Olympic athletes are typically seen as the epitome of human strength, flexibility, and performance. Did you know that there are also Senior Olympiads? The National Senior Games run from July 24th to August 4th this year!

We don’t have to be Olympiads to be our strongest as we age, though! Lower body strength is one of the largest predictors of how well we function as we age and whether we may need to live in a nursing home. Did you know the average 90-year-old man living at home can sit to stand from a normal height chair 7-12 times in 30 seconds WITHOUT using his arms to stand? 

Below is a chart on the average number of times a man or woman can sit to stand in 30 seconds in each half decade of life after 60 years old. What a great way to measure whether we are aging typically in our strength, even if we aren’t as strong as an Olympic athlete!

30-Second Chair Rise Norms by Age

So, how can we make sure we are maintaining optimal strength as we age?

1. Establish a baseline: At Functional Pathways, we offer a Senior Fit Test that establishes a baseline and allows for continued screening for declines using the 30-Second Chair rise as part of a holistic battery of tests that can help in identifying declines.
2. Ongoing Wellness: Participating in Wellness activities is a great way to stay strong as you age. The simple exercise of sitting to stand can be a great way to keep your lower body strong.
3. Therapy Intervention: When a decline is noted, reach out to an exercise specialist who can help you design a specific program to meet your strength, flexibility and functional needs.

We don’t have to be an Olympic Athlete to achieve a gold medal in aging. Reach out to the Clinical team at Functional Pathways for further assistance in helping you or your residents age with grace and dignity at Clinical@fprehab.com.

It’s a well-known fact that regular physical activity is beneficial for your body. It strengthens bones and muscles, combats health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, and makes you feel better. But there’s another benefit to physical activity, and that’s the positive impact it has on your brain!

Being physically active improves cognitive health – it can improve the way you think, learn, problem-solve, and help you enjoy balanced emotions. Exercising can also improve your memory, reduce anxiety, and even help improve your quality of sleep. And here’s the best part – any amount of physical activity has been shown to be beneficial.

Some of the effects of exercise on brain health happen immediately, meaning they occur right after exercise or shortly thereafter, such as a reduced feeling of anxiety, improved sleep, and improved aspects of cognitive function. With regular physical activity, other long-term benefits occur, such as improvements in executive function (the ability to plan and organize, initiate tasks, control emotions), deep sleep, and more manageable long-term anxiety.

What Can You Do?

Being active might be easier than you think. Here are some ideas for how to stay active throughout the day. Remember – every little bit counts!

• Daily Chores – what might count as physical activity? Cleaning, light yard work, laundry, and other household chores can count as activity for the day! If it’s getting you up and moving, it certainly counts.
• Be Active While Watching TV – think of ways to be active to reduce the amount of sedentary time in the day. Keep a list of activities, such as arm circles, marching in place, or leg kicks, to do during commercial breaks while watching your favorite shows.
• Walk – walking is one of the simplest and most effective things we can do. Walk your dog, walk with a friend, walk to get the mail. Take the long way to get to dinner. Walk two times around the building. Think of ways to get extra steps in!

The pros of exercise are countless. The next time you attend an exercise or dancing class, take a walk, or take a dip in the pool, remember you are improving your physical health and your cognitive health!

If you need help determining which exercises might be best for you, reach out to the Functional Pathways Therapy Team and we will be happy to help guide you!

Hello Summer! Hello warmer temps! And HELLO HYDRATION!

Aside from the air we breathe, water is the most essential element to human survival. Approximately 60% of the adult human body is made up of water, and drinking water is more important than eating. In fact, a person can live about a month without food, but only 3-4 days without water. Moral of the story? Drink up!

With hotter temperatures here now, it’s even more crucial to stay hydrated. When it’s hot outside, we are more likely to perspire and lose water through our sweat, putting us at a greater risk for dehydration. We know drinking water is important, but do you know the other ways you can help your body stay hydrated?

