Thrive in Home

01/15/2026

🧠💪 After Stroke: Why Continued Movement Matters 💪🧠

Recovery doesn’t stop when therapy sessions end—and it doesn’t stop just because something feels hard.

After a stroke, the brain has an incredible ability to adapt and rewire itself. We often explain this through neuroplasticity:
Think of the brain like a city. Roads that are used often become smooth highways. Roads that aren’t used start to crack, shrink, or disappear. Every time you move, strengthen, or attempt to use an affected arm or leg, you’re helping build or repair those roads.

✨ Why continued cardio, strengthening, and limb use are so important:
• Cardio increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, creating an environment that supports healing and learning
• Strengthening helps muscles respond when the brain sends the signal
• Attempted use of the affected limb—even when movement is small or imperfect—tells the brain “this pathway still matters”

Avoiding the weaker limb may feel easier in the moment, but over time it can lead to the brain taking a permanent “detour.” Intentional, supported use helps keep those pathways open and growing.

Progress isn’t always fast or linear—but consistency builds connection. Every effort counts. Every repetition is information for the brain.

At our practice, we focus on meaningful, functional movement that supports long-term independence and brain health. 🧠💙

If you or a loved one is navigating stroke recovery, we’re here to help guide the process—one pathway at a time.

12/24/2025

✨ Wishing all of our followers, clients, and community a beautiful holiday season ✨
As we move through this special time of year, we’re reminded how important it is to cherish the moments we have today and hold our memories close to our hearts.

May the new year bring you happiness, health, and prosperity. Be sure to take time to be with the people you love, slow down when you can, and do the things that make you smile.

From our mobile outpatient occupational therapy family to yours—warm wishes for a joyful holiday season and a bright year ahead 💙

12/10/2025

✨ At our mobile outpatient OT practice, we believe therapy is more than improving skills—it’s advocacy, guidance, and comprehensive support. ✨

We don’t just focus on functional activities; we step into the role of client advocate to ensure each person receives the highest quality care possible. This can mean:

🟣 Communicating with rehab teams and physicians
🟣 Supporting families in navigating care decisions
🟣 Helping clients access the equipment, mobility tools, or services they need
🟣 Encouraging participation in daily routines for greater independence
🟣 Ensuring care is coordinated, safe, and truly centered around the individual

When we come to your home, we bring not only clinical expertise—but a commitment to standing beside you, speaking up for your needs, and helping you achieve meaningful progress every day.

💜 High-quality therapy and compassionate advocacy, right where you’re most comfortable: at home.
If you or a loved one could benefit from mobile OT support, we’re here to help. Send us a message anytime!

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, our hearts are extra full.

Every day in occupational therapy, we are invited into people’s lives during some of their most meaningful—and sometimes most challenging—moments. We walk beside them through change, growth, struggles, healing, and hope. It is an honor Tess and I never take lightly.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to do what we love: caring, supporting, educating, and empowering individuals and families through their unique journeys. Thank you to everyone who trusts us, welcomes us into their homes, and allows us to be part of their story.

May this season remind us all of the importance of lifting one another up, showing compassion, and finding gratitude in the small steps forward.

Wishing everyone a warm and joyful Thanksgiving. 🧡

11/02/2025

💛 Caregivers Need Care Too 💛

Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful acts we can offer…
but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

When daily responsibilities keep growing — medication management, mobility support, meal prep, appointments — it can become overwhelming for everyone in the home.

✨ Adding caregiver support isn’t a sign of weakness.
It’s a smart investment in safety, energy, and quality of life.

Here’s what the right support can improve ⬇️
• Fewer falls and accidents around the home
• More opportunities for meaningful rest and connection
• Better follow-through with daily routines and exercise
• Reduced stress and burnout for family caregivers
• More time for the things that make life enjoyable ❤️

As mobile outpatient occupational therapy practitioners, we help families create sustainable care plans that support BOTH the person receiving care and the person giving it.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or unsure where to start, let’s connect. Together, we can simplify your days and support your loved one’s independence — one step at a time. 💪🏡

📍 Serving Western North Carolina
📩 Message us to learn more or schedule a consultation.

10/25/2025

💛 Finding Calm in the Journey with Alzheimer’s and Dementia 💛

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be full of tender moments — and also moments that feel frustrating or overwhelming. When irritability, restlessness, or confusion show up, small calming strategies can make a big difference.

In occupational therapy, we often use something called the therapeutic use of self — meaning how we connect and communicate to create a sense of calm, safety, and trust.

Here are a few simple approaches that can help soothe and support your loved one:
🎵 Music: Play familiar songs from meaningful times in their life. Music can unlock memories, lift mood, and ease tension.
🌿 Environment: Soft lighting, gentle scents, and reduced background noise help lower stress and prevent overstimulation.
💬 Tone and communication: Speak slowly, use a calm voice, and validate feelings rather than correcting them.
👐 Purposeful activity: Folding laundry, sorting objects, or light movement can provide comfort and preserve independence.

Even the smallest moments of connection can help your loved one feel grounded and secure. 💕

If you’re caring for someone with memory changes and need support or practical ideas for daily life, occupational therapy can help — you don’t have to do it alone.

09/27/2025

🌟 Supporting Independence in Young Adults with Autism 🌟

As OT practitioners we know that independence looks different for everyone — and for young adults with autism, building confidence in daily living skills is a key part of thriving.

