April is National Occupational Therapy Month and it’s also the time when Therapy Center celebrates our very own team of occupational therapists.  Occupational therapists are vital in every therapeutic setting because they “have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.” (AOTA.org)

Angie is the occupational therapist on our teams at Whispering Pines Community Care Center in Plain Dealing as well as Carrington Place Nursing Home in Springhill.  She commutes between the two nursing homes and is known for her positive attitude with patients as well as fellow therapists.

“She has such a sweet personality and has a great relationship with all co-workers and patients.  She has stepped up to any challenge thrown her way.  She is our YES girl!” – Summer, certified occupational therapy assistant at Whispering Pines.

Angie recently became involved in the Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association, LOTA, and is the Northwest District Chair.  She is enthusiastic and eager to further her OT knowledge by actively participating in promoting the career that she loves.  Thank you Angie for your dedication!

Interested in a position with Therapy Center?  Visit the join our team page to view current job openings throughout the company.

Visit AOTA and LOTA for more information on occupational therapy.

In celebration of 15 years as partner in rehabilitation, Therapy Center is recognizing our team members, patients, and business partners who have grown with us. Please take some time to watch what one of our team members has to say about her experience as a Therapy Center employee.

Because we take the time to get to know our patients, not only in what they need…but also who they are and what they like to do…so it makes everything so much more specific to their care. That’s why I think if people need therapy again, they tend to come back to the Therapy Center.

In 2002, four therapists came together with a mission to provide superior therapy services with dedication and compassion unsurpassed by anyone in the industry. Since that time, Therapy Center has become a leading provider of comprehensive therapy services, offered in a broad range of settings including four outpatient clinics, over thirty skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab, home health, hospitals and sports medicine at the high school level.

The philosophy of Therapy Center is making sure to hire only the most caring, compassionate, and skilled therapists; making education a priority for our staff, patients, and their families; communicating with all treating disciplines to ensure appropriate care is given at all times; and designing individualized treatment programs for each patient to ensure that patient goals are addressed and maximum functional independence is achieved.

We invite you to celebrate 15 years with us! Stay tuned to the 15 Year section of our blog to see how we are celebrating and Giving Back to the communities we serve.

To learn more about the founders of Therapy Center, please visit Our Leadership page at www.therapyctr.com.

Throughout the month of April, we recognize our occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants as a part of Occupational Therapy Month.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They use a holistic and customized approach to evaluations, interventions, and outcomes help a child with disabilities participate in school and in social situations, assist a person recovering from injuries to regain skills, aid an older adult to stay as independent as possible, and offer the specialized support and services to people of all ages and in all circumstances that only occupational therapy can provide.

Did you know?

Occupational therapy helps people live life to the fullest. From environmental modifications to education on proper dressing, sleeping, or sitting techniques, OTs can help people make the adjustments needed to heal and return to many of the activities of daily living that they enjoyed prior to injury. View our infographic to learn how occupational therapists can help with upper body and lower body pain and injury.

What a career in occupational therapy means

We asked Therapy Center’s Director of Education and occupational therapist, Danielle Keyser for a snapshot of what a life in occupational therapy has meant to her and what important things has she learned along the way.

“I am very blessed to be an occupational therapist. I began practicing in skilled nursing facilities in 2001, and very quickly identified the geriatric population as my passion, and skilled nursing as a place to establish a purposeful career. The ultimate achievement of our profession, to be the facilitators and guardians of quality of life, allows us to know our patients with an intimacy that is truly unique to OT.

In 2012, I began an endeavor to advance my clinical skills, ultimately achieving my Geriatric Training Certification (GTC), which consisted of a foundational requirement of 160 hours of geriatric specific training. Education is a crucial ingredient in keeping our practice up to date, inspired, and skilled enough to meet the needs of a challenging patient population. I also made the decision to commit a portion of my time to increase my involvement in the Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association, initially serving as Vice President and now as President of the Association.

I implore ALL clinicians to embrace the fact that staying involved, with active membership at minimum, with State and National Associations IS the PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILTY of every clinician. The cost of Association membership is a very small commitment when you consider the annual salary of a OT/OTA. As OT celebrates the centennial anniversary of our profession, and as we wind down the highlight of OT in the month of April, let’s take the time to: personally commit to ensuring the quality of services we deliver, commit to ongoing growth of personal knowledge and resources to impact and improve our practice, and check your association membership status and make sure it is active.

I am inspired by the team of clinicians that I am blessed to work with. Thank you for loving our patients, thank you for challenging yourselves to meet the needs of the geriatric population, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of The Therapy Center Family.”- Danielle

Help celebrate and get involved.

Occupational therapy has helped people return to valued occupations for the past 100 years. 2017 marks the centennial celebration of this wonderful profession.

See videos and stories about how occupational therapy has impacted lives.

Share how OT is celebrating the centennial in your state!

Join LOTA and subscribe to the quarterly newsletter.

Join AOTA.

Look for career opportunities!

April 30th has become a national day to celebrate pets and the impact they have on the people around them.  Pet therapy uses dogs or other animals to help patients better cope with health problems and provides comfort and enjoyment for many nursing home residents.

“I started working for Therapy Center at Whispering Pines Community Care Center in January 2017.  I instantly felt like this is where I was supposed to be.  All of the staff, therapists and patients welcomed me with open arms.  I started thinking about what I could do in return.  The idea of pet therapy came to me as I remembered back to when I would go to my mom’s work at the nursing home.  They had pet therapy dogs come at least two times a month, and I remembered the happiness it would bring to the patients.  I decided to talk to the administration of Whispering Pines and they were completely on board with the idea!  Now every Friday is pet therapy day at our facility,” says Summer, certified occupational therapy assistant.

Summer now brings her dog Ginger, a six year old female Chihuahua, to Whispering Pines for the residents to hold and play with during therapy.

“I’m not quite sure of her story before I owned her.  When she was three years old I found her on an ad on Craigslist and knew I had to have her!  She is not your typical Chihuahua.  She is calm, easy-going and quiet.  She puts not only the patients at ease and makes them excited to come to therapy, but she also goes and visits the residents throughout the facility.  One patient even wrote a poem about the joy she brings and how she reminds everyone of home.  Most of our patients have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and when they see Ginger they immediately have a smile on their face and smother her with affection!  The joy she brings is extremely fulfilling, and I’m so glad that I’m able to bring Ginger to brighten the residents’ day,” says Summer.

“A dog is a special animal.  What joy and protection and love they bring.  I just met a dog named Ginger.  She’s going to help both genders.  Nursing homes need a friend.  Patients need a dog to love.  Ginger is a beautiful sight.  She’s like medicine we need each week.  The Ginger you fall in love with the first time you meet.  Cause always bring her cause she is a treat.  She don’t meet a stranger.  We love the woman that brings her.  For brightening our day and reminding us of home.” – 2/24/2017 Tim Hilburn

For more pet therapy stories from Therapy Center, follow the pet therapy section of our blog.

In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, Therapy Center would like to share important details and information regarding prevention and surviving strokes.

Did You Know?

According to the American Stroke Association, it is predicted that 55,000 more women than men will suffer a stroke this year! Statistics provided by the association regarding stroke include:

• Stroke is a LEADING cause of serious, long-term disability.
• Each year, strokes kill more than 133,000 Americans.
• Nearly the same number Americans suffer from a stroke each years as those that have a heart attack.

In data provided by the CDC, Louisiana ranks amongst one of the states with the highest number of strokes between the years of 2013 – 2015!

Fortunately, most strokes are preventable.

Prevention:

Eighty percent of strokes are preventable. One of the leading causes of stroke is related to high blood pressure. See an infographic about blood pressure and its correlation to stroke.

When attempting to focus on developing a lifestyle to prevent stroke, it is important to understand that there are some risk factors that are within your control and others that are not. Those factors that are within your control include and have treatment options to lower stroke risks include:

• • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Diet
  • Physical activity
  • Obesity
  • AND MORE

Knowing What To Do And Life After Stroke:

Acting Fast: Many of us have a friend, family member, or loved one that has been impacted by a stroke. Watch the 2017 F.A.S.T. Video to learn about signs of a stroke and what to do. Immediate action could save a life or prevent long-term disability.

Life After Stroke: For caretakers and those living with the effects of stroke, the American Stroke Association provides wonderful guides on what to expect and how you can make adjustments to try to return to your prior activities.

Physical Challenges

Communication Challenges

Caregiver Guide to Stroke

Let’s work together to reduce the impact stroke has on our nation!

To learn more about Therapy Center, our services and career opportunities, visit our website.

To learn more about stroke, visit the American Stroke Association

In celebration of 15 years as partner in rehabilitation, Therapy Center is recognizing our team members, patients, and business partners who have grown with us. Please take some time to watch what one of our team members has to say about her experience as a Therapy Center employee.

In 2002, four therapists came together with a mission to provide superior therapy services with dedication and compassion unsurpassed by anyone in the industry. Since that time, Therapy Center has become a leading provider of comprehensive therapy services, offered in a broad range of settings including four outpatient clinics, over thirty skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab, home health, hospitals and sports medicine at the high school level.

We’re really in the people helping business.

We are not just there as a therapy provider…We’re there to offer a solution of how we can make you better!

The philosophy of Therapy Center is making sure to hire only the most caring, compassionate, and skilled therapists; making education a priority for our staff, patients, and their families; communicating with all treating disciplines to ensure appropriate care is given at all times; and designing individualized treatment programs for each patient to ensure that patient goals are addressed and maximum functional independence is achieved.

We invite you to celebrate 15 years with us! Stay tuned to the 15 Year section of our blog to see how we are celebrating and Giving Back to the communities we serve.

To learn more about the founders of Therapy Center, please visit Our Leadership page at www.therapyctr.com.

