Top Qualities of a Great Health Center

Searching for a quality health care center or nursing home probably feels like a daunting task before you’ve even gotten started.  We understand. This is, after all, about your health or the health of your loved one—and what could be more important? 

All nursing facilities are unique in their own ways, of course, but there are some top qualities that all the best health care centers share. Here’s what to look for when starting your search for an assisted living facility that will be a temporary or permanent new home:

Respect for residents

When you tour a prospective nursing facility, take plenty of time to observe interactions between residents and staff. Residents should always be treated with respect, regardless of their physical or mental condition. Staff members should be friendly and supportive while providing care, and respect residents’ privacy by knocking on doors before entering and clearly communicating before all procedures. Even if you don’t get a chance to glimpse caretaking in progress, note the staff’s general attitude. Are they happy? If not, that should be a red flag. Unhappy caretakers won’t be able to provide residents with the “happy home” atmosphere they deserve. 

Respect for choices

Residents should be able to make their own choices, such as when they can sleep (no set bedtimes or wake-up times) or what they can wear. Even meal location should be a choice, as some residents might enjoy eating in a large cafeteria setting, while others might prefer to eat alone in their room. Group and individual activities should be options, not mandatory, and socialization should never be forced.

Comfortable surroundings and amenities

In addition to enjoying pleasant, well-kept décor in the common areas of the facility, residents should be able to give their rooms a taste of home with knick-knacks, artwork, framed photos, quilts, and small furnishings. Another way quality nursing homes help residents feel comfortable in their new living situation is by providing extra amenities like salon services and computer stations with Internet access.

Flexible and extended visiting hours

While rigid visiting hours are common in hospital settings, quality nursing facilities should have flexible visiting hours to accommodate the varying schedules of loved ones. Transparency is also important. A truly top-notch facility should have a “drop in anytime” policy. 

Well-balanced, tasty meals

The best way to determine the quality of food at a prospective nursing home is to sample one of their meals. But taste isn’t everything—nursing home staff should also monitor the nutritional intake of each resident and notify family or doctors if there is any difficulty eating or a drop in appetite. The best health care centers also offer special meals to accommodate residents’ health problems (allergies and medical conditions), diet preferences (vegetarian or vegan), and religious needs.

Plentiful and meaningful activities

Going far beyond Bingo night, great nursing homes offer a variety of social, physical, creative, and educational activities that will appeal to all residents. Planned group activities for outside events should also be offered, along with interaction with community groups that bring pets to the facility, perform music, or offer specialized activities, such as yoga and meditation. Another way to involve residents is to provide them with opportunities to contribute to the community, such as reading to other residents or helping to deliver the mail.

5-Star care in a 5-Star facility

At Bella Vista Health Center, we create a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere focused on empowering every patient who walks through the door of our 5-Star facility. In addition to the highest standard of care, we provide nutritious meals, activities to raise spirits, salon services, free concierge services, 24/7 visiting hours, and much more. If you or a loved one is considering residency or needs temporary care to recover from injury or illness, call us at 619-644-1000 or fill out our Contact Form to set up a tour of our beautifully remodeled Lemon Grove facility.
 

FAQ About Occupational Therapy

For people with physical, developmental, social, or emotional challenges, occupational therapy can mean a significant increase in their quality of life. Here are some common questions about occupational therapy and how it differs from other rehabilitation treatments:

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy provides activities to restore and enhance skills needed for functional daily living. Therapists use a variety of customized exercises in the categories of self-care, work, and play (in other words, “occupations”) with the goal of increasing independence and advancing health and wellbeing. 

What is occupational science?

The science behind occupational therapy has been developed over decades, focusing on specific populations (such as seniors, children, or people with certain illnesses), the challenges they face when engaging in meaningful activities, and how those activities provide meaning and purpose to life. 

Where does occupational therapy take place?

Occupational therapy treatment can be provided in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long term nursing facilities, private practices, mental health and community centers, or in the patient’s home.

How does occupational therapy differ from physical therapy?