Additional Ways to Rehydrate:

• Fruits and Vegetables – Incorporating water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet gives you an easy way to add more water content without drinking more fluids.
• Cucumber – 96% water
• Celery – 95% water
• Tomatoes – 94% water
• Asparagus – 93% water
• Spinach – 91% water
• Cantaloupe, peaches, carrots, bananas – 75-90% water

• Coffee and Tea – While caffeine is a diuretic (something that increases urine production), you do retain most of the water from the beverage. In other words, you won’t lose more fluid through urine than you take in by drinking a caffeinated beverage.
• Milk & Juice – There are several beverages that have just as high (if not higher) of a hydration index (how much of a drink is retained 2 hours after consumption) as water. Those include – Pedialyte, fat-free milk, whole milk, and orange juice. Some of these, like OJ, have a higher calorie count and sugar content, so drink cautiously.
• Smoothies – Many smoothies include water, juice, fruits, and vegetables. If you add high-water content fruits and vegetables to your recipe, you can create a SUPER DRINK full of hydrating ingredients!!

If you are feeling thirsty, you’ve likely already lost 1% of your body’s total water content. So, drink up, buttercup!

I’m a big fan of water….it really FLOATS MY BOAT!

Water you doing later? I’m just going with the flow.

Time management is essential in every workplace, and healthcare is no different. In healthcare, good time management is imperative to ensure efficient delivery of care, maintain patient safety, and prevent burnout among healthcare professionals.

We are pulled in so many directions during the course of our day, and trying different strategies will help improve the flow of our day. Look at what is stealing your time. Perhaps you didn’t know “time stealers” creep up during your workday unannounced and undetected. Reflect on your workday today and the next work task you do. Be consciously aware if a “time stealer” has wiggled into your day, and consider some of these time management strategies specifically tailored to the healthcare sector:

1. Prioritize Tasks: Healthcare professionals often have numerous tasks competing for their attention. Prioritize tasks based on urgency, importance, and patient needs. Use tools like to-do lists or task management apps to keep track of priorities. A to-do list utilizing the Eisenhower Matrix can significantly improve your to-do list.

2. Set Realistic Goals and Be Prepared: Establish achievable goals for each day or shift. If you are able, break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Setting realistic goals helps prevent feeling overwhelmed and increases productivity. Plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need to work efficiently.

3. Use Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for different types of tasks or activities. For example, designate time for patient care, documentation writing that could not be accomplished at the time the service was being provided, and administrative duties. Avoid multitasking during these dedicated time blocks to maintain focus and efficiency.

4. Minimize Interruptions: Minimize interruptions and distractions to maintain focus and productivity. It is okay to set boundaries for non-urgent communications, such as phone calls and emails, but schedule specific times to address them. Utilize tools like “Do Not Disturb” features on electronic devices when necessary.

5. Streamline Documentation: Documentation is a critical aspect of healthcare, but it can be time-consuming. Don’t wait until the end of the day to complete all or most of your documentation; you will lose the detail of each encounter with patients, taking longer to complete your documentation because you have to think back to each particular encounter. Waiting until the end of the day may increase the chance of medical record errors. Utilize point of service documentation when it is safe to do so. If point of service documentation is not safe, complete the documentation immediately following the service delivery. It is best practice to ensure you have a dedicated workspace or area to minimize distractions and improve focus. A dedicated workspace will help set boundaries.

6. Delegate Tasks Appropriately: Delegate tasks to other members of the healthcare team when appropriate. Assign tasks based on each team member’s expertise and workload capacity. Delegating non-clinical tasks, such as administrative duties, allows healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.

7. Workflow Optimization: Analyze and optimize workflows to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline processes. This may involve reorganizing tasks, adjusting staffing levels, or adopting new protocols to improve the overall flow of work.

8. Practice Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is essential for efficient healthcare delivery. Use standardized protocols and tools for communication among healthcare team members. Ensure that information is communicated effectively to prevent misunderstandings, reduce errors, and improve productivity.

9. Take Breaks and Rest: Healthcare professionals often work long hours, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity. Encourage regular breaks and adequate rest periods to prevent burnout and maintain focus. Short breaks can help recharge and improve overall efficiency.