💡 Occupational therapy can help with:
• Developing routines for self-care and home management
• Strengthening social and communication skills for work or school settings
• Practicing community participation, like shopping or using public transportation
• Building strategies for organization and time management

Our goal is to empower each person to participate in meaningful activities that support their goals and lifestyle.

💙 Every step forward is a win — and we’re here to walk alongside our clients and families.

09/27/2025

🌟 Visual-Spatial Changes in Parkinson’s 🌟

Did you know Parkinson’s can sometimes affect how a person sees and understands space around them? This is called visual-spatial deficits—and it can make everyday activities feel a lot harder.

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📌 Some common challenges may include:
• Misjudging steps, curbs, or distances when reaching for items
• Freezing in doorways or bumping into furniture in tight spaces
• Feeling unsteady on patterned floors or uneven ground
• Difficulty orienting clothes, shoes, or objects
• Handwriting that gets smaller (micrographia) or trouble with spacing

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🚶 Why it matters:
Visual-spatial changes can increase fall risk, make daily activities more challenging, and even affect hobbies, driving, or independence.

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🛠️ How occupational therapy can help:
At Thrive in Home, we work with many clients living with Parkinson’s. Together, we focus on:
• Using contrasting colors and simple organization to make spaces safer
• Practicing visual scanning and spatial awareness during sessions
• Incorporating task-specific training (like dressing or safe walking)
• Teaching practical strategies you can use at home right away

With the right tools, training, and support, everyday life can feel more manageable—and independence can be maintained. 💙

👉 If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, reach out to us to learn how occupational therapy can make daily life safer and more enjoyable. We’re here to help.

09/17/2025

🎨✨ Art & Wellness: Creating + Viewing for Mental Health ✨🎨

Did you know that both making art and seeing art can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even light up your brain’s reward system? 💡

As occupational therapy practitioners, we often use creative activities as part of therapy because they do more than just “fill time.” Art can help calm the mind, lower stress, and encourage dopamine release—the “feel-good” chemical that supports pleasure and motivation. Sometimes even simple things like coloring, doodling, or painting can open doors to relaxation and self-expression during a session.

🖼️ And it’s not just about creating—viewing art is powerful too! Research shows that looking at beautiful or personally meaningful artwork activates the brain’s reward pathways, helping us feel uplifted, inspired, and more connected.

✨ Combining both creating AND viewing art can:
✅ Lower stress & anxiety
✅ Improve mood & focus
✅ Boost dopamine (feel-good brain chemistry)
✅ Encourage mindfulness & self-reflection
✅ Support overall well-being

🏛️ Want to experience this locally? Visit the Asheville Art Museum right here in downtown Asheville! ➡️ ashevilleart.org

✨ Whether it’s through creative expression in therapy sessions or by enjoying the beauty of an art museum, making space for art can truly support wellness.

The Museum invites you to explore our Collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and to discover Western North Carolina’s unique artistic history.

09/13/2025

✨ Living with a chronic condition or physical challenge can sometimes make you feel like the activities you once loved are out of reach. Hiking, kayaking, or exploring the outdoors may seem “off limits” — but they don’t have to be.

That’s where Waypoint Adventures in Black Mountain comes in. 🌄🚣‍♀️ They specialize in creating adapted outdoor experiences for people with disabilities and physical challenges, so you can safely enjoy the beauty of nature while building confidence and community.

Because everyone deserves the chance to reconnect with the things that bring them joy. 💙

👉 If you or someone you know has felt limited by illness or disability but still longs for the outdoors, check them out and see what adventures are waiting.

https://nc.waypointadventure.org

09/10/2025

🌿 The Benefits of Adult Day Programs 🌿

Caring for a loved one is a beautiful act of love — but it can also be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Adult day programs offer a supportive solution that benefits everyone involved:

✨ For Participants:
• A safe, structured environment designed to engage the mind and body
• Opportunities for social interaction, hobbies, and meaningful activities
• Improved mood, reduced isolation, and enhanced overall quality of life

💛 For Caregivers:
• Peace of mind knowing your loved one is well cared for
• A much-needed break to rest, work, or focus on personal needs
• Reduced stress and burnout, leading to a healthier caregiving relationship

🌟 When both the participant and caregiver feel supported, everyone’s quality of life improves. Adult day programs aren’t just about care — they’re about connection, independence, and wellness for the whole family.

If you or your loved one would benefit from an adult day program please reach out and we will be happy to connect you!

Info@thriveinhomeccs.com

09/06/2025

🧠 Freezing Gait in Parkinson’s Disease 🚶‍♂️

Have you or someone you love ever felt like your feet just won’t move—almost like they’re glued to the floor? This is called freezing gait, and it’s a common challenge for people living with Parkinson’s disease. It often happens when:

🔹 Walking through doorways
🔹 Turning or changing directions
🔹 Approaching tight spaces or crowded areas
🔹 Feeling rushed or anxious

While it can be frustrating, there are ways to help manage freezing episodes:

💡 Tips to Break the Freeze:
✔️ Shift your weight side-to-side before stepping forward
✔️ Use rhythmic cues — counting out loud, clapping, or listening to a beat
✔️ Visual cues — place a strip of tape on the floor or imagine stepping over a line
✔️ March in place to “restart” your movement
✔️ Pause, breathe, and reset — give your brain a moment to catch up

With the right strategies and support, it’s possible to move with more confidence and safety. As occupational therapy practitioners, we help people with Parkinson’s discover personalized techniques to stay active and independent. 🌿

💬 If you’d like more tips or a one-on-one consultation, send us a message — we would love to help!