While physical therapy is meant to restore mobility and independence after an injury or illness, occupational therapy helps people of all ages obtain or maintain “skills for the job of living,” as it’s often described. Physical therapy primarily focuses on improving strength, balance, and range of motion. Skills addressed through occupational therapy may include eating, dressing, and other self-care activities, as well as work and school activities.

How do occupational therapists devise a treatment plan?

Before therapy begins, occupational therapists evaluate patients to assess motor skills, visual perception, sensory processing, and daily living skills. While standardized assessment tools are used along with clinical observations, the treatment plan is customized to each individual patient’s needs and adjusted during treatment as necessary.

What conditions are treatable with occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is used to treat conditions that are the result of an accident, age, or are present from birth. Some conditions include arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, dyspraxia, schizophrenia, and depression, as well as physical and mental symptoms of aging. The ability to engage in meaningful activities that are otherwise difficult due to physical or emotional limitations can have positive effects on a patient’s overall health. The confidence that comes from enhanced self-reliance has been known to have a significant impact on health outcomes.

What type of equipment is involved in occupational therapy?

There are several pieces of equipment that can be used to facilitate a patient's independence and safety. Assistive devices such as walkers and canes can improve stability and prevent falls, while a “reacher” or “grabber” can enable patients to avoid bending, and a long-handled shower sponge can allow patients to wash their back and other hard-to-reach areas without assistance. An occupational therapist may recommend any type of adaptive equipment as part of a treatment plan.  

Improved function, improved life

At Bella Vista Health Center, our occupational therapists are experienced, compassionate, and skilled at helping patients improve their ability to carry out daily living activities. If you or a loved one is looking for a skilled nursing facility that offers occupational therapy in San Diego, give us a call today. We also offer physical therapy, speech therapy, and a number of other services designed help residents live their best lives. 

Come on in for a tour. We’d love to show you around. 

8 Benefits of Living in a Nursing Facility

One of the most complicated decisions in an adult’s life involves the transition from living independently at home to moving into an assisted living facility when full autonomy is no longer feasible or safe. Much of the stress stems from the idea of change and the fear of a loss of independence. But for many people, the transition turns out to be an extremely beneficial one. Take a look at these 8 benefits of living in a nursing facility:

1. Help with daily tasks

One of the main reasons seniors are unable to live on their own is the increasing difficulty of completing basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, administering medicine, and running errands. Nursing facilities provide assistance in these tasks and many more, relieving seniors of a burden that causes unnecessary stress.

2. Balanced stimulation

When a senior is living alone at home, boredom and lack of cognitive and physical stimulation can have a severely negative effect on their overall health. Conversely, a senior who moves in with their adult children and young grandchildren can experience overwhelming stimulation that’s equally negative to their health. Nursing facilities, on the other hand, assess residents’ capabilities and adjust their environment for the right amount of stimuli for optimal mental and physical health.

3. Active socialization

Aside from boredom, one of the primary emotional burdens of living alone is loneliness. Even seniors who live with family are often removed from regular socialization with their peers. Nursing facilities are jam-packed with fun, organized events to encourage a robust social network, and participating in such activities has been proven to stave off depression in older adults and offer other overall health benefits as well.

4. Housekeeping services

Even if your loved one is fiercely independent in their own home, hardly anyone would balk at the idea of never having to scrub a toilet again. Nursing facility staff takes care of all cleaning duties and laundry services—just like at a hotel—leaving seniors free to fill their time with activities, social experiences, and relaxation.

5. Food preparation

Between arthritis, weakened eyesight, and occasional forgetfulness, cooking meals can be a difficult—and sometimes dangerous—responsibility for seniors, even when cooking for one. Ensuring that they’re getting sufficient nutrition is also a challenge, which is why nursing facilities provide meals and snacks throughout the day and have dieticians on staff to ensure residents are getting the most out of each meal.

6. Safe environment

Even with minor home modifications, living alone can be very unsafe for seniors. Nursing facilities offer a thoroughly safe environment with grab bars, emergency call boxes, properly functioning smoke detectors and other safety equipment. Round-the-clock supervision also helps prevent against injuries, financial abuse, and other types of fraud, which seniors are particularly vulnerable to when living independently.