What is the “Therapy Cap”?

Under the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 Congress placed an annual cap on rehabilitation services under Medicare. The therapy cap amount for 2017 is $1,980 for outpatient physical therapist and speech-language pathology services combined. There is a separate $1,980 cap for outpatient occupational therapy services. See FAQs about the cap.

Taking Action.

According to APTA, without an exceptions process for the Medicare therapy cap, some 1 million beneficiaries each year are left without Medicare coverage for medically necessary services. This includes those who need multiple therapies after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, hip fracture, and other catastrophic injuries. It also denies those with Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis the ability to effectively manage their conditions. Now is the time to permanently repeal it.

See below for ways to get involved:

• Participate in Therapy Cap Social Media Campaign (July 24-29, 2017).
  • Watch APTA on Facebook and APTATweets for more information.
  • Tune in to ASHA Advocacy on Facebook.
  • Watch AOTA on Facebook for information.
• Email your legislators.
  • APTA has provided prewritten letters for APTA members on the Legislative Action Center and for nonmembers/patients on the Patient Action Center. You can also send letters through the APTA Action App.
  • Find our elected officials via ASHA’s Take Action website.
  • Visit AOTA’s Legislative Action page to get tips on writing letters, who to contact, and more!
• Meet with your legislators. Schedule a district meeting, attend a town hall event, or invite your legislators to visit your practice over recess. This is a great opportunity to meet with your members of Congress locally and discuss the importance of repealing the therapy cap.
• Receive Email Updates and Stay Informed.
  • Join the PTeam to receive email updates on the latest therapy cap news and receive alerts when it is time to take action and contact your members of Congress on these reform policies.
  • Subscribe on ASHA’s Take Action website to receive updates.
  • Visit AOTA’s Legislative Alerts and Actions Page for updates.

WHAT DO ASHA, AOTA, AND APTA HAVE TO SAY?

On July 25^th, representatives of ASHA, AOTA, and APTA asked Congress to repeal the Medicare therapy caps, which have a disproportionate impact on older, more chronically ill beneficiaries from underserved areas. View their comments HERE.

To learn more about Therapy Center, our services and career opportunities, visit our website.

“The many patients, families, and communities we serve around the state have a strong connection to our Therapy Center team because we focus on compassion, patience, and communication, which have been invaluable to the success of our company.” Stephen Van Hook, Owner/PT

We are honored to be celebrating 15 years as a rehabilitation partner for thousands across the State of Louisiana…this is a milestone that represents determination, passion, and growth.

“I am proud that we have such a great group of people working together, which allows us to provide a great service. Our growth over the last 15 years has been both consistent and strategic. As we look to the next 15 years, our potential for growth will continue as healthcare changes.” Steve Coon, Owner/OT

We thank each of our employees for the part that they have played in making our company what it has become and would like to give special recognition for those who have been on the journey with us since 2002.

Elisha Duhon, EVP of Outpatient Operations

Elisha is an integral part of our team, overseeing multiple departments including our outpatient clinics, home health department, and inpatient rehab program. Her compassion for her team and the patients we treat is contagious. She has helped shape our company and culture in so many ways and continues to help us in setting policies and implementing practices to drive quality patient care and outcomes. Thank you for all that you do for us! Your impact on our company is evident and we can’t thank you enough for being with us on our journey over these last 15 years!

Jake Duhon, Director of Sports Medicine and Clinic Manager

Jake joined the team in 2002 and with his skills and expertise, he has allowed Therapy Center to provide a Sports Medicine program to offer certified athletic trainers to assist local high schools in the education and injury prevention of so many in the community. You will often find him working long hours on the sidelines or courtside. He serves as a role model for not only his team of certified athletic trainers, but many others within the Therapy Center. In addition, he serves as the Jennings outpatient clinic manager… ensuring our patients receive quality care. He has become key Therapy Center figure in the area. Thank you for your service and dedication to our team over the last 15 years!

Scott Guillory, COTA

Scott Guillory, also known as “Doo”, is a COTA in the Avoyelles Parish area and has been a part of the TTC family for 15 years! He currently works between Avoyelles Manor, Bayou Chateau, and Tri Community but has assisted when needed as far as Slidell. His flexibility and willingness to help cover areas outside of his norm are greatly appreciated! Scott is typically a man of few words except during football season as he’s an avid Saints fan. Congrats on 15 years, Scott! Who Dat!

Amy Juneau, COTA

Amy Juneau, or “Amy J” as we call her, is an outstanding COTA who has been with TTC for the last 15 years!!  I know marriages that don’t last that long, so Congrats to her!! Just kidding!  Amy is currently working at Courtyard NH in Lafayette and, on occasion, happily assists at Courtyard Assisted Living, as well as nursing homes in the surrounding area.  Her career with Therapy Center has taken her all over the company, as well as in numerous settings. Because of this, she is well known throughout TTC, with her reputation preceding her.  Amy is fun, artistic, hardworking, dependable, and truly understands her trade.  Being a functional therapist, she’s not afraid of addressing ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), and she is passionate about her residents and their goals.  Thank you, Amy J, for being a part of TTC for the last 15 years and making it what it is today!

