How Physical Therapy Helps Improve Balance
Good balance is one of the most important building blocks of being able to safely move and perform activities of daily living. Without good balance, you are more likely to fall and seriously injure yourself. That is why balance training is a key aspect of physical therapy.
Signs of Balance Problems
A balance problem exists if someone has difficulty keeping a stable and upright body position, whether moving or staying still. Some causes of balance problems include muscle weakness, joint stiffness, decreased movement, inner ear problems, lack of physical activity or too much sitting. Balance problems can also arise due to medical conditions like stroke, arthritis, diabetes, cognitive diseases, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
A person with balance problems may experience teetering when trying to stand up, staggering, tripping, swaying or stumbling when walking, dizziness or vertigo, lightheadedness or blurred vision.
Some people do not have any static balance issues, meaning they can sit or stand still and accomplish one task at a time. Problems with dynamic balance are more likely. An example of dynamic balance is when someone moves about or tries to do more than one thing at a time, such as walking while turning their head, bending and reaching for an object or walking in a poorly lit area. If a person’s static or dynamic balance is abnormal, physical therapy can help.
Benefits of Good Balance
The most beneficial aspect of good balance is injury prevention. When you improve your balance, you are less likely to fall.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one out of four adults 65 and older falls each year. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Falls can cause broken bones, fractures and head injuries. Working on balance skills can significantly reduce the chances of falling in the first place.
Being afraid of falling because of balance issues can also affect someone’s physical and mental well-being. They may avoid physical activity altogether, which can lead to more muscle weakness and balance problems. A person can also become frustrated by not being able to do certain activities, which can lead to depression.
How Physical Therapy Helps Improve Balance
Physical therapy is all about improving strength, range of motion and balance to help people regain their independence and confidence after an injury, surgery or hospital stay due to an illness. Our physical therapists at Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services work on movements and exercises that strengthen the core and other key muscle groups associated with balance.
Our physical therapists assess each person to see what areas of movement, strength, coordination, visual tracking and balance may need improvement. They will then create a tailored plan of care to help the individual reach their balance and other healthcare goals.
Beyond exercises, they will also help people assess potential problems with footwear and hazards in their home that could be a fall risk. Hazards can include loose rugs, poor lighting and other obstacles.
At Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services, our overall goal is to help each individual improve their mobility, strength, movement, flexibility and posture so they can have more control over their balance. This will help them reduce their fear of falling and increase their overall activity level.
We are here to help you reach your balance goals and better your health. Contact us today to set up a free consultation by calling 800-999-9883 or using our online form.
What to Expect When Touring Our Skilled Nursing Communities
We know it is not an easy decision to move out of your home or to help a loved one make the transition to long-term care. That is why we want to help everyone involved find a skilled nursing community that best fits their needs for comfort and care. Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services offers 39 skilled nursing communities throughout North and South Carolina. This article will detail what you can expect when you visit one of our communities.
Meet Our Staff and Interdisciplinary Care Team
During your visit, we will introduce you to our staff members, including our interdisciplinary care team. We want you to get a feel for who we are so you feel confident that you or a loved one will be well-taken care of. Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services encourages prospective residents and their families to ask any questions you may have so we can answer them thoroughly or address any concerns.
Tour the Building
A member of our staff will take you through the areas of our community where our residents spend their time, while detailing the amenities, services and social activities we offer. They will also detail what a typical day at Liberty looks like. Below are some of the areas you will see while touring our communities:
- Dining area
- Private and semi-private rooms
- Common areas
- Therapy gym
- Beauty salon
- Outdoor gathering areas
If you are unable to tour a building in person, many of our communities have virtual tours available online.
Discuss Payment Options
During your visit, we can also breakdown the cost of living at one of our locations and what payment options are available.
To learn more about one of our locations or to schedule a tour, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-999-9883.
Why Choose Liberty for Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy
Physical, occupational or speech therapy can help you or your loved one recover after surgery, a serious illness or injury. Therapy is a pivotal time in the healing process and requires patience, strength, and a strong support team. Our Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services team can be the support system you need to help you reach your healthcare goals on your road to recovery. Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services recognizes everyone’s healthcare journey is different and we can accommodate your personal preference for how you would like to receive care.