7. On-site health care

Nursing facility residents and their families have peace of mind with on-site health care services and 24-hour health monitoring services. While many seniors still choose to see their regular off-site doctor for non-emergency appointments, facility staff can help with daily administration of prescriptions, emergency medical treatment, and general health advice when needed. 

8. Specialized health care

Seniors with serious health conditions will find a level of care at nursing facilities far beyond what they would have on their own or living with family. In addition to providing care for people with conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, cancer, and diabetes, many nursing facilities offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to promote a high quality of life and overall wellbeing.

Transition can be a wonderful thing. Let us help make sure it is.

At Bella Vista Health Center, we provide top-notch service and care, offering residents a comfortable, safe, and therapeutic experience in our recently remodeled 5-star facility in Lemon Grove. If you or a loved one is looking into making the transition from independent to assisted living, come visit us or contact us for more information on the services we offer.

The Importance of Physical Therapy

While physical therapy is most often associated with injury recovery, it’s can be a vital treatment for anyone looking to restore and improve mobility and functionality—particularly seniors. Flexibility, strength, and balance tend to decline with age, which can negatively impact independence. Many seniors benefit from physical therapy even without an accompanying injury or illness. Read on for more information on how physical therapy can improve the quality of life for your loved one: 

Improved mobility

Physical therapy is exercise-based, and it provides customized stretching and strengthening exercises to help with difficulties walking, moving, and even standing. Physical therapists can also help patients with assistive devices and assess for orthotic prescriptions if needed.

Improved balance

Fall-related injuries are especially dangerous to older bodies that can’t “bounce back” as well as they used to. Physical therapists provide exercises that safely challenge a patient’s balance to simulate real-life situations, and improve coordination to help prevent falls.

Pain relief

Physical therapy techniques such as joint and soft tissue mobilization can help relieve pain, and treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and taping can restore muscle and joint function to reduce pain.

Stroke recovery

Most stroke survivors lose some degree of bodily function and movement, and physical therapy helps strengthen weakened parts as well as improve walking ability and balance. Improved mobility also leads to improved independence. Some patients are able to resume their functioning in daily activities such as bathing and dressing. 

Diabetes management

Exercise can help control blood sugar as part of an overall diabetes management plan. For diabetes patients with reduced sensation in their feet and legs, physical therapists can educate on proper foot care to help prevent future problems.

 Arthritis alleviation

The strength training involved with physical therapy helps alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and improves the use of joints. Additionally, the physical therapist can educate patients on therapeutic methods to relieve discomfort through specialized techniques and activity modifications.

Cardiac rehabilitation

After a heart attack, physical therapy is often recommended if a patient has difficulties in their daily functioning. Physical strengthening, conditioning, and breathing exercises are often used to help improve recovery.

Improved surgery recovery

Improving strength and mobility with physical therapy treatments before a scheduled surgery can help patients recover faster afterward, including less pain and less time until full mobility is achieved. 
 

Positive motivation

Whatever the reason a patient requires physical therapy, treatments will only be effective with a positive mindset. Physical therapists are trained to motivate patients and ensure positivity throughout treatment. 

We can help

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer an individual patient-centered approach that provides an environment of healing and wellbeing for the highest quality care. Our evidence-based, outcome-driven services and therapy programs are designed to relieve pain, restore function, and enhance health. If you’re looking for a skilled nursing facility with an effective physical therapy program, give us a call today.

25 Home Safety Tips for Seniors

While retirement communities and assisted living facilities are more well appointed than ever, many seniors still choose live independently in their own homes. But advanced age means increased safety risks, so it’s important to be aware of potential dangers and take the necessary precautions. If you plan to remain at home during your advanced years, here’s what you need to know to stay safe:

“Fall-proof” the home

Even if you have little to no difficulty with walking or balance, it’s necessary to remove fall hazards around the house:
1. Remove clutter, such as shoes and stray electrical cords, from hallways, stairs ,and paths.
2. Make sure all walkways are well lit.
3. Tape area rugs to the floor so they don’t shift.
4. Install non-slip floor mats and safety bars in the shower.
5. Install tub chairs and raised toilet seats if balance and mobility are an issue.

