Kathy Patterson - Moving forward with therapy
Moving forward with therapy is a must. That was one of our deciding factors when we chose to move from a northern climate to Arizona. In six years, we have never missed a therapy appointment because of weather. We may get a monsoon in Arizona but if you wait 15 minutes it will be gone. No boots or jackets makes my job easier.
When we arrived in Fountain Hills, they suggested Curly should go to skilled nursing as the therapy would be daily, we both reluctantly said yes. He spent more than two months there and three months before in Minnesota doing extensive therapy. Now after the five months, he would be coming home. Yeah!!!!
One of the therapists at the skilled nursing facility asked if we would mind driving a further distance. I said no that would be fine if you think Curly could benefit from the facility. It has been almost six years of going to our new, further away facility but they are marvelous. Find the place that fits your niche.
The staff at our new place are taller and able to handle Curly’s 6’5”, 230 lb frame. They truly are like family.
They have made several trips to meet with the trainer we hired for Curly’s aquatic therapy, who reminds us that "if you don't challenge the body....it won't change."
We are glad there is a plan for both aquatic and physical therapy, so they are working together.
Curly has attended speech therapy and did a great job. We at one time hired a music speech therapy student that came to our home to get his voice stronger. He also was a patient enrolled in a study at the local university’s therapy department for a student monitored group. Check out your local university for all types of therapy assistance.
His latest endeavor with speech is with an organization that works mainly with Parkinson's patients through Zoom and they sing together. Curly does not have Parkinson's but when I visited with the instructor she welcomed him into the group. Keep searching there is so much available, but you need to ask.
As the caregiver, occasionally, I need a little physical therapy myself. I arrange it during the time Curly has therapy and even hear a few funny stories on what they have figured out Curly likes for the equipment and what he tries to avoid.
When you are going someplace for a couple of weeks, try and arrange some therapy. Never stop your therapy. You will lose your muscle fast and it may take a longer time to regain it.
Just remember, “Your body needs to be moved for you to move forward”!