Chair Yoga: Empowering Your Residents to Age Well

In the realm of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, where our primary goal is to enhance the well-being and vitality of seniors, the concept of actively aging takes center stage. Much like the wear and tear on a tire accumulating over time, the aging process can take its toll on our residents.

However, what if there was a way to engage in actively aging, slowing down the impact of aging and preserving strength, flexibility, and overall wellness? This is where the practice of Chair Yoga becomes a transformative tool.

In the enchanting universe of Dr. Seuss, characters navigate peculiar challenges with resilience and humor. Similarly, aging can be an extraordinary adventure, and the practice of Chair Yoga allows seniors to approach this journey with empowerment.

Now, at 68, I've observed the transformative effects of Chair Yoga on our seniors. Here are the principles for helping your residents to age well.

  1. Activity for Empowerment
    "You're Only Old Once," but you can stay young at heart.

Regular physical activity is essential for the health and independence of our residents. Chair Yoga, tailored for all ages, becomes a gentle yet effective means to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

  1. Breathe for Vitality
    "You're Only Old Once," but your breath can change everything.

In the world of Dr. Seuss, a deep breath often signifies overcoming challenges. Deep breathing in Chair Yoga reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and enhances oxygen flow to the brain and body.

  1. Mindfulness for Serenity
    "You're Only Old Once," but mindfulness keeps you in the moment.

Promoting mindfulness among our residents is a crucial aspect of enhancing well-being. Mindfulness reduces stress, improves mood, and fosters a sense of serenity, allowing them to navigate their environment gracefully.

  1. Connection for Joy
    "You're Only Old Once," but you never have to be alone.

Social connections are vital for mental and emotional health. Chair Yoga classes provide physical activity and create a supportive, non-judgmental space for meaningful relationships to flourish.

As we facilitate the aging journey, let's remember that our residents are only Old Once. Through years of observing our Chair Yoga sessions, I've realized that happiness is a choice. In the world of Dr. Seuss, it's similar to choosing whimsy over grumpiness.

Chair Yoga empowers residents to radiate positivity, embrace life's quirks, and continue their adventure with a twinkle in their eyes. Age is merely a number; the attitude with which they embrace it genuinely shapes their journey.

P.S. We'd love to hear the benefits of Chair Yoga you have discovered. Post in the RESTORE  Game Changers, skilled-care professional Facebook group and let the world see your genius!

Transform how residents receive care all while streamlining workflow with RESTORE’s innovative platform. Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Wellness demo.

Navigating ADLs & IADLs: One Trivia Question at a Time

Tackling ADLs Through Trivia

  1. Dressing

Trivia Connection: The "70s, 80s, and 90s" categories can stimulate memories of past fashion trends. This reminiscence can motivate residents to dress themselves, prompting discussions about clothing choices from those eras and integrating dressing practice.

  1. Grooming & Personal Hygiene

Trivia Connection: The "Classic Movies" category can inspire residents to discuss iconic movie stars and their grooming styles. Residents might be inclined to emulate their favorite celebrities, encouraging grooming routines like combing hair or washing their faces.

  1. Eating

Trivia Connection: The "Food" category can trigger appetites and memories of favorite meals. These memories can be an opportune moment for OTs to work on hand coordination, using utensils, and discussing healthy eating habits.

  1. Mobility & Transferring

Trivia Connection: In the heat of the game, patients often reach out, move slightly, or adjust their seating. The subtle physical actions incorporated in the game mechanics can be amplified and directed towards improving mobility and transferring from one position or place to another.


Maneuvering IADLs Through Trivia

  1. Cooking & Meal Preparation:

Trivia Connection: The "Food" category can lead to discussions about recipes, ingredients, and cooking methods. Encourage patients to discuss and plan meals, potentially leading to cooking activities under supervision.

  1. Communication Management:

Trivia Connection: The "Food" category can lead to discussions about recipes, ingredients, and cooking methods. Encourage patients to discuss and plan meals, potentially leading to cooking activities under supervision.

  1. Managing Finances:

Trivia Connection: Categories like "Retro Games" or "Sports" can lead to questions about the cost of items or events in the past, initiating conversations about budgeting, inflation, and the value of money.

  1. Safety Awareness & Home Management:

Trivia Connection: The "Discharge to Home" category is a goldmine. Therapists can use this section to discuss potential hazards in the home, safety protocols, and adaptations necessary for a secure living environment. It emphasizes the vital skills and awareness that residents need once they're discharged, ensuring they can handle daily tasks confidently and safely.

Trivia Night is more than a game – it’s a bridge to real-world skills, encompassing ADLs and IADLs. The trick lies in drawing connections between the trivia categories and daily tasks, making rehabilitation essential and engaging. Give it a try and discover the therapeutic wonders of Trivia Night!

 

Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Skills demo and experience a facility-wide commitment to skill building. 

Already part of RESTORE-Skills? Then join Game Changers, the skilled-care professional Facebook group!

October’s Playlist: A Daily Dose of Games, Activities, and Fun!

