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Michigan City Offers Innovative In-Home Therapy Program for Seniors

Wed, 04/12/2000 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
Description: 

- submitted by Cathy Weslock

In the City of Wyoming, Michigan, seniors are benefiting from a service called Stepping Stones. Stepping Stones is a new innovative program for homebound seniors utilizing Recreation Therapy. This is the first program of its kind for a municipality. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) uses Recreation Therapy to help seniors overcome obstacles to that they can return to active lifestyles. The therapy enables individuals to develop a range of skills including physical mobility, problem solving, safety and judgment, and social skills.

Developed in collaboration with Grand Valley State University, with funding from the Kent County Senior Millage, this model program has allowed seniors to be discharged from the program back into the community, where they are now active. The program is ideal for individuals suffering from an acute onset of illness or disability. Referrals for this program come from local hospitals, senior centers, and rehabilitation centers.

Since neither Medicare nor Medicaid cover Recreation Therapy outside of a nursing home or hospital setting, the clients are asked for a donation to help cover costs. However, no individual will be turned down for inability to donate funds. This homebound program is a great compliment to Physical and Occupation Therapy typically offered in the home.

- submitted by Cathy Weslock

In the City of Wyoming, Michigan, seniors are benefiting from a service called Stepping Stones. Stepping Stones is a new innovative program for homebound seniors utilizing Recreation Therapy. This is the first program of its kind for a municipality. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) uses Recreation Therapy to help seniors overcome obstacles to that they can return to active lifestyles. The therapy enables individuals to develop a range of skills including physical mobility, problem solving, safety and judgment, and social skills.

Developed in collaboration with Grand Valley State University, with funding from the Kent County Senior Millage, this model program has allowed seniors to be discharged from the program back into the community, where they are now active. The program is ideal for individuals suffering from an acute onset of illness or disability. Referrals for this program come from local hospitals, senior centers, and rehabilitation centers.

Since neither Medicare nor Medicaid cover Recreation Therapy outside of a nursing home or hospital setting, the clients are asked for a donation to help cover costs. However, no individual will be turned down for inability to donate funds. This homebound program is a great compliment to Physical and Occupation Therapy typically offered in the home.