What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine refers to health care providers delivering clinical health services and information to patients remotely, using smartphones, tablets or home computers.

The Sooner, the Better

Seniors with chronic conditions and other health challenges cannot afford to ignore or delay seeking treatment due to transportation issues, fear of exposure to illnesses, or mobility limitations. Telemedicine addresses these concerns by providing a secure safety margin, along with continued attention to the physical and emotional challenges seniors face. It also offers ease and convenience while still providing access to a wide range of services.

Ease and Convenience

For many seniors, traveling to their physician’s office can be exhausting — finding transportation, navigating the walk to the office, waiting, and then being driven back home. Through the advancement of telemedicine, seniors can receive care and attention in the comfort of home. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in rural locations, which may require significant travel time and the corresponding costs. Not only can a senior communicate with their doctor, but they can request medication refills and schedule future appointments.

Telemedicine visits are conducted on a secure network that meets the same privacy standards as you would find in a physician’s office or hospital. Also, if the senior consents, a relative or friend can participate in the call.

Telehealth Solutions Provide a Wide Range of Services

A large number of health concerns can be addressed via telehealth solutions, including:

• Allergies
• Chronic illness management, including diabetes and high blood pressure
• Coughs and colds
• Follow-up visits
• Medication questions, adjustments/refills
• Mental health
• Minor infections
• Pain
• Rashes
• Sinus problems
• Sleep problems
• Specialist referrals
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• General wellness

Telemedicine is great for seniors with everyday health questions, those who need follow-up checks, or those who want to discuss symptoms and issues that are not life-threatening. Also, a telemedicine visit can reveal to the physician if an injury or illness is severe enough to require more intensive in-person care by a health professional, or even a visit to the emergency room.

Providers of telemedicine services include but are not limited to:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Clinical psychologists
• Speech and occupational therapists
• Licensed social workers

Technology is constantly improving the state of home health care — for more health care tools and technology for seniors, visit Bethesda’s Technology blog.

The post Why You Should Consider Telemedicine Services first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Whether home is an independent senior living community or a long-time family home, the benefits of these services can be customized according to the needs of senior adults and delivered where they live.

1. Care Management

Enlisting the expertise of care managers like those at Bethesda is a good idea, particularly if the adult children or senior caregivers have become physically or emotionally overloaded or confused when determining the needs of their senior loved ones.

Care managers have the knowledge and experience to explain and handle many aspects of senior care and support. They know the system. They can coordinate care, review and update care plans, explain benefits, and suggest what other professionals may need to be consulted.

In addition, they can make sure the right people have the information they need to keep seniors living as independently as possible. As a result, seniors may experience a reduction in hospital and physician office visits, and associated medical costs, as well as ease the stress experienced by seniors and their caregivers.

Also, the level of their involvement can vary from an initial consultation to a more active role when required.

As a result of the Bethesda Care Management Program, residents living in Bethesda retirement communities are able to stay in their apartments an average of three additional years after members of the care management team are called on to help.

2. Senior Support Solutions In-Home Services

Working with care managers at Bethesda, the staff of Senior Support Solutions provides in-home services within Bethesda independent living communities or in the senior’s own home.

The level of service they provide is individualized according to need. Services include traditional private-duty services and specialized programs such as:

TRADITIONAL SERVICES

• Bathing
• Meal planning
• Laundry
• Dressing
• Errands
• Shopping assistance
• Personal correspondence

SPECIALIZED SERVICES

• Medication management
• Attending and note-taking at physician appointments
• Safety monitoring through the use of pendant technology
• 24-hour in-home assistance

These services relieve the emotional and mental stress of trying to perform daily tasks that have become too difficult for seniors and too numerous for their caregivers while still allowing seniors living independently to do the things they enjoy.

3. Home Health Care

Medicare-certified St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health can provide specially trained medical home health professionals, for temporary assistance after a health event such as a hospital or rehab stay.

THERAPY AND REHABILITATION SERVICES

Studies show physical therapy programs can reduce the incidence of falls by 30 to 50 percent, a major factor in maintaining senior health and self-sufficiency.

