CareAparent offers Occupational Therapy (OT) as part of a multidisciplinary approach to care in the home. This type of care can only be provided by medical personnel that is licensed and registered. Occupational Therapists in the home environment assist clients who may have pain, illness, injury or a decline in function due to the aging process by creating routines and strategies for managing daily activities safely and productively while reducing the risk of injury or further decline.Interdisciplinary Approach to SafetyRead Details: A CareAparent Occupational Therapist (OT) ... conducts an in-home health assessment to design a Plan of Care customized for you or your loved ones physical, emotional, and functional environment. Our Occupational Therapists will work with you to assess performance skills and identify the best strategies needed to promote independence and safety in the home.Cognition and Memory FunctionRead Details: Dementia and similar cognitive impairments... may put you or your loved one at a higher risk for accidents or injury in the home. Occupational Therapists can perform an evaluation to determine cognitive abilities. A Plan of Care is developed to provide the guidance and tools for improved functioning, adaptation, and continued independence.Chronic Disease ManagementRead Details: Chronic disease management relies on... recommending and implementing solutions that address disease related limitations in daily routines. Our Occupational Therapists can teach strategies to manage symptoms that may interfere with activities of daily living as well as the outcomes for prescribed solutions.Sensory ChallengesRead Details: Very often, sensory challenges like... vision loss and changes in speech can have an impact on our daily routine. CareAparents Occupational Therapists can propose solutions and techniques for challenges associated with vision and hearing loss or speech changes.Falls Prevention ProgramRead Details: Falls can threaten you or your loved... ones safety and independence and it could lead to hospitalization. CareAparents Falls Prevention program is designed to provide screening, instructions, practical interventions, and resources to address the risk for falling and create. awareness and strategies for avoiding falls. This can help prevent injuries and reduce emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and readmissions.Client Centered GoalsRead Details: As we age, daily self-care activities... can become burdensome and a risk to overall health. Certain personal cares or activities like using technology may require a higher level of mental and physical coordination that you may no longer have. Together, you and our Occupational Therapist will identify, collaborate, and set goals so you can acquire and maintain a skillset that promotes the management of any long-term conditions.Home SafetyRead Details: Inconspicuous risks to your physical safety... can go unnoticed in the home. Our Occupational Therapists perform home safety assessments to help identify factors that can address these risks. From their assessment, recommendations are made to you or your loved one to implement changes focused on a safe home environment.Download BrochureFor the most compassionate and comprehensive in-home senior care Minnesota has to offer call CareAparent today at 651-702-HOME (4663).  Request a Consultation Today! 

Winter Wellness for SeniorsBy Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCSBalancing the 8 Pillars of Wellness for Seniors in Winter: Evidence-Based Insights Introduction As winter descends, the well-being of seniors becomes a paramount concern. Aging individuals must navigate the unique challenges that colder temperatures and reduced daylight hours bring. This article delves into the intricacies of balancing the 8 pillars of wellness for seniors during the winter season, substantiating insights with scholarly references. Physical Wellness Physical wellness, a cornerstone of senior health, demands careful attention during winter. Maintaining physical activity is essential for avoiding the adverse effects of inactivity and cold weather. A study by de Rezende et al. (2014) emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity for seniors, citing its role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Indoor exercises like yoga and chair exercises, as recommended by the American Heart Association (2021), offer viable options to stay active during winter. Mental Wellness The winter months often usher in feelings of isolation and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A study by Melrose (2015) underscores the prevalence of SAD among older adults. Engaging in cognitive stimulation activities can alleviate symptoms. Seniors can find solace in local clubs, virtual classes, and community events, as advocated by Forrester (2017), who highlights the significance of social engagement in mitigating SAD symptoms. Emotional WellnessEmotional wellness hinges on effective emotional regulation. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are integral components of emotional wellness. A systematic review by Rusch et al. (2019) supports the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress and anxiety. Seniors can access mindfulness resources and guidance on emotional wellness through organizations such as Seniors Blue Book Utah. Social WellnessMaintaining an active social life is pivotal for seniors. The adverse effects of social isolation on senior well-being have been extensively documented (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Seniors are encouraged to participate in local clubs and community events, as promoted by Senior Expos, to foster social connections. Intellectual Wellness Intellectual wellness necessitates ongoing learning and mental stimulation. Seniors can embrace hobbies like reading and learning new languages to foster intellectual growth. A study by Verghese et al. (2003) associates intellectual engagement with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in aging individuals. Occupational Wellness Occupational wellness transcends traditional work and relates to engaging in purposeful activities. Volunteering, as explored in a study by Okun et al. (2016), offers seniors a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Seniors can explore volunteer opportunities through organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah. Environmental Wellness Winter introduces environmental challenges, such as slippery sidewalks and heating concerns. Seniors must ensure their living environments are safe and comfortable. The National Institute on Aging (2021) provides valuable tips for creating senior-friendly environments. Spiritual Wellness Spiritual wellness revolves around finding meaning and purpose in life. