1. What is Tandem Strength and Balance®?

It is the long term solution to sustain and/or increase functional strength and balance conducted in the home of an older adult by experienced physical therapists. It is the partnership between strength and balance as well as the partnership between the client, caregivers and the physical therapist.

2. What makes Tandem Strength and Balance training successful?

It's the tailored, non-cookie cutter approach plus the team philosophy that makes the programs so successful.

3. Can everyone benefit?

Yes. Recipients have ranged from those that live with Parkinson's, dementia and stroke to those that have age related deconditioning - up to 105 years of age.

4. Why isn't Tandem Strength and Balance covered under Medicare?

Medicare only covers short term (acute) recovery. Tandem Strength and Balance is for long term preventative measures and sustaining function. Tandem Strength and Balance is for seniors that don't qualify for Medicare covered physical therapy.

5. What insurance polices are covered?

Insurance policies operate under the same guidelines as those of Medicare so most don't cover Tandem Strength and Balance. However, some Long Term Care insurance policies that specify in-home physical therapy may.

6. What is effective strength training?

It is NOT walking, sitting exercises, bicycling, swimming or water aerobics BUT RATHER gradually building arm and leg strength by weight training with lying down exercises.

7. What qualifications are required to provide Tandem Strength and Balance training?

All Tandem Strength and Balance physical therapists must be licensed and most have over 10 years of experience. Several are board certified geriatric specialists. They also undergo a three month “training period” to adapt to the unique service.

8. Does the same physical therapist visit each time?

Yes. The same physical therapist on a month-to-month basis helps maintain continuity and develops the relationship that is necessary to reduce fear and increase confidence.

9. What if an older adult has not exercised before?

Most clients haven’t exercised before. The expertise of the physcial therapist ensures the client is as comfortable as possible with the best outcomes.

10. What if an older adult was not successful under Medicare covered physical therapy?

The long term approach of Tandem Strength and Balance physical therapy will provide a greater chance for success as we can work at the older adult’s pace.

11. How can you get seniors to perform exercises when their family members and caregivers cannot?

There is a professional respect given to the physical therapists which establishes a professional relationship. The physical therapist is there twice a week and is therefore not associated with daily activities and daily interaction.

12. Is a physician's approval required before services start?

No. However Tandem Strength and Balance physical therapists follow the American Physical Therapy Association guidelines and provide a written plan of care every 60 days directly to the physician.

13. What geographical areas does Tandem Strength and Balance cover?

Tandem Strength and Balance is exclusively provided by Senior Abilities Unlimited. Currently the area of coverage is the Twin Cities greater metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

14. How often are the sessions?

It has been proven that two sessions a week are required to meet and sustain functional goals with strength and balance.

15. How long is each session?

45 minutes. Usually 20 minutes is dedicated to strength training and the remainder is balance and endurance work.

16. Do the exercises cause pain?

No. The saying “No pain, no gain” does not apply to physical therapy. Physical therapy helps REDUCE pain.

17. How long is Tandem Strength and Balance required?

It is up to the client and/or the family. Most goals are met within the first 3 - 6 months. However all older adults need to maintain their strength and balance by some means and for that reason most stay with the programs to maintain accomplished goals.

18. How much does the service cost?

The cost is calculated on a per visit rate. Senior Abilities Unlimited does NOT charge extra for the “behind the scenes” effort that occurs with the support staff between visits. For example: communication with other professionials, caregiver training, video clips of progress and equipment ordering etc. This is all part of the service and shows the commitment to the client partnership. It also means that there are no surprises in an invoice. Call SAU for more details. 952-746-3222.

19. How is the billing handled?

Senior Abilities Unlimited sends out invoices at the end of each calendar month to the client, trust officer, family member or anyone that the client nominates.