EmpowerMe Wellness

04/03/2026

Happy !

We’re grateful for the incredible occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants across EmpowerMe who bring compassion, creativity, and expertise to the residents they serve every day.

Through their work, residents gain greater independence, confidence, and the ability to continue engaging in meaningful daily activities.

Thank you to our amazing OTs and OTAs for everything you do!

04/03/2026

At Aviva River Bend Assisted Living and Memory Care, teamwork and dedication helped Madelyn reclaim her independence.

After frequent falls led to a week-long hospitalization, Madelyn returned to her assisted living community significantly deconditioned. Even walking short distances had become difficult, and daily falls were a major concern.

Working together, her family, community staff, and the EmpowerMe therapy team—including Melissa Shilts, COTA and Andy Cook, PTA—focused on addressing the root causes of her setbacks. By adjusting medication timing and providing consistent therapy and encouragement, Madelyn began to regain her strength, balance, and confidence.

In just six weeks, the change has been remarkable. Madelyn progressed from needing wheelchair transport to being independent most days. Today, she’s an active participant in exercise classes and regularly visits the gym.

Her journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when collaboration, consistency, and determination come together to support resident wellness.

04/02/2026

Calling All Future OTs!
Meet at the USC OT Career Fair • April 6

We’re looking forward to connecting with talented OT students, sharing more about EmpowerMe, and talking about opportunities to build meaningful careers helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives.

If you’re attending, be sure to stop by and say hello — we’d love to meet you!

04/01/2026

🏀 isn’t just for basketball—it’s March Mania in EmpowerMe clinics across the country!

Each year, our teams host March Mania wellness events to help residents check in on key health indicators like strength, mobility, and balance.

At Atria Golden Creek, residents participated in:

✔️ Gait Speed Testing
✔️ Grip Strength Testing
✔️ Zibrio Balance Scale Assessments

Our team also led a short session on balance, wellness, and how EmpowerMe 360 services support residents in staying active and confident.

To keep the March Madness spirit alive, prizes were awarded to our first-and second-place winners 🏆 — and fun was had by all!

03/31/2026

Therapists are rethinking where—and how—they want to practice.

Across healthcare, more clinicians are exploring integrated care models where therapists collaborate closely with other providers to deliver coordinated, whole-person care.

Why the shift?

✨ More collaboration
✨ Greater impact on patient outcomes
✨ Opportunities to expand your role beyond traditional therapy

Our latest industry thought-leader blog breaks down why more therapists are making the move to integrated care—and what it could mean for your career.

📖 Read the blog here: https://hubs.li/Q0494QPx0

If you're considering your next step in therapy, this is a trend worth watching.

03/24/2026

What if dementia care coordination could reduce emergency department visits by nearly 60%?

Communities are seeing measurable results when early detection, therapy, and care navigation work together.

That’s just one of the outcomes. See the rest of the data and how this approach works.

🔗 Read more:

Learn how dementia care coordination under the GUIDE Model helps senior living operators reduce falls, prevent ED visits, and improve resident outcomes.

03/18/2026

When Jane first connected with the EmpowerMe 360 team at Mallard Point Senior Living, she shared that she was feeling less steady on her feet and unsure about walking confidently. With encouragement from her therapist, Suzy Searfoss, PT, Jane enrolled in physical therapy and began rebuilding her strength one step at a time.

What started as short hallway walks soon turned into daily laps outside around the building as her balance and confidence improved over the summer. 🌞Jane reached a milestone she once feared might not be possible again—she was able to take 2–3 day visits back to her home in southern Iowa, where she loves spending time with her son while he hunts on their family land.

Thanks to her dedication and the support of Suzy and the EmpowerMe team, Jane has regained the strength, confidence, and independence to move comfortably both in her community and in her “home away from home.”

Stories like Jane’s are what EmpowerMe 360 in action is all about—helping residents rediscover the moments that matter most.

03/13/2026

This is what on-site wellness looks like in action. leading a seated boxing class that keeps residents moving, engaged, and smiling.

03/13/2026

Movement and music bring so much joy! EmpowerMe therapists, like Rachel, love creating engaging movement for residents.

03/09/2026

Back on the Slopes (Virtually!)

Dr. Dale, an avid skier at Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center, recently got the chance to “hit the slopes” again during therapy using the interactive SENSO balance system. While navigating the ski game, he’s been working on balance, weight shifting, and problem-solving—all important skills to help him transfer more safely and move with greater confidence.

Moments like this show how innovative tools and a dedicated on-site therapy team can make therapy both meaningful and fun.

02/25/2026

When a resident at The Glenwood Assisted Living of Effingham began experiencing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels, he reached out to Katrina Deters, Clinic Director, requesting a telehealth visit. Concerned about a possible COPD flare-up, Katrina immediately activated the EmpowerMe 360 care team.

Within hours, Dr. Kristopher Wolfe conducted an urgent telehealth visit, supported by Care Coordinator Myrah Qureshi. A treatment plan including antibiotics and steroids was quickly prescribed.

Our on-site therapy team followed up shortly after treatment began—and the resident reported feeling much better.

There were real concerns about an ER visit or hospital stay during the holidays. Instead, through proactive coordination and rapid response, he avoided hospitalization and is breathing easier.

Ready to see how EmpowerMe 360 can reduce hospitalizations and strengthen outcomes in your community? Let’s start the conversation: https://hubs.li/Q044y9GC0

02/19/2026

Linda is thriving thanks to her ongoing therapy with EmpowerMe!

With the support of Bria Vuona, COTA and Daisy Reidinger, PTA, she has improved her strength, balance, and safe movement strategies through focused balance training, fine motor work, and fall recovery techniques.

Over the past few months, Linda has overcome multiple obstacles—but each time, she returns to therapy more resilient and ready to work.

We’re so proud of her dedication and the independence she continues to maintain at MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo.