The Power of Therapy in Skilled and Long-Term Care

“Medicine adds days to life; therapy adds life to days.”

For those residing in skilled nursing and long-term care, maintaining the highest possible quality of life is paramount. While compassionate care and a supportive environment play crucial roles, therapy services are essential for maximizing residents’ physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. At Pleasant View Home, we believe in the power of therapy to enhance independence, restore function, and improve overall quality of life.

We’re proud of our partnership with Select Rehab and the different types of therapy offered through them here at Pleasant View Home.

Therapy Director Terry Minson heads Select Rehab here at Pleasant View. He and his crew work with residents every day to ensure they are getting the most out of their bodies, and subsequently their quality of life.

Minson says there are three types of therapy, each focusing on a different part of the body but all contributing to the overall wellness of our residents.

Physical Therapy: Regaining Strength and Mobility

Physical therapy focuses on restoring and improving movement, strength, and balance. This therapy focuses on movement and use of legs, or as Minson says, “from the waist down”.

Our licensed physical therapist partner Select Rehab works with residents in-house to:

• Reduce pain: Through targeted exercises and modalities, physical therapy can alleviate pain associated with arthritis, injuries, or surgeries.
• Improve mobility: Exercises and gait training help residents regain lost mobility, allowing them to move more freely and confidently.
• Increase strength and balance: Strengthening exercises and balance training help prevent falls and improve overall stability.
• Enhance endurance: Physical therapy can help residents increase their stamina for daily activities, reducing fatigue and promoting independence.

Occupational Therapy: Mastering Daily Living Skills

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals perform daily activities with greater ease and independence. Minson said this therapy focuses on the upper body.

Our occupational therapist partner works with residents to:

• Improve fine motor skills: Exercises and activities help improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity for tasks like dressing, eating, and writing.
• Adapt the environment: Therapists may recommend modifications to living spaces or assistive devices to make daily tasks easier and safer.
• Enhance cognitive skills: Activities designed to improve memory, problem-solving, and decision-making can help maintain cognitive function.
• Promote independence in daily tasks: Occupational therapists help residents regain or maintain the ability to perform essential activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Speech Therapy: Reclaiming Communication and Swallowing

Speech therapy addresses communication and swallowing disorders that can arise from stroke, dementia, or other conditions. Our speech-language therapists work with residents to:

• Improve speech and language skills: Therapy can help residents improve their ability to express themselves and understand others. This can be part of a rehabilitation procedure following a stroke.
• Address swallowing difficulties: Techniques and exercises can help residents with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) to eat and drink safely.
• Enhance cognitive communication: Therapy can help improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills related to communication.
• Provide alternative communication strategies: For residents with severe communication impairments, therapists can introduce alternative methods like communication boards or devices.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

At Pleasant View Home, we believe in a holistic approach to wellness. Therapy services are an integral part of our comprehensive care plans, designed to meet the unique needs of each resident. By addressing physical, occupational, and speech-related challenges, we empower our residents to live their lives to the fullest.

When you come for a tour, we’d be happy to introduce you to our therapy partners with Select Rehab who work in our facility and show you the therapy area.