There are many things you already have around your home that you can use to exercise, but if you are looking for equipment, check out my list below and click to order.   (paid links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Theraband:  I use these regularly with all my patients.  latex and non-latex available.  From easist to hardest:  yellow, red, green, blue, black, silver

Ankle Weights:  I use these regularly with all my patients.  Recommend the 5# each (10# total) set

Balance Pad:   A good way to challenge your balance.  Use with caution on your own as we don't want anyone to fall!
2 sizes available (Large and XL).  color doesn't matter

Dumbbells: Recommend one of the Rack with 3 Pairs

Step: If you don't have a step somewhere in your home, this step adjusts from approx 3 inches to 5 inches.  

Grip Strength

Pedaler:  use with your arms or legs for an aerobic workout.  Recommend placing it against a wall if using with your legs

If you are ready and willing to spend more money or need more of a challenge, below are a few good options:

Adjustable Dumbbells:  I own these and use them regularly for my own workouts

XPRI:  Medicine Ball with handles.  I use the 20# regularly for my own workouts

Kettlebells: While most exercises can use dumbells and kettlebells interchangably, some of those exercises feel more challeging with kettlebells.  I don't own the Yes4All brand of kettlebells, but I recommend this one for the variety of weights available as a set at a reasonable cost.

These kettlebells from Onnit are the ones I own and use for my own workouts.

Cubii:  There are several models with different features for you aerobic exercise

Cubii Move:  6 resistance levels, weighs about 18#

Cubii Jr1: 8 resistance levels, weighs about 27#

Cubii Jr2:  8 resistance levels, lighter than Jr1, about 19#

Cubii Go:  8 resistance levels, weighs about 20#, has a built in handle and wheels making it easier to move

Tidal Tank

If there is something not listed here that you are considering buying, feel free to email me.  If I have knowledge of the product, I can let you know the pros/cons.
Info@WellsRehab.com

So you’ve probably been hearing a lot about Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) in the news recently due to COVID-19, but did you know that PICS is not a new concept and commonly occurs in any patient who has been in the ICU?   

What exactly is PICS? 

PICS is “new or worsening impairments in physical, cognitive, or mental health status arising after critical illness and persisting beyond acute care hospitalization.”  These impairments can lead to a decrease in mobility, endurance, ability to perform activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning), ability to return to work, and increase fall risk as well as caregiver burden.  PICS occurs in people of all ages and the effects can last for over a year! Research has shown up to 70% of people who survive a critical illness continue to have physical impairments after one year, 50-60% continue to have cognitive deficits after two years, 20-30% continue to have mental health impairments after one year, and 43% are unable to ever return to their pre-hospital employment.  Research also shows us that approximately one third of those who survive a critical illness are re-admitted to the hospital within one month.

What can be done?

The good news is the effects of PICS can be managed thru a comprehensive rehab plan! Referral to physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy should be initiated during your hospital stay as soon as possible.  Referrals to social work, dietitian, and/or a mental health profession may also be needed.  We know it can take months to years to overcome the deficits experienced after hospitalization, yet a study using 2012 data showed only 33% of Medicare beneficiaries received therapy following discharge from the ICU!   No matter your age, once discharged from the hospital, be sure you continue your therapy so you do not become one of the above statistics!

If you or your loved one has recently been hospitalized, contact Wells Rehab & Wellness.  Together we can continue your recovery at home!

James M Smith, Alan C Lee, Hallie Zeleznik, Jacqueline P Coffey Scott, Arooj Fatima, Dale M Needham, Patricia J Ohtake, Home and Community-Based Physical Therapist Management of Adults With Post–Intensive Care Syndrome, Physical Therapy, , pzaa059, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa059

Falvey J, et al. CT-55. Presented at: Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Critical Care Congress; Feb. 16-19, 2020; Orlando.

Photo Credit: https://www.aftertheicu.org/what-is-pics

With the new Medicare reimbursement models, many skilled nursing facilities/sub-acute rehab and home health care agencies are decreasing the overall amount of therapy provided and discharging patients sooner.

This is leading to an increase in readmissions to hospitals and continued functional deficits resulting in a decline in independence.

Wells Rehab & Wellness will come to your home to provide skilled outpatient therapy in order to improve your functional deficits and independence, and decrease the risk of rehospitalization. 

If you feel you have been discharged too soon from your therapy program, contact Wells Rehab & Wellness.  Together we can work on achieving your goals and returning to your highest level of function! 

Photo Credit: https://www.elderlawanswers.com/how-to-fight-a-nursing-home-discharge-6971

HOME HEALTH THERAPY

In order to qualify for home health care services, you must have a prescription for home health care and your physician must certify that you meet all 3 of the following criteria to be classified as "homebound":

1:  Because of illness or injury - need the aid of supportive devices such as crutches, canes, wheelchair, or walker; the use of special transportation; or the assistance of another person  in order to leave their place of residence. OR  Have a condition such that leaving his or her  home is medically contraindicated. 

2:  There must exist a normal inability to leave home

3:  Leaving home must require a considerable and taxing effort

The inability to leave home must be directly related to a recent illness/injury or chronic condition. It can not be due to patient choice, age, or lack of available transportation. The patient is allowed to leave their home as long as it is infrequent and relatively short in duration, such as attending weekly church service or going to the beauty/barber shop.

MOBILE THERAPY

To receive Mobile Therapy you DO NOT need to meet the above "homebound" requirements and you DO NOT need a prescription from your physician.  Mobile Therapy provides outpatient therapy in the privacy and comfort of your own home. There's no need to worry about finding transportation to a clinic and you'll receive uninterrupted one on one treatment sessions. After your therapist completes your evaluation, he/she will send a plan of care to your physician indicating your weaknesses/limitations and goals, as well as type, frequency, and duration of planned treatments.

Wells Rehab & Wellness is a mobile therapy provider serving Oakland and parts of Livingston and Wayne counties.

Home Health Therapy and Mobile Therapy are covered by health insurance.   Your provider should provide information regarding payment options, deductible, co-pay, and/or co-payment prior to beginning treatment.

See my "Sound Familiar" Blog article or contact me to discuss your options.

248-919-8723

info@wellsrehab.com

You or your loved one has had one or more falls at home?

You’ve been discharged from the hospital, rehab center, or home health care and prefer to continue your physical therapy at home?

You are concerned about yourself or your loved one moving independently and safely?

You were discharged from therapy because “you have reached your maximum rehab potential” or “you have plateaued” but feel your goals have not been met and/or your insurance will not pay for more visits?

Your doctor recommended beginning an exercise program but you do not know how to safely start?

You are concerned about yourself or your loved one “not moving, exercising, or being active” enough?  

You have a prescription for physical therapy, but prefer not to drive to your therapy appointment, or no one can take you there?

WELLS REHAB & WELLNESS:  BRINGING REHAB & WELLNESS SERVICES TO YOU

248-919-8723