We’ve all seen it, you know, the old commercial where a senior falls in her home and cries out that she’s fallen and can’t get up. So many recognize the commercial that today that line is practically a punch line. However, the reality is, falling is no laughing matter – especially for seniors. Did you know, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 20 percent of all falls cause serious injury, most often head injuries or hip fractures. Each year, 2.8 million seniors receive emergency room treatment as a result of falls. More than 800,00 seniors are hospitalize...

Well, Summer is finally here! For many families, that means preparing for fun-filled vacations and relaxing getaways. But if you are one of the thousands of caregivers tasked with caring for an aging loved one, a vacation or weekend getaway, may seem impossible or out-of-reach. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed by the emotional and physical strain of the responsibility of taking the best care of their loved ones. While you as a caregiver may be reluctant to admit you could use a break, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be in this alone ...

If you or a loved one has been experiencing a medical condition that requires a more concentrated level of care, it’s likely that your doctor may have recommended short-term rehabilitation. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “What’s the point?” With that important question in mind, below, we’ve laid-out four core benefits that short-term rehabilitation provides as well as to why it may be worth your time, energy and commitment: Quality of Recovery: Some may say, “Hey, I’m healthy and active, I even have a long-time exercise regimen, what do I need rehab for?” The reali...

Mother’s Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the important women in your life – for many, that means visiting a senior mom or grandmother being cared for at a skilled nursing facility. While your mother or grandmother will be glad to just spend time with you, planning a special Mother’s Day activity is a great way to show your love and appreciation. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate Mother’s Day with a senior mom: Treat her to a manicure: A manicure or pedicure is a thoughtful gift idea for your mother or grandmother, especia...

Robert came to Barre Gardens with a diagnosis of COPD Muscle Weakness, post op Bowel obstruction. Robert had an above the knee amputation many years earlier. He lived at home with his wife, and was independent with all his care, used a power wheelchair and drove his own van. Upon admission he was extremely weak and deconditioned. Robert was significantly fatigued with the easy task of feeding, washing his face or sitting upright.  He was unable to safely transfer or use his powerchair which upset him tremendously. He was sent back to Hospital for hydration, at the time family was considering ...

Caroline, 47 year came to Barre Gardens suffering from a severe chronic ulcer on her left heel and mid foot and was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone. In addition, Caroline had been experiencing muscle weakness. Upon admission, Caroline was non-weight bearing and on IV antibiotics. She required assistance to transfer to a wheelchair and to perform ADLs and after a couple of weeks she was independent with transfers. Caroline learned to use a knee walker and was able to walk 100+ feet! As part of her rehab, Caroline, loved to bake! You could smell the fresh cake and bread wa...

Debra collapsed at home in her driveway of a Cardiac Arrest. Luckily a neighbor who happened to be driving by witnessed what had happened and called 911. First responders shocked Debra 8 times before she came back to life. Ironically one of the EMTs who saved her life had been trained by her when she previously had been working as an EMT. No one was sure if Debra would survive the Heart Attack or if she did, what cognitive damages she would have. It was determined that Debra would require Coronary Artery Bypass surgery as well as several additional other procedures. Following surgery, Debra wa...

Bernice, 87, came to Barre Gardens upon being discharged from the hospital and seeking Long Term Care. Bernice relied on a wheelchair for mobility and had not walked in a “very long time”. In addition, she required assistance for meal prep and other activities of daily living (ADL). For six weeks our physical and occupational therapy teams worked with Bernice; they developed a tailored rehabilitation plan with strategic objectives – our goal was to help Bernice regain her independence so she could, in fact, return home! We were all amazed at her progress, most of all, Bernice! With renew...