Julie Neal, EVP of Administration

Julie has grown with the Therapy Center, continuing to help us evolve and adapt to changes. Starting from a small group to employing nearly 300 employees, she has done it all! From crunching the numbers to driving change for continued growth, her skills continue to push Therapy Center forward in an ever-changing environment. She puts our employees and business on a constant forward trajectory and has helped shape where we are today. Thank you for the last 15 years and helping shape the company we are today!

Jeff Person, PT

Jeff has been an integral piece of the therapy team at Therapy Center’s outpatient clinic in Jennings since 2002. He takes the time to understand the goals of each of our patients and year after year he mentors students and helps cultivate the next generation of physical therapists. We appreciate your years of service and drive to provide the utmost care to our patients. Thank you for 15 great years!

Hollie Richard, Billing Coordinator

Hollie Richard started with Therapy Center as a shy student physical therapy technician many moons ago. Since then, she has worked in many aspects of the company, advancing her knowledge and skills along the way and helping foster an environment for growth. We are very happy to have her as part of our billing department. Dealing with insurance companies is not always an easy job, but one Hollie is passionate about as she knows our patients are worth the battle. Thank you Hollie for your loyalty and dedication to our company and our patients! We wouldn’t be the company we are without you!

OUR FOUNDERS

Shane Castille, PT

Shane is a co-founder of Therapy Center and has over nineteen years of experience and management in outpatient clinics, nursing home care, home heath, sports medicine, and acute and inpatient rehabilitation care. He graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy from The LSU Medical Center in Shreveport in 1996. Shane plays an integral role in the company’s business development efforts in both outpatient and nursing home settings and oversees operations of the Nursing Home division of the company. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association – Geriatric Section and the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association.

Steve Coon, LOTR, MBA, HCA, RAC-CT

Steve brings more than seventeen years experience in healthcare management and outpatient, nursing home, home health, inpatient rehab, and skilled nursing facility care to Therapy Center. He earned his Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997 and his Masters of Business and Health Care Administration in 2001 from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. Steve remains highly involved in contract procurement, business development, personnel management, financial management, and overall operations.

Shannon Lemoine, PT

Shannon graduated from LSU Medical Center in Shreveport in 1996 with a degree in Physical Therapy. He has over eighteen years of experience with nursing home care, home health care, acute care, outpatient therapy, management, and compliance education throughout all of our facilities in Southwest and Central Louisiana. Shannon oversees operations at the Lemoine Therapy Services branch of our company and is responsible for the strategy and oversite of Therapy Center’s outpatient and home health divisions. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association

Stephen Van Hook, PT

Stephen is co-founder of The Therapy Center and has served as a healthcare provider and healthcare executive since his graduation from LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, LA with a degree in Physical Therapy in 1996. His background includes more than 19 years experience on both the business and clinical sides of healthcare, including contract care (acute and inpatient rehab hospitals, home health, nursing home) and outpatient, sports medicine clinics. His involvement in business operations and development, marketing, and administration has been a key component to the success of The Therapy Center. Professionally, he is a member of APTA-PPS, LPTA, HFMA, NASL, and NARA. Stephen’s commitment to community involvement includes service as city councilman and president pro tem for the city of Jennings, LA and Finance Chairman of a local school board. He has also participated in presentations to members of both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.

The philosophy of Therapy Center is making sure to hire only the most caring, compassionate, and skilled therapists; making education a priority for our staff, patients, and their families; communicating with all treating disciplines to ensure appropriate care is given at all times; and designing individualized treatment programs for each patient to ensure that patient goals are addressed and maximum functional independence is achieved.

We invite you to celebrate 15 years with us! Stay tuned to the 15 Year section of our blog to see how we are celebrating and Giving Back to the communities we serve.

To learn more about the founders of Therapy Center, please visit Our Leadership page at www.therapyctr.com.

Mr. Frank Harris came to Maison Teche following a two week ICU stay after doctors removed two cancer spots from the upper section of his lungs. Weak and confused, Mr. Harris never lost sight of his goal to return home to his wife and family. Following a 55 day rehab stay, Mr. Harris met all of his goals following our PT, OT and ST rehabilitation plan. He credits the great care of the Maison Teche staff, his doctors and the Therapy Center team who all helped him meet his goals and return home fully independent. Mr. Harris returns weekly to say the rosary with residents and to visit those who may not have the family involvement he treasured.

Please watch Mr. Frank’s Journey Home below!

Mr. Frank Harris is not alone in his recovery success. For more success stories like this one, please visit our blog.

In celebration of 15 years as partner in rehabilitation, Therapy Center is recognizing our team members, patients, and business partners who have grown with us. Please take time to watch what one of the founders of Therapy Center has to say about the core values and priorities of our business.