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, can provide solace and inner peace. A study by Carlson et al. (2016) explores the positive effects of mindfulness-based spiritual practices on well-being. Conclusion Balancing the 8 pillars of wellness is paramount for senior well-being, especially during the winter months. Evidence-based insights emphasize the need for regular physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and emotional regulation. Seniors can access resources and information from reputable organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah and Senior Expos to aid in their pursuit of wellness. By integrating these scholarly insights into their winter routines, seniors can not only survive but thrive during this season, enjoying a life marked by health, happiness, and purpose. References: American Heart Association. (2021). Recommendations for Physical Activity in Older Adults. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-older-adults Carlson, L. E., et al. (2016). Mindfulness-based interventions for coping with cancer. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1373(1), 5-12.de Rezende, L. F. M., et al. (2014). Physical activity and preventable premature deaths from non-communicable diseases in Brazil. Journal of Public Health, 36(3), 514-522. Forrester, A. (2017). Seasonal affective disorder in older adults: improving mood and well-being through leisure interventions. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 41(1), 39-53. Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237.Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches. Depression Research and Treatment, 2015, 1-6.National Institute on Aging. (2021). Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/infographics/winter-safety-tips-older-adults Okun, M. A., et al. (2016). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 31(6), 634-645. Rusch, H. L., et al. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on posttraumatic growth among survivors of interpersonal violence. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(6), 936-946. Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2508-2516.Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCS

Back pain can have many causes, and many times, back pain will resolve itself in two to four weeks with rest, ice and heat. In fact, 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives, making back pain one of the most common reasons people visit back pain clinics or miss work.  Back pain that lasts longer than a few weeks is not normal.Causes of Back PainMuscle Strains-Did you know that muscle-related pain is one of the most common reasons for overall back pain? It is true. Muscle related pain can be caused by improper lifting techniques, overuse, poor posture or a sudden awkward movement or fall.Spinal or Disc Problems-Bulging or Herniated Discs: Spinal discs are soft cushions between vertebra. Sometimes, the soft jelly-like substance inside the disc can bulge out of place or rupture, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves causing back pain. Disc related back pain can be caused by an injury. Interestingly, some people who have bulging or herniated discs will never experience any back pain.Sciatica-Sciatica refers to pain that stems from the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica is not a disorder, but a symptom of another underlying problem, such as spinal stenosis, a pinched/irritated nerve in the lower back or a herniated disc.Other Painful Conditions-If you have spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, compression fractures, arthritis or osteoporosis you may also experience pain in the back. These back pain conditions can be treated with conservative, minimally invasiveRisk Factors for Back Pain-There are a few factors that can increase your risk of developing back pain, such as: smoking, obesity, age, physical labor, sedentary work and depression.Diagnostic Testing-To help determine the cause of your back pain, there are several diagnostic tests that can be performed by a back pain doctor or back pain specialist. These may include Xrays, MRI, CT Scan and an Electromyography (EMG). An X-ray shows the alignment of the bones in your spine and whether you have any broken or arthritic bones that may be causing back pain. MRI and CT Scan tests show images of bone, muscle, tissue, nerves, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments. These tests can show disc herniation, muscle tears, ligament problems and can help your clinic doctor or back pain specialist understand your back pain. Electromyography (EMG) is a test used to study nerve and muscle function.Back Pain Treatment Options-At Nura, our clinic doctors and back pain specialists value the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. There are a number of treatment options that help reduce back pain, which include:Physical TherapyEpidural Steroid InjectionDiscographyFacet Joint InjectionTrigger Point InjectionRadiofrequency AblationSacroiliac Joint InjectionIntracept Proceduremild Procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression)Minuteman Procedure (Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion)Preparing for Your Doctor Appointment-Before your back pain appointment with your clinic doctor or back pain clinic specialist, take note of some important facts.Is your back pain the result of an injury?What movements increase or decrease your back pain?What are the symptoms you have been feeling?How long have you had this back pain?What does your back pain feel like? Dull, aching, stabbing or shooting?What type of work do you do?What treatments or medications have you already tried to resolve your back pain?Call Nura Pain Clinics for further information at 763-537-6000 or visit www.nuraclinics.com