Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois recently honored therapist, Kelly (shown in photo above), their on-site physical therapist (through Legacy Healthcare), for her outstanding work with their residents.
Bobbi Kelley, Community Relations Director for Porter Place notes the importance of regular therapy for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. She references studies that have shown that an hour of therapy conducted over a 12-week period, significantly reduced depression and aggression in individuals with dementia. Occupational, physical and speech therapists are so important to the overall wellbeing of residents. And that’s especially true during these challenging times.
Regular therapy, when conducted by licensed professionals can do wonders to improve the lives of individuals with dementia. Here are some of the benefits many are able to enjoy:
- Increased mobility
- Improved flexibility
- Increased strength
- Improved balance
- Better sleep
- Reduced stress
- Reduced aggression
- Improved memory retention
Regular therapy is recognized as being beneficial to aging individuals and helping them continue to adapt to and connect with the world around them. Maintaining as much cognitive ability and physical strength as possible impacts daily life in a positive way, better preparing individuals for unforeseen events, such as COVID-19.
Here is another great photo of Kelly with a Porter Place Memory Care resident:
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, it is important to make sure that they are getting exercise and that you are regularly connecting with them in meaningful ways. Keeping them engaged and as healthy and active as possible will help them be better prepared for the weeks and months ahead as we all pull together to get through this challenging time.
And thank you, Kelly, for helping Porter Place protect, engage and love their residents!