10. Continuous Quality Improvement: Regularly reflect on time management practices and identify opportunities for improvement. Assess what strategies are working well and what needs adjusting. Be open to feedback from colleagues and be willing to adapt to changing circumstances.

Implementing effective time management strategies in healthcare can lead to improved patient outcomes, increased job satisfaction, and better overall efficiency in healthcare delivery and organizational performance.

Functional Pathways is a therapist-owned contract therapy and management consulting provider that has exceeded expectations with our services and support for nearly 30 years. We provide staffing, ongoing support, and services to Skilled Nursing Facilities, CCRCs, Assisted and Independent Living Communities, and Hospital Rehab Departments across the United States.

Our client partnership strategy places an emphasis on relationships and aligning with those who share similar missions and values. That’s why over 70% of our clients are non-profit companies.

We aim to make a difference in the lives we touch every single day.

Our number one priority is to form long-lasting relationships with our clients, which leads to improving clinical and financial outcomes at their facilities, communities, and hospitals. Our commitment to providing next-level service and support is second-to-none, and that’s reflected in our 97% controllable client retention rate and world-class Net Promoter Score of 80.

As a values-based and relationship-focused organization, we hold philanthropy close to our hearts as well. We encourage our employees to volunteer and donate their time in support of charitable initiatives, and we’re proud sponsors and donors to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Red Cross, and other non-profit organizations. We’re also honored to partner with LeadingAge and several of their state-specific communities.

We were blessed to experience record-setting growth as an organization in 2023, adding more clients than ever into the FP Family while moving into several new states. We’re on pace in 2024 to break the growth records we set last year, and we’re excited for the opportunity to serve more patients and clients across the nation.

Why are more facilities choosing to partner with Functional Pathways? Because we provide support from all levels of our organization, ongoing MDS training and education from clinical experts, more PDPM reimbursement opportunities, 34+ therapy programs, 64+ Wellness programs, and a robust compliance department that has earned a 100% appeal win rate for 14 consecutive quarters.

If you’re interested in world-class therapy services and support, reach out today by visiting our website at fprehab.com or calling 888.449.2212 for a brief introduction.

Do you remember The Jetsons? Set in 2062, you may remember The Jetsons as a futuristic show that played with ideas about the future for laughs. People lived in houses in the sky, worked a three-day workweek, and drove aerocars that looked like flying saucers. The most impressive part of the show was the incredible conveniences that left the Jetsons with plenty of leisure time.

While we may not have aerocars that fly us around, we certainly have many technologies and devices to make our lives easier like the Jetsons!

There are numerous assistive devices that address specific needs we may have, such as walkers, canes, hearing aids, and glasses. Remember, an “assistive device” includes anything designed to help in performing a specific function. There are infinite options out there – it really comes down to what you need a little help and support with.

The most common categories of devices include:

• Mobility Devices – help you move from place to place with more independence
  • Examples: Rollators, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, canes, prosthetics
• Daily Living Devices – help you complete activities of daily living
  • Examples: Adapted cutlery and cups, shower seats and stools, dressing sticks
• Hearing Aids – help you hear or hear more clearly
• Vision Devices – help you see more clearly
  • Examples: Magnifiers, eye glasses, screen readers

Assistive technologies are different than devices and might include smart home assistants, medication reminders, and medical alert systems. These technologies can either be low-tech, such as phones with larger number buttons on them, or high-tech, like balance and fall prevention systems. In today’s world, you can even ask an AI to record your shopping list, set a reminder about taking your medication, or ask what day of the week it is.

We have technology at our fingertips – much like the Jetsons did! Imagine where we will be in 2062! What assistive devices do you use – and are they the most appropriate device(s) for you?

Your health is your greatest asset. It’s important that we are at our best so we can share and serve others.

Did you know that using the proper body mechanics during movement can prevent posture problems, as well as reduce stress and enhance your physical capabilities? We often train our patients/clients on accurate body mechanics, but are you taking the time to train yourself?

Dynamic and static posture are important and critical to safely maintain proper alignment during daily tasks.  Dynamic posture impacts how you hold yourself while moving (i.e. walking, running, or bending to pick something up) where static posture influences your core stability when you are not moving.