Prevent against fire and burns

Smoke alarms are just the beginning of home fire protection. In addition to testing alarms regularly and replacing the batteries twice a year, also be sure to:
6. Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, or anything flammable.
7. Turn off space heaters when you leave the room.
8. Replace appliances with frayed or damaged cords.
9. Know at least two ways to escape your home in the event of a fire.
10. Refrain from smoking in bed or leaving candles burning.
11. Avoid wearing loose clothes or long sleeves when cooking.
12. Set the water heater thermostat to a maximum of 120° F to prevent scalding.

Prevent against poisoning

Accidental poisoning is one of the most common causes of death and injury among seniors, so take these precautions to stay safe:

13. Install carbon monoxide detectors near all bedrooms, and as with smoke detectors, test and replace batteries every six months.
14. Never try to heat the house with the stove, oven, or grill, all of which emanate deadly carbon monoxide that cannot be seen or smelled.
15. Keep medications in their original containers and ask for large-print labels if needed.
16. Properly dispose of all old or unused medication.
17. Store cleaning products far away from food and make sure they’re labeled clearly.
18. Never mix bleach and ammonia together, or any other cleaning liquids—the combination can create deadly gases.

Protect against crime and abuse

In the Information Age, seniors are more vulnerable than ever to financial abuse, whether online, over the phone, or when answering the front door. Here’s how you can lower the risk of financial crime:

19. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or Internet unless you are the one initiating contact, and only with reputable companies such as the bank or pharmacy.

20. Always ask for written information about offers, prizes, or charities, and consult family or friends before accepting any offers or signing contracts. If you feel pressured, that’s a good indication that the offer in question is a scam.

21. Never let a salesperson or other stranger into your home. 

Keep emergency numbers handy

22. A list of emergency numbers should be handy near each phone in the house, preferably in large, easy-to-read print. Aside from 911, include numbers for poison control (1-800-222-1222) and your primary doctor’s office.
23. Other numbers to have handy: a family member or friend designated as an emergency contact, and a trusted neighbor in case family or friends can’t be reached.
24. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular check-ins with your friend, family member, or neighbor. 
25. You can also install a lock box on the front door that will allow trusted visitors and emergency personnel to access your home if needed.

Do you or does a loved one need additional care? We can help.

Seniors choose to live independently might need more help than they are willing to admit, and family members are often unable to provide adequate care. At Bella Vista Health Center, compassionate caregiving is our top priority, and we offer both top-notch medical care and stimulating socialization to meet the needs of all our patients and residents. So if you or a loved one is ready to transition to assisted living, give us a call at (619) 399-7920 to schedule a tour of our 5-star skilled nursing facility.

The Benefits of Speech Therapy for Seniors

When you think of speech therapy, you probably think of school-based specialists helping children pronounce R’s or get rid of a lisp. But the ability to communicate effectively is important at any age, including for seniors whose speech may be affected by age or illness. Aside from the social impact of a speech impediment, emergency situations can occur if a senior citizen is unable to communicate pain, discomfort, or other concerns. Fortunately, speech therapy specialized for elderly patients is available, and it provides benefits beyond improved communication. Here’s how speech therapy can help:

Strengthens vocal cords

Like many other parts of our bodies, vocal cords become less elastic with age, which weakens the larynx muscles and makes communication more difficult. Speech therapy might not be able to “fix” the elasticity of vocal cords, but specialized vocal exercises can strengthen them and improve the quality of communication.

Improves ability to swallow

Another consequence of age-weakened muscles is the diminished ability to swallow, which increases the likelihood of choking on food. The strengthening effect of speech therapy on vocal cords and larynx and jaw muscles can improve the swallowing reflex and increase comfort and safety during meals.

Treats stroke-related disorders

Speech therapy is typically recommended for patients who have suffered a stroke, targeting two different disorders: aphasia and apraxia. 

Aphasia is the difficulty in finding the right words to express thoughts, such as saying “table” when the patient means “chair.” About a quarter of all stroke survivors experience aphasia, and long-term speech therapy helps patients focus in order to find the correct word. 

Apraxia is the inability of a patient to move their lips properly in order to form words. Speech therapy for apraxia involves repetition of specific sounds before turning those sounds into words. 

