Let’s talk about the impact of illness or hospitalization on one’s health.  I see it happen firsthand as a therapist working in the hospital.  People lose their ability to walk and complete self-care with independence within a very short period of time, making it harder for them to go home without additional support.  Consider this: 

1. How at risk are you?  How about your partner, the one you care for?  We are moving less and getting out into nature less as we further develop our society.   Too many hours spent in front of various screens is just 1 example and cause.  RESEARCH article:
   https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2759840
   
   
2.  The objective of therapists like myself is to discharge the patient to a SAFE environment with adequate support.  Over the course of 1-2 weeks, I see patients move from a short-term rehab plan to a home plan when they are able to cooperate in strength, endurance, and self-care skill-building interventions with OT and PT.   When they can’t participate (due to medical instability) or they refuse to participate, we see the loss of potential for home discharge 

The same thing can happen at home with an illness or during home recovery from a hospital discharge, so do everything you can to keep your LO moving with the intention.  Look at what can happen to the body with immobility:
 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.633987/full

Are you seeing this happen with your loved one, either at home or at the hospital, and feeling helpless?   Here is what you can do. 

•  keep them moving and doing as much as they can for themselves so they are always at a starting point of advantage.  
• Look at what your loved one can do easily.  Any mobility or activity that you see them do like:  sitting up at the side of the bed or without the support of the couch/chair.  Standing up without losing balance, walking, any daily task they do well - have them do that MORE or for longer periods of time than they are currently

The HOW: 

1. Start a simple movement and exercise program - do it at least once a day https://www.caregiverbydesign.com/seatedexercises (FREE DOWNLOAD VIDEO TO USE)
2. Use the right support items to maximize safe mobility and self-care:   walker, canes, adaptive tools, shower chairs, grab bars, toilet seats/ grab bars, etc CONSISTENTLY
3. Get out of the house, stay social, keep the mind engaged and this includes problem-solving through basic daily tasks.  

Let's get you and your partner living the life you actually want by sorting out what your vision for living is, what the boundaries are and how to build strength, mobility, and independence for you both.   https://www.caregiverbydesign.com/coaching Find out more at the link.  I will contact you when we are ready to start.  

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