Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

It also requires the right tools. If youre preparing for a short-term therapy stay, you may be wondering about the various types of equipment your therapy might incorporate. So, we decided to compile a brief list of common tools, technologies, and modalities you might use during your journey back to independence!Stretching & Strength Training ToolsYou are probably already familiar with many of these pieces of equipment, as they can be found in most gyms and fitness centers. If you undergo physical or occupational therapy, you will likely encounter exercise balls, gait trainers, grip strengtheners, resistance bands, and light weights. These tools help therapy patients regain strength, improve motor skills, and increase range of motion.Whether you use some or all these tools depends your personal needs. Your therapist will create for you an individualized program that includes all the tools you need to succeed.Alter-G Anti-Gravity TreadmillThis state-of-the-art piece of equipment employs NASA-developed Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology to help reduce a patients weight impact so they can train with minimal pain and discomfort. The device uses a pressurized air chamber that encompasses a patients lower half. As the patient trains, the chamber reduces gravitational load in small increments, giving the patient more buoyancy and support.Vital StimCommonly used in speech therapy, this device is designed to treat dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. It uses electrical stimulation to activate, strengthen, and retrain the muscles responsible for swallowing. According to studies, 97 percent of patients who use this device regain their functional swallowing ability, and 40 percent regain full swallowing ability.AquacCiser Underwater TreadmillSimilar to the Alter-G, the Aquaciser uses water resistance to give patients more support as they rehabilitate, so that they experience lower impact and less pain while building their strength. Water depth and temperature can be adjusted to suit each patients needs and preferences.Trans-Sit Car Transfer SimulatorTypically used in occupational therapy, the Trans-Sit car transfer simulator recreates the experience of getting in and out of car. Patients can practice transferring in a stable and comfortable environment instead of an unpredictable and potentially unsafe parking lot. The simulator is adjustable, allowing therapists to customize training sessions to meet the specific needs and abilities of each patient.Biodex Balance SystemThis therapy device is designed to help patients assess and improve their balance. It features a circular, multiaxial platform that can sense a patients weight and movements. While holding onto the devices supportive handles, patients can test their balance, screen for fall risk, and undergo balance training exercises.

Life Care Centers of America's Whatever it Takes Champions program honors associates who go beyond their job descriptions in caring for our patients, residents, and their families. Here are four of our recent winners and their inspiring stories. These associates are certainly Champions of Care!India Warren, Unit Manager at Life Care Center of Citrus CountyA form of feedback we cherish comes from the family members of our patients and residentsbecause we dont serve just the patient or resident. We serve the entire family!Here is what one family member had to say about India Warren and her compassionate care:I appreciate India's accessibility when I need to have conversations about my 98-year-old father's care. She is a problem-solver who finds positive solutions. She knows who my dad is and is familiar with his issues, which helps me sleep at night! I am grateful that she is in this important and difficult role.Life Care Center of Citrus CountySteely Savino, RN Unit Coordinator at Life Care Center of ColumbiaSteely is a source of encouragement and inspiration to her colleagues and support and comfort for her patients and residents. She can be found assisting in various areas of the facility, providing extra assurance that our patients and residents receive the care they need.Recently, Steely put up a positivity board in the facility chart room. This simple contribution has had a great effect, boosting staff morale and overall spirit. Everyone she comes into contact with considers her a true asset to the facility!Life Care Center of ColumbiaAaron Campbell, Houseekeeping Assistant at Life Care Center of OoltewahThe facility held a garage cleanup day, and Aaron volunteered to assist with item removal. Not only did he come in to help on one of his off days, but he also used his personal vehicle to haul several loads of items to a donation center.Life Care Center of OoltewahEric Spalding, CNA at Life Care Center of Winter HavenWe also love it when our residents personally nominate associates for the Whatever It Takes award, as their words serve as the truest representation of the quality care we strive to deliver at Life Care.Recently, a resident nominated Eric, and this is what they had to say about his performance as a CNA:This is the most wonderful CNA I have ever had. He's caring and concerned. He answered my questions, which were many. I felt special, like I was beng treated like his mother. He is never in a hurry. Eric deserves this award! He is a Champion!