Being in proper alignment impacts your head, neck, back and pelvis, and your postural control; ideally your spine and hips create the framework to support your movements. Incorrect posture often stems from misalignments in the skeletal system or weakness in the stabilizing muscles. With time, improper posture may cause the muscles to shorten on one side of your body while allowing stretching of the muscle and causing them to become longer on the opposite side. Improper posture affects your joints, ligaments, and muscles and can lead to back and neck pain. 

Workplace incidents related to poor body mechanics can be minimized or avoided. Reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by focusing on healthy postural habits during the day and by continuing to invest in your own wellness. The use of proper body mechanics, stretching, and strengthening exercises can correct the relationship of those joints, ligaments, and muscles while enhancing proper posture. 

Here are some tips on how to maintain that proper positioning.

When you are standing:

• Stand up straight and tall. 
• Keep your feet flat on the floor and shoulder width apart. 
• Do not lock your knees.
• Keep your shoulders down, with your chest out and your back straight.
• Pull in your stomach muscles. 
• Place your weight mostly on the balls of your feet. 
• Keep your head level and arms down at your sides.

When you are lifting, pushing, or pulling:

• Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and have one foot a slightly in front of the other.
• Always keep your back straight.
• Hinge from your hips and knees with your back flat.
• Never bend at your waist.
• While tightening your stomach muscles, lift using only your legs.
• Hold the object close to you at waist level.
• Push objects rather than pull them to avoid further complications.

When you are sitting:

• Sit with your hips touching the back of the chair.
• Keep your back straight, shoulders back, and use extra support behind your lower back. 
• Distribute your weight evenly for both your hips and knees. 
• Keep your feet flat on the floor with your ankles in front of your knees and do not cross your legs.
• Relax your shoulders and do not allow them to round.
• Keep your elbows close to your body.
• Avoid sitting on soft chairs or couches. 
• Change your position often, at least every 30 minutes.
• Adjust your computer screen so the top of the monitor is at eye level.
• If reading paper copies hold them at the same level as your computer screen.
• When looking at your phone, it is important to keep the phone at eye level while not lifting your shoulders because that causes slouching or looking in a downward direction.

Ways to improve your posture:

• Always be mindful of your posture, especially where you are in relation to the object you are viewing. Always keep the object you are viewing at eye level.
• Stay as active as possible. If you are not a fan of strenuous exercise, consider yoga or tai chi. Focus on strengthening your core muscles. 
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can weaken your core muscles.
• Ensure that workstations are at a comfortable height.  
• Wear proper shoes with low heels, closed backs, and nonslip soles.
• Always ask for help or use a mechanical device to decrease your risk of injury. 
• When sitting for long periods of time, change your position often and consider taking short walks.

Maintaining proper body positioning and mechanics when standing, sitting, or engaged in activities can lead to better health not just in the short term, but as we age. We focus on teaching our seniors how best to hold their bodies, but if we implement that same vigilance with ourselves at younger ages, we can possibly prevent issues down the line.

In the realm of organizational dynamics, the ability to navigate change with resilience is instrumental. The philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change. Everything changes and nothing remains still; and you cannot step twice into the same stream.”

It’s imperative to equip ourselves with the tools and strategies essential for weathering the tides of transformation. At Functional Pathways, embracing change is one of our core tenets. Our Functional Fundamental #4 is “Embrace Change,” and it’s a value we try to live by as an organization.

Let’s dive into some strategies to help you ride those waves of change like a pro!

