of high sodium foods. It’s best to eat no more than 1,500 milligrams of salt daily. This is around half a teaspoon.
- Eat more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated foods.
- Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy every day, along with fish a couple times a week.
- Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
- If you smoke, take the steps to quit.
As you can see, there are several ways to help reduce your risk for having a stroke. While there is no option to completely prevent strokes, these tips can help reduce your risk for several health issues. Always talk with your doctor about your specific health needs and what you can do to live the best quality of life possible. Contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services to learn more about expert services designed to meet your health goals.
What Is a Stroke and What Are the Warning Signs?
Each year, over 795,000 Americans have a stroke. A stroke is a serious health condition that needs immediate medical care, whether it’s a person’s first or subsequent stroke. Strokes are one of the leading causes of long-term disability. Like any medical condition, it’s important to know what a stroke is and what the warning signs are. This can end up saving you or your loved one’s life. Let’s take a closer look to learn more about this serious condition.
What Is a Stroke?
Also known as a brain attack, a stroke takes place when blood flow to part of the brain stops or when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts. This causes the brain cells to begin to die within minutes because the blood flow needed to get oxygen to the brain is blocked. Strokes can impact the entire body and can lead to permanent brain damage, long-term disability, and even death. Any person showing signs of a stroke needs immediate medical attention.
What Are the Main Types of Strokes?
There are three main types of stroke, which include:
- Hemorrhagic stroke: this is caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
- Ischemic stroke: this is caused by a blockage in the arteries.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): also called a mini stroke, this is caused by a temporary blockage in the arteries. Unlike ischemic strokes, mini strokes don’t cause lasting damage. However, they do increase a person’s likelihood for having a stroke.
Immediate Medical Care is Essential
When a person is having a stroke, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) indicates that receiving emergency medical help within the first hour helps prevent the person from becoming permanently disabled or dying. You or your loved one may be hesitant to call 9-1-1, especially if only one of the warning signs are visible. However, stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical care. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) recommend that people receive a drug that dissolves blood clots within the first 4.5 hours of showing stroke warning signs. By receiving immediate medical attention, people are more likely to recover and avoid having long-term disability.
What Are the Warning Signs?
The warning signs of a stroke come on suddenly with little warning. Indeed, it’s important to know what to look out for, so you can be prepared. Knowing the stroke warning signs can save you or your loved one’s life and help prevent serious long-term effects, such as disability, brain damage, and loss of speech.
Act F.A.S.T
The National Stroke Association recommends using the term “FAST” to recognize common warning signs of a stroke.
- Face: A person’s face will droop or have an uneven smile.
- Arms: A person will have numbness or weakness in their arm. If you aren’t sure, ask the person to raise their arms - if their arms drop down or aren’t steady, this is a warning sign.
- Speech difficulty: A person will find it difficult to speak. If you ask the person to repeat a simple phrase and their speech is slurred, they may be having a stroke.
- Time: When a person is showing signs of a stroke, it’s important to act fast. Remember to also keep track of when the warning signs began. This will help the medical team provide the best treatment based on when the stroke symptoms started.
Other Symptoms include:
- Difficulty walking
- Fatigue
- Numbness in limbs
- Vision issues
Remember to always call 9-1-1 if you or a loved one are showing signs of a stroke. Even if a person only has one or two symptoms, it’s crucial that you seek immediate medical help. A person that receives quick medical help has a greater chance of making a full recovery.
At Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services, our expert staff is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to meet your specific health needs, such as recovering from a stroke or major surgery. Contact us today to learn how we provide the best quality care and support you deserve to regain your independence, function, and achieve the highest quality of life possible.
What You Need to Know About Arthritis
Did you know that over 54 million adults and 300,000 children live with arthritis? Despite the significant number of people with arthritis, there is still a lot of misunderstanding regarding this term. Arthritis refers to joint pain or joint disease, which can be any of the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions. Let’s take a closer look at some helpful information for those suffering from arthritis, which is a great way to raise awareness for Arthritis Awareness Month in May.
What Are the Main Types of Arthritis?
There are four main types of arthritis, which include degenerative, inflammatory, infectious, and metabolic.
Degenerative Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis is when cartilage wears down, which causes bones to rub against each other. This process leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and a reduction in strength overtime. The most common type of arthritis in this category is osteoarthritis. To help prevent degenerative arthritis, it’s recommended that you stay active, maintain a healthy weight, avoid injury and repetitive motions, and talk to your doctor about treatment options for pain.
