Four different types of physical therapy for seniors
IRON MOUNTAIN — When recovering from an illness, surgery, or injury, taking part in a senior rehabilitation program is vital to restoring functionality, improving quality of life, and reducing pain.
Rehabilitation for seniors often includes a mix of speech, occupational, and physical therapies that are designed with the individual’s specific abilities and needs in mind.
Physical therapy is especially important component in a successful recovery because it improves mobility, strength, and flexibility. Physical therapy is beneficial for seniors for several reasons including:
Decreasing pain from chronic conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis and can offset any future symptoms.
Maintaining an independent lifestyle by recovering from an illness or injury and managing pain that allows you to lead an independent, active lifestyle for a longer period of time.
One of the most common reasons for a senior needing physical therapy is from recovering from a fall. Falls are a leading case of accidents among seniors that often result in bone fractures or other injuries. A physical therapist can help teach seniors certain techniques to prevent future falls.
Physical therapy helps seniors to learn to maintain their stability as it relates to gravity when mobile. This awareness can reduce the risk of injuries and re-injury.
Seniors are often on a variety of prescription drugs to help manage their chronic pain. However, a physical therapy regimen can help reduce the need for medications, and can also be a more cost-effective form of treatment.
Physical therapists are trained in several different types of therapy to help people return to their normal lifestyles safely and quickly. The main types of physical therapies for seniors include:
Orthopedic physical therapy helps treat injuries of the musculoskeletal system and helping individuals recover from orthopedic surgeries. The goal is to restore function to bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Cardiopulmonary physical therapy can help increase endurance and functional independence after an individual has had a heart attack or other cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.
Geriatric physical therapy places an emphasis on the needs of aging adults. It can help treat arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, joint replacement, and balance disorders. Specialized programs are designed to hep increase fitness levels, reduce overall pain, and help restoring mobility.
Neurological physical therapy focuses on the body and brain, which makes it slightly different than other therapies. A neurological physical therapist can help those with conditions such as ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or other brain injuries. The therapist focuses on teaching them to adapt to visual, mobility, balance, and muscle loss, to make it easier to complete activities of daily living.
An evaluation can be done by a therapist to help design the best program for you. Check with your family doctor.
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NURSING HOMES
Freeman
Kingsford
Sunday: Scenes and sounds, noon; Uno, 1 p.m.; dunking donuts, 2 p.m.; church, 2:15 p.m.
Monday: Pretty nails, 10 a.m.; library cart, 11 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:45 a.m.; brouhaha,1 p.m.; pet visits, 2 p.m.; ice cream, 3 p.m.; bingo, 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday: Crafts and gardening, 10 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:45 a.m.; popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; Kentucky derby, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Room visits, 10:30 a.m.; rosary, 11 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Reading buddy, 10 a.m.; bible study, 11 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:45 a.m.; back yard games, 1 p.m.; pokereno, 2 p.m.
Friday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; what’s cooking, 11 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:45 a.m.; cards, 1 p.m.; sing-a-long, 2:30 p.m.; happy hour, 3 p.m.
Saturday: Meet and greet, 10:30 a.m.; blitz box, 11 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:45 a.m.; newspaper, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Iron County
Medical Facility
Crystal Falls
Sunday: One to one church visitors, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; room visits, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; heads up, 10 a.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.
Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Crystal Falls library, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee social and travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; garden club and reminisce, 2 p.m.; nite bingo, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Presbyterian Church, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.
Friday: Crafts, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: ICMCF word search and Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; parachute, 11 a.m.; intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.
ManorCare
Kingsford
Wet Your Whistle, 9:30 a.m. (daily).
Movie, 10:45 a.m. (daily) and again at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Gathering place, 11:40 a.m. (daily), and at 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday).
Protestant Church service, Sunday, 3 p.m.
Exercises, 10 a.m. (daily).
Sunday: Just jokes, 10:15 a.m.; morsels and more, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Who, what, when, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; po-ke-no, 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday: Who am I?, 10:15 a.m.; movie and a manicure, 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday: Table talk, 10:15 a.m.; flip five, 5:45 p.m.
Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; crafts, 5:45 p.m.
Friday: Finish lines, 10:15 a.m.; lucky 13, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Maryhill Manor
Niagara, Wis.
Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; bingo, 10:15 a.m.; parachute, 1:30 p.m.; courtyard social, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.
Monday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; sing-a-long, 10:15 a.m.; cemetery outing, 10:30 a.m.; parachute, 1:30 p.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Men’s breakfast, 7:30 a.m.; rosary, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 10:15 a.m.; parachute, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6:15 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; bowling, 10:15 a.m.; parachute, 1:30 p.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; bon fire, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Suzuki piano students, 2 p.m.; Pictionary, 6:15 p.m.
Friday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 10 a.m.; parachute, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.
Saturday: Joker-eno, 10:15 a.m.; parachute, 1:30 p.m.; pamper and polish coffee social, 2 p.m.
Monthly support group for grief and loss, second Monday of the month at 2 p.m.
Weekend pet visits.
Victorian Heights
Crystal Falls
Sunday: “Sweet treat” Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; social hour with snacks, 3 p.m.; Church of Christ service, 3 p.m.; Lawrence Welk show on PBS, 4 p.m.
Monday: Smear card game, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Catholic Mass service, 10 a.m.; left, right, center, 10:45 a.m.; cribbage game, 1:30 p.m.; bonfire at Medicare, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Card and stamp store, 10:45 a.m.; exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Shirley Temple video, 1:45 p.m.; Jubilee shopping trip, 2 p.m.; night bingo at Medicare, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Therapeutic adult coloring, 10:30 a.m.; Presbyterian Church service, 2 p.m.; wine and cheese on the front porch, 2:30 p.m.
Friday: Come and enjoy an Orange Julius, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11:15 a.m.; monthly party at Medicare with live music, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 4 p.m.
Saturday: Intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.
Victorian Pines
Iron Mountain
Exercise, Monday through Friday at 11 a.m.
Juice pass, daily at 10 a.m.
Shopping days: Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.
Sunday: Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Monday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Tuesday: Craft class, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; left, center, right, 2 p.m.; Rosary, 3 p.m.
Friday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.
Florence Health Services
Florence, Wis.
Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; short stories, 2 p.m.; social hour, 3:30 p.m.
Monday: Bible study with Dorothy and Wayne, 10 a.m.; bingo with Bette, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Pastor Doug church service, 10 a.m.; Beaded vase crafts with Valri, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Shopping trip, 9 a.m.; movie with snacks, 10 a.m.; Uno cards, 2 p.m.; coffee social, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday: Pastor Jason church service, 10 a.m.; hearts dice, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.
Friday: Catholic communion service, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; social hour, 3:30 p.m.; movie night 7 p.m.
Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; mingle and munch, 2 p.m.; Trivia, 3:30 p.m.
Pinecrest
Powers
Sunday: Grace church, 10 a.m.; outside social, 10 a.m.; Lutheran service, 2 p.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.
Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; beauty shop, 10:15 a.m.; busy bee, 12:30 p.m.; Rosary, 2:30 p.m.; movie, 3 p.m.; ball toss, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Trivia, 9:45 a.m.; sensory, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; word puzzles, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Baking group, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:30 p.m.; outside social, 2 p.m.; Scrabble, 3:45 p.m.
Thursday: DeYoung Zoo, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:30 p.m.; cards, 2:30 p.m.; volleyball, 6 p.m.
Friday: Mass, 10 a.m.; spa music, 10:15 a.m.; busy bee, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; fish fry outing at Carney Legion, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday: Hand massage, 10 a.m.; lifestories, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.
SENIOR CENTERS
Note: All centers ask for 24 hour advanced reservations for lunch. If you have meals delivered and will not be home, notify the center.
Alpha-Mastodon Center
906-875-3315
Meal every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at noon.
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Lunch at noon.
Bingo on Tuesdays.
Free meal drawing on Thursdays.
Breen Center
906-774-5110
Meals: Monday through Friday.
Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m.
Hostess on duty Monday through Friday.
Treats and coffee, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Center retail store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; volunteers and donations are welcome.
Birthdays acknowledge every day.
Evening meals are held first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m. with dinner served at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger.
Blood pressure and blood sugar testing, every fourth Wednesday.
Crystal Falls Center
Head Cook, Tracy West
906-875-6709
Meals will be served on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. (a salad bar will be open at 4:30 p.m.). The dinner donation is $5 for those age 60 and over and $6 for those under age 60. There is a take-out container charge of $1. All persons are invited. Cribbage will be played on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and be concluded in time for the dinner. Center is closed Thursday through Sunday. A site council meeting is held on the third Wednesday at 3 p.m. Blood pressure taken by request anytime the center is open.