The following services restore flexibility, increase strength, reduce pain, build endurance, improve speech, and restore the body’s ability to perform tasks, all of which increase the senior’s ability to live independently:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Respiratory therapy
• Speech therapy
• After-surgery rehabilitation

HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT

In addition, the St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health team, comprised of registered nurses, social workers, and aides, provide the following on a short-term basis and following doctors’ orders:

• Medication management
• Pain management
• Blood pressure management
• Cardiovascular care
• Wound management
• Home safety
• Mobility training
• Nutrition assessment and counseling

The key to maintaining one’s health and independence is an environment that promotes physical and mental activity, provides accurate health information, quality medical care services, and encourages consistency in good health habits. This is what health at home is all about!

Whether you choose to live at a retirement community or are aging in place in your own home, Bethesda’s wide range of senior care services are available to meet your unique needs. Contact us or visit a community near you to learn more.

The post Three Services that Lengthen Seniors’ Ability to Live Independently first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

What if you could be assured that they will receive the care they need while retaining the ability to stay in their home? Depending on what enhanced care they require, in-home care might be the solution you seek.

In-home care allows senior adults to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment while maintaining as much independence as possible. For many families, in-home care has become a viable alternative to moving to a senior community, especially for those who don’t require round-the-clock help due to acute health issues or dementia.

Top Benefits of In-Home Senior Services:

There’s No Place Like Home

Being in their familiar environment is often best for a senior’s mental and emotional sense of security and contentment. Home is where they feel at ease, thereby reducing the stress and anxiety which can be detrimental factors to their health. An in-home setting can also make it easier and more convenient for family members to visit.

Focus on their Strengths

While seniors may need help in their recovery from an injury, administering medication or other tasks, they may be perfectly capable of navigating the other aspects of their day. The ability to live as independently as possible can help keep our senior parents’ bodies and minds sharper longer, too.

A Watchful Eye

One of the most attractive benefits of professional senior care in an assisted or long-term care community is the presence of professional caregivers, who will address any medical changes or emergencies that may emerge. However, depending on the situation, having an in-home healthcare professional visit on a regular basis can provide the same benefit.

Bringing it All Together

In-home care can include a spectrum of support services, including nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living.

It’s Tailor Made

When an in-home caregiver visits, it’s a one-on-one encounter. Similar to the experience in an assisted or skilled nursing community, care plans will be designed collaboratively with the patient and family, and will take into account their specific medical needs, lifestyle or recovery goals.

More Bang for Your Buck

In a time when everything seems to be getting more expensive – and medical care is no exception – it makes sense not to pay for things you don’t need. The tailor-made nature of home health care makes it more economical because you’re not paying the cost of round-the-clock care plus room and board like would be required to care for your senior loved one in an inpatient setting. Being more efficient with what you pay for senior support services leaves more money left at the end of the month for other wants and needs to maximize your loved one’s quality of life.

Bethesda’s home and community based services ensure your senior loved one gets the best care available in the comfort of their own home. If your elderly parent needs rehabilitation and therapy, medication management, nursing care, companionship, assistance with everyday tasks, counseling, or end-of-life care, you can trust Bethesda’s experienced and compassionate professionals to provide you with any senior home care solutions your Mom or Dad could need.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Bethesda in-home senior care, click here to get started.

The post The Benefits of Care In Your Home for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Here are the top 5 reasons aging in place has become increasingly desired:

THE AGING ADULT IS IN CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH-RELATED DECISIONS

Aging adults want and expect to be an active participant in their own health-related decisions. Planning ahead, having choices and exploring all their options lets seniors receive the best health services that remain consistent with their values. Receiving services in their home or senior living apartment allows them to voice their opinion, as well as engage in the development of an individualized approach to their care by a healthcare professional.

AGING IN PLACE IS CONSISTENT, COMFORTABLE & FAMILIAR

Baby boomers have indicated that they prefer to stay where they call home as they age. Not only is living in your residence of choice more familiar and comfortable, but it is often easier for family to stay close and visit more frequently. This consistency and familiarity can also give loved ones the peace of mind that the older adult is happy and comfortable.

RESIDENTS CAN HELP CUSTOMIZE THEIR CARE AT HOME

As we age, eventually we may require assistance at home. Receiving care at home can meet the specific needs of each person. It also allows one-on-one attention and interaction.

