Outpatient Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy for seniors in the comfort of their own home.
Why choose Fireweed Therapy?
Fireweed Therapy LLC provides Outpatient Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) for seniors in the comfort of their own home. This is a unique offering in the Anchorage Metropolitan Area. Being able to see patients in their own environment helps our OTs and PTs to see the patient’s day-to-day needs and build exercise plans that will create sustainable habits and safety.
We strongly believe in aging in place for seniors, allowing them to remain in their own familiar home and prevent the need to transition to an assisted living facility or a nursing home for as long as possible.
A recent decrease in function including self-care, community mobility, leisure participation and social participation
Recent falls, a fear of falling or increase in fall risk (use CDC Fall Risk screening guidelines to screen for fall risk in less than 2-minutes)
A new diagnosis (e.g. CVA, Parkinson’s, joint replacement, dementia, cardiac diagnoses)
Cognitive changes leading to decrease in function or participation
When to refer patients to OT or PT
Occupational and physical therapy increase independence and function while decreasing risk of falls, injury and hospitalization.
CDC Guidelines
Occupational and Physical Therapist have an integral role to play in implementing the CDCs Older Adult Fall Prevention Guidelines (STEADI).
Screen for fall risk in less than 2 minuntes
CDC recommended clinical screen for determining fall risk:
Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
Do you worry about falling?
Have you fallen in the past year? If YES ask, “How many times?” “Were you injured?”
If a patient answers yes to any of the above questions, they are at risk for falls. Refer patient for OT/ PT evaluation and treatment.
For more information visit the CDC Healthcare professionals’ Pocket Guide to Preventing Falls in Older Adults
For a more in depth fall risk screen see the CDC’s 12-question screen
Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy?
Many individuals can benefit from both Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT), as each addresses unique goals. While there is some overlap between the two, our team can help you decide which approach is most appropriate.
If you're unsure which to choose, simply send a referral for both, and we'll conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best path forward for each individual.
Occupational Therapy Focus:
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Support for self-care, household tasks, financial management, leisure activities, and community mobility.
Cognitive Assessment and Enhancement: Evaluating cognitive function and developing strategies to improve daily participation and functionality.
Fine Motor Skills: Assessing and enhancing fine motor control to improve precision and coordination.
Home Assessments: Providing recommendations to create a safer and more accessible living environment.
Adaptive and Durable Medical Equipment: Identifying and integrating tools to support independence and mobility.
Medication Management: Ensuring ability to comply with prescribed medications and providing compensatory tools if needed.
Physical Therapy Focus
Strengthening Exercises: Enhance muscle strength to support improved daily function.
Balance Training: Reduce the risk of falls by improving stability and coordination.
Gait Training: Improve walking ability and functional mobility while minimizing fall risks.
Pain Management: Alleviate discomfort through targeted manual therapy and therapeutic exercises.
“At Fireweed Therapy, we are dedicated to empowering seniors to regain their independence, enhance their quality of life, and thrive comfortably in the familiarity of their own homes.”
- Alaena Bateman, Fireweed Therapy Founder
Preferred Insurance Providers
AETNA
Premera | Blue Cross Blue Shield
Medicaid
Medicare
Tri-Care
Triwest (VA)