Short-Term Rehabilitation at Liberty
With 38 locations across North and South Carolina, Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services provides conveniently located rehabilitation communities for you or a loved one to receive quality care close to home. While staying at one of our communities, a plan of care will be developed for your recovery. Care plans are individualized to meet your specific needs and goals. Other amenities include spacious private and semi-private suites, daily nutritional meals, complimentary internet and cable, specialized activities and access to 24-hour skilled nursing care.
Outpatient Therapy with Liberty
If you are more inclined to stay in the comfort of your own home or as you transition back to your home, many of our rehabilitation communities also offer outpatient therapy. For your convenience, you can visit us on your scheduled rehabilitation times each week and return home when you’re finished. Often, we'll provide you with exercises to do at home to improve your recovery.
Enhanced Therapy Services at Liberty
Many of our rehabilitation communities have a Well-Equipped Therapy Gym with an Activities of Daily Living Suite to help you work on skills like washing dishes or doing laundry. Enhanced therapy services also include diathermy and ultrasound to assist with decreasing pain, e-stimulation to support improved joint movement and muscle strength and vital stimulation to promote better swallowing. When you are engaged in these enhanced services, you have a more positive experience during your regular therapy sessions.
Request a free consultation to learn more, or schedule a consultation by calling 800-999-9883.
September is National Disease Literacy Month
September marks National Disease Literacy Month, which aims to improve a person’s overall understanding of their diagnosis and the services available to assist them with their care.
As a provider of skilled nursing care for a variety of conditions, Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services knows just how important it is to fully educate someone about their health. Education gives people more control over their overall healthcare by giving them the tools they need to manage and improve their health.
Importance of Disease Literacy
For those who suffer a chronic disease, knowing as much information as possible about their condition is especially important. Most chronic illnesses do not fix themselves and are generally not cured completely. Some can be immediately life-threatening, such as heart disease and stroke. Others linger over time and need intensive management, such as diabetes. Most chronic illnesses persist throughout a person’s life, such as arthritis.
Knowing the best way to manage these conditions through therapy, medication, diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes can immensely improve someone’s quality of life. By providing all the information about the condition, treatment, and prognosis, it’s possible for individuals to make the best choice for them.
How Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Can Help
Upon admission to any of our 38 skilled nursing care communities, our clinical team will ensure each resident and their family have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their health as a complete care plan is developed. This thorough education will help individuals understand the full spectrum of skilled nursing and therapy services available for their care.
Contact us today to discuss our services by calling 800-999-9883 or use our online consultation request form.
Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center Continues to Achieve Five-Star Quality Rating
Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center Continues to Achieve Five-Star Quality Rating
Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center once again earned a Five-Star Quality Rating – the highest rating possible on the scale dictated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The CMS created the Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System to help potential residents, their families and caregivers compare skilled nursing communities.
The overall quality rating is determined by three sources of information: health inspections, staffing and quality measures.
- Health Inspections: The health inspection rating uses the three most recent health inspections and any investigations due to complaints. Trained, objective inspectors visit each location to determine if the facility meets Medicaid and Medicare’s quality requirements.
- Staffing: The staffing rating is determined by the average number of hours staff provide care to each resident each day and data regarding staffing turnover.
- Quality Measures: The quality measures rating involves 15 different aspects of a facility’s performance in certain areas of care.
Shoreland’s Five-Star Quality Rating was achieved by a team whose goal is to continuously evaluate potential areas of improvement and growth to provide the highest quality of care to residents.
“Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services is extremely grateful and proud of the caring team at Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center for their continued designation by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as a Five-Star Quality Rated skilled nursing community,” said Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services President Paul Babinski. “Likewise, we are even more excited to know those entrusted to our care are receiving five-star level service. This designation is a wonderful validation of the care and compassion provided by this dedicated team. Quality care reflected through validated quality outcomes and favorable regulatory survey results all combine to achieve this Five-Star Quality Rating.”
Located in Whiteville, North Carolina, Shoreland provides a complete continuum of care, including short-term rehabilitation, long-term living, outpatient therapy, hospice care, palliative care and respite care services.
Diabetes Management and Why It's So Important
Diabetes management involves maintaining normal glucose levels through consistent monitoring, medication, diet and lifestyle. Many factors can make blood sugar levels change, making diabetes care an important aspect of the skilled nursing services we provide at Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services.
