The primary function of a nursing home is the provision of care for your loved one when they can no longer care for themselves secondary to illness or advancing age. In most cases, the elderly are the ones found in nursing homes, although everyone can be checked into a nursing home if they need the care provided here. Some of the services offered in nursing homes include wound care, speech, occupational and physical therapies, nutritional therapy, and custodial care.
The physiotherapy offered in nursing homes in Worcester County is essential for those recovering from various debilitating illnesses, which have taken a toll on their bones and muscles. Most people assume that physical therapy for seniors will worsen their state since their weakened bones and muscles can hardly handle the rigorous techniques used in this therapy.
There are, however, some types of physiotherapy that are specifically geared to the care of this unique patient group. The following are some of the types of physiotherapy in seniors:
Geriatric Physiotherapy
This form of physical therapy focuses on the needs of an aging adult. In aging, the standard conditions for which physiotherapy will boost the chances of an optimal outcome include osteoporosis, joint surgeries, balancing disorders, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
Geriatric physiotherapy is designed for the increase of a patient’s fitness level, reduction of their overall pain, and restoration of their mobility.
Orthopedic Physiotherapy
This explicitly addresses musculoskeletal injuries that are common in the elderly secondary to falls. It is also designed for seniors who are recovering from orthopedic surgery.
The techniques of physiotherapy used in the elderly are not as rigorous as those used in conventional physiotherapy centers. They are geared to fit the weakened musculoskeletal system of these patients. The objective of orthopedic physical therapy in seniors is the restoration of ligament, tendon, joint, and bone functioning.
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
This is meant for seniors who have suffered a heart attack. It also applies to those with cardiopulmonary conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and lung cancer.
Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy boosts the heart’s endurance and helps a patient maintain as much functional independence as possible. Research has also proven that it boosts the treatment outcomes of people with chronic cardiopulmonary conditions.
Neurological Physiotherapy
This centers on the functioning of the body and brain. It is essential for seniors suffering from neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and brain injuries from a stroke. The senior in neurological physiotherapy learns how to adapt to life with mobility, balance, muscle loss, and visual impairments. This enables them to maintain independence in most activities of daily living.
Most people associate nursing homes with a somber environment and would rather seek the above forms of physiotherapy and overall care for seniors elsewhere. The atmosphere in nursing homes has, however, gone various changes in the recent past. It is now lively and filled with multiple entertainment options for seniors. Moreover, the staff are now well-trained and certified to handle the needs of their residents unlike in the past where care heavily relied on untrained individuals.