Inflammatory arthritis is when a person’s immune system does not work properly and attacks the joints with excessive inflammation. This inflammation can lead to joint erosion and damage to internal organs, eyes, and other parts of the body. A common example is rheumatoid arthritis. Since this type is linked primarily to genetics and environmental factors, it’s recommended that individuals talk to their doctor early on when they experience excessive joint inflammation. Treatment options will focus on pain management, improving joint function, and helping to prevent further joint damage.
Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis refers to a type of arthritis caused by a bacterium, virus, or fungus that enters the joint and causes joint inflammation. For example, salmonella, shigella, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C can all cause this type of arthritis. Treatment options include receiving antibiotics to clear up any joint infection, but this doesn’t always work for chronic cases that were not detected early on.
Metabolic Arthritis
The last main type of arthritis is metabolic, which occurs when a person’s uric acid levels are too high. Uric acid is formed when the body processes purines, which are found in human cells. As the uric acid builds up, this can lead to needle-like crystals in the joint. These crystals create spikes of severe joint pain and can even cause a gout attack. If acid levels are not lowered, this can cause a person to have chronic pain and even become disabled.
Now that we’ve discussed the main types of arthritis, let’s discuss some key information you should know about arthritis.
1. Arthritis Can Affect Your Daily Life
Since arthritis causes joint inflammation, the associated pain can vary from mild to severe depending on what you do, your type of arthritis, and other environmental factors. You may experience swelling, stiffness, and even loss of motion, all of which can impact your everyday life.
2. There is No Cure for Arthritis
Currently, there is no cure for arthritis. For many people, there are effective treatment options to better manage their arthritis. This may include pain-relief medications, physical therapy to improve strength and regain function, and surgery for those with ongoing hip and knee issues. A patient’s doctor may recommend some lifestyle tips to help as well, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and if they smoke, stop smoking.
3. Weather Can Affect Your Arthritis Symptoms
Did you know it’s true that weather can affect a person’s arthritis symptoms? When the atmosphere’s pressure changes rapidly, this can cause a joint flare up. To manage these flare ups, a patient may want to use a cold pack, take ibuprofen, and perform some simple stretches to deal with the weather changes.
4. Injuries Can Put You at Risk for Arthritis
If you injured your knee at a young age, this can make you six times as likely to develop arthritis in your knees by the time you reach age 65. For those with hip injuries, this makes you three times more likely to develop arthritis. However, regular exercise at all ages is still more beneficial than the risks of injuries.
5. Children Can Have Arthritis Too
When you think of arthritis, you may not realize that children suffer from arthritis too. Nearly 300,000 children have arthritis in the United States. Studies show that girls are more susceptible to arthritis than boys.
6. Exercise Is Beneficial
Those that perform regular exercise can better manage their symptoms compared to those that are mostly sedentary. With so many options to exercise, there is bound to be an activity for everyone based on their interests, health goals, and needs. For example, a short walk or water aerobics are excellent ways to move the body and better manage pain related to arthritis.
We hope you found this article helpful, which discussed different types of arthritis and some interesting facts you may not have known. Here at Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services, we are dedicated to providing high-quality short and long term care designed to meet your individual health goals. Contact us today to learn more about our services or find a facility near you.
What Are the Early Signs and Different Stages of Dementia?
In a previous article, we looked at what dementia is and how it’s diagnosed. This week, we are going to take a look at the early signs and different stages of dementia. Keep reading to learn what to look out for and what to prepare for if your loved one is diagnosed with this disease.
Early Signs of Dementia
Before we look at the early signs of dementia, it’s important to know that every senior’s diagnosis and progression of stages and symptoms will be different. Each senior’s medical history, current health, genetics, and personality can contribute towards the type of dementia and symptoms they may develop.
Early signs of dementia are often not noticed because the symptoms are subtle.
Common Symptoms include:
- Forgetting things
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Losing track of time
Different Stages of Dementia
Stage 1: No Cognitive Impairment
During this stage, your loved one’s mental function is normal. They are not experiencing any symptoms of cognitive impairment.
Stage 2: Extremely Mild Cognitive Decline
For stage 2, the symptoms can vary between normal memory problems or early signs of dementia. Normal memory problems are those that most seniors experience, such as forgetting dates or not being able to remember something as fast as they used to. Early signs of dementia are less noticeable to a senior’s loved ones and doctors.