“Our primary focus is to provide the highest quality care to our patients…”- Stephen Van Hook

In 2002, four therapists came together with a mission to provide superior therapy services with dedication and compassion unsurpassed by anyone in the industry. Since that time, Therapy Center has become a leading provider of comprehensive therapy services, offered in a broad range of settings including outpatient clinics, over thirty skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab, home health, hospitals and sports medicine at the high school level.

The philosophy of Therapy Center is making sure to hire only the most caring, compassionate, and skilled therapists; making education a priority for our staff, patients, and their families; communicating with all treating disciplines to ensure appropriate care is given at all times; and designing individualized treatment programs for each patient to ensure that patient goals are addressed and maximum functional independence is achieved.

We invite you to celebrate 15 years with us! Stay tuned to the 15 Year section of our blog to see how we are celebrating and Giving Back to the communities we serve.

To learn more about the founders of Therapy Center, please visit Our Leadership page at www.therapyctr.com.

How occupational therapy helps MS patients?

When symptoms of multiple sclerosis inhibit the performance of the following activities, occupational therapy can be very beneficial.

• Activities of daily living — Self-feeding, dressing, bathing, grooming, and toileting
• Home management tasks — Meal prep/cooking, cleaning, laundry
• Work-related tasks — Due to cognitive issues, fatigue, or physical impairment, such as decreased hand function

An occupational therapist can create an individualized plan of care that will address problem areas in daily routines that are having a negative impact on quality of life. An OT can also work with persons living with MS, to establish appropriate physical activity regimens that will assist in rehabilitation of deficit areas, and/or maintenance of maximal levels of function in order to prevent further decline. An occupational therapist specializes in the ability to make recommendations for home and activity modifications to ensure one achieves their highest level of function and participation.

Occupational therapy provides assessment, treatment, and recommendations in the following areas:

Danielle Keyser, OT “It’s not enough to just live life, we should strive to love the life we live!”

• Fatigue management
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Upper body/lower body weakness
• Home modification
• Cooking and homemaking
• Self-feeding with adaptive utensils
• Workplace adaptations
• Computer modifications
• Bathroom equipment use
• Dressing and grooming aids
• Leisure/hobby skill development

How can occupational therapy help with fatigue?

Research indicates that fatigue is a common symptom that interferes with daily functions for persons with MS. An article written by Tiffany J. Braley, MD and Ronald D. Chervin, MD,  states that fatigue is a symptom impacting “at least 75% of MS patients at some point in the disease course.” A primary step in fatigue management is to develop the skill of successfully identifying the factors that worsen fatigue; consequently, routines can then be modified to aid in fatigue reduction. An occupational therapist can assist persons with MS in learning energy conservation techniques, and in developing effective home and/or workplace routines. These interventions may be useful in maximizing participation in daily activities, while minimizing the negative impact of exhaustion.

It is well established, through research and outcomes, that occupational therapy can play an important role in the life of an individual living with multiple sclerosis. In addition to fatigue, MS presents with many other challenging symptoms that threaten one’s independence and create disruptions in the things that make life fun and enjoyable. Below, you will meet Ms. Carolyn Marks. Her story illustrates how occupational and physical therapy can make a significant impact on function and quality of life.

MS Patient Success Story

Carolyn Marks of Opelousas, LA, recently attended the Lafayette Multiple Sclerosis Symposium in October of 2017 where she was introduced to our Director of Education and Occupational Therapist, Danielle Keyser. Danielle was invited to present to individuals and their families about home modifications that are available to those who live with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, helping them live life more independently. Following the presentation, Ms. Carolyn felt compelled to call her physician to obtain a prescription for both occupational and physical therapy services.

“Danielle’s presentation was very informative and she helped me to get a chair so that I can bathe independently at home, which I had not been able to do for several years. My experience has been wonderful. I’m doing things I didn’t think I could do. Everyone here has been very professional.”

So we asked Ms. Carolyn how her life has been impacted after receiving both PT and OT services and she said the following:

1. My balance has improved.
2. I can now kneel at church without being afraid that I would not be able to get up.
3. I can stand up from a chair without holding on.
4. I can now squat and pick up things from the floor.
5. I am able to lift my leg without manually lifting it.

“I didn’t realize how important therapy is to maintain my balance, especially in MS patients. It also improved my strength…Everyone here has been so wonderful and I would definitely recommend the Therapy Center!”

If you or a loved one are living with MS or any other illness that has affected your quality of life and independence, contact one of our facilities today to see if you would be a good candidate for occupational, physical or speech therapy.

If you are experiencing any issues with fatigue, self-care, memory, or concentration, talk with your doctor about prescribing occupational therapy. Did you know that physical therapy as well as speech therapy can also be useful in treating patients with MS?