AGING IN PLACE CONTRIBUTES TO A HEALTHY, SAFE & HAPPY LIFE

Surveys have indicated that baby boomers are more concerned with their health and the quality of their life than previous generations. As a result, there is a growing industry of home modifications and technological advances to meet their needs as they age at home. With the proper safety measures and the opportunity to secure home care services, living out the rest of their days in either their family home or a comfortable, safe senior living apartment contributes to a healthier, happier aging adult.

AGING IN PLACE PROMOTES HEALING

As our physical bodies or health declines, recovering from an injury or dealing with sickness can be difficult. Aging in place allows for a more holistic approach to our care. For an older adult, there is no place like home for comfortable aging. Living in familiar surroundings and being around loved ones heals the mind and spirit, not just the body.

Discover more aging in place home care benefits today by contacting Bethesda at 314-800-1900 today.

The post Top 5 Reasons Why St. Louis Seniors Prefer to “Age in Place” first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Different Types of At-Home Care for Seniors

The difference is based on the level of care and service required. Do Mom and Dad just need a little help with activities of daily living to maintain their independence and keep their lifestyle the way it has been, or do they need actual health-related assistance?

• Caregiver Services, also known as Private Duty services, provides basic help for seniors who live independently but could use a hand with routine activities, including completing chores and tackling everyday tasks like shopping and cooking, or who simply would benefit from some companionship. Caregivers help people who need a hand to remain independent and safe in their own home.
• Skilled In-Home Care is full-service home health assistance provided by multidisciplinary teams which could include registered nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists, home health aides and social workers.

In some situations, a senior who has had a health-related issue will benefit from receiving both skilled in-home care and basic caregiver services simultaneously as they navigate the road to recovery.

“Hiring for private duty assistance with activities of daily living is typically paid out of the person’s pocket (Private Pay), but when eligible, Medicaid may also sometimes pay for these services,” says Missy McAuley, RN, Director of St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health and Bethesda Hospice Care. “Receiving skilled Home Health Care is reliant on a physician’s order, follows state and government regulations, and is paid for through an insurance provider.”

Many senior living care and service organizations, including Bethesda Health Group, a non-profit in the St. Louis area, provide both types of in-home services – three if you include Hospice Care. In the case of Bethesda, the Private Duty service is called Senior Support Solutions. Regardless, these services make sure that the seniors served by Bethesda are covered with any sort of assistance they may need.

For patients in need of Home Health care, a doctor’s order is needed and a social worker helps with more acute care needs and assists in establishing support.

Contrast that with Private Duty services, in which no doctor’s order is needed and the client is provided with non-medical tasks to help with their activities throughout the day. “We offer assistance with dressing, showers, meal prep, medication management, light housekeeping, escorts to doctor appointments, walking pets and checking in on them, as just a few of the services that we provide,” says Marcella Kuhn, Senior Operations Manager of Bethesda Senior Support Solutions.

What are some things skilled in-home care workers do for seniors?

• Make sure they’re eating healthily and following dietary guidelines set by the physician.
• Check their blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory levels as related to the Primary Diagnosis.
• Check that they’re taking prescribed medications, other drugs and any treatments correctly and as ordered.
• Make sure any pain they have is managed.
• Inspect seniors’ homes to make sure they’re safe.
• Teach Mom and Dad how to care for themselves so they can safely age in place.
• Coordinate care by serving as a communication bridge between patients, physicians and other care providers.

How do you establish home health care for your senior loved one?

“If a senior is being discharged from a hospital or a rehab facility, or has had a recent change in condition, whether from a fall, new medication, new medical diagnosis, or something similar, then a physician would send a referral through written order for home health care,” says Missy. “We would provide care under physician orders, which would be paid for by insurance.”

What if you don’t know what sort of care would be best for Mom or Dad?

“The best way to get answers is to speak with the primary care provider and, typically, there is a social worker that will help guide and direct the family in the right direction,” Missy says. “This is also the process for those whose physical abilities have changed, most likely due to a stay in the hospital or rehab facility. Either a discharge planner or social worker will discuss these options with the patient and their family and set up care, based on the results of the conversation.”

Looking to learn more?

