Therapies

Maintaining physical activity is good for anyone’s health, but becomes even more vital as we get older. The decrease in strength and stamina normally associated with aging is actually partly tied to a reduction in physical activity. This is why we at the Spring Hills develop customized exercise programs for our seniors and offer fitness and wellness classes that are designed to keep them motivated and active. It’s part of our deep commitment to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health of your loved one.

The many benefits of physical activity for seniors include:

• Help in maintaining an elderly person’s ability to live independently by improving balance, endurance, and mobility;
• Lower risk of developing high blood pressure (for those already suffering from hypertension, reduction of blood pressure), heart disease, and preventing strokes and blood clots;
• Help in preventing some cancers and diabetes;
• Improvement of stamina and muscle strength – especially for those with chronic conditions and disabilities;
• Help in maintaining healthy bones; and
• Help in controlling joint swelling, arthritis-related pain, and some of the effects of osteoporosis.

Occupational therapy can be a huge benefit to offer in senior living and post-acute care communities. Especially after an injury or physical decline, it can be a great tool to help get them acclimated to the activities of daily living again. In addition, it can be a simpler and less strenuous therapy method than something like physical therapy. So, what are some of the other benefits of occupational therapy?

• Increases range of activities individuals are capable of
• Offers innovative exercises to people targeted to each individual’s specific goals
• Complements physical therapy programs very well as they both assist in regaining the independence and strength of an individual
• Helps instill confidence and accomplishment, which can be a true driving force for individuals to recover faster

Speech Therapy, like Physical and Occupational Therapy, helps patients get back to the highest level of independent functioning possible through working to improve communication. It can be especially helpful to those who have dementia, cancer affecting the mouth or throat, a stroke, brain injuries, or other traumatic injuries.

Benefits of speech therapy for adults include:

• Improvement in expressing language and understanding it, especially in social settings
• Lessening stuttering or slurred speech
• Strengthening the oral and pharyngeal muscles to help with trouble swallowing
• Increase in cognitive communication like memory, attention, and problem solving