Seeing our short-term therapy patients meet their recovery goals never gets old!And we love to highlight these individuals as much as possible to celebrate our patients and inspire anyone who may be considering inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation for themselves or a loved one.If you are wondering if short-term therapy would benefit you and your family, take a look at the following success stories!Robert at Life Care Center of Saint LouisRobert came to Care Center of St. Louis after being treated for spinal fusion and complications related to surgery.At the time of admission, Robert required maximum assistance for upper body dressing and bathing and was dependent for lower body dressing. He needed help with bed mobility and transfers and was unable to stand. In addition, he was also experiencing significant cognitive impairment.In physical therapy, he focused on lower extremity and core strengthening and transfer training. In occupational therapy, he focused on retraining for activities of daily living and upper extremity strengthening. While in speech therapy, he addressed orientation, problem solving, memory issues.When Robert discharged, he was independent with eating, dressing, and grooming, and required set-up for bathing and toileting. He is independent with bed mobility, transfers, and walking. He is also able to climb stairs with supervision and has normal cognitive function."I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't received such great therapy. RobertCongratulations to Robert on meeting his recovery goals!Life Care Center of Saint LouisAnna at Life Care Center of ElyriaAnna admitted to Life Care Center of Elyria for comprehensive rehabilitation to maximize her independence and enable her to return home.Anna had weakness, decreased balance, and decreased tolerance of functional activity. She needed help walking, transferring, and completing self-care tasks.The physical therapist and occupational therapist evaluated Anna and formulated a dynamic, integrated treatment approach that would help her reach her goal of returning home independently.Anna met all her goals and discharged back to her apartment without requiring any further therapy or services!"My stay was a 10 out of 10! I had very good care. Everyone working here has been very nice and very prompt. The food was hot, fresh, and tasty! I introduced myself to other residents and got to know them. I felt welcome and included." AnnaCongratulations to Anna and her success in short-term therapy!Life Care Center of ElyriaBethany at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation CenterBethany received hospital treatment after a severe automobile accident, which caused a severe neck fracture and triggered a stroke.Upon admission, Bethany could not walk and had cognitive difficulties. She required full assistance with most activities of daily living and needed assistance with walking, transfers, dressing, and bathing.Bethanys daily rehab program included physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Her physical therapy focused on improving her strength, balance, and mobility. Occupational therapy targeted her memory problems and her ability to complete daily activities. In speech therapy, Bethany addressed her cognitive and communication skills.After completing her therapy program, Bethan could walk over 250 feet and care for herself on her own. Her cognitive function has returned to a normal level."I went from the lowest of lows to feeling strong and independent again. The therapists and staff were compassionate and supportive, and I am grateful that they humbled themselves to serve me. BethanyWe want to congratulate Bethany for reclaiming her independence!

According to the CDC, more than one out of four older adults suffer a fall each year. Less than half of these incidents get reported to their doctor; yet falling once doubles your chances of falling again. These falls can vary in level of severity, but all falls should be taken seriously.Multiple risk factors can contribute to and cause falls. Some of these risks include...Environmental factorsPoorly lit roomsWet floorsClutter/clustered furnitureExposed cordsThrow rugsLack of strength and aerobic capacityInactivity resulting in decreased strength and aerobic capacityDecreased balance/coordinationMuscle weaknessFoot problemsNerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathyInflamed tendonsImproper footwearAmputationsVision and hearing impairmentsNot wearing recommended glasses or hearing aidsWearing inappropriate or out-of-date glasses and/or hearing aidsMedication side effectsSome medicines may decrease your balance and cause increased dizziness. These include some medications taken for depression, high blood pressure, sleep problems, diabetes, and heart conditions.Please check with your provider when starting any new medications to ensure you are aware of any side effects that may cause an increase in potential falls.The good news is that most falls can be avoided with simple prevention.Take the following steps to decrease your fall riskIncrease the lighting around you where possible.Wear properly fitting and gripping footwear to avoid trips or slips.Ensure you are wearing up-to-date glasses and hearing aids.Ensure your environment has clear walkways.Ensure rugs are pulled up or secured to the floor with double-sided tape.Use grab bars and shower seat in bathroom, if needed.Use recommended adaptive devices (two-wheeled walker, cane, four-wheeled walker, etc.).Stay hydrated.Take medications as prescribed and check with your provider about any side effects that could increase your risk for falls.Exercise regularly.Dont rush.Physical therapy may also reduce your risk of falls. Our in-house physical therapists are spe-cially trained to assess each person individually and determine your risk factors for falling. They can then create specialized programs for you that will target strength, balance, and endurance to address your identified fall risks.Contact us today for more information about fall prevention and to learn more about how physical therapy may help you or a loved one decrease your risk of falling.