Very mild symptoms may include:
- Not being able to remember certain names or phrases
- Not being able to remember where they placed important items, such as their phone or keys
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
Once a senior hits stage 3, this is usually when symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease become more noticeable to loved ones. While these symptoms will not have a significant impact on their daily life, it’s helpful to know what to look out and prepare for:
Mild symptoms may include:
- Reduced work performance
- Reduced ability to concentrate and stay organized
- Repeatedly ask the same questions
- Struggles with difficult tasks and problem-solving
- Struggles with driving or becoming lost
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
By stage 4, this is typically considered early dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms of moderate cognitive decline are now noticeable. It’s recommended that your loved one talk with their doctor about how to manage their symptoms and live the highest quality of life possible.
Moderate symptoms may include:
- Denial
- Not responsive
- Reduced socialization with others
- Struggles with daily tasks
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
During stage 5, it’s likely that your loved one will need some assistance with routine tasks like dressing or cleaning the house. Depending on their needs, they may choose to receive help at home or to move into a safe, supportive senior community.
Moderately severe symptoms may include:
- Being confused
- Forgetting personal information and current events
- Decrease in mental sharpness
- Struggling with problem-solving tasks
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline
This stage is referred to as middle dementia or moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease. Stage 6 is when your loved ones will most likely require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, eating, or toileting.
Severe symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Finding it difficult to recognize loved ones
- Increased feelings of paranoia
Stage 7: Extremely Severe Cognitive Decline
By stage 7, this is considered late-stage dementia or severe Alzheimer’s disease. Your loved one will likely no longer be able to care for themselves.
Extremely severe symptoms may include:
- Severe motor impairment
- Severe communication impairment
- Reduced or lack of ability to speak or walk
As you can see, there are several stages of dementia with various symptoms. While every senior’s symptoms will vary, it helps to know what to look for and expect. It’s always recommended to talk to your loved one’s health care team about how to help your loved one be more comfortable and receive the care and support they deserve. Contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services based in Wilmington, NC today to learn how we can meet your loved one’s specific health goals.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Seniors
Did you know April is Occupational Therapy (OT) month? This is an important healthcare holiday that recognizes the positive impact occupational therapists have on their patients’ lives. Whether a senior has an injury, illness, or disability, these professionals help seniors achieve a better quality of life and enable them to regain their independence needed in everyday life. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of occupational therapy for seniors across the country.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a type of therapy designed to help people of all stages develop, maintain, or regain the skills necessary to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Each patient is different, therefore therapy treatment plans will depend on the patient’s specific needs. For example, a senior with Parkinson’s disease will require a different OT compared to a person recovering from a serious fall injury in their home.
Additionally, occupational therapists educate and work with a patient’s care team (i.e. caregivers, doctors, nurses, social workers, and family). This is a crucial step to ensure the patient receives the proper care to help them meet their personal goals.
What Are the Benefits of OT?
1. Overcome Challenges of Everyday Life
For seniors recovering from an illness or injury, performing everyday activities can be challenging. This includes everything from bathing, dressing, and grooming to eating, toileting, and home management. When seniors are unable to perform these daily tasks, this can lead to feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and even embarrassed. Seniors may be less likely to socialize with others and do things they love, which may lead to feeling depressed and lonely.
To help overcome these daily challenges, occupational therapists help patients learn how to perform exercises and rehabilitation techniques that make it easier for patients to complete ADLs. These activities of daily living include walking, dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting.
Occupational therapists help seniors improve their basic motor skills, strength, dexterity, range of motion, and mobility. By gradually improving these key skills, patients will find it easier to complete everyday tasks and safely regain their independence they deserve.
2. Fall Prevention
In the United States, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 experience a fall every year. Every year, around 3 million seniors are treated in an emergency room due to fall injuries. It’s clear that fall prevention has become a top priority for today’s seniors. After all, there are health risks involved when an elderly person falls down.
Did you know that OT is an excellent way to prevent falls? Therapists can teach seniors special techniques and exercises designed to improve their balance, strengthen their muscles, and prevent future falls. When their balance and strength is improved, patients will find it easier to walk and maintain their center of gravity.
3. Improve Vision and Memory Loss
An estimated 1 in 3 Americans that are 65 or older have some type of vision loss or eye disease. Seniors that suffer from vision loss or eye diseases may struggle with doing everyday activities, which can increase their likelihood for mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Occupational therapists can help seniors with vision issues by performing activities designed to improve their vision. Specifically, a therapist may recommend activities to improve a patient’s perceptual vision, pattern detection, and vision awareness. Aside from activities, therapists may offer suggestions to make a patient’s home safer and thus, help a patient overcome everyday challenges with vision loss.
