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Therapists Trained to Treat Seniors
Get Better Patient Results
M
ark is a 64-year-old Mars area resident who had total hip
replacement more than seven years ago.
Today, he is 30 pounds lighter than when he had hip
surgery, still running an occasional 5K, and considers himself to be
in the best condition of his life.
The reason: “Therapists who pushed me beyond just recovering
from surgery, “ he said. “I knew I co uld do more than the typical
50-plus patient, and they pushed me to exceed expectations.”
He added, “Pool therapy literally has been a life changer, and
specifically designed exercise regimens targeted not so much for
my age, but for my activity level – and to increase flexibility beyond
what I had ever been able to achieve prior to my hip replacement.”
These are all elements of what is available at three Lutheran
SeniorLife outpatient satellites specializing in therapy for those
55-plus.
The program at Passavant Community in Zelienople includes
a full Fitness Center and Pool, which includes an option for
community membership.
n At the Center at the Mall in Center Township, therapy services
and a Fitness Center membership are offered.
n Lutheran SeniorLife outpatient services are provided at
St. John Community in Mars.
n
Therapists for Lutheran SeniorLife are all specially trained to deal
with the challenges often encountered by seniors.
These venues also offer opportunities to work out among people
in their own age group who are facing similar issues.
“Look, I feel great and am in good condition.
However, I am past the point where I want to go into
a gym with a bunch of muscle-bound 30-somethings
working out around me,” Mark said.
“My favorite workout is pool therapy, and even at
my age I am one of the youngest in the pool. It is a
comfortable environment. I run in the pool, and I can maintain my
pre-surgery conditioning.”
Leslie Kisow, director of rehabilitation services for Lutheran
SeniorLife, said that the goal of helping participants reach beyond
expectations is a big part of outpatient programs at each location.
Oftentimes, a surgeon or a therapist who treats all age groups
may not recognize a patient’s desire and ability to do more.
Although a physician’s referral is required for outpatient therapy,
it may not be mentioned unless the patient involved asks the
physician for a referral. “The patient can also call us directly, and we
will work with them to get the referral they need,” Kisow said.
And the outpatient program goes well beyond exercise and
orthopedic issues. Some examples where therapists can work
individually with patients on specifically targeted outpatient
regimens include:
Vision programs and low-vision therapies, which can include
but are not limited to strategies for conditions such as macular
degeneration.
n Neurological programs for conditions such as Parkinson’s.
n Balance programs; whether the problem is vestibular or
neurological or orthopedic, balance is a common issue for
seniors.
n Posture improvement, a known benefit to slow down the
aging process. Poor posture can cause a lot of neurological
and orthopedic issues that impact a senior’s ability to do more.
n
“Basically, screens can be conducted to help
identify how therapy can help any condition, and
we will develop a specially designed program for
that individual,” Kisow said.
“We can almost always help people to do more.”
For more information on Lutheran SeniorLife’s
rehab services, call 724.452.3492 or visit
[email protected].
NORTH ALLEGHENY
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SPRING 2018
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