For either disorder, speech therapy after a stroke should begin as soon as possible —immediate treatment increases the chances of full recovery.

Treats memory loss and dementia

Seniors suffering from memory loss and dementia can also find benefits in speech therapy, even if their speaking abilities are normal. Speech therapy preserves the brain functions associated with communication, and helps address the cognitive aspects of communication including attention and problem solving. Therapists can also assist loved ones, teaching them how to improve communication with seniors struggling with memory loss.

Improves quality of life

Communication is an integral part of life for practical and social reasons, which is why many seniors with untreated speech issues are prone to isolation and medical problems. Improving a senior’s ability to speak will increase their safety, health, and the quality of life that comes with participating in social activities. 

Bella Vista Health Center can help

If you notice that an elderly loved one is having trouble communicating, processing, and organizing information, it might be time to consider speech therapy. At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer a clinical speech therapy program consisting of treatment, support, and care for those who have difficulties with communication, swallowing, and cognition. For more information, give us a call or drop by our 5-star facility in Lemon Grove today.

What is Biofeedback and Why is it Useful?

 In the context of your career, feedback from supervisors helps to improve your performance and increase your chances of promotion. And in the context of your health, obtaining useful information and signals from your own body can improve your physiological performance. Biofeedback therapy has been around since the 1960s, and continued research has shown we have more control over our bodily functions than once thought possible. Here’s how biofeedback therapy might be able to help you:

Biofeedback: Already part of your life

Have you ever used a thermometer to check for a fever or stepped on a scale to see what you weigh? The information you receive is actually considered biofeedback, and you can use it to improve your condition by taking medicine and drinking extra fluids for a fever, or adopting a new diet if you’re a few pounds overweight. The complex biofeedback machines used by doctors and clinicians can reveal even more information, detecting internal biological functions with sensitivity and precision.

A wealth of information

A wide range of specialists use biofeedback therapy, including physical therapists, internists, nurses, dentists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. Some of the medical ailments that can be treated with biofeedback include chronic pain, high and low blood pressure, tension and migraine headaches, incontinence, digestive disorders, cardiac arrhythmia, and mobility disorders. 

Tapping into a “sixth sense”

Biofeedback therapy is not magic—it cannot cure diseases. But biofeedback machines act as a kind of “sixth sense,” allowing patients to “see” or “hear” bodily activity. The most common types of biofeedback therapy fall into these categories:

• Thermal biofeedback: measures skin temperature
• Electromyography: measures muscle tension 
• Neurofeedback: measures brain wave activity

While measuring, the machine picks up thermal, electrical, or neurological indicators and translates them into detectable signals like a flashing light or audible beep. For example, a biofeedback machine picking up the electrical signal of a tensing muscle allows the patient to make adjustments, like changing positions or breathing slower, in order to relieve the tension.

The power of thoughts and feelings

Most feedback therapy involves learning how to adjust and relax, and to identify circumstances known to trigger symptoms. Patients are taught how to cope with stress, change habits, and gain self-control, because while thoughts and feelings are technically relegated to the mind, they can have a profound effect on a patient’s physical health. 

Think of the “fight or flight” response: when someone perceives danger, panic triggers the sympathetic nervous system to prepare the body for an emergency by ramping up adrenaline (to run or attack), dilating pupils (to let in more light for better visibility), and contracting blood vessels (to reduce potential bleeding).

These are very real physical responses stimulated by the brain’s perception of what is happening.  

Reducing the impact of stress

Sometimes that “fight or flight” response is triggered by non-emergency situations, like fighting with a spouse, getting reprimanded by a boss, or being cut off by another driver on the road. But when the body is repeatedly stressed by triggered responses, certain bodily functions can become overactive and potentially result in damage to body tissues. Biofeedback can change habitual reactions to stress by helping patients recognize triggers and revert to a relaxed state.

Improved recovery outcomes

In the case of stroke patients and others with conditions affecting mobility, biofeedback can work as skill training to recover the use of arms and legs. Watching signals from still-active parts of the affected limbs can guide an exercise regimen that will help regain use. Even something as simple as reassurance that the limbs are still active in any capacity is encouragement enough to continue recovery efforts.