Our care team is trained to carefully monitor, record and analyze blood sugar levels and can intervene as necessary to ensure glucose levels remain in a safe range.
Dangers of Poorly Controlled Diabetes
Diabetes, when poorly managed, can cause your loved one to have extreme highs and lows in terms of blood sugar levels. With extremely low blood sugar levels, your loved one may become nervous, anxious, irritable or begin to shake. Fainting and a rapid heartbeat are possible as well.
On the other hand, your loved one may feel fatigued, become nauseated or experience shortness of breath when his or her blood sugar levels rise.
When diabetes is left unmanaged, your loved one may suffer from heart, kidney or vision problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a diabetic is twice as likely to have a stroke or heart disease as someone without diabetes.
How Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services Can Help
First and foremost, anyone who works directly with your loved one has some level of diabetes training. For instance, our nurses are well-versed in diabetes management. They know how to evaluate your loved one’s blood sugar, administer insulin based on your loved one’s prescription and provide your loved one with the proper medication. Our nurses are trained to intervene accordingly to abnormal blood sugar levels. Additionally, we keep accurate records and routinely analyze them.
Both aides and nurses receive training on recognizing the signs that sugar levels are too high or too low. A nurse will then respond as necessary to get your loved one back on track.
Diet also plays a role in diabetes management. Our dietary team is familiar with the proper diet that can help individuals with diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. You can feel confident knowing your loved one is receiving a diet, including meals and snacks, with blood sugar control in mind.
Physical activity and exercise are important aspects of diabetes management as well. Our physical therapy team can help your loved one stay active and receive proper exercise within their functional abilities.
Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services understands the dangers of uncontrolled or inadequately controlled diabetes and we take every step necessary to prevent short and long-term complications for your loved one.
Discover more about our skilled nursing and rehabilitation services by calling 1-800-999-9883 or by using our convenient online form. We are ready to greet your loved one with a smiling face and provide him or her with the care he or she deserves, including diabetes management!
Five Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Facilities Achieve National Recognition
Pisgah Manor at Pisgah Valley Retirement Community achieved a 2022 Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes providers across the nation that have demonstrated improved quality outcomes for staff, residents and individuals with disabilities in long-term and post-acute care. Pisgah Manor is one of only 46 facilities throughout the country to receive this distinguished silver award.
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Columbus County, Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Johnston County, Warren Hills Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Louisburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center earned a Bronze National Quality Award.
“I applaud these facilities for reaching this important milestone in their quality journey,” said the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair Tammy Kelly. “This achievement celebrates the commitment and fortitude of these facilities to find ways to enhance the lives of their residents and staff.”
The five facilities join a growing list of Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation locations across North Carolina that have achieved this honor, showing their commitment to quality care.
Our Silver National Quality Award Recipients Now Include:
Capital Nursing and Rehabilitation in Raleigh, NC
Pisgah Manor at Pisgah Valley Retirement Community in Candler, NC
Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center in Whiteville, NC
The Pavilion Health Center at Brightmore in Charlotte, NC
The Inn at Quail Haven in Pinehurst, NC
Our Bronze National Quality Award Recipients Now Include:
Bradley Creek Health Center at Carolina Bay in Wilmington, NC
Elizabethtown Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Elizabethtown, NC
Golden Years Nursing Home in Falcon, NC
Liberty Commons Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington, NC
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Alamance County in Burlington, NC
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Columbus County in Whiteville, NC
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Halifax County in Weldon, NC
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Johnston County in Benson, NC
Louisburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Louisburg, NC
Royal Park of Matthews Rehabilitation and Health Center in Matthews, NC
Summerstone Health and Rehabilitation Center in Kernersville, NC
Three Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Windsor, NC
The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge in Blowing Rock, NC
Warren Hills Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Warrenton, NC
Yadkin Nursing Center in Yadkinville, NC
The prestigious awards are part of a rigorous process that evaluates long-term and post-acute care providers against nationally recognized standards. The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is one of the most comprehensive performance assessments for providers to know where they stand based on the Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence.
Bronze recipients must demonstrate a groundwork for excellence by completing a self-assessment that outlays their organizational priorities and goals.
Silver recipients must outline their systematic approaches and demonstrate sustainable results linked to their key customer requirements, success factors and challenges.
