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What is Occupational Therapy?

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Many confuse   occupational therapy   with physical therapy; while they’re similar, they differ. Occupational therapy aims to promote and improve a person’s ability to complete daily tasks, increase independence, and improve overall quality of life. What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy (OT) is a branch of healthcare that helps individuals of all ages overcome physical, emotional, developmental, and cognitive challenges by engaging people in meaningful activities. Occupational therapists assess their clients’ abilities, limitations, and goals, then develop personalized treatment plans to address specific challenges and promote functional independence. Overall, occupational therapy focuses on improving a person’s ability to function independently and participate in activities essential for daily life, work, leisure, and overall well-being. The client-centered approach recognizes each individual’s unique needs and goals. Common Practice Areas of Occupational Therapy Occupati

The Importance of Health Education for Seniors

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Making healthy and positive decisions is critical to continuously living a healthy life. Health education can help seniors learn about every aspect of health, not just physical, and live independently for as long as possible! What is Health Education? Health education  is a combination of learning experiences to help people improve their health by increasing their knowledge about all aspects of health. As people age, they are more likely to experience health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Health education helps seniors focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and eating nutritious meals. This is especially important for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, as they need education consistently to continue living a healthy life despite their condition. Challenges of Educating Seniors A few obstacles can make educating seniors about their health challenging. Seniors like to keep busy and have medical appointments, family obligations, and social

8 Superfoods to Better Manage Diabetes

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Your diet and nutrition are essential to managing your blood sugar when you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic. While the nutrient content in food is certainly one factor to be mindful of, those with diabetes must also be aware of the glycemic index to manage blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, healthy eating can help you better manage your blood glucose levels, achieve ideal blood lipid levels, and prevent or slow the development of diabetes complications. What is the Glycemic Index? The  glycemic index  (GI) is a value used to measure how much specific food items affect your blood sugar levels. Foods high in refined sugars and carbs are digested quickly and often have a high glycemic index, while whole foods with high protein, fat, or fiber usually have a low GI. The superfoods listed below all have a low glycemic index.  There are three GI ratings for food: Low: 55 or less Medium: 56-99 High: 70 and above. Eight Superfoods Dark Leafy Green Spinach, kale, and collard greens are great

Social and Recreational Activities - Nevada Adult Day Healthcare

  Our mission at Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers is to maintain the level of independence our senior and disabled participants have. To accomplish this, we create an environment where social and recreational activity keeps participants engaged and entertained. Social and recreational services for seniors includes daily social and recreational activities in which senior citizens and adults with developmental disabilities can participate. Social and recreational activities are an important aspect of our adult care services. Social activities help our senior and disabled participants stay active and entertained, socialize with each other, and maintain their level of independence. Our monthly activity calendar includes all the monthly social and recreational activities happening at our disability and senior care centers, so our participants always know when to expect the next fun event. Social and recreational activities at Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers are scheduled on a monthly

Physical Therapy Services - Nevada Adult Day Healthcare

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  Physical therapy for elderly and disabled adults may be one of the most important services we offer at Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers. Helping seniors maintain and even regain independence, therapy offers strength training to increase balance, strength and overall mobility. Our goal at the adult day care centers is to help our senior day care clients manage their health, reduce pain and increase functionality, which will increase longevity in their overall mental and physical health as they age. Osteoporosis, the progressive bone disease the depletes bone mass and density, makes seniors more liable to fall and cause serious injury. With a regular physical therapy training program, our senior day care clients combat the effects of the disease. Benefits of Physical Therapy for Elderly Patients Physical therapy exercises also assists in: Managing pain and symptoms from arthritis and even Parkinson’s disease Flexibility Ability to work out, or maintain a desired level of wellness Pr

Preventing Social Isolation in Seniors

  Humans are social creatures; we all need some form of social interaction at all stages of life. Senior citizens can feel lonely, especially when living alone, but there are ways to encourage social interactions to prevent loneliness and isolation. Benefits of Social Interaction for Seniors Improved physical health Seniors who engage in relationships tend to be more active, which improves physical health through social activities. Seniors can enjoy themselves while making a positive impact on their health. Physical activity also improves flexibility and strength, thus increasing balance and coordination and decreasing fall risk. Group activities that involve fun and laughter can reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and boost the immune system. Improved mental health Staying connected with others makes us feel more connected to the world, increases our sense of belonging, and decreases symptoms of depression. Keeping our brains active and engaged can also sharpen our minds and red

Activities for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

When you think about caregiving, you may first consider: ensuring they’re eating well, sleeping enough, and taking medications if needed. A full life is more than just the basics. Day activities help get creative juices flowing and improve coping and cognitive and fine motor skills. Recreational activities are fun but also give a sense of belonging. There are MANY meaningful activities for adults with disabilities, and here are a few ideas. Physical Activities Physical activities keep you healthy, develop coordination, and improve mental health. Physical activities can also be socially engaging when done in groups. Exercise classes, team sports, dancing, and swimming are all great activities that promote good health while interacting with others. Here are a few more physical activity ideas: Outdoor Group Activities  like picnics and hiking are great activities for bonding with others and enjoying the beauty of nature while getting in some physical activity and soaking up some Vitamin D