Bella Vista Health Center can help

At the Bella Vista Health Center, we offer a variety of services and physical therapy programs that are designed to relieve pain, restore function, and enhance health—including biofeedback therapy. Our patient-centered approach focuses on each person’s needs, and you can count on quality care by skilled and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of every resident. For more information on our services, give us a call today, or drop by our 5-star facility in Lemon Grove. 

How to Help Your Loved One Through Therapy

For people recovering from injury or surgery, or coping with chronic disorders such as arthritis and rheumatism, physical therapy can be extremely beneficial. In fact, one of the only downsides to physical therapy is the time it takes to achieve results. Building strength and improving mobility often require months of treatment and plenty of patience, which is why it’s so important for physical therapy patients to have a support system in place.

If a loved one under your care is undergoing physical therapy, there are several ways you can offer assistance and encouragement. Here are few things to keep in mind:

Physical therapy is a rollercoaster

A common misconception of physical therapy is that it provides gradual, consistent results. But it’s normal for patients to experience ups and downs during treatment, making significant gains one day only to feel like you’re sliding backward the next. But unlike actual roller coasters, physical therapy progress should follow an overall upward slope, so if there isn’t steady improvement over time, you’ll need to discuss it with your loved one’s doctor.

Physical therapy goals should be realistic

Especially for elderly patients, it’s important to set realistic goals that take into account age-related limitations. For example, if your loved one was able to walk 50 feet with a rolling walker prior to an injury or surgery, their goals should remain in that vicinity. One of the best and most realistic goals is regaining independence—the more your loved one can do on their own, the more confident they’ll feel during treatment.

Physical therapy is emotionally demanding

In addition to the physical demands of your loved one’s treatment, recovery can take an emotional toll as well. Try to be understanding and listen to their frustrations and concerns. Sometimes simply letting someone vent can be an immense relief. Of course, there’s a difference between occasional venting and maintaining a consistently negative attitude, so if you feel your loved one’s emotional demands are more than you’re qualified to deal with, it might be worth looking into other forms of therapy as well.

Physical therapy requires homework

In addition to ensuring your loved one attends all physical therapy sessions, it’s important to motivate and assist them with their “homework,” which will usually consist of simple, physician-prescribed exercises that can be done regularly at home in between therapy appointments. Following the regimen will not only make appointments more productive, but it may also even speed up recovery time.

Physical therapy victories are worth celebrating

Understanding the ups and downs of the recovery process, setting realistic goals, and keeping expectations measured are only half of the equation when it comes to supporting your loved one through physical therapy. Maintaining a positive attitude is the other half—especially celebrating progress, no matter how minimal. Each literal or metaphorical step forward is a victory worth celebrating. And those celebrations will aid in motivation as well.

Let Bella Vista Health Center help 

The best thing you can do for a loved one in need of physical therapy is helping them find the best facility available. At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer an individual patient-centered approach to treatment that truly focuses on each patient’s needs. Contact us today for more information about our services, or drop by and see us in Lemon Grove. We look forward to joining your support team and aiding your loved one through recovery.

How Yoga and Meditation Can Help the Recovery Process

Yoga and Meditation

While there is no substitute for physical therapy and other medical treatments when you’re recovering from an injury or illness, a growing number of care facilities are employing yoga and meditation as a complementary therapy to aid in recovery.

Yoga, which is more than just a method of exercise, is the practice of creating unity between mind and body. Practitioners believe that a disconnection between mind and body causes stress, fatigue, and ultimately, illness. Yoga can help your body heal and re-balance naturally, helping you to feel healthier, happier, and more alive.

Before you dismiss yoga as a fad or an alternative therapy on par with healing crystals, it’s important to note that yoga has been around for about 5,000 years and offers several proven benefits to the mind and body. Here are some ways yoga and meditation can help you or a loved one during the recovery process:

Balance and flexibility

It’s widely known that yoga improves flexibility, which is especially beneficial for people recovering from an injury. Yoga’s low-impact stretching exercises also improve balance, increase strength, and bring awareness to the tension and emotional stress that practitioners believe is stored in your body. Mindful stretching releases these tensions, giving you an overall sense of calm.