Marcella said that most organizations do not have staff members to help families understand what their senior loved ones need.  “At Bethesda, we are leading the way by providing complimentary assistance for our residents through our Care Management program,” she says. “It’s a wonderful service, and one I can’t recommend enough for people to use.”

Visit our blog to read more about at-home care for seniors and other insightful health and wellness tips.

The post Two Types of At-Home Care for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

For Bethesda’s Independent Living residents, this includes access to a full range of in-home services—Care Management, Home Health and Senior Support Solutions (private duty)—that will be provided to them in their own apartments.

“Even our most vibrant residents may need a little help now and then, and it is important to us that we support their needs however we can,” says Michelle Glass, Senior Vice President of Senior Living and In-Home Care. “If they have an accident or injury, or if their overall health declines, our in-home services team is ready to help. I would estimate that 75% of our residents have used at least one of these services.”

The ultimate goal is to keep people living healthy and well in the space they are the most safe and comfortable for as long as possible. This continuum of care promotes aging in place, which has been proven to increase happiness and quality of life.

“We’re able to meet all of a resident’s needs within the walls of their apartment from the day they move in until the end of life,” says Missy McAuley, Director of St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health and Bethesda Hospice Care. “I don’t believe other organizations offer the depth and breadth of services and communication between providers quite like we do.”

For more information about Bethesda’s in-home services, please call 314-963-2200 or email caremanagement@bethesdahealth.org.

The post Residents Enjoy Bethesda’s Complete Continuum of Care first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Before you accept that those aches and pains are the results of aging, however, there are things you can do to ease or eliminate much of the pain, including consuming certain foods that are effective in providing joint pain relief.

Finding the Source of Your Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the cartilage between joints and bones breaks down, causing inflammation and pain. Arthritis is the most common source of joint pain, though there are other sources of joint pain not caused by arthritis. The list includes (in alphabetical order):

• Being overweight
• Bursitis
• Cancer
• Carpal tunnel
• Fibromyalgia
• Joint injury
• Muscle strain
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Tendinitis

Even depression can cause aches and pains, so it is wise to consult your physician to discover and treat the source of the pain.

6 Ideal Foods to Ease the Pain

When it comes to joint health, the Osteoarthritis Foundation International states that in a review of three studies, researchers concluded that following a diet featuring six food groups is beneficial for osteoarthritis and joint health in general.

The diet to follow is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, beans, seeds, extra-virgin olive oil, and whole grains — all of which have been recognized for their ability to alleviate joint pain and slow the progression of joint deterioration.

1. Fruits contain antioxidants that can reduce damage to cells. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which aids in the reduction of inflammation caused by arthritis. Tart cherries, in particular, have been shown to reduce inflammation due to anthocyanins. Blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries provide a similar benefit.
2. Vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, contain sulforaphane, which has been linked to a slowing of cartilage damage.
3. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation.
4. Nuts, beans and seeds provide anti-inflammatory properties that include monounsaturated fat, protein for maintaining muscle mass, and fiber and nutrients.
5. Extra-virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, which is believed to dampen inflammation.
6. Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa provide fiber that can assist in maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, some studies indicate whole grains can lower inflammation.

Many websites with recipes featuring these six food groups can be found online, including this one at Allrecipes.

Diet Plus Exercise

A nutritious, joint-friendly diet, combined with an exercise program approved by a physician or physical therapist, is a great combination to reduce joint pain because excess weight directly impacts the joints.

According to WebMD, studies show that each pound of weight lost relieves four pounds of stress on knees.

So enjoy delicious food that is good for you and your joints, and keep moving with less pain.

Learn more about all the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle can provide by checking out our Health & Wellness section on our blog.

The post 6 Foods That Can Help Reduce Joint Pain first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, it was common for doctors to make house calls. While that practice eventually phased out, replaced by patient visits to doctors’ offices, the house call, or more accurately the “apartment call,” is making a resurgence at Bethesda Terrace, thanks

The Benefit of House Calls

The theory is that these house calls better and more conveniently serve seniors where they spend the most time—in their homes—and is part of a concerted push in medicine to provide access to more convenient primary care. “We are seeing a rise of convenience with virtual care, but for older people, virtual care isn’t always the best answer,” says Dr. Michael Nash, a Mercy physician who sees patients at Bethesda Terrace. “The senior patient is not always comfortable with technology, so the traditional model of home visits is much more valuable for the older patient population to get better access to care.”