1. Cultivate Clear Channels of Communication: Effective communication serves as the cornerstone of organizational agility. Foster an environment where dialogue flows freely among team members, stakeholders, and leadership.
2. Incorporate Adaptability: In the face of evolving circumstances, flexibility emerges as a hallmark of skilled professionals. Embrace the ethos of adaptability, remaining receptive to novel methodologies, innovative approaches, and emergent models.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: Just as a ship’s crew tends to its vessel, it’s important to nurture your well-being amidst the tumult of change. Dedicate time for rest, rejuvenation, and mindfulness, preserving your mental and physical equilibrium.
4. Foster a Collaborative Environment: Synergy thrives within cohesive teams, where members offer mutual support and camaraderie. Cultivate an ethos of collaboration, where collective efforts propel the organization forward toward its objectives.
5. Embrace Iterative Learning: In the pursuit of excellence, setbacks are stepping stones toward growth. Embrace failures as invaluable learning opportunities, encouraging continuous improvement and professional development.
6. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both individual and collective, as beacons of progress during the journey of change. Positive reinforcement fosters a culture of spirit and fortitude.

Resilience serves as a linchpin in navigating the currents of change within the work environment. By embodying these principles and cultivating an environment that embraces change, we’ll navigate the storms of transformation with finesse and effectiveness!

April is a BUSY month!! Lots to celebrate – Occupational Therapy Month, Earth Day, and National Walking Day, just to name a few. Information about OT Month was covered earlier, so let’s look at National Walking Day and explore ways to celebrate all month long!

National Walking Day is the first Wednesday in April every year, and it encourages Americans of all ages to get out, stretch their legs, and get their hearts pumping. The American Heart Association sponsors this day to help remind people about the benefits of taking a walk. Just because we missed the official day by the time of the posting of this article doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate!

By committing to walking at least 30 minutes each day, you can improve your mental and physical health. And remember, those 30 minutes do not have to be done all at once. Depending on your availability and your physical fitness, three smaller 10-minute walks throughout the day might be more appropriate. As always, check with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.

Here are some tips for how to make walking more enjoyable:

• Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes.
• Walk with a friend or family member to help pass the time.
• Stretch prior to and after your walks to prevent injury and soreness.
• Drink plenty of water. You may even consider bringing a water bottle with you to ensure you stay hydrated.
• Choose different routes for your walks. Change things up with a variety of scenery, terrain, and elevation, if possible.

There are also plenty of easy ways to get in a few more steps each day. Maybe you don’t have 30 minutes to spare – it happens to the best of us! Instead, incorporate ways to get in more steps throughout your day. I promise they will add up over time!

Here are some tips for adding more steps into your day:

• Park further away. Instead of taking the spot closest to the entrance, park at the other end of the parking lot. The extra steps it takes to get into the building will certainly add up.
• Take the stairs. If you are able, take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator when you have the chance. Not only will you be adding extra steps, but the elevation is also great for muscular strength and endurance.
• Walk while you talk. During your next phone call, try pacing around your office or home to get in a few extra steps. Take breaks as you need, but getting up to stretch your legs will certainly help you get through the day.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate National Walking Day all month long. Perhaps we can even turn these celebrations into some lifetime habits, too!

April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month! We hear it all the time: “I am retired! I don’t have an occupation anymore, so why would I need OT?” Our residents might be retired, but OT is still beneficial.

Our residents may not have a 9-5 pm job that takes them out of the home anymore, but there are many daily activities that feed into vocational wellness that Occupational Therapy addresses every day.

One of the goals of OT is to promote independence in functional abilities. Here are just a few of the many ways our OTs and COTAs help residents every day:

• Fine Motor Skills – Maintain dexterity and improve grip strength. Make things like sewing, cleaning, or handwriting easier.
• Visual Assistance – Perform at the top of your abilities by learning about assistance for visual challenges.
• Environmental Modifications – Are our residents’ homes as safe as possible? What about when they travel to volunteer, participate in group activities, etc.? OT can help with environmental modifications to help our residents stay safe.
• Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment – Did you know simple devices exist, like grab bars and reacher tools, to help make tasks easier to complete? There are also more complex resources, such as voice-activated technology, to help with making lists, medication reminders, etc.

Of course, the list above is not all-encompassing of the scope and skill sets of our fantastic OTs and COTAs. If you are a PT/PTA/ST/DOR, find your OTs and COTAs and thank them for the work that they do every day. Their hard work is a huge part of what makes our teams successful in helping our residents return to or maintain the highest quality of life!

Thank you to all of our OTs and COTAs across the country!