The healing breath

Effective stretching in yoga and concentration in meditation exercises rely on attention to breathing, and proper breathing does more than just benefit your cardiovascular system. According to yoga principles, practicing the “healing breath,” also called the Sudarshan Kriya, fully oxygenates every cell in the body, releases tension, flushes out negative emotions, and clears lethargy.

Clarity to cope

One aspect of illness and injury recovery that’s often overlooked is the mental and emotional toll the process can take. Meditation is highly beneficial for learning how to cope with stressful events and trauma. Meditation and yoga can also help you gain clarity about your challenges and concerns, so you can move beyond any negativity that threatens your recovery process.

Endorphin release

In addition to gaining clarity to guide you through the emotional toll of the recovery process, the physical aspect of yoga also releases endorphins. These natural brain chemicals act as painkillers and anti-depressants. They also have anti-inflammation properties, which decreases the discomfort of swollen muscles—an added benefit for those recovering from an injury.

Yoga, meditation, and recovery: a winning combination

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer several activities focusing on the mind, body, and spirit to accompany your physical and medical recovery treatments. We also have a yoga and meditation center, plus live music, crafting clubs, group outings, birthday celebrations and more to aid your recovery in a safe, comfortable setting.

If you’re looking for a skilled nursing facility for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to call or visit our five-star nursing facility in Lemon Grove today.

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Physical Therapy

Getting the Most Out of your Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be a daunting prospect for those with injuries, chronic pain, or other conditions affecting mobility, but like most things that require perseverance to succeed, the rewards are worth it.

The best way to prepare for physical therapy sessions is by generating a positive attitude and flexible expectations. There’s nothing wrong with pushing yourself to succeed, but it’s important to remember that the road to recovery isn’t always a straight line. To boost your chances of success, here are 5 tips for getting the most out of your physical therapy sessions:

1. Request the same physical therapist for every session

Consistency is crucial in physical therapy, and it’s not limited to your treatment regimen. If possible, request the same physical therapist for every session so you’re not answering the same questions or trying exercises that have already proven to be ineffective for you personally. Consistency and familiarity will increase your ability to accomplish your goals.

2. Be as descriptive as possible when discussing pain

One of the most important details of your condition that will influence your progress in physical therapy is your specific level and type of pain. A general statement such as “this hurts a lot,” is too vague, and mistakes can be made if you don’t properly communicate about your pain. Your physical therapist will be able to tell you whether a certain pain is natural to the healing process or not, and adjust exercises accordingly. So try using words like throbbing, aching, stabbing, sharp, dull, intermittent, and frequent.  Quantifying the level of pain on a scale such as the Likert scale will also help your physical therapist understand more precisely what you’re experiencing.

3. Discuss your goals

Just as physical therapy exercises are highly individualized, so are treatment goals: some patients simply want to return to work, while others hope to eliminate pain or walk without supports. Even if your goal is to run a marathon in the near future, let your therapist know so they can properly manage expectations. It’s also important to be proactive and ask plenty of questions. If you don’t understand why you are doing something or how you should do it, you are more likely to refrain from the exercise and negatively affect your progress. Your physical therapist is there to help.  Ask away!

4. Take notes and photos

Physical therapists often provide handouts with diagrams and illustrations for easy reference when doing at-home exercises. But if your therapist doesn’t, it’s a good idea to snap photos of specific positions and variations and take plenty of notes about repetitions, how much pain you should expect, and other vital information for at-home therapy success.

5. Take care of yourself

Ensure you’re alert and strong as possible during your sessions by eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. Proper hydration is always important, but even more so if you’re recovering from an injury. Also, make sure you’re as comfortable as possible by wearing athletic-type clothes, which will allow you the full range of motion in your exercises. Depending on your condition and treatment, your physical therapist might recommend specific attire, such as sneakers that support your ankles or sleeveless shirts for easy access to injured arms.

Ready for recovery? We’re here for you!

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer an individual patient-centered approach to physical therapy that truly focuses on each person’s needs. If you are recovering from an injury or have a condition requiring physical therapy, contact us today for more information about our services. Or drop by and see us in Lemon Grove. We look forward to serving you.