House Calls at Bethesda

House calls at Bethesda Terrace began in April 2021 with just four patients. By autumn, however, 10 patients were seeing Dr. Nash. Visits can range from wellness screenings to annual or intermittent checkups, where Dr. Nash can order lab work. He can also treat conditions such as skin infections, UTIs and pneumonia, and write prescriptions for medicine and equipment such as walkers during the visit.

Andrea Tripp, Senior General Manager of Bethesda Terrace, is the direct liaison between the residents and Dr. Nash. She sets up their appointments, answers their questions and addresses their immediate needs. Bethesda Terrace is among the first senior living communities in the St. Louis area to explore this innovative model of residential healthcare. “We like to have a full spectrum of everything available at a resident’s fingertips,” says Andrea. “We can provide residents anything they need, if and when they need it.”

So far, feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. They say that these house calls are convenient and time-saving, alleviate the need to drive in bad weather, and provide relief to family members. Just a few months ago, a visit to the doctor was difficult for Bethesda Terrace resident Joan Willhoite to plan. Not only did she have to coordinate a date and time that worked for her, but she also needed to coordinate with her daughter, who normally drove Joan to her appointments. Joan can schedule her doctor’s appointments easily now that she is a patient of Dr. Nash.

Bob Hynes was one of Dr. Nash’s first Bethesda Terrace “house call” patients. He enjoys Dr. Nash’s camaraderie, and says the visits remind him of when he was a kid and his doctor would come to his house. When Bob hurt his arm in an accident, Dr. Nash came to Bob’s apartment and helped with treatment. “He is always available and urges me to call him if I have any problems,” he says.

Dr. Nash recognizes there are other benefits to house calls that may not be quite as obvious. “These visits allow me to see how my patients are living on a daily basis,” he says. “I can see how they are storing or managing their medications, or if there is anything in their apartment that might increase their risk of falls.”

Currently, Bethesda Terrace is serving as the organization’s “case study” for this program, and therefore is the only Bethesda community offering in-home physician visits. The goal is to show that this model provides excellent care for residents, and that residents are healthier because of the physician’s accessibility. “Sometimes they may need to go to a specialist or an urgent care center or ER, and if that’s the case, I can certainly help guide them to what they are in most need of,” says Dr. Nash. “But for residents who mostly need wellness visits and general checkups, the in-home visit is a great option to consider.”

The post The Return of “House Calls” first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

“There isn’t just one food that protects brain health,” Michele says. “If you think you are just going to eat a handful of walnuts and a salad each day and that will take care of your mind and body, it won’t work. You need variety—a balance of good foods that work for you.”

According to Michele, the best sources for vitamins and nutrients are found in whole foods, especially plant-based foods. “These are proven to be the effective way to get what you need as opposed to a tablet or capsule that claims to make you feel and think better,” she says.

Her definition of “natural” means foods that have undergone little or no processing. “We’ve taken things like whole-grain bread and refined the protein and fiber out of them until they are almost a non-food,” she says.

The Good Foods

She lists green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, collards and broccoli. Each contains Vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta-carotene, which has been linked to brain health.

Her list of good foods also includes omega-3 sources like cold-water fish, (cod, mackerel, halibut, salmon, tuna, and herring). Other sources of omerga-3 include walnuts, chia and hemp seeds, and flaxseeds. (She notes that people should consume ground flaxseed because the whole seed in the shell is indigestible and will simply pass through the body.)

The consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be more balanced than most people eat, she says. Omega-6 competes with omega-3 in the body, and omega-6 is pro-inflammatory, while omega-3 is neutral. Oils containing large amounts of omega-6 oil include:

• Safflower
• Sunflower
• Corn
• Cottonseed
• Sesame
• Peanut
• Soybean
• Canola
• Walnut

“Our omega-6 consumption is off the chart,” Michele says. “One major source in the western diet is fried foods.”

Fruits and berries also make her list. A study by Harvard researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and published in a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society states that “a high intake of flavonoid-rich berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, can, over time, delay memory decline in older women by two and half years.”

