Providing compassionate in-home and out-patient care in Plymouth, NH

National Osteoporosis Month-Preventing Falls in the Home

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Observes National Osteoporosis Month.Prevent falls in the home, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health joins the nation in recognizing National Osteoporosis Month this May. As advocates for senior health and well-being, Pemi-Baker emphasizes the importance of awareness and prevention in reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related fracture due to falls among older adults.

According to recent data, falls are one of the leading causes of injury and mortality among older adults, with a significant portion of these falls occurring within the comfort of one’s own home. Studies show that one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year, and falls are responsible for more than 95% of hip fractures among older adults. As we age, the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, increases, further exacerbating the likelihood of fractures from falling.

Pemi-Baker’s team of Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs) underscores the importance of identifying and addressing common hazards in the home that contribute to falls. Among the regular factors that can heighten the risk of falls are:

  • slippery floors
  • inadequate lighting
  • loose rugs
  • cluttered pathways and stairs
  • poorly designed furniture arrangements

“Prevention is key when it comes to reducing the risk of falls among older adults,” says Ernest Roy, PT, DPT and Quality Director at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “By understanding the common hazards present in the home environment, individuals can take proactive measures to create safer living spaces and minimize the risk of falls.”

Pemi-Baker encourages older adults and their caregivers to work closely with healthcare professionals to implement preventative measures such as:

  • installing grab bars in bathrooms
  • securing loose carpets and getting rid of throw rugs
  • improving lighting conditions by adding motion night lights
  • participating in strength and balance exercises to enhance mobility and stability
  • education on proper footwear, vision enhancement, and medication management
  • implementation of assistive devices and adaptive equipment to support mobility

Throughout National Osteoporosis Month, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health remains dedicated to raising awareness about osteoporosis prevention and promoting the well-being of older adults in our community.

Preventing Falls in the Home

Falls have been a leading cause of injury for older Americans for decades, and the data on this problem is startling. As a Physical Therapist with Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health for nearly 12 years now, I can attest to the number of home health patients we treat annually due to a fall.  Research compiled by the CDC finds:

  • In 2018, approximately 36 million falls occurred among people aged 65 and over in the US, and of that number, there were roughly 8 million injuries.(1)
  • One out of every 5 falls among older adults causes a serious injury, such as a broken bone or a head injury.
  • In fact, falls are the most common cause for traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
  • If you are curious about the cost of all this falling to the healthcare system, annually it totals close to 50 billion dollars for non-fatal falls, and another 750 million dollars for fatal falls.
  • NH actually has a higher than average rate of deaths due to falling, with a rate of 109 deaths per 100,000 falls annually. The national average is 66-68 deaths per 100,000 falls.

The WHO has reported that people over the age of 75 tend to fall more frequently in their homes, while those younger than age 75 seem to fall outside more often.  Prior surveys found that around 30% of falls in the home happened in the living room, while another 30% were occurring in the bedroom. 19% of falls from this data set took place in the bathroom.

As for the reasons why people fall, there are numerous contributing causes.  Many times, a person who falls will have several issues that weigh in against them. The evidence shows the likelihood of falls can be influenced by many factors including:

  • A prior fall. This is often the single strongest predictor of further falls.
  • Weakness of the leg or hip muscles. This can contribute to poor balance and slower reaction times, making it harder to stop a fall if a person stumbles or bumps into something
  • Poor vision, which also influences balance
  • Use of medications such as sedatives, some pain killers, or anti- depressants. Some of these may cause drowsiness or slower reactions.
  • Joint pain, especially in the feet, ankles, knees or hips.
  • Trip/slip hazards in the home such as clutter, objects lying in hallways, poor lighting, high thresholds, liquid spilled onto floors.

Fortunately, there are some effective options available to help reduce the chances of falling. The CDC has published a manual titled “A CDC Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions”.  The first item they go over is exercise. Studies have repeatedly shown that specially designed exercises aimed at weak muscles and poor balance can be effective for many people in reducing falls.

The second item in the CDC Compendium effective for reducing falls was modification to the living environment. This might consist of things like making sure there is adequate lighting, getting rid of broken down old footwear, installing color contrasting tape on stairs, or getting a shower chair and hand-held shower attachment in place.

