When therapies are needed in the community
I began my second career, geriatric social work, in 1996. I worked at the (now) Valley Vista Rehabilitation Center. There, I was also more fully introduced to the variety of rehabilitation therapy services available to persons.
There, I received a first-hand introduction to how physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy (and their sub-specialties) helped residents recover from surgeries, strokes, and disease. Now, I’m aware that so many other therapy services are available to bring people better health and healing than even 21 years ago.
As I take a quick inventory of medical and alternative therapies available to people in north Idaho, it is clear to me we aren’t living in even the 1980s anymore. So many options are available to people who struggle with the myriad of physical and cognitive issues present in our culture.
And I’m just talking about medical options. The word “therapy” comes from Latin and Greek words that mean “curing, healing, taking care of.” A quick look online tells me the word is used much more widely today than ever before.
It is used as an umbrella term to identify so many services today. There is music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hydro-therapy, massage therapy, chiropractics — and a good number more that all point to many people who want to heal others.
The increased number of therapies available to us can be a good thing. But it is also important to be diligent in our research so we are confident that the person offering a particular therapy is qualified to deliver what he or she offers. “Research and reference” is also important.
For example, let me share from my own experience. I don’t have any dramatic physical issues. But years ago I discovered that massage therapy could be helpful in releasing tight muscles, especially in my upper body. I did my research, and I got references from people I trust.
Additionally, I had to decide what kind of massage therapy I needed. I realized I wanted more than a “feel good” massage, so I looked for someone to do deep-tissue massage to relieve my tight muscles. Plus I wanted to increase my flexibility. I found the therapist who does those things, and I’m happy.
It’s important, folks, to identify the kind of therapy you need, and be referred to the appropriate therapist. That is the reason why the next Geezer Forum is focused on “So Many Therapies Available.” Next Tuesday, April 11, we’ll learn about a wide range of therapies. Our guest resource leaders will be from the Bonner General Health Therapy Department. Michelle Tucker, Elizabeth Neuder and Robin Hanson will speak to the surprisingly wide range of therapies offered by BGH.
Questions and comments are welcomed about therapies that you know about, and perhaps have benefited from. Next Tuesday at Columbia Bank’s Community Room. Please grab a snack from Tango Cafe and join us.
Paul Graves, M.Div. is lead geezer-in-training for Elder Advocates, a consulting ministry on aging issues. Contact Paul at 208-610-4971 or elderadvocates@nctv.com.