The $3 Million Difference: How Sobe Rehab Increases ALF Success by Transforming Senior Living
Sobe Rehab improves the quality of life of residents in ALFs. Achieving a successful aging in place is a large component of that. This novel study at this Tampa ALF aims to provide evidence that our 10-step proactive, preventative outpatient therapy algorithm is effective in significantly increasing resident retention & length of stay. This Tampa ALF is enjoying a census increase from 60 residents in 2022 (program start) to 109 residents today. This is an 82% census increase in two years, equivalent to a $3 Million annual increased revenue. This was achieved significantly due to a reduced monthly move-out rate from 4.92 resident move-outs per month in 2022 to 3.75 resident move-outs per month in 2023, and 3.42 resident move-outs per month in 2024.
If your ALF would like a revenue increase, call us today:
Northern/Central Florida: Marina (321) 947-0711
South Florida/Treasure Coast: Simmone (954) 594-9942
A resident retention review was conducted at Tampa ALF to investigate if Sobe Rehab patients, who were present in the ALF as of July 2022, present increased retention. The residents in the experimental treatment “Group A” were residents treated by Sobe Rehab for >= 24 outpatient therapy visits between 07/01/22 – 09/01/23. >= 24 treatments are an essential therapy threshold based on clinical research studies indicating the highest outpatient therapy outcomes & efficacy occur from a comprehensive 12-week outpatient therapy program where patients are treated for 2 times per week (24 treatments), Liu-Ambrose et al. (2012), Shumway-Cook et al. (2008) and Wang et al. (2016). The patients in the control “Group B” were residents who did not meet these criteria.
Experimental Group A Findings:
15/17 (88.2% year-over-year retention) residents that Sobe Rehab treated for >= 24 treatments between 07/01/2022 – 09/01/2023 are still in the community as of today.
Control Group B Findings:
19/45 (42.2% year-over-year retention) residents remained in the community between 07/01/2022 – 09/01/2023 indicating a 46% lower retention rate when not referred to or completing Sobe Rehab’s comprehensive 12-week outpatient therapy program.
This census review intends to reveal the value of a Sobe Rehab therapy program at senior living communities. We hope to give evidence-based insights into the economic benefits achieved by implementing Sobe Rehab for their residents through data analytics. Such insights have the potential to improve the quality of life of residents and contribute to the long-term growth and vitality of senior living.
Enhancing Health and Independence Through Therapy in Assisted-Living Facilities
Physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy (ST) play a crucial role in improving the health and quality of life for residents in assisted-living facilities. By addressing specific physical, cognitive, and communication challenges, these therapies help residents maintain independence and reduce health risks, ultimately increasing their length of stay in the facility. Here’s how each therapy contributes:
Physical Therapy (PT)
• Mobility and Strength: PT helps residents maintain or improve their mobility, balance, and strength, reducing the risk of falls—a leading cause of injury and hospitalization in older adults.
• Chronic Pain Management: By addressing musculoskeletal issues, PT can alleviate pain, enhance comfort, and improve functional capacity.
• Rehabilitation: Residents recovering from surgeries, strokes, or injuries benefit from tailored exercises to regain mobility and prevent complications.
• Promotes Independence: Improved physical capabilities enable residents to perform daily activities longer, reducing the need for higher levels of care.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Daily Living Skills: OT focuses on helping residents perform essential daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing, and eating, with greater ease and safety.
• Adaptive Techniques: Therapists introduce tools or strategies to compensate for declining abilities, enabling residents to remain independent longer.
• Home Safety Modifications: Assessments may lead to adjustments in the resident’s living environment, reducing hazards and fostering safe mobility.
• Cognitive Support: For residents with memory or cognitive impairments, OT incorporates activities that improve focus, problem-solving, and engagement.
Speech Therapy (ST)
• Communication Support: ST assists residents who have difficulty speaking, understanding language, or using alternate forms of communication, fostering better interactions with caregivers and peers.
• Swallowing Therapy: Many residents have dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) that can lead to malnutrition or aspiration pneumonia. Speech therapists help address these issues to ensure proper nutrition and safety.
• Cognitive-Communication Skills: Therapy may also target memory, attention, and reasoning, helping residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments remain engaged and functional.
Overall Impact on Length of Stay
• Reduced Hospitalizations: By preventing falls, managing chronic conditions, and addressing swallowing or communication issues, these therapies lower the likelihood of hospital transfers.
• Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced independence, safety, and comfort help residents remain satisfied with their living arrangements.
• Delays in Transition to Higher Care Levels: Residents who maintain functional abilities are less likely to need transfer to skilled nursing or long-term care facilities.
Together, PT, OT, and ST form a comprehensive approach to promoting health, safety, and autonomy, contributing to longer and more fulfilling stays in assisted-living facilities.
How Seniors Can Stay Active This Holiday Season
Keep Your Joints Happy and Healthy While You Celebrate
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is almost here. While this time of year is full of family gatherings, once-a-year celebrations, and lots of delicious food, it can be hard to maintain a regular routine–which means daily movement and exercise often fall by the wayside.
Unfortunately, skipping out on exercise can have a big impact on the health and wellness of older adults–especially their joint health. As we age, our joints naturally degenerate, and the protective tissue in the joint thins out, leading to stiffness and discomfort.