For over 55 years, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health has been providing services exactly as I have described above, to people in Grafton County, right in their homes.  Our agency has highly trained, caring Occupational and Physical Therapists who can bring their expertise to your home and give you the right guidance on what you should do to reduce your chances of a fall.  We can create custom home exercise programs and recommend practical, effective ways to modify your living environment for better safety.  While our outpatient OT and PT service has now transitioned to operating thru the Mid-State Health Center, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health continues to provide top quality in-home OT, PT, and Nursing care.  For more details, call or check our website www.pbhha.org.

References:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org  Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

~written by Ernest Roy PT DPT, Quality Director PBH&HH

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Occupational therapy helps people with an injury, illness, or disability learn or re-learn to do everyday activities. For adults, this could include activities like getting dressed, cooking, and driving. For children, this could include activities like learning or playing. Occupational therapy got its name from its focus on helping patients with everyday activities—or “occupations.”

Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) are a part of your health care team. They think about your physical abilities, like which parts of your body you can and can’t easily move. They think about your mental abilities, like what your brain can and can’t process. And they think about your environment, like where you live, work, or go to school—and how you get there.

Your OT will ask you questions about what’s important to you, like driving your car or folding your laundry, so treatment focuses on meeting your goals. They might change the way you do an activity, like putting an extension on your steering wheel or suggesting grab bars to help you get in and out of the shower. OTs and OTAs will usually go wherever you need them so you can practice your skills where you’ll actually be doing activities, like your school, house, office, or nursing home.

  • Occupational therapy activities support what you want to do. All of your occupational therapy treatment activities should have meaning and be things you want and need to do. They should help you reach your goals and make you more functional and independent. The following are examples: Self-care or activities of daily living (brushing teeth, buttoning clothes, using eating utensils), Hand-eye coordination (writing on a classroom whiteboard, copying in a notebook what the teacher writes on the board), Fine motor skills (grasping and controlling a pencil, using scissors).

Real Life Example: If you had a stroke, you may still want or need to prepare your own meals while you’re recovering. Your OT or OTA should spend time helping you reach this goal by showing you the best ways to do things like reaching into cupboards and turning on the stove.

  • Occupational therapy activities that challenge your mind have a purpose. Just like your movement-based occupational therapy activities help you reach your physical goals, your mind-based activities should help you reach your cognitive goals. Your OT and OTA will think about how your brain uses information to help you reach your goals.

Real Life Example: If you have a brain injury from an accident, you may still want to do your own grocery shopping. This might include planning your meals, making a grocery list, managing your money, and finding items in the grocery store.

How do I choose an occupational therapist? Your doctor may refer you to an OT, but you can also choose one on your own.

Make sure your OT or OTA is licensed. Federal and state laws license and regulate OTs and OTAs. Contact your state’s Occupational Therapy Licensing Board or Agency to confirm that your OT or OTA is licensed.

Check your insurance coverage. Ask your health insurance plan if they cover occupational therapy. Many do, including Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans. Also ask if the OT and/or OTA you want to see is in your plan’s network, how much you may need to pay, and how many appointments are covered.

Contact Pemi-Baker Community Health today to set up an appointment in your home or at our office on Boulder Point Drive. 603-536-2232

~written by Anna Swanson

Preventing Falls with Occupational & Physical Therapy

September is National Falls Prevention month! At least one out of every three adults over the age of 65 falls each year, resulting in almost 2 million older adults ending up in an emergency room. Out of those 2 million, 15,000 die from their injuries. That equals 1 death every 35 minutes as a direct result of a fall. With the help of Pemi-Baker Community Health’s therapy practitioners, older adults can take steps to reduce fall risk and safely increase their involvement in activities they value.

What Causes Falls?

Falls result from personal, environmental, and activity-based factors. Personal factors include such things as illness, behaviors, capabilities, medications, and fear of falling. Environmental factors are those outside of the older adult, such as hazards in the home, the stability of the shoes he or she wears, and the availability and use of mobility devices like canes or walkers. Finally, specific activities can place someone at risk for a fall when the demands of the activity exceed his or her abilities. For example, when someone who has poor balance stands on top of a step stool to reach into a cabinet, fall risk increases. “It is the interaction of these factors that typically leads to a fall,” says Pam Hixon, Occupational Therapist at Pemi-Baker Community Health.

https://youtu.be/t7lC5Pdpx_k

How Occupational Therapy Can Help           

The role of occupational therapy in fall prevention has been widely and increasingly recognized. “Occupational therapy practitioners consider how the individual functions in his or her day-to-day environment,” says Hixon. “They actively involve the client in the fall prevention process to better understand individual fall risk factors and intervention priorities. Teaching clients how to identify and solve problems is an important part of the occupational therapy process.”