Read these articles to learn more:

Physical Therapist’s Guide to Multiple Sclerosis

How Speech Therapy Helps People with MS

Speech & Swallowing: The basic facts – Multiple sclerosis

Article Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2910465/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/occupational-therapy-multiple-sclerosis

With words like eviction notice and budget cuts plaguing the news this year, healthcare professionals are experiencing added stress to an already stressful work environment.  Administrators in nursing homes are often in a high-stakes decision-making role, making decisions at every level, from food vendors to patient care, in order to keep operations running smoothly.

According to a recent study, health care providers have higher stress levels and complaints than employees of any other industry (www.advisory.com.)  Sixty-nine percent of health care workers report feeling stressed, and seventeen percent report being highly stressed.  Stress can not only affect your work environment, but chronic stress can be detrimental to your health, resulting in high blood pressure, heart attacks, lower immunity, depression, anxiety, and more.

Are you looking for ways to overcome the pressure and strain of your job? We have some ideas that might help.

How to manage stress in the workplace

1. Track your stressors:  Journaling your everyday stressors and how you handle those situations can help establish patterns.  Writing these daily occurrences down may help you identify those triggers and help you establish better ways to deal with those situations.
2. Establish boundaries:  With today’s technology at our fingertips, it is easy to take work home.  Make sure to establish work-life boundaries for yourself.  Planning a specific time of day to check emails and return phone calls can help alleviate the pressures of work, allowing you to spend quality time with your family. Be careful not to let work time intrude into your personal downtime…This is when resentments toward your work can begin to form.
3. Communication: Once you establish your boundaries, make sure to communicate those to your work peers and employees. If the expectation is that you are unavailable after 6pm, then individuals who are in need of your input will change their practice of when they reach out to you. Also, communicating your peak times of availability will allow others to gain the best use of your time and energy.
4. Get some support:  Hiring more people in the workplace and spreading out responsibilities can help reduce stress levels, but investing in more resources is not always possible.  So often peers in our industry can offer support, encouragement and solutions that we haven’t had the time or energy to think of ourselves. Establishing a professional mentor is also a great way to gain perspective and support from an experienced source. Finally, remember that it is important to ask for help when it is needed. Employers often have resources readily available including online materials and even counseling.

Do you feel the weight coming off your shoulders? If you are interested in learning more about our services, contact us today 337-384-9791 or visit us at www.therapyctr.com.

Ms. Joan arrived at Bayou Chateau Nursing Center following multiple hospitalizations.  These hospitalizations resulted in cognitive decline, generalized muscle weakness, and increased dependency on caregivers.

“When I got here I couldn’t walk or hardly do anything.  It was like I was in limbo,”  says Ms. Joan.

Although Ms. Joan had a long way to go, she had a goal of going home as soon as possible.

“The most challenging part was learning how to walk again, getting in and out of bed, and my memory.  The therapists never let me quit.  I enjoyed seeing them every day.  It’s the best therapy I’ve ever received.”

“When first coming in contact with Ms. Joan, she was extremely motivated and determined to work diligently to achieve all therapy goals.  She continued her exercises outside of therapy and recalled/implemented compensatory strategies throughout her day,” says Brittany F., Speech-Language Pathologist.

Though Ms. Joan faced some setbacks, as many patients do, she started to make progress almost immediately and due to her progress, was able to leave just after six short weeks.

“I contribute that to hard work from me and my therapists.  I drive now.  I come to town every day.  I play bingo with my friends and make it to all of my doctors’ appointments.  I’m pretty much back to normal,” says Ms. Joan.

“Her attitude and feeling of responsibility to overcome challenges in order to return home made all of the difference.  She was usually the first person in the rehab department every morning.  Overall, I had a feeling of pride after working with Ms. Joan.  She is a truly wonderful lady whose success story is inspiring to many,” says Brittany.

Ms. Joan’s message for those that are currently undergoing therapy treatments…

“Just stick with it and don’t give up.  Do what your therapists tell you to do, at least try.  If you can’t do it just keep trying, it will eventually come to you.  Some just might take more time than others.”

If you would like to learn more about our rehab services in skilled nursing facilities visit our website at www.therapyctr.com.

Mr. Kenneth, a native of Church Point and a customer of Guilbeau’s Pharmacy, spotted our therapy clinic in downtown Carencro one afternoon. Little did he know, that in just a few months, he would become a frequent visitor of our clinic and an unforgettable therapy patient.

After waking up one November morning with a terrible headache Mr. Kenneth was rushed to the hospital and treated for a brain bleed due to Arteriovenous Malformation. AVM is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain, which is usually present at birth. Over the course of his lengthy hospitalization, he was intubated several times and following brain surgery, Mr. Kenneth suffered a stroke. As a result of these medical complications, his vocal chords were paralyzed and he could no longer walk, talk, or see.

Due to vocal chord paresis, Mr. Kenneth lost 30 pounds. Along with trouble swallowing he had a hard time talking without having to catch his breath. “Everyone had trouble understanding me on the phone. I could only talk in short phrases.”

“My options were to get Botox every 6 months or try speech therapy. Dr. Foreman was very encouraging that speech therapy could really help me long term to get my function back.”

Mr. Kenneth began his therapy with Therapy Center’s Carencro Outpatient Clinic and in just 2 short months he was fully rehabilitated.

Marissa, Speech Therapist who cared for Mr. Kenneth when he initially became our patient.

“Marissa was my initial therapist. Both her and Susan were persistent with me and encouraged me to go the full length of treatment. They gave me exercises to help respiratory support for voice and swallow function, as well as voice therapy, strengthening exercises for swallowing and NMES (e-stem for swallow dysfunction). What made the Therapy Center so special was the detail and purpose behind the therapy. They helped me understand what we were doing and why.”

“What’s important for us to do as therapists is to educate the patient on why it’s important to complete the home exercise programs in between treatments. This is truly an important component that allows patients to gain maximum function from our efforts.” –Susan G. Speech Language Pathologist

“Whatever exercise we did, they pushed me and made my progress happen. They were consistent in the care they provided and gave me things to work on at home, so that my full recovery was a possibility. I wanted to be pushed and felt like the therapists wanted my recovery as much as I did.”

Mr. Kenneth’s advice to those that are currently experiencing therapy—“Come and try and stick with it. Hang in there. Don’t give up, stick with it if you want it. If the therapist gives home exercises it’s important to practice them. I was dedicated and did what I needed to do to get better.”

For more information on our outpatient services, including speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy services, visit our complete listing of all clinics. 

To read more patient success stories, click here.

Mrs. Connie, a native of Church Point, was a patient at The Road Home Therapy Center in 2017 and again in 2018 following 2 total knee replacements.

“I lost my husband a couple of months before my first knee replacement, so I requested to come here after my surgery for help with my recovery and rehab. He used to work here…my husband.” As she fought back the tears in her eyes she went on to say, “Ashley, my therapist, really comforted me when I was depressed. I remember she took me outside and sat with me for a long time while I cried. It’s a lot more than just physical therapy here. These people really care about you.”

Mrs. Connie wanted to return home as soon as possible. With an intense, all discipline therapy program, she was able to reach all of her goals. “I need to be able to take care of myself at home. I want to take care of my great grandson, and I want to be able to do my housework, yard work, and cooking and cleaning without pain.”

“I enjoyed doing the exercise. I was lucky that I knew I was getting to go home. Not everyone gets to do that,” Mrs. Connie went on to say. “After therapy, I feel more comfortable walking. It’s getting easier every day.”

Mrs. Connie’s advice for others that are currently undergoing therapy treatments—

“If you don’t have help at home—come here. They will take good care of you. I felt very comfortable here. It’s truly a wonderful place!”

To see more success stories like this one, visit the Success Stories on our blog.

Follow our progress on Facebook and also stay in touch with The Road Home Therapy Center on their Facebook Page as well.

Mr. James came to Princeton Place Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after demonstrating functional decline from an old stroke. His goals upon entering therapy were to regain strength and coordination for independent living including cooking meals, completing laundry, self-care tasks and community involvement.

“Mr. James quickly started improving due to his willingness to work hard. He was always the first one through the door in the mornings, eager and ready to make coffee for his fellow residents in therapy, and willing to accept new challenges,” says Alyssa, Occupational Therapist with Therapy Center.

“I had a very good experience with the sweet, kind therapists working with me every day. The staff helped me get well and taught me that I can do things again,” says Mr. James.

“Because Mr. James was improving so quickly, he often challenged us in creating therapeutic interventions. At one point we all competed in a push up contest,” says Jenny, Physical Therapist.

Upon entering the facility Mr. James did not have a place to call home. As he continued to progress in therapy, it became apparent that he was able to live on his own again. The staff at Princeton Place stepped in and began assisting him in the application process of finding Mr. James a new home.

“This is the reason why we became therapists. It’s days with Mr. James that remind us the difference we are making not only in his physical health, but in his personal life being able to help him find and furnish his new home,” says Brooke, speech language pathologist.

“The best part about my experience here was the staff and therapists that I interacted with every day. Without their help, I wouldn’t be doing all the things I am doing now. I had been to therapy before, but it didn’t help like the therapy that I received here,” says Mr. James.

He has since left the facility and is living independently in his own home. Upon moving out our therapists and staff from Princeton Place helped Mr. James furnish his new place with furniture and cookware. A week after being settled in, our therapy team made a surprise visit.

“We were so happy to visit Mr. James at his new home for a pizza party to celebrate his birthday,” says Candy Clark, certified occupational therapy assistant.

“This is the best birthday I’ve had in a long time!” – Mr. James.

To find out more about our partner facilities, please visit www.therapyctr.com.

After falling ill with pneumonia, Mr. Harold came to Colonial Nursing Home to start him on the road to recovery. When our therapy team first saw him he was receiving all nutritional intake via tube feedings, and unable to roll from side to side or sit up without max assistance.

“Mr. Harold’s goal was to return home, able to walk and eat on his own again” says Linda, Speech Language Pathologist.

