Our Director of Rehabilitation, Sheetal Patel discusses the importance of physical therapy as we continue to navigate life during COVID.

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You’re tired of COVID-19! It’s taken so much; you hope the tide turns – and soon. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has affected everyone in some capacity. The physical and mental effects of COVID-19 have wreaked havoc among the older adult population. During the height of the pandemic, many older adults:

• Felt unsafe and did not visit public places, family and friends causing them to feel isolated.
• Reduced their physical activity resulting in muscle and balance loss.
• Postponed surgery, which affected their physical health.

Unintentional injury is number seven of the top ten causes of death among older adults with falls being number one. Every second, in the United States, an older adult falls. That means 36 million falls and 8 million injuries per year. Many of these falls require rehabilitation, which may result in a stay at a skilled nursing facility.

It’s important that older adults speak with their physician(s), as soon as possible, about any new onset of pain and balance issues. Determining whether they need neurological or muscular strengthening makes a difference in the care they receive. The earlier they seek treatment, the faster they can recover.

Doctors may recommend physical therapy to help jump-start the body. Once the therapist completes an evaluation, a treatment plan is created which includes the number of sessions the patient should attend per week.

At Miller’s Grant, our Rehabilitation team creates customized treatment plans based on the patient’s issues and ability, so he/she can recover as quickly as possible. Howard County residents, with Medicare as their primary insurance, can get the same care as Miller’s Grant residents through our outpatient rehabilitation program. Learn more about our Rehabilitation services.

The benefits to living in a life-plan community or having access to its  Rehabilitation Center are:

• In-house physical, occupational and speech therapists
• Fitness Center
• Group wellness classes including:
  • Balance
  • Strength training
  • Pool exercises
  • Stepping
  • Brain exercises

With COVID-19 safety protocols loosening and warmer weather arriving, now is the time for older adults to increase their physical activity and address any health concerns they have postponed with their physician(s), including rehab.