Trained experts spend more than 100 hours reviewing each application. Applicants then receive an objective written assessment detailing their strengths and opportunities for improvement. The application process itself provides an opportunity for internal assessment and team building.
The awards will be presented during the AHCA/NCAL’s 73rd Convention & Expo in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 9-12, 2022.
Why a Skilled Nursing Facility Could be the Right Choice for Your Loved One
As a loved one ages or when he or she requires care for another reason, you have several options to consider. You could take on the feat by yourself or team up with other family members. However, becoming a caretaker is a big commitment that requires a lot of sacrifice. You could also hire a professional home health caregiver to at least give you a break at times or to act as the primary caregiver. There is also the option of a skilled nursing facility like Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation, which offers 38 locations across North and South Carolina. We’d like to help you decide if skilled nursing care is the right option for your loved one by explaining the benefits.
24-Hour Continuous Care
Depending on your other responsibilities, you may not be able to give your loved one round-the-clock care, which could lead to times when your loved one is alone. It could also mean sacrificing vacations or your own personal hobbies to provide care.
However, at one of our Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation facilities, your loved one receives 24-hour care from our dedicated and compassionate team of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. We monitor their health conditions and provide your loved one with quality meals, assistance with daily living tasks, opportunities for them to receive physical, occupational and speech therapy and various other services that address your loved one’s physical and mental needs.
Expert Care for Acute and Chronic Illnesses and Conditions
While you may be able to take care of your loved one, we provide one thing most caregivers can’t -- expert skilled nursing care. From IV Therapy to wound care to diabetes management, our nursing staff follows an individualized treatment plan to support your loved one’s unique medical needs to promote healing and improved quality of life.
If your loved one needs to recover after a major surgery or illness, we can provide rehabilitation on a temporary or long-term basis as well.
Gives You Peace of Mind Without Taking a Physical or Mental Toll on You
You probably feel obligated to ensure your loved one receives the care they need and deserve, which is normal. However, when you have other obligations and try to juggle caring for your loved one on top of those, it can lead to you becoming burnt out, both mentally and physically.
When you opt for a skilled nursing facility to care for your loved one, you can still visit them but you won’t solely be responsible for them. Therefore, you can enjoy that time with them without feeling mental and physical exhaustion.
Assists in Combating Loneliness
In a skilled nursing facility, you never have to worry about your loved one feeling alone because they can interact with our staff and other residents at any time. Engaging activities, themed parties and other special events happen daily.
Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation is specifically geared to address your loved one’s emotional and physical needs. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation, reach out to us at 800-999-9883 or fill out a form online.
Summer Safety Tips for Older Adults
Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy nature and plenty of sunshine. However, hot summer days do pose an extra risk for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults 65 or older are more prone to heat-related health concerns. Older adults sometimes have difficulty adjusting to sudden temperature changes. Certain medications or a chronic illness can affect their ability to regulate body temperature. Heat-related illnesses can be deadly, so taking extra precautions for yourself or a loved one is key to staying cool during hot summer days.
Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
If the body becomes overheated, there are several indications there may be a problem. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Heat syncope or sudden dizziness
- Heat cramps
- Heat edema or swelling in your legs and ankles
- Heat exhaustion when your body can no longer stay cool – This often appears as feeling thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated or nauseated. You may sweat a lot and have cold and clammy skin or a rapid pulse.
- Heat stroke, which is a medical emergency – Signs can include fainting, behavior changes, high body temperature (over 104° F), dry skin, a strong and rapid pulse, a slow and weak pulse and no longer sweating even though it’s hot.
For Older Adults: Tips to Stay Cool
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. DON’T wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, eye protection, hats and clothing to protect yourself from sunburns, which make it hard for your body to cool down.
- When outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities to prevent overheating.
- Take a shower or a bath to cool down.
- Maintain the air conditioning system in your home so your home cools properly.
- Avoid using the oven or stove to prepare meals as this heats up your home.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, consider staying with a friend or family member during a heatwave or visit a public place that does have air conditioning.
For Caregivers: How to Help Older Adults Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
If you are the caregiver for your loved one or just to check in on a neighbor or friend, here are a few things you can do:
- Know what medicines they are taking and find out if they affect body temperature.