Start Now

It’s an old maxim, but we are what we eat. Specifically, we are what we eat relatively early in our lives. Good dietary habits started early can assist the body and mind to produce more energy, reduce chances for injury, speed recovery, aid in improved focus and mental organization, and develop a more effective-decision making capability. “It is about preventative measures,” Michele says. “And the time to begin is before physical and cognitive challenges appear.”

Resources

The Mayo Clinic provides information on what it describes as “good evidence that what you eat can make a difference in your risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.”

To learn more about how your daily nutrition can support a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle, check out the Health & Wellness section on our blog.

The post Foods for Improving Brain Health first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

When Kate Jenks suffered a terrible fall at her home in August, just six days past her 100th birthday, she wasn’t sure she would live to see the holidays.

Kate was climbing the stairs at her house in suburban St. Louis when she lost her balance and tumbled backwards down the steps, slamming against a wall. She fractured six bones in her neck and upper back and could have been paralyzed or died from that type of injury.

Kate didn’t realize her injury was so serious at first. Although she was battered and bruised, Kate actually got up on her own and made it back up the stairs to call for help. She doesn’t remember much between making that call and waking up in a bed at Bethesda Southgate, a skilled nursing community in South St. Louis County.

“The other lady in my room told me I looked so bad when I got here, with my face all bruised up and in a neck brace, she was scared to death to see me,” Kate said. “She didn’t think I was going to make it.”

Bethesda Southgate social worker Jessica Leuthauser said physicians who refer patients to Bethesda’s therapy service weren’t any more optimistic about Kate’s condition.

“When she arrived, the doctor mentioned hospice care” as a probability for a person in Jenks’ condition, Jessica said. “It was very touch-and-go for a while. It’s always serious when you’re dealing with multiple fractured vertebrae. We were concerned about even moving her.”

Supportive Rehab Staff Builds Confidence

Kate was put on bed rest for six weeks and was forced to wear an uncomfortable “Miami J collar,” a stiff neck brace that not only prevented her from bending her upper back but pushed against her chin and made it difficult to talk or eat.

Despite a long road back to “normal,” Bethesda Southgate rehab staff members and Kate’s family worked to put together a plan to rebuild her strength and give her back her ability to take care of herself.

Neither Kate nor the therapy service staff at Bethesda Southgate were willing to give up or get frustrated by the challenges that stood in her way. Little by little, Kate was able to make progress. She got stronger every day and eventually had to stop therapy for a while because she improved as much as she could while still wearing the Miami J collar.

Kate said she was thrilled when one day, as she ate lunch, a therapist asked her if she was ready to get that collar taken off. She knew she was on her way to a complete recovery. When the collar came off, she began more aggressive rehabilitation that led to her being able to leave the rehab and therapy center.

On Her Way Home

Four days before Christmas, Kate was able to check out of Bethesda Southgate where she spent the previous four months. She was able to stay with her family for a few days and then to return, permanently, to her St. Louis home of 67 years.

“My house means a lot to me,” Kate said. “I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to go back there. That I would be stuck in bed for the rest of my life. So I’m thrilled to be able to get my independence back.”

While it was a long journey to her recovery, Kate said she has been restored to 100 percent. She can do everything on her own now that she could do before her fall. She was in a lot of pain, especially at the beginning of her recovery. But Kate said she was never discouraged because of the support of the therapists at Bethesda Southgate.

“I owe them my life.”

“It was a lot of work, but it was a great experience,” Kate said. “The girls (in therapy) were all so wonderful. It’s amazing to be able to go home again because I know I probably wouldn’t have made it at all if it wasn’t for them.”

Jessica said Kate has been an amazing patient.

“We have no concerns about her ability to care for herself,” Jessica said. “She’s as good as she was before her fall.”

Kate said she was able to keep her spirits up because of the support of the Bethesda Southgate therapy service staff.“I could see that I was getting better all the time and that really made me feel encouraged,” Kate said. “Little by little, I was getting back to being able to do things for myself. I owe them my life.”

If you or your loved one suffers an injury that requires rehab or therapy, Bethesda has got you covered! Contact us to learn more about our communities that offer Rehab and Therapy Service in the St. Louis area.

The post Therapy Service Restores Independence of 100-Year-Old Woman first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.