An occupational therapist may recommend:
- Removing clutter from the patient’s home that can lead to tripping/falling
- Color coding household items and medications to identify them
- Improving the patient’s lighting in their home
- Using magnifiers to read small print
- Labeling appliances with brightly colored stickers
- Painting walls with light colors and outlets a darker color to create visual contrast
- Placing brightly colored tape on steps for fall prevention
4. Improve Memory Loss
Some people may be surprised to hear that occupational therapy helps improve not just a patient’s physical health, but their mental health too. When a therapist meets their patients, they will evaluate their cognitive abilities and then create a personalized care plan based on their needs. Therapists can create a plan designed to maintain a patient’s strengths and work on areas of improvement.
Occupational therapists play a key role in helping seniors regain their memory skills needed in everyday life. These techniques may include:
- Playing memory-enhancing activities, including puzzles and matching games
- Labeling front doors with stop signs for patients that become easily confused and may wonder away from home
- Educating caregivers on effective techniques to handle patients with extreme personality changes
- Educating caregivers on simple techniques to make it easier for patient’s remember, such as limiting the number of items in a patient’s fridge or pantry
5. Modify the Home
For many healthy seniors, living in their own home independently is ideal. Of course, many homes are not well-suited for the elderly as they pose safety risks. Occupational therapists can evaluate a patient’s home to determine if it can be modified. The therapist can offer suggestions that will improve the safety of their patient’s home and encourage independent living.
Home Modifications May Include:
- Home monitoring alert systems
- Grab bars throughout the home, especially in showers
- Power lift recliners
- Slip-resistant flooring
- Shower benches
- Wheelchair ramps
If these modifications are implemented, the therapist will show the patient how to use these new modifications. Like any new change, it’s important for the patient to know how to properly use something new, such as a home monitoring alert system if the patient has a fall. Indeed, this will reduce the possibility of becoming confused or injured.
6. Promote Independence
A primary goal of occupational therapy is to help patients regain the skills needed in everyday life, so they can achieve independence. Therapists will carefully evaluate each patient’s health needs and create a care plan that will help patients overcome their daily challenges. Through a combination of education, care, and support, therapists can help patients achieve and maintain their goals.
As you can see, there are a wide range of benefits of occupational therapy for seniors. If you are interested in learning more about our occupational therapy or other expert services, contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services today.
What is Dementia and How is it Diagnosed?
The World Health Organization states that an estimated 50 million people have dementia around the world and there are around 10 million new cases each year. An estimated 60 to 70 percent of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type of dementia. As your loved one ages, you may want to learn about what dementia is, the different types, and how dementia is diagnosed.
What is Dementia?
Dementia refers to an umbrella category of diseases that lead to a loss of cognitive function. This cognitive loss can impair a person’s ability to remember information, think clearly, or even perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Each person is different, so symptoms will vary. However, common symptoms of dementia include memory loss, impaired language skills, impaired problem solving skills, loss of focus, and an inability to manage their home. Overtime, family and friends may notice slight changes with their loved one’s ability to control their emotions or socialize with others.
While a person’s ability to remember information slows down with age, memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is not the same as “senior moments,” in which a person occasionally forgets something. Indeed, dementia is different because it interferes with a senior’s ability to perform ADLs at home and can threaten their safety and well-being.
The Different Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
You have likely heard of Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type of dementia. In general, this disease progresses slowly. Alzheimer’s is caused by physical changes in the brain, which include a buildup of specific proteins and nerve damage. The average person lives four to eight years after their diagnosis, while some people live decades after their diagnosis.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a type of dementia caused by clumps of protein in the cortex. Common symptoms include:
- Balance issues
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Movement issues
- Sleep issues
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is a group of dementias that can affect a person’s behavior, language skills, and personality. This type of dementia can be caused by various conditions, such as Pick’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy.
Mixed Dementia
Mixed dementia refers to several types of dementia that cause brain abnormalities. This type is common in Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
Parkinson’s Disease
You have probably heard of Parkinson’s disease, which is a neurodegenerative condition. This disease commonly leads to issues with movement and motor control, but may cause dementia in other people.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by blocked blood vessels, such as after a person has had a stroke or other serious brain injuries. It’s also called post-stroke or multi-infarct dementia and makes up 10 percent of dementia cases.
How is Dementia Diagnosed?
Since there is a wide range of dementia types, it’s hard to use a single test to diagnose dementia. Instead, a doctor will use a variety of medical tests to determine if a person is showing signs of dementia.