Crystal Lake Center
906-774-5888
The center is closed on the weekends.
Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; Majong in dining hall, noon; Les Artistes Art Club, noon; Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Billiards, 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, noon; Crafters, scrap bookers, etc. also welcome; Knitting and crocheting class, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Camera Club, 6 p.m.
Friday: Smear, 12:30 p.m.
Last Saturday of the month: Music Jam starting at 1 p.m.
Evening meals have a salad bar beginning at 4 p.m. with the meal beginning at 4:30 p.m. A donation of $4 is accepted for seniors (60 plus), but not required. Those 59 and younger are required to pay $5.
Transportation is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call the center to book your ride.
Felch Center
Director: Norma Dixon
906-246-3559
Meals served Monday through Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
Bingo on the first and third Wednesday of each month after lunch.
Congregate jigsaw puzzle done daily.
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County
715-528-4890
Director: Lori Friberg
Three senior dining locations are listed below:
Fence Center/Town Hall
715-336-2980
Meal at noon on Wednesdays only. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.
Florence Community Center/Town Hall
715-528-4261
Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations are requested.
Jigsaw puzzles, cards, cribbage, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.
Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora
715-589-4491
Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are requested. Jigsaw puzzles, cribbage, cards, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.
Hermansville Center
Coordinator: Pam Haluska
906-498-7735
Meal is Monday through Friday at noon. Suggested donation is $3 for those 60 and older and $7 for those under 60.
Morning coffee is available each day
Fifteen games of “Fun Bingo” are played each Tuesday and Friday along with 50/50.
Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon. Call ahead to see if a game will be going on.
Friday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.
Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill is also available.
Tuesday: Birthday dinner, noon. Menu will be barbecue chicken, dilly potatoes, baked beans, and strawberry fluff. There will also be bingo after the meal.
Iron River Center
Directors: Katherine Bortolameolli and Brian Kassa
906-265-6134
Meals served Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $4 (over 60) and $5 (under 60).
Evening meal is on Thursdays with a salad bar at 4 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.
Bingo is on Sundays at 2 p.m. (doors open at noon) and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.
Cards are played on Thursdays, 1:15 p.m.
Transportation is available Monday through Thursday with the bus running 8:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. $4 (over 60), $5 (under 60), $6 (wheelchair).
Bingo every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Doors open at noon.
Salad bar with Thursday meal, 4 p.m. and dinner at 4:30 p.m.
Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center
Meal site manager: Corrie Maule
715-251-1603
Center director: Jill Anderson
715-251-4154
Noon meals served Monday through Thursday.
Transportation to the meal site from the Niagara area is offered.
Wii games, cards, puzzles, and board games available to play for your enjoyment.
Senior groups who would like to use the meal site as their meeting place may join them for lunch and stay to have their meeting or social time.
Tuesday: Bingo.
Norway Center
Director: Susie Slining
906-563-8716
Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon with salad bar. Soup is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Please sign up early for meals. (Meal donation is $5.)
Milk, juice, bread, fruit, tea, and coffee served daily.
Two special theme noon meals each month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.
Two evening meals (5 p.m.) on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.
Cards are played daily after the noon meal.
Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.
Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays
Puzzles always worked on.
Tuesday: Dog Day summer dinner: meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots with onions, soup, salad bar, fruit, juice, and dessert. Bingo, prizes, and 50/50.
Senior coloring class meets daily. All are welcome. Some materials will be provided.
Telephone reassurance is available. If you are a senior who doesn’t get out much and would like a friendly daily phone contact, the center will have someone check in to see that all is well.
Note: A CSFP food card (green card) is available to income-eligible seniors. Make an appointment to get signed up. File of Life packets available at the center.
Note: Ask about the Medicare Savings Program. This program helps people pay their Medicare part B premium. You may be eligible. Your local MMAP Counselor can be reached at 1-800-803-7174, or dial 211.
Center membership cards are available for $5 at the front desk.
Sagola Center
Director: Alyssa Runsat
906-542-3273
Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m.
Cards: Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday.
Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months.
Puzzle table for all to enjoy.
Volunteers are always welcome.