October is a month of moving experiences- temporal, seasonal, and physical! It’s the beginning of the last quarter of the calendar year and the beginning of the Medicare fiscal year. It ushers in the holiday excitement with weather changes and spooky decor. Amid all of this, it is Physical Therapy Month, and an excellent opportunity to emphasize encouraging mobility for our residents at every possible opportunity. Almost daily, articles are released citing the benefits of mobility from improving appetite to improving skin integrity to preventing contractures. With that in mind, there is a steadfast need to maintain and improve mobility with our residents.
Incorporating “moving experiences” into the daily facility routine is multifaceted and can bring holiday cheer while also embedding a culture of mobility and independence. There is no amount of too little movement- if residents are moving, benefits are happening. This may look like a high five in the hallway, door decorating contests, a shoulder shrug or leg kick “dance break” with music over the loudspeaker and referrals to therapy for concerns for safety with mobility.
It’s impossible not to think of the effect COVID-19 has had on industry as we round the second year under a healthcare emergency cloud, but we adapt. Skilled nursing residents and staff are resilient and keep looking forward. With an arsenal of wellness and mobility strategies provided to residents, we shape a holistic, healthy environment in which to thrive. Remember, Reliant therapists are champions at mobility and are equipped to combat barriers to a quality “moving experience”. Thank you for partnering with Reliant!