- Call or connect regularly and ask if they are cool enough.
- Consider having a remote home temperature sensor or monitor installed.
- If you don’t live nearby, have the contact information for someone who does and who can regularly check in on them.
- If you are the one checking in on an older adult, make sure they
- Stay hydrated
- Have the living space set to a comfortable temperature
- Know how to stay cool during extreme heat
- Don’t show signs of heat stress
- Seek medical care immediately if the person has symptoms of a heat-related illness like muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness or vomiting.
Watch Out For Ticks That Could Carry Diseases
Heat is not the only concern during the summer months. When spending time outdoors, older adults should also be wary of pesky bugs like ticks that carry a variety of diseases like Lyme disease. Tick exposure can occur year-round but is most common between April and September when the weather is warmer.
Before You Go Outdoors
Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, wooded areas, or even on animals. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood. The CDC recommends using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent before heading outdoors.
After You Come Indoors
Check your clothing and pets for ticks. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later. According to the CDC, showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check on your body:
- Under the arms
- In and around the ears
- Inside belly button
- Back of the knees
- In and around the hair
- Between the legs
- Around the waist
How to remove a tick
- Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick. This can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you cannot remove the mouth easily with tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
- After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Never crush a tick with your fingers.
- Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet.
If infected with Lyme disease, most people develop a rash around the bite site. However, others develop flu-like symptoms that include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes.
If not diagnosed properly and treated early, Lyme disease can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. In some cases, fatigue, pain and joint and muscle aches persist even after treatment. After a hospitalization due to Lyme disease, physical and occupational therapy with Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services can help reduce pain and increase mobility and function. Contact us for a free consultation by using our online form or call us at 800-999-9883.
The Benefits of Speech Therapy
The ability to communicate effectively is an essential part of everyday life. For older adults, speech can be affected by age or following an illness or injury. Thankfully, specialized speech therapy is available to help older adults regain and improve their ability to communicate. Speech therapy can be especially impactful for those who have suffered a head trauma or stroke, those with dementia and those who have trouble swallowing.
Here are some of the ways Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services utilizes speech therapy to enhance quality of life:
Speech Therapy to Strengthen Vocal Cords
Vocal cords become less elastic as we age. The larynx muscles weaken, making communication more difficult. Specialized vocal exercises can strengthen vocal cords to improve communication.
Speech Therapy to Improve Swallowing
Weakened muscles can also affect swallowing, which increases the potential risk of choking on food. Therapy exercises that strengthen larynx and jaw muscles can improve the swallowing reflex, which helps restore an individual’s ability to safely eat and drink the foods they enjoy.
Speech Therapy to Treat Stroke-Related Disorders
Following a stroke, an individual can develop aphasia or apraxia. Aphasia makes it difficult to express thoughts. Someone might say “bed” but mean “chair.” Speech therapy can help them focus on finding the correct word. Apraxia is the inability to move lips properly in order to form words. With speech therapy, the repetition of specific sounds can be used to help someone turn those sounds into words.
Speech Therapy for Dementia Patients
Speech Therapy can also be utilized to help those who suffer from dementia or memory loss. Because speech therapy targets brain functions associated with communication, it can address cognitive aspects of communication like problem solving and staying focused.
Overall Benefits of Speech Therapy
Not being able to adequately express wants, needs and desires can cause frustration and make someone feel disconnected from their friends and family, disrupting their ability to live the quality of life they are accustomed to. People tie their mental capabilities, including their ability to speak, into what makes them their own person. When they can’t thrive in everyday conversations, it can weigh heavily on their self-esteem. If they can’t enunciate or find the right words, it may leave them feeling self-conscious around others. Through rehabilitation, speech can be corrected or at least improved to alleviate some of the problems associated with difficulties speaking.
How Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services Can Help
With 38 locations throughout North Carolina and South Carolina, you can find convenient speech therapy for you or a loved one that is close to home. Whether staying at one of our skilled nursing facilities or receiving outpatient therapy, individuals will work one-on-one with a skilled speech language pathologist to reach their individual goals. We will create a personalized treatment plan to help you or a loved improve communication skills and regain confidence.
Contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services today to learn more about our speech therapy services. You can request a free consultation on our website or by calling us at 800-999-9883.