Resources

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness that affects millions of people worldwide. Caused by the buildup of sticky protein plaques and twisted fibers in the brain, Alzheimer’s is characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline...

As we age, memory issues can pose significant challenges to our overall well-being and independence. However, there is hope in the form of innovative programs such as The Focused Mind at EmpowerMe Wellness...

Recruiting qualified therapists is essential for any healthcare organization. At EmpowerMe Wellness, we want to make sure we are doing our very best to provide effective therapy services to our communities and clients...

Hearing loss is a common issue among seniors, with about one in three older adults experiencing some degree of auditory challenges. Unfortunately, many seniors may not even realize they are experiencing hearing loss, as the changes can be gradual and subtle...

As we age, changes in our bodies and brains can impact our ability to communicate effectively. For seniors, this can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even depression. Speech-language pathology, or SLP, can be a valuable tool for seniors experiencing difficulties with communication.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in therapy, you're in luck! The demand for therapy services is growing; with the aging baby boomer population, the need for healthcare professionals specializing in mobility and rehabilitation is higher than ever. According to the Administration for Community Living, people aged 65+ are expected to represent 21.6% of the population by 2040...

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it’s estimated that 500,000+ Americans are currently living with PD...

According to the Census Bureau, by 2034, seniors (adults 65+ years) are expected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. In aging, it's common to experience a decline in physical and cognitive abilities, making daily activities a challenge. This can lead to frustration, loss of independence, and a decline in overall quality of life...

Factors like genetics or one’s environment make it difficult to avoid the onset of chronic conditions as one ages and, when it comes to chronic conditions, women are particularly susceptible...

The winter months mark the peak of the respiratory virus season in the U.S., and seniors aged 65 years or older are particularly vulnerable to infection. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract...

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that affects the central nervous system. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, infectious, immunologic, and environmental factors...

Seasonal acute respiratory infections wreak havoc among all age ranges, but they are especially serious for senior populations. This guide is designed to help senior living communities identify diagnostic testing options to keep their residents safe and healthy all year round.

Warning signs of dementia can be challenging to discern. After all, who hasn’t misplaced their keys from time to time or forgotten someone’s name? But those minor lapses in memory differ from dementia.

Happy American Heart Month! Although it is important for everyone to keep up with their health every month, February provides a unique time to focus on one of the body’s most critical muscular organs.

Proactive primary care is an essential factor in the health of seniors. In fact, studies show that U.S. states with higher ratios of primary care providers (PCPs) to members of the population had fewer cases of death by heart disease, cancer, stroke, and more.

Why is bathroom safety so important? According to a study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), adults 65 and older account for 79% of bathroom related injuries.

Managing arthritis pain this winter? Check out these recommendations for simple ways to minimize discomfort and reduce inflammation.

With a new year comes new resolutions, and often those resolutions involve increasing physical activity, improving health, and doing more of the things we love. For seniors, a great way to pursue all of these things is to incorporate physical therapy into their routine...

‘Tis the season for spending time with loved ones! In addition to enjoying family traditions and time together, these holiday visits are a great time to check in on the health, wellbeing and safety of aging loved ones still living at home.

Respiratory virus season has officially arrived. As the weather cools and winter approaches, people spend more time indoors where viruses spread more easily...

The holiday season is full of wonderful traditions, events, and treats. However, it can also be a time of significant stress...

Just as we need physical exercises to keep our bodies strong, we also need brain exercises to keep our brain strong. Of course, the key to any exercise program is finding something enjoyable! Here are six brain-boosting activities for seniors that are also a fun way to spend time...

For seniors facing a diagnosis that may impact their memory, often the initial concerns are personal: forgetting familiar faces, names of loved ones, and treasured memories...

Time always matters, especially when a loved one’s welfare or life hangs in the balance. The words “if it had been caught sooner. . . “ are rarely used in a positive scenario...

Every senior living community is made up of support systems designed to serve the health and wellness of residents. Often those systems include physical therapy resources...

Physical therapy is often associated with recovery from surgery or significant physical injury. But, physical therapy plays an important role in the overall health of seniors, particularly as it relates to maintaining independence and quality of life...

Autumn is here! As the leaves begin to change and the temperature starts to turn cooler, our seasonal food cravings begin to shift...

Fall is here! In addition to dreaming about warm drinks and cozy blankets, it’s also the perfect time to be intentional about boosting one’s immune system — which only gets more important as we get older...

Why do the leaders in the senior living industry make fall prevention a top priority? Simply put: they can’t afford not to.Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults age 65 and older, and, according to the Center for Disease Control, the age-adjusted fall death rate is increasing. 

For seniors, losing their ability to participate in activities they enjoy can be devastating, both mentally and emotionally. That is why rehabilitative therapy often has its biggest impact when it helps seniors strengthen those skills that let them return to doing the things they love. A goal-oriented approach to therapy can be vital to helping seniors refocus their priorities and live as independently as possible.

Mr. Jones set his sights on winning the annual giant pumpkin competition at the state fair! He had hip replacement surgery in January and spent his recovery time planning his garden so he'd be ready to plant in the spring. With the daffodils in bloom, the sun shining, and the robins singing, Mr. Jones dusted off the wheelbarrow and grabbed his shovel!

Shari Youchoff didn’t start out in her career as an occupational therapist thinking she would work in a senior living community. But today, she couldn’t picture herself anywhere else. “The first time I held hands with a resident in their new ‘home’ environment,” Shari said, “the first time I made eye contact in those tearful moments, and spoke words of encouragement to help ease their discomfort, fear, and anxiety…that’s when I started feeling a connection with my residents that keeps me going every day.”

Did you know? The human body is more than 60% water? — which makes staying hydrated key to a healthy, thriving lifestyle! Seniors are among the most at risk for dehydration, and often dehydration is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization for seniors over the age of 65. Correcting dehydration is vital for your senior loved one. Download our resource sheet for tips on staying hydrated!

Our therapists observed this first-hand with residents during their on-site rehab sessions at communities. They would notice something irregular with a resident’s mood or behavior. We would call our diagnostic partner and the process would ensue – disruption to the resident, as they would be transported off-site for testing by an unfamiliar face, followed by waiting days for results that would delay treatment.

Mealtime can be a challenge for seniors experiencing memory loss. Unintentional weight loss is a problem for 30-40% of patients experiencing dementia, and up to 68% of patients with severe Alzheimer’s Disease are at risk of malnutrition. This malnutrition can be due to either eating less or no longer getting adequate nutrients to maintain healthy body weight and muscle1.

Senior living has never been more competitive, and now more than ever, potential residents rely on good referrals and a positive first impression (both online and in-person) to decide if they want to be a part of the community you’re creating. With heightened resident expectations in mind, here are four components necessary for effective, competitive marketing in the senior living landscape.

Losing the ability to perform daily activities and the general loss of one’s independence can be both mentally and emotionally devastating for seniors. A goal-oriented approach to therapy can help seniors focus on their larger goals and help improve or maintain their mental and physical independence.