Activities Professionals, we see and value your unwavering commitment to enriching lives. We've crafted a week of activities that mirror your passion. Let's create moments that matter!

Monday: Name Your Car Day! 🚗
Get in Gear: Who knew that giving your car a name could be this much fun? We're kickstarting our week with "Name Your Car Day!" Have a chuckle hearing the creative and quirky names everyone comes up with.
The Fast Lane: Get those minds racing with a game of Car Cross on our platform.
Road Trip Anyone?: End the day with a virtual trip down memory lane. Buckle up as we tour the iconic Route 66 with 'Visit Familiar Places' on the RESTORE-Wellness platform.

Tuesday: National Fruit at Work Day! 🍎
Fruity Fun: Dive into the vibrant world of fruits. Not only are they juicy and delicious, but they're also packed with health benefits.
Catch if You Can: Navigate through 'Falling Fruit,' a game that's both fun and, well, fruity.
Blend it Up: As the cherry on top, get those blenders whirring and treat everyone to fresh fruit smoothies. Yum!

Wednesday: National Golf Lovers Day!
Hole-in-One: Golf enthusiasts, this is your day! Tee off with 'Mini Golf Masters' and get everyone involved, no matter their skill level.
Zen on the Green: After the competitive fun, bring everyone together for a serene 'Guided Meditation' on the RESTORE-Wellness platform. A perfect way to wind down and embrace tranquility.

Thursday: Get Funky Day! 💃
Move to the Beat: Today, we embrace the funky rhythms of life. Get everyone up and dancing with 'Move & Groove'.
Dress to Impress: And, what's funkiness without some sassy, vibrant outfits? Dress in your funkiest attire and light up the room!

Friday: National Coaches Day! 🏀
Shoot and Score: It's game on with 'Hoop Stars'. Perfect for all our aspiring basketball enthusiasts.
Bring the Spirit: Encourage everyone to show their spirit, because the best energy wins a prize today. Cheering, clapping, and team spirit will be the order of the day!

Activities Professionals, you're not just the heartbeat of recreation, but also crucial promoters of well-being for our residents. This week, as we engage in diverse games and experiences, we're not just having fun; we're stimulating minds, promoting physical activity, and fostering community.

P.S. We'd love to hear about the creative ways you're using these games and activities pairings. Post in the RESTORE  Game Changers, skilled-care professional Facebook group and let the world see your genius!

Transform how residents receive care all while streamlining workflow with RESTORE’s innovative platform. Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Wellness demo.

Unlock PT Success: October’s Gaming Guide for Mobility & Balance!

October's here, and PT Month is the perfect time to focus on Lateral Mobility and Weight Shifting. Delve into these game-based strategies that promise both fun and functional outcomes!


🏀 Hoop Stars: Shoot & Score

  • Lateral Mobility: Encourage patients to step laterally, aiming and shooting those baskets with precision.

  • Weight Shifting: Nailing that golden basketball requires balance and a smooth transition of weight.

  • Bonus Tip: Mix up the game speeds! A slower game pace for understanding movement and a faster one for challenging mastery.

🎯 Bullseye: On Target Every Time!

  • Lateral Mobility: Moving the scope to hover over targets fine-tunes side-to-side hand-eye coordination.

  • Weight Shifting: Holding position over a target, especially for bonuses, promotes steady weight balance and controlled shifts.

  • Bonus Tip: Turn each bonus into a mini-challenge! Ask patients to predict their next move or anticipate the next bonus.

💃 Move & Groove: Let's Dance

  • Lateral Mobility: As the arrows light up, guide your patients to hover over them using their controller, emphasizing rhythmic lateral transitions.

  • Weight Shifting: Feel the beat and transfer weight with each lit arrow.

  • Bonus Tip: Let them pick a song they enjoy! Recognizable rhythms can aid with anticipation and coordination.

🎰 Jackpot: Skillful Lever-Pulling

  • Lateral Mobility: Reaching the top of the lever promotes lateral hand-eye coordination. An engaging way to practice precision!

  • Weight Shifting: The act of pulling down the lever is an exercise in subtle body weight adjustments.

  • Bonus Tip: Set mini milestones for patients, like achieving a consistent weight shift across multiple lever pulls.

🌊 Jet Ski Adventure: Navigating with Agility

  • Lateral Mobility: From the vast sea to the challenging rocky paths, lateral swerves become an exhilarating practice in mobility.

  • Weight Shifting: Dodge and weave, shifting weight dynamically with each rapid maneuver.

  • Bonus Tip: Encourage patients to craft their own adventure story during play. This not only stimulates their imagination, but also engages them further in the activity.

By integrating these game-driven techniques into your therapeutic approach, you're primed to deliver sessions that fuse fun with foundational physical therapy goals. Here's to an October filled with innovative therapy, playful challenges, and transformative results!

Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Skills demo and experience a facility-wide commitment to skill building. 

Already part of RESTORE-Skills? Then join Game Changers, the skilled-care professional Facebook group!