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Limited Mobility Treatments For Assisted Living Residents

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If your loved one resides in an assisted living facility and has mobility problems, then you should know about available treatment options that may help them move more efficiently.  An assisted living facility not only provides a safe and nurturing environment for those who are unable to live independently, but its staff also provides treatment options for residents with limited mobility. Here are some effective therapeutic interventions that the facility can offer to your loved one with mobility deficits.

Pain Relief Options

Mobility problems may be the result of pain from degenerative bone disorders such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The staff at the assisted living facility can administer the resident's pain medications as prescribed by the attending physician.

Seniors with cognitive deficits may forget to take their pain or anti-inflammatory medications, and because of this, may experience morning stiffness, joint pain, decreased range of motion, and problems with ambulation. Once they start receiving their medications on a regular schedule by the staff, their mobility problems may diminish. The staff can also give the resident hot or cold packs to put over sore areas to help ease discomfort and diminish joint swelling.

Physical Therapy

In addition to pain, limited mobility can be associated with inactivity. Physical therapy can help improve motor function while strengthening the muscles and surrounding structures so that walking, dressing, eating, bathing, and grooming are easier for your loved one. Whether the assisted living resident has mobility problems with their upper body or lower body, the physical therapist can help them move better and enjoy more flexibility to promote further independence.

It is important to note that if your loved one wants to participate in a physical therapy program, the attending physician may need to order it and document it on the medical record. The physician will also need to state a reason for ordering physical therapy services for their patient. In some cases, especially if the patient is in a skilled nursing facility, insurance will pay for their physical therapy.

If insurance does not pay for physical therapy services, an abbreviated form of physical therapy known as "physical rehab" or "ADL training" can help enhance your loved one's mobility. Physical rehab and ADL training are often less costly and less intensive than a formal physical therapy program. ADL stands for "activities of daily living."

If your senior loved one resides in an assisted living facility and has mobility problems, talk with their physician and the director of nursing services to learn about mobility interventions that may help promote optional functioning. 


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