A Doctor Will:
- Evaluate a patient’s medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Perform a neurological exam
- Conduct mental status tests
- Conduct lab tests to rule out other factors causing a patient’s symptoms
During these tests, a doctor may discover that drug interactions or thyroid issues may be to blame for a patient’s confusion or memory. Indeed, this is why it is imperative for a doctor to perform a series of tests to determine whether or not a patient has dementia.
Contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehab for More Information
If you or someone you know may be showing signs of dementia, it’s important that you contact a doctor for getting tested. Remember that serious memory loss is not a normal part of the aging process. We hope this article was helpful, which discussed what dementia is, the different types, and how is dementia diagnosed. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles that will take a look at the early signs of dementia and the different stages of dementia. Contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services today to learn more about dementia, as well as our expert care services.
What is Skilled Nursing?
Like other medical terms, skilled nursing care is often misunderstood. Skilled nursing care refers to a type of medical care that can only be provided by licensed health professionals, such as registered nurses (RNs), practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. At Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services (LHRS), our care team provides professional medical services 24/7. Keep reading to find out what skilled nursing is and why it may be a good choice for your loved one.
What is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing is a type of high level service that some patients need after having a stroke, recent surgery, or serious health conditions. This type of service can only be performed by licensed health professionals, as these patients have more serious health conditions that require specialized training and expertise. To ensure our patients receive the expert care they require, Liberty’s nursing staff provide support and care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Furthermore, patients must receive orders from their doctor to qualify for skilled nursing care covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurances.
Aside from our medical services, LHRS educates our patients and their loved ones about the patient’s medical condition. In turn, this helps our patients achieve a successful recovery, so they can return to the place they call home.
What Services are Offered?
At Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services, we offer a variety of skilled nursing services. These services include wound care and IV therapy, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- Wound Care: Our expert staff can provide wound care to patients that are recovering from surgery, trauma, illness, or chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers.
- IV Therapy: This is a type of treatment that delivers fluid into a patient’s veins via an IV drip. IV therapy is beneficial to patients with severe infections, nutritional deficiencies, or immune diseases. Depending on the patient’s health needs, we can administer antibiotics, key nutrients, as well as help rehydrate patients.
Experience the Liberty Difference
If your loved one’s doctor recommended skilled nursing care, we hope this article can offer some insight as to what skilled nursing is and the benefits of this care. At Liberty Healthcare and Rehab, we offer a diverse range of services to ensure that we provide the expert care our amazing patients deserve. Contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services today to learn more about our skilled nursing and other services.
Maintain Your Independence with Assisted Living
Aging is a natural progression in every person’s life. For healthy seniors, you are likely still living at home and enjoying your independence. Losing that independence is a major fear for seniors across the country because it feels like you are losing control over the life you love. Studies show that 1 in 5 American seniors 85 or older will need or currently receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs). You and your loved ones may be wondering if you can receive help with everyday activities and still maintain your independence as much as possible. The answer is yes!
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is for patients that do not require ongoing medical services, but can benefit from assistance with specific everyday activities in a safe residential setting. A health assessment can determine whether a senior can benefit from this type of service. Once a senior arrives to the residential community, they will receive an individualized service plan designed to meet their specific needs and provide personalized support services. Liberty’s devoted care team is available 24/7 to administer medications and provide assisted care. This allows seniors to maintain their independence in a safe, supportive residential community.
How Can Assisted Living Help Me?
You have likely heard of assisted living before. However, you and your loved ones may still be unsure of what this type of service can do for you. Studies show that the most common reason that leads seniors to choose assisted living is requiring help with activities of daily living.
Most common ADL needs include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Getting in and out of bed
- Toileting
- Walking
Aside from receiving help with daily living, assisted living plays an even bigger role in seniors’ lives. By living in a safe, supportive residential setting, seniors can get the support they need without sacrificing their independence. This significantly improves seniors’ quality of life and gives primary caregivers peace of mind that their loved ones are in good, caring hands. A 2019 Quality of Life in Assisted Living Survey found that 87 percent of residents and 78 percent of their loved ones indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall experience at an assisted living community. These results show that assisted living can have a positive impact on the quality of your life and for those that help take care of you.
What are the Costs?
Since every state and company differs in prices, it’s recommended that you contact your local senior communities. These health experts can provide you with up-to-date information regarding costs and whether or not your Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance will cover assisted living costs. In most cases, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover these costs.
Is Assisted Living Right for You?
Now that you know a bit more about assisted living, we hope that you consider these services now or down the road. This is a great option to receive the help you may need, so you can maintain your independence and a better quality of life you deserve. Contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get the care you need.