“He was beyond motivated to get better and was always waiting on us to get to work to open the therapy gym for him to start his therapy sessions. He made my job easy,” says Emily, Physical Therapy Assistant.

Once Mr. Harold’s medical condition became stable, he was able to start making improvements that were noticeable including transferring from his bed to his wheelchair with Certified Nursing Assistants.

“I had to increase resistance with gait tasks on even and uneven surfaces. This included him pulling a board of twenty pound weights behind him, and he proudly would tell other residents he was plowing,” says Emily.

“His overall attitude and disposition improved as we began trials of pureed food. The best feeling was seeing him receiving the host for communion. It brought tears to his eyes and everyone else in the therapy gym,” says Linda.

“I would tell others going through therapy to not give up!! Do everything the therapists tell you to do! Trust them,” says Mr. Harold.

“He was a very patient man. He had a good understanding of his diagnoses and was patient with all medical personnel involved in his care and with the process. He truly had faith in all of us involved in his care to make the best decisions and the ones that would get home again. A day never passed that he didn’t say thank you to each person. It’s difficult to achieve fully gaining a patient’s trust and being 100 % compliant. But we did with him and got him home,” says Greta, Occupational Therapist.

If you are interested in our therapy program at partner facilities, please visit our website www.therapyctr.com.

Mr. McVea came to Bayou Chateau Nursing Center following coronary artery bypass surgery which limited his ability to complete daily living tasks safely and effectively at home.  Prior to his surgery, Mr. McVea was living at home independently, so his goal was to regain his strength and health in order to return home.

“Upon beginning therapy, Mr. McVea was very tired and had difficulty remembering new information. However, he was motivated to work hard and participate to achieve goals,” recalled Brittany, M.A., CCC-SLP for Therapy Center.

“When I first met him, he was very pleasant, compliant, and motivated to return home. I remember thinking to myself  – I have never seen someone do so well after open heart surgery,”” stated Jennifer, certified occupational therapist assistant for Therapy Center.

Although Mr. McVea was sore from surgery, he pushed himself to attend sessions. He was eager to complete all activities and exercises, and he applied the the skills he learned outside of therapy sessions. Throughout his treatment duration, Mr. McVea was the first patient in the rehab department every morning and his improvements were immediately visible.

“The therapists here provide amazing treatment!  They know what they are doing and what I needed.  I have received great treatment and awesome results,” exclaimed Mr. McVea.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with an individual who truly loves life. Mr. McVea always wore a smile and cheered on the other patients in therapy. We are sad to see him leave, but so very proud of his accomplishments and ability to return home,” says Brittany.

If you would like to learn more about our therapy services visit www.therapyctr.com.

During this unprecedented time, many of those in our communities have been impacted by the positive diagnosis of COVID-19. One of the more common complications from the virus is difficulty breathing as well as rebuilding muscle for those that have been put on a ventilator. While the listed exercises have been proven beneficial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as therapists, we believe they are also wonderful recommendations for those currently in quarantine or recovering from a positive diagnosis.

When practiced regularly, breathing exercises can help you reduce stress it takes on your body to perform daily activities and can also potentially aid in your return to exercising and feeling overall more energetic. Read Healthline’s article for more on how to properly complete the below exercises:

• pursed lip breathing
• coordinated breathing
• deep breathing
• huff cough
• diaphragmatic breathing

For more information on the services Therapy Center has available or how to be referred to therapy, we encourage you to contact a clinic nearest you.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or if you are among the front lines in healthcare and trying to find a way to manage your stress, read our blog for tips! 

In September of 2019, Ms. Edna had an accident at home and she required surgery. Her doctors recommended skilled services in a skilled nursing facility so she could receive as much therapy as she could tolerate. During her stay in a local SNF, Ms. Edna became sick with a UTI and was hospitalized at Mercy Regional Medical Center. She received therapy from Therapy Center while on acute for 2 weeks.

“My mom was so excited to be able to walk and use the equipment that therapy had to be able to feel independent again. She was motivated by the therapists and encouragement they provided. She left the hospital with the ability to transfer herself from the bed to the bed side toilet and transfer from the bed to the wheelchair,” explained Mary Bergeaux Willis, Edna’s daughter.

In response to the COVID crisis, Mary moved her mom back home, but she quickly realized Ms. Edna needed more therapy and care than she could provide.

“We chose Savoy Care Center because I knew the same therapy provider mom saw at Mercy Regional hospital would be providing the services in Savoy Care Center and that was important to me. If it wouldn’t have been the Therapy Center, my momma would have given up long ago. The amount of therapy she received when she arrived, and continues to receive, gives her the hope that she needed to live her life the fullest. So much credit goes to Therapy Center and Savoy Care Center, you guys are amazing. I highly recommend this place to people who need help with their elderly.”

Visit websites for more information about the services available for your loved one at Therapy Center, Mercy Regional Medical Center, and Savoy Care Center.