Occupational therapy practitioners working in home health have a unique opportunity to understand factors that increase fall risk. They usually start creating a fall prevention plan by discussing the older adult’s typical and desired daily activities. To understand a client’s capabilities, the practitioner might ask the client to perform some typical activities, such as climbing stairs or getting in and out of the bathtub.

To make activities safer and easier, the practitioner might suggest new ways to do things or recommend the use of adaptive equipment. They will help clients select which assistive devices would be most appropriate- walkers vs canes for example. The practitioner also helps to identify and address hazards in the home such as loose rugs, stairways cluttered with items and slippery tubs and showers. They can also help procure items such as grab bars, tub seats, raised toilet seats…all of which increase safety.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Preventing falls is key, but reducing the chance of injury in the case of a fall is also extremely important. Screening for osteoporosis through a painless bone density test can be very helpful. Older adults who have low bone mass are at greater risk for a fracture if a fall occurs. Osteoporosis can be managed medically with a physician’s help, and physical therapy practitioners can help clients who have osteoporosis build bone mass through activity, thus increasing their ability to engage in day-to-day activities more easily.

When you first meet your physical therapist, he or she will assess your balance.  If it is impaired due to visual, inner ear or muscular reasons, your physical therapist will give you exercises to safely challenge and improve your balance. For those with very high fall-risk factors, doing exercises waist to chest deep in Pemi-Baker’s warm therapy pool creates a very safe setting for a client to be in control, without the risk of falling. On land or in the water, physical therapy will help improve your mobility, and provide an important boost to your confidence when walking so you can minimize your risk of falling and enjoy your normal everyday activities.

Accessing Occupational or Physical Therapy

Older adults can access therapy services for fall prevention in various settings, such as acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and in the home via home health services. Pemi-Baker Community Health offers services in the home as well as at their facility on 101 Boulder Point Road in Plymouth, NH.

If you are concerned about falling, or have had a fall recently, talk to your Primary Care Physician (PCP) about getting a referral to see an Occupational or Physical Therapist with Pemi-Baker Community Health. With over 50 years of experience, serving clients from 20+ towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Community Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care and on-site physical, occupational and aquatic therapy at their Boulder Point Facility.               

To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org

 

~Anna Swanson

Improving Your Life Through Physical Therapy

One of the side effects of social distancing unfortunately, has been a slowing down or stopping of our normal exercise routines. With that comes less flexibility, balance and strength. Physical therapy is often thought of as something we do after an orthopedic injury or surgery, but in reality, physical therapy can help us remain independent and agile as we age. For seniors PT plays a significant preventative role and the physical therapists at Pemi-Baker Community Health know just how to help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a third of all people over the age of 65 fall each year, making it the leading cause of injury in seniors.  Every year, tens of thousands of older people are hospitalized with hip fractures. As many as 20 percent of them die within a year of the injury, while the rest never return to their prior level of function.

As we age, our bodies undergo a natural decline in flexibility, strength and balance, making it harder to maintain desired activity levels, and making us prone to falls. The National Institutes of Health cites physical therapy as a means to mitigate those losses, as well as to increase overall fitness. Fitness equates to independence.

Pemi-Baker Community Health’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Director, Matt Scagliarini, PT, DPT says, “We want the community to know that as an essential service, Pemi-Baker is continuing to provide rehab therapy regardless of what challenges come our way. We are following CDC guidelines to prioritize our patients and keep them safe during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic by staggering schedules, reducing traffic flow and proper cleaning between patients.  We have been and will continue to provide physical therapy care to our clients while maintaining a safe environment throughout the coronavirus pandemic.”

Rehab services at Pemi-Baker include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Together, these services treat a span of ailments that commonly affect people in their senior years: orthopedic, pre and post-surgical care, cardio-pulmonary rehab; speech and movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease, stroke or other neurological conditions.

“A lot of clients experience chronic pain,” adds Scagliarini. “Having lived a full, active life tends to leave you with aches and pains from repeated use. Our heated therapy pool can help reduce the strain on your joints, allowing you to work on your balance and improve your strength safely and comfortably.”

Physical therapy can also help control the pain of many age-related problems, like arthritis and fatigue. “Physical therapy along with medication management by your PCP, provides a way to manage pain and maintain current levels of function, without falling into the trap of medication dependency,” says Scagliarini.

