Did you know?

One of the simplest ways to stay healthy as we get older is just… keep moving! Every movement you make, big or small, helps your body stay strong, flexible, and ready for whatever life brings.

But staying active isn’t always easy. Stiff joints, arthritis, or the natural changes that come with aging can make even simple activities, like going for a walk or climbing stairs, more challenging. That’s where physical therapy can help. Physical therapists are movement experts who work with older adults to make staying active easier, more comfortable, and safer.

How Physical Therapy Supports Healthy Aging:

Better Balance – Even small changes in balance can increase fall risk. Physical therapy helps identify these issues early and teaches strategies to keep you steady and safe.

Builds Strength– Gentle, targeted exercises to build muscle and stamina so you can enjoy everyday activities.

Manages Pain– Therapy can help reduce stiffness and soreness to make daily movement feel easier.

Promotes Independence – Staying active means staying in charge of your daily life and continuing to do the things you love.

If you’ve noticed changes in your balance, strength, or mobility, or if movement feels more challenging than it used to, talk with your doctor to see if physical therapy can help. Sometimes the smallest steps lead to the biggest improvements in health and independence.

Lessons from Recent OIG Audit Findings

A recent audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) revealed serious gaps in verifying nursing home staff background checks in Alabama. While the audit focused on one state, the implications are far-reaching and relevant for operators nationwide.

Key Findings from the OIG Audit (Alabama Audit A-04-24-08104)

The audit examined nursing home compliance between January 1, 2022, and April 8, 2024, reviewing 439 employees across sampled facilities. It was discovered that 139 employees did not have properly verified background checks or registry queries performed before beginning work.

Based on these findings, the OIG made four strong recommendations to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), urging:

1. Implementation of a process to verify background checks and registry queries before employee onboarding.
2. Education efforts to inform facilities about the critical importance of timely background verification.
3. Requirement for facilities to establish formal policies and procedures for registry queries prior to employment.
4. Conducting ongoing reviews of facility compliance with these requirements.

As of now, all four recommendations remain open and unimplemented, with further action expected by early 2026.

Broader Implications & Why This Matters Across States

Although this audit focused on Alabama, the risks and lessons apply universally:

• Nursing home residents rely on trusted, screened staff. Lapses in background verification can significantly compromise safety.
• Other states may face similar audits, and the trend toward heightened oversight is increasing, especially around employee screening procedures.
• Like Alabama, other states could be prompted to institute mandatory pre-employment verification, backed by audits or sanctions.
• Facilities lacking consistent background screening could face reputational damage, regulatory action, or worse.

Are you Compliance Ready?

The OIG audit serves as a reminder that compliance cannot be reactive and instead must be built into daily operations. Nursing homes that establish robust, proactive screening processes not only reduce regulatory risk but also strengthen trust with residents, families, and communities. By taking action now, providers can position themselves as industry leaders in both resident safety and regulatory readiness.

Thanks to advances in medicine and nutrition, people today are living 10-15 years longer than just a few decades ago. A longer life gives you more time to enjoy hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and make new memories. But healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to your life—it’s about how well you feel during those years. By taking care of your body and mind, you can stay active, strong, and ready to enjoy every stage of life.

Here are some simple habits that make a big difference:

• Sleep Well: 7–8 hours of sleep each night helps your body recover and keeps your memory sharp.
• Move More: Sitting too long can affect your heart, muscles, and mood. Stand up and move every 30–60 minutes.
• Strength Training: You don’t need a gym. Lifting soup cans or using resistance bands can help keep muscles and bones strong.
• Brain Work: If you read often, try painting. If you do puzzles, learn a new instrument. Changing activities builds new brain connections.
• Eat Superfoods: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help protect brain cells. Salmon is rich in omega-3s, which support heart health.
• Find Joy: Laughter, music, and hobbies lower stress and boost your mood.

How Can Therapy Help?

Our therapy team specializes in helping older adults stay strong, steady, and active. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of therapy and how it can help you keep moving, stay independent and feel your best every day.

Every year, one in three older adults experiences a fall—and many of these falls can be prevented. One of the biggest reasons for losing balance is muscle weakness, especially in the legs. Our legs support us as we walk, rise from a chair, climb stairs, and stay steady.

Why Leg Strength Matters

Around age 30, we begin to lose muscle mass in a natural process called sarcopenia. Over the decades, this gradual loss adds up. By our 80s, we may have lost up to half of our muscle strength. But here’s the good news: you can rebuild strength at any age. Simple, consistent movements can help you stay active, reduce the risk of falling, and maintain your independence.

Easy At-Home Exercises to Strengthen Your Legs

Here are a few ways to work leg muscles without special equipment:

March in Place — Do this while watching TV or listening to music. It’s a great way to get more steps in throughout the day.

Use a Stationary Bike — A gentle, low-impact exercise that helps build leg strength without putting pressure on your joints.

Chair Stands — Sit in a sturdy chair and stand up, then sit back down—repeat several times a day. This strengthens your thighs and helps with everyday mobility.

Walk While on the Phone — Instead of sitting during phone calls, walk around your home. These mini-walks add up!

Therapy Can Help Improve Balance & Prevent Falls

If you’ve had a fall or feel unsteady, talk to your doctor. Our therapy team specializes in strength and balance training to help you move more confidently, reduce your risk of falling, and stay independent.

Did you know that adults over 60 can lose between 3% and 8% of their muscle mass per decade? This natural loss, called sarcopenia, can make daily tasks harder and increase the risk of falls and injuries.

Fortunately, strength can be rebuilt at any age! Research shows that adults, even in their 80s and 90s, can gain muscle and improve mobility through regular strength training. You don’t need a gym or fancy equipment. Here are a few simple exercises you can do at home to help stay strong and independent.

Everyday Exercises to Build Strength

Aim for 10–15 minutes a day of these strength-building exercises.

Sit-to-Stand: Practice standing up from a chair without using your hands. This builds leg and core strength.

Wall Push-Ups: Stand a few feet from a wall and press your hands into it like a push-up. Great for building upper body strength in your arms and shoulders!

March in Place: Holding the back of a chair, gently lift your knees one at a time to improve balance and leg strength.

Use Resistance Bands: These lightweight bands are easy on joints and can help strengthen arms, legs, and core.

How Can Therapy Help?

If staying active feels difficult due to pain, weakness, or concerns about falling, physical and occupational therapy can help. A therapist can create a personalized plan to help you safely rebuild strength, reduce pain, and stay active.