Thrive in Home

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!

09/06/2025

Make time to engage in meaningful and purposeful activities—no matter what you’re going through, nurturing your soul is essential.

08/22/2025

Remember to prioritize your well-being.

08/15/2025

💙 Compassion in the Midst of Caregiving

In occupational therapy, we often meet caregivers who give their all — physically, mentally, and emotionally — to support a loved one whose illness is beyond their control. It’s an act of love, but it can also be exhausting.

Burnout doesn’t mean you’ve stopped caring. It often means you’ve been caring so deeply, for so long, that you’ve forgotten to refill your own cup. Caregiver burnout is real, and it can quietly leave you feeling drained, irritable, or even resentful — despite your love and commitment.

If you are a caregiver, please remember:
🌱 Self-care is not selfish — it’s essential for you and the person you care for.
🕊 Patience is a practice — their symptoms and behaviors are not personal, but part of their condition.
🤝 You are not alone — there are resources, strategies, and support to help you keep going.

As occupational therapy practitioners, we want you to know that caring for yourself is part of caring for your loved one. When you’re well, you can offer compassion from a place of strength — even on the hard days.

💌 If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of caregiving, we are here to offer guidance, resources, and practical strategies that can make the journey a little lighter. Reach out — you don’t have to walk this road alone. 💙

08/10/2025

🌿 Mindfulness in Nature: Small Moments, Big Impact 🌿

Life moves fast — our bodies and minds often run on autopilot. Mindfulness is the gentle art of pausing… noticing your breath, your surroundings, and the present moment without judgment.

As occupational therapy practitioners, we’ve seen how simple mindfulness strategies can help people:
✨ Reduce stress and overwhelm
✨ Improve focus and memory
✨ Support movement, posture, and daily activities
✨ Increase a sense of control and calm

Try this “nature reset” today:
1️⃣ Find a comfortable spot to sit outdoors — under a tree, on a park bench, or in your own backyard.
2️⃣ Notice your breath without trying to change it.
3️⃣ Take in the sights, sounds, and smells around you — the rustle of leaves, birdsong, or warmth of the sun.
4️⃣ Let your body relax and your mind settle into the present moment.

You don’t have to hike miles or meditate for hours. Just a few mindful minutes in nature can refresh your mind and body — and help you carry that calm into the rest of your day.

💬 Where’s your favorite spot to sit and enjoy nature?

08/09/2025

🚶‍♀️ Need a Little Motivation to Move? 🧠💪
You don’t have to run marathons to feel the benefits of movement — just keep moving in a way that feels right for you.

🌿 Motion is Lotion!
Gentle, regular movement helps keep your joints flexible, your muscles strong, and your mind sharp. It truly is one of the best things you can do for your body and brain.

✨ Why it matters:
✅ Eases stiffness and joint pain
✅ Supports balance and independence
✅ Boosts mood, energy, and mental clarity
✅ Helps prevent falls and injuries

💡 Simple ways to get started:
🔹 Do counter push ups while cooking
🔹 Do light stretches while sitting
🔹 March in place while brushing your teeth
🔹 Put on music and sway, stretch, or dance
🔹 Start with just 5 minutes — and build from there!

You don’t have to do it alone. Occupational therapy can help you find safe, enjoyable ways to keep moving, no matter your age or ability.

Because when you move better, you feel better.

08/02/2025

Here is a valuable reminder for those of you out there working hard every day!