With a focus on wellness, functionality, and fun, MBK Senior Living residents find an environment where they do more than live – they thrive! MBK's inviting environments, combined with exceptional signature programs and key partnerships, support residents completely and provide families with greater peace of mind.
Take, for example, our partnership with ONR Therapy. ONR is seamlessly integrated into our communities, providing residents easy access to services delivered by certified physical, occupational, and speech therapists. What's more, ONR works directly with MBK Team Members in offering group exercises and partners with our caregivers to provide resident care or additional in-service training to elevate care delivery.
There is a tremendous benefit to having ONR onsite. Residents no longer have to arrange transportation to get to appointments. They're not limited to a prescribed number of sessions. They form personal and ongoing relationships with therapists in the community, who can assess living environments and provide assistance that helps them feel engaged and connected.
But, best of all, therapy services are an extension of what we do – care for residents and enable them to be more independent. ONR therapists help residents improve their strength, flexibility, and mobility, manage chronic pain and perform everyday activities with greater confidence and success.
According to Julia Collier, PT, DPT, ONR's Director of Rehabilitation at MBK's Citrus Place community in Riverside, California, she and her therapists have more flexibility to assess and provide real-time help to residents. Screenings do not cost residents, and often therapists can see what others can't.
"We're often the extra pair of eyes that residents and their families need to evaluate a situation and can offer practical solutions to help them with functionality," said Julia. "We can come to their apartments to assess a situation in their home versus simulating a situation."
"A resident's daughter expressed concern when her dad was using the back of furniture to walk from room to room and had fallen twice," said Julia. "We found when we assessed the situation that his walker didn't fit well with the living room set up. By rearranging some furniture, he could utilize his walker safely and move more confidently around his apartment."
With or without injury, falls can be detrimental and result in a senior limiting their activities and social engagements, which can also result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness. By assessing fall risks, range of motion, and mobility, ONR therapists help residents physically and keep them engaged socially and mentally. Since beginning our partnership with ONR, MBK communities have seen a 30% reduction in resident falls.
"By being in the community and building relationships, we often know what activities residents enjoy," said Julia. "If we notice a resident is staying home more, and not joining in on activities they love, we can help identify reasons why even offer to walk with them to the activity if that makes them more comfortable.”
Comfort is just what they find in ONR's personal touch, individualized treatment plan, and continued support. Plus, since ONR is considered an outpatient clinic, services are covered by Medicare B and most other insurances. So, residents can utilize services more regularly than what is typically prescribed.
In general, ONR services available to residents include balance/walking difficulties, cardiac/respiratory conditions, fall prevention, orthopedic injuries, osteoporosis, pre-and post-surgical rehab, and the performance of everyday activities. In addition, ONR can develop programming to the needs of residents.
At The Bellettini, MBK's community in Bellevue, Washington, several residents have been diagnosed with Parkinson's. To support their needs, ONR's Director of Rehabilitation, Theresa Revamuntan-Dragotti PT, DPT, offers a program called "Move Big." The weekly exercise class emphasizes big movements to help improve posture and mobility. Theresa is also completing a Parkinson's certification to further support residents.
“We don't want any resident to feel left behind or unable to participate in activities,” said Theresa.
According to Theresa, Bellettini seniors who have hip or knee surgery often have to go to a skilled nursing facility for rehab before returning home. Another benefit to having an onsite rehabilitation office is that residents can usually come home directly and receive services in the comfort of their community. Plus, ONR therapists can also help residents manage pain, so they do not need to rely heavily on narcotics for post-surgery or chronic pain.
The bottom line, the benefits of having ONR onsite and available to MBK residents are significant – and far more than pre- or post-surgery help. They are a partner in the community that residents and families can count on to help increase functionality, independence, and enhanced quality of life.
To learn more about MBK Senior Living's partnership with ONR, contact an MBK community near you!