Regular movement keeps the joints healthy and strengthens the surrounding muscles, helping to stabilize the joints, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Staying active can also reduce the risk of falls, a common concern among older adults.
The good news? You don’t need to engage in strenuous activity to see benefits, and there are plenty of ways to weave physical activity into the holidays. From evening strolls to group exercise classes, the seniors in your life have plenty of options!
Five Holiday-Friendly Tips for Staying Active
1. Enjoy a Daily Walk
One of the simplest activities is also one of the best ways to keep your muscles and joints moving without putting too much stress on your body. Best of all, walking is easy to incorporate into holiday celebrations. Invite your loved ones to come along!
- Try a short stroll after family meals to aid in digestion.
- Walk around the neighborhood to admire the holiday lights.
- Weather not cooperating? Malls often open their doors early for walkers, so you can get your steps in without fighting the crowds. Big box stores are also a good option, especially if you go early in the day.
2. Stretch While Watching Holiday Movies
Stretching improves mobility and helps loosen stiff joints. Take advantage of holiday movie marathons by doing light stretches while you watch. Here are some simple stretches you can do in front of the TV:
- Neck Rolls: Slowly rotate your head in a circular motion to release tension.
- Shoulder Rolls: Lift and roll your shoulders backward and forward.
- Seated Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the edge of your chair and extend your leg forward with the foot flexed.
3. Try Chair Exercises, Too
Want to do a bit more than stretch but still prefer to stay seated? Chair exercises are a perfect option for improving strength, balance, and circulation with minimal strain on joints–and you can perform them while watching your holiday favorites. Here are some examples:
- Chair Marching: Sit tall and lift your knees as if marching.
- Arm Lifts: Use light weights or canned goods to gently strengthen your upper body while seated.
- Ankle Rolls: While seated, rotate each foot to improve ankle mobility and blood flow.
4. Attend a Group Exercise Class
Group exercise classes are a wonderful way to stay active and socially connected throughout the holiday season. Many community centers offer free or low-cost classes during the holidays, so check your local schedule.
Here are some classes that offer plenty of benefits for seniors:
- Gentle Yoga
- Tai chi
- Dance fitness (like Zumba)
- Water aerobics (most gyms offer heated pools!)
5. Get Active with Your Family
Holiday gatherings are perfect for fun group activities that get you moving and create lasting memories. Instead of sitting around the living room, suggest some activities to get everyone up and about:
- Dance to your favorite holiday music
- Play a few rounds of Charades or holiday-themed Pictionary
- String popcorn to hang around a tree or drape on a mantle
Let the Holiday Spirit Help You Move!
Staying active during the holidays doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By incorporating simple, enjoyable activities into your daily routine, you can protect your joints, stay mobile, and make the most of this festive season.
If you need a little extra help finding the best ways to stay active this holiday season, schedule an appointment at Sobe Rehab. Our compassionate team can help you develop personalized exercise programs that suit your needs. Call us today to get started!
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Seasonal Recipe:
No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Balls
- 10 tbsp cocoa powder
- 6 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter (can use SunButter or nut-free spread)
- 1/4 cup unflavored pea protein powder
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2-4 tbsp crushed candy canes
- 2-4 tbsp dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Put everything except the candy cane and chocolate chips into a bowl and mix well. Slowly add water if needed (You may not need any water if your almond butter is runny). Start with a teaspoon and slowly add until you get a well-mixed batter. If you add too much then the batter will be too soft to roll. Add the candy canes/cacao nibs and chocolate chips and mix again. Allow batter to chill in the fridge while you clean up, then roll into balls.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to deliver a stronger future for seniors in assisted living facilities. The Sobe Rehab 10-step proactive, comprehensive, PT/OT/ST therapy model restores senior independence and quality of life. In ALFs, this translates into improved length of stay and retention, on average 4 years for our patients. This enhances their freedom and happiness while increasing the ALF census exponentially. As the saying goes, “It’s not the days in your life, but the life in your days.”
Don’t Let Joint Pain Dampen Your Holiday Spirit
The holidays are a busy time. There are gifts to purchase, pies to bake, and cookies to decorate. Unfortunately, all the excitement can put undue strain on your joints, which can lead to increased pain and decreased function in older adults.
Fortunately, a few simple tips can help keep your joints protected this holiday season.
Three PT-Approved Tips to Protect Your Joints
1. Stretch Before Holiday Activities
- Gentle stretches warm up your muscles before activity–and that’s as true for baking cookies and hanging decorations as it is for anything else! Try light wrist rotators or basic shoulder rolls to get the blood flowing, making movements easier and less stressful on joints.
2. Wear Supportive Footwear
- Between shopping, caroling, and visiting loved ones, you might find yourself on your feet more than usual. This can stress weight-bearing joints like your knees, hips, and ankles. Choose shoes that fit properly and have adequate support and cushioning to minimize joint stress during prolonged periods of standing or walking.
3. Take Regular Breaks
- Regular breaks help you avoid overuse injuries that can develop during repetitive activities like meal prep. Set a timer to remind yourself to take a break every 30 minutes to sit down, stretch, or change positions.
We hope these tips help protect your joints so you can enjoy your holiday traditions in comfort! If you’d like additional guidance, schedule an appointment at Sobe Rehab. Our team is happy to help!