Among the 11 Pemi-Baker home health therapists and 9 outpatient therapists, their specialties include: Geriatrics, Myofascial & Cranio Sacral Therapy, Visceral & Neural Manipulations, Active Release Techniques (ART), IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization), PelviDry Needling, Vertigo & TMJ, and the LSVT BIG program for their Parkinson’s clients.

Therapy at Pemi-Baker is actually a way of life.  As Scagliarini sums it up: “We want to be involved in client’s lives at their homes as well as at our location on Boulder Point in Plymouth. We will work with you to keep you as active and healthy as possible.” Call your PCP today to ask for a referral for physical therapy at Pemi-Baker Community Health. Appointments are available.

~Anna Swanson

Protect Your Hands-You Only Get Two!

The saying goes “work smarter, not harder.”  These are words to live by when protecting the fragile joints of your wrists and hands, especially if you have arthritis.  There are many techniques you can learn to get through your day without injuring yourself further.

Remember to be proactive.  Balance work and rest, making sure you rest before you’re tired and before pain starts.  Prioritize what’s important for the day, setting realistic goals and completing more difficult activities when you feel strongest.  For some the morning is best, for others the afternoon is better when they’ve loosened up.

When you’re in the middle of your task, try to maintain proper posture, use both hands when possible and avoid a tight grip, using the palms of your hands for lifting and pushing instead.

When working in the kitchen there are many cooking tips and gadgets to make it easier on your hands.  Setting a bowl on a sponge or washcloth can prevent bowls from turning, so you don’t have to hold them.  Large culinary scissors can be used to open plastic bags and cut up vegetables.  Use tongs instead of forks to turn or lift foods, and if you have a spiked cutting board, your steak will stay put.  Electric can openers and jar openers do most of the work for you.  Keep knives sharp so you can use your other hand to provide pressure on top of the knife to cut items.  Carry groceries in your arms, close to your body.  By doing this, bag handles won’t cut into your hands and fingers, and your back will thank you, too.

There are many things we do every day not realizing how much strain we are putting on our fingers.  When you’re

done with the dishes, press water out of sponges with your palm, not by squeezing. Drip dry your hands or pat them, instead of wringing them in a towel.  Slip foam over a pencil or use the eraser end to dial the phone, holding the pencil like an ice pick.  When inserting tacks don’t put all that pressure on your thumb; use a small hammer. Place extensions or grippers on door knobs or water faucets.  Many of these items can be found at your local hardware or dollar store.

Hopefully these aforementioned tricks will help.  Just remember, that if your hands are already fragile or injured, these are good guidelines to follow.  If preserving hand strength is your goal, talk to your Pemi-Baker Physical or Occupational therapist for strengthening exercises.

 

~by Pam Hixon, OT

The Rewards of Being a Hospice Volunteer

While I was familiar with Hospice for many years, I only have been a hospice volunteer with Pemi Baker Hospice and Home Health (PBHHH) since October 2021.  When I retired, I began searching for volunteer work that would allow me to give back to my community.  A newsletter from PBHHH arrived in my email announcing training for hospice volunteers.  My family had experienced the need for hospice twice, once in Ohio and again in Florida.  The relief my family and I felt when the hospice volunteers arrived was beyond measure.  I want to bring the same kind of assistance to others.  PBHHH given me that opportunity by providing professional training with knowledgeable nurses, doctors, social workers and other health care professionals.  Their guidance has enabled me to meet the challenges of being s hospice volunteer, and I am very glad that I did it.

Connie C.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2022-06-27T12:20:25-04:00

Connie C.

While I was familiar with Hospice for many years, I only have been a hospice volunteer with Pemi Baker Hospice and Home Health (PBHHH) since October 2021.  When I retired, I began searching for volunteer work that would allow me to give back to my community.  A newsletter from PBHHH arrived in my email announcing training for hospice volunteers.  My family had experienced the need for hospice twice, once in Ohio and again in Florida.  The relief my family and I felt when the hospice volunteers arrived was beyond measure.  I want to bring the same kind of assistance to others.  PBHHH given me that opportunity by providing professional training with knowledgeable nurses, doctors, social workers and other health care professionals.  Their guidance has enabled me to meet the challenges of being s hospice volunteer, and I am very glad that I did it.

You give of yourselves day & night without end!

