MRHC Helps Individuals Live at Home Longer with Occupational Therapy

aging in place

90% of older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. Occupational therapy at MRHC can help promote aging in place to help individuals live, work, and play more independently.

“As an Occupational Therapist, I want to help make that a reality for individuals,” said Amanda Arneson, MOTR/L, MRHC Occupational Therapist. “Our therapy treatments can help with aging in place by promoting independence and safety to make activities of daily living more doable.” Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

Aging in place refers to an individual making a conscious decision to live in the residence of their choice for as long as they can with the comforts that are important to them. As they age, adding supplementary services to facilitate their living conditions and maintain their quality of life may be necessary. These could include assistance with personal care, household chores, making meals, money management, or health care.

Family members should consider the following questions when determining the best course of action for an aging adult:

  • What is the ideal way for them to spend their retired years?
  • What type of home environment do you see them living in – individual, community, assisted?
  • What special health care requirements are needed or anticipated?
  • What other types of supplementary services are needed?
  • What options are available in case of emergencies, life changing events, accidents, etc.?

“Aging in place does not mean that you need to do everything yourself,” Arneson explained. “You can choose to do as little or as much as you want, can, and are capable of.”

Occupational therapy at MRHC is available for people of all ages who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Services can promote independence and aging in place by assisting with the following:

  • Getting around (adaptive devices: cane, walker, wheelchair)
  • Safety concerns and fall prevention
  • Home modifications (grab bars, lighting, and toilet risers)
  • Cooking
  • Laundry
  • Showering
  • Shopping
  • Medications
  • Cognition and memory
  • Muscle strengthening
  • Balance.

A doctor’s referral is required to be seen by an occupational therapist.

In addition to occupational therapy, MRHC provides a variety of other services to help community members live at home longer. Physical therapy is beneficial for those who are suffering from an injury, recovering from surgery, or dealing with any sort of acute or chronic pain. Senior Life Solutions offers an outpatient group counseling program to meet unique needs of adults over 65 struggling with depression and anxiety, often related to aging. Residential and outpatient medical care, behavioral therapy, and social support to enable a healthy lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol is available through the Recovery Center.

If you or a loved one would benefit from services that enable you to live at home longer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at MRHC by calling (712) 655-8100. To learn more about occupational therapy services contact Amanda Arneson at (712) 655-8298 or by email at amanda.arneson@mrhcia.com.

Lymphedema Services Now Available at MRHC

Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

“For those experiencing swelling due to lymph node removal or cancer treatments, lymphedema services can be very beneficial,” explained Occupational Therapist Amanda Arneson, MOTR/L, CLT, at Manning Regional Healthcare Center. Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

Lymphedema is a pooling of lymph fluid that results in swelling in a portion of the body. If left untreated, the collection of protein-rich fluid provides a culture rich for infection and inflammatory processes. Reduced oxygen transport then decreases healing to compromised tissues and wounds.

Lymphedema is a progressive condition characterized by:

  • Excessive protein in the tissues
  • Excessive fluid in the tissues
  • Chronic inflammatory reactions
  • Excessive deposition of fibrous tissues

“We began seeing more and more patients experiencing the effects of lymphedema, so Amanda became certified to provide treatment for our patients,” said Director of the therapy department, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT.

Patients will now be available to receive the following treatments at MRHC:

  • Manual lymph drainage
  • Compression bandaging
  • Compression garments
  • Exercise and elevation
  • Education in self-management

To schedule a lymphedema consultation with Amanda at MRHC, call (712) 655-8298.

MRHC Welcomes New Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

The therapy department at Manning Regional Healthcare Center is excited to welcome a new Occupational Therapist, Amanda Arneson, MOTR/L, to the therapy team. Arneson is now offering a wide range of occupational therapy services at MRHC for people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental, or psychological impairment, need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

“I am thrilled to be joining the team as an Occupational Therapist here at MRHC,” shared Arneson. “I fell in love with occupational therapy when I observed in Carroll at the hospital. I knew immediately that I wanted to help people of all ages get back to doing all the things they want to do independently. I am looking forward to growing the Occupational Therapy department here at MRHC and I have a big vision for the future,” Arneson said.

Therapy Director, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT, is excited for Arneson to join the team and looks forward to being able to offer occupational therapy services full time at MRHC.

“Amanda is a great asset to add to the Rehab Department and has experience treating a wide range of diagnoses,” said Nelson. “Occupational therapy can be beneficial for many different individuals ranging from children with developmental issues to people recovering from stroke. OT’s wheelhouse focuses on treating not just the diagnosis but treating the person as a whole in order to reach their functional goals.”

Arneson will offer occupational therapy services for adults who have difficulties with routine care such as brushing their teeth, getting dressed, feeding themselves breakfast, or driving to work. She will also provide pediatric care which consists of ensuring that children are meeting developmental milestones and progressing as they should. Pediatric services can include helping with handwriting and behavioral and mental health.

“My passions are in mental health and pediatrics,” Arneson shared. “I hope to explore more and bring skilled therapy here locally, so we don’t have to drive so far outside of town with our little kiddos.”

Geriatric services will be available as well. Arneson has experience working in local nursing homes and brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to geriatric care. She will work to get elderly people stronger and back home to be able to live independently.

After graduating from Audubon High School in 2012, Arneson received her master’s in Occupational Therapy at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska. Arneson and her husband live in Audubon with their two children. She enjoys spending time with family as well as doing anything outdoors.

To schedule an occupational therapy appointment, call (712) 655-8298.