It also requires the right tools. If youre preparing for a short-term therapy stay, you may be wondering about the various types of equipment your therapy might incorporate. So, we decided to compile a brief list of common tools, technologies, and modalities you might use during your journey back to independence!Stretching & Strength Training ToolsYou are probably already familiar with many of these pieces of equipment, as they can be found in most gyms and fitness centers. If you undergo physical or occupational therapy, you will likely encounter exercise balls, gait trainers, grip strengtheners, resistance bands, and light weights. These tools help therapy patients regain strength, improve motor skills, and increase range of motion.Whether you use some or all these tools depends your personal needs. Your therapist will create for you an individualized program that includes all the tools you need to succeed.Alter-G Anti-Gravity TreadmillThis state-of-the-art piece of equipment employs NASA-developed Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology to help reduce a patients weight impact so they can train with minimal pain and discomfort. The device uses a pressurized air chamber that encompasses a patients lower half. As the patient trains, the chamber reduces gravitational load in small increments, giving the patient more buoyancy and support.Vital StimCommonly used in speech therapy, this device is designed to treat dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. It uses electrical stimulation to activate, strengthen, and retrain the muscles responsible for swallowing. According to studies, 97 percent of patients who use this device regain their functional swallowing ability, and 40 percent regain full swallowing ability.AquacCiser Underwater TreadmillSimilar to the Alter-G, the Aquaciser uses water resistance to give patients more support as they rehabilitate, so that they experience lower impact and less pain while building their strength. Water depth and temperature can be adjusted to suit each patients needs and preferences.Trans-Sit Car Transfer SimulatorTypically used in occupational therapy, the Trans-Sit car transfer simulator recreates the experience of getting in and out of car. Patients can practice transferring in a stable and comfortable environment instead of an unpredictable and potentially unsafe parking lot. The simulator is adjustable, allowing therapists to customize training sessions to meet the specific needs and abilities of each patient.Biodex Balance SystemThis therapy device is designed to help patients assess and improve their balance. It features a circular, multiaxial platform that can sense a patients weight and movements. While holding onto the devices supportive handles, patients can test their balance, screen for fall risk, and undergo balance training exercises.

Life Care Centers of America's Whatever it Takes Champions program honors associates who go beyond their job descriptions in caring for our patients, residents, and their families. Here are four of our recent winners and their inspiring stories. These associates are certainly Champions of Care!India Warren, Unit Manager at Life Care Center of Citrus CountyA form of feedback we cherish comes from the family members of our patients and residentsbecause we dont serve just the patient or resident. We serve the entire family!Here is what one family member had to say about India Warren and her compassionate care:I appreciate India's accessibility when I need to have conversations about my 98-year-old father's care. She is a problem-solver who finds positive solutions. She knows who my dad is and is familiar with his issues, which helps me sleep at night! I am grateful that she is in this important and difficult role.Life Care Center of Citrus CountySteely Savino, RN Unit Coordinator at Life Care Center of ColumbiaSteely is a source of encouragement and inspiration to her colleagues and support and comfort for her patients and residents. She can be found assisting in various areas of the facility, providing extra assurance that our patients and residents receive the care they need.Recently, Steely put up a positivity board in the facility chart room. This simple contribution has had a great effect, boosting staff morale and overall spirit. Everyone she comes into contact with considers her a true asset to the facility!Life Care Center of ColumbiaAaron Campbell, Houseekeeping Assistant at Life Care Center of OoltewahThe facility held a garage cleanup day, and Aaron volunteered to assist with item removal. Not only did he come in to help on one of his off days, but he also used his personal vehicle to haul several loads of items to a donation center.Life Care Center of OoltewahEric Spalding, CNA at Life Care Center of Winter HavenWe also love it when our residents personally nominate associates for the Whatever It Takes award, as their words serve as the truest representation of the quality care we strive to deliver at Life Care.Recently, a resident nominated Eric, and this is what they had to say about his performance as a CNA:This is the most wonderful CNA I have ever had. He's caring and concerned. He answered my questions, which were many. I felt special, like I was beng treated like his mother. He is never in a hurry. Eric deserves this award! He is a Champion!