To the Pemi-Baker Hospice Team--Words really can't express my feelings-

Your help during one of the most difficult times of my life is SO appreciated.  I'm so grateful that because of you, Doug was able to get his wish not to spend the last of his days in a hospital, but at home with those of us who loved him.

And to be constantly reassured that if I needed anything you would be there-oh my gosh-ANYTIME!  Well, you people need to know how much you are appreciated.  You give of yourselves day & night without end!  God Bless you and thank you!

Pam O.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-06-11T07:31:14-04:00

Pam O.

To the Pemi-Baker Hospice Team--Words really can't express my feelings- Your help during one of the most difficult times of my life is SO appreciated.  I'm so grateful that because of you, Doug was able to get his wish not to spend the last of his days in a hospital, but at home with those of us who loved him. And to be constantly reassured that if I needed anything you would be there-oh my gosh-ANYTIME!  Well, you people need to know how much you are appreciated.  You give of yourselves day & night without end!  God Bless you and thank you!

“My home physical therapy was fantastic.”

Pemi-Baker provided very good home therapy. All their therapists were pleasant, helpful in offering suggestions for better functioning after surgery, and practiced good health protocols. They were also very prompt in showing up for scheduled appointments.

Elizabeth B.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2019-11-07T12:26:12-05:00

Elizabeth B.

Pemi-Baker provided very good home therapy. All their therapists were pleasant, helpful in offering suggestions for better functioning after surgery, and practiced good health protocols. They were also very prompt in showing up for scheduled appointments.

“Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know.”

Thank you to everyone who played a role in taking care of my mother and giving her the freedom of remaining home while suffering from dementia. Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know. A special thanks goes to Macayla and Colleen, who visited her on a regular basis, and to Lauren who was helpful in connecting us with state services.

Terry W.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-01-17T12:43:19-05:00

Terry W.

Thank you to everyone who played a role in taking care of my mother and giving her the freedom of remaining home while suffering from dementia. Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know. A special thanks goes to Macayla and Colleen, who visited her on a regular basis, and to Lauren who was helpful in connecting us with state services.

“Everyone is so understanding supportive and kind.”

From the director to the nurses to the health care workers.  So cheerful, helpful and accommodating.  This is our second time receiving assistance from Pemi-Baker and we are very lucky to have found this amazing group!  Thank you for your excellent care and compassion.

Leila L.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-01-17T13:19:24-05:00

Leila L.

From the director to the nurses to the health care workers.  So cheerful, helpful and accommodating.  This is our second time receiving assistance from Pemi-Baker and we are very lucky to have found this amazing group!  Thank you for your excellent care and compassion.

“Pemi-Baker Hospice services provided kind, professional, competent services every step of the way-and even vaccinated us all for Covid/19!””

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in (Cathy, Penny, Colleen) were wonderful and a credit to your organization. Fred, you were amazing, not only for mom but for my husband and I as well. I will forever be grateful for your support, wisdom, humor and kindness, all along the end of life journey for mom. I am so deeply thankful that circumstances conspired such that mom was able to die at home, and your role made that time as seamless as it could be made.

Paula W.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-01-17T12:31:13-05:00

Paula W.

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in (Cathy, Penny, Colleen) were wonderful and a credit to your organization. Fred, you were amazing, not only for mom but for my husband and I as well. I will forever be grateful for your support, wisdom, humor and kindness, all along the end of life journey for mom. I am so deeply thankful that circumstances conspired such that mom was able to die at home, and your role made that time as seamless as it could be made.

Your courage during Covid-19 does not go unnoticed

Hello. We just wanted to take a moment and let you know how much we truly appreciate all that you do for us in these trying times. You're commitment to the health of our community is a special thing, and we know that you are working under stressful conditions due to the Covid 19 crisis. We realize that in order for you to treat those who may be ill, you are putting you're own lives and even you're own families lives in danger, and that is truly a courageous and honorable thing to do. We want you to know that it does not go unnoticed. Thank you all for all that you do!

Bryan and Renee C., and our mom Joan

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-06-11T06:27:43-04:00

Bryan and Renee C., and our mom Joan

Hello. We just wanted to take a moment and let you know how much we truly appreciate all that you do for us in these trying times. You're commitment to the health of our community is a special thing, and we know that you are working under stressful conditions due to the Covid 19 crisis. We realize that in order for you to treat those who may be ill, you are putting you're own lives and even you're own families lives in danger, and that is truly a courageous and honorable thing to do. We want you to know that it does not go unnoticed. Thank you all for all that you do!
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