National Active Aging Week is September 20 – October 6 and is recognized to promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults, encouraging physical activity and social engagement.
Occupational therapists (OTs) play a crucial role in supporting aging adults by helping them maintain independence, improve their quality of life, and adapt to the challenges of aging. Here are some key roles OTs play in caring for older adults:
Promoting Independence: OTs help aging adults maintain or regain the ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and managing medications. They assess each individual’s needs and develop personalized plans to improve functional skills.
Cognitive Support: OTs assist individuals experiencing cognitive decline (such as with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease) by providing strategies to manage memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive challenges. They may also train caregivers to help provide appropriate support.
Social and Emotional Well-being: OTs address the social and emotional aspects of aging by encouraging participation in meaningful activities, hobbies, and social interactions that enhance overall well-being and mental health.
Angie Lefere, Occupational Therapist at Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists is the GLAMoms, “Moms of ORS” this month. Angie manages these types of patients at ORS, while juggling her busy personal life. Learn more about Angie below!
The “Moms of ORS” is an ongoing feature where Greater Lansing Area Moms highlights a mom at Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists – a locally owned, community minded employer to many moms supporting physical therapy, athletic training and personal training services. This month we are featuring Angie Lefere, an Occupational Therapist (OT) at ORS who is is married, mom to 4 kids and a caregiver to her parents!
Angie fits in the category of simultaneously caring for her children and her parents. Also called the Sandwich Generation, and Angie’s life is a balancing act. Both of her parents have significant health issues and moved closer about 3 years ago so she would be provided more support and care. She is their advocate and manages their finances, medical appointments and care as they are no longer able to drive nor are they capable of advocating for themselves.
Prior to ORS she spent her entire career (20+ years) in pediatrics and the move to ORS was very eye opening as she transitioned to adult care. Caring for her parents was the catalyst. “I feel my role as a caregiver really helps me relate and empathize with my patients.”
“I like that I am still able to work outside of the home. I need that for my mental health, and I also think it’s important to show my kids how I contribute to the family’s financial health.” Angie also shares that she and her husband both manage home life and, “I think this is equally important for the kids to see.”
Welcome to Greater Lansing Area Moms, Angie!
Welcome Angie, would you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! I was raised in a very small town in IL about 60 miles southwest of Chicago. I went to Western Michigan University for their OT program and moved back to Chicago after I graduated. I met my husband there when we both signed up to play on our church softball team.
Please share about what you do at ORS!
I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) and I’ve been with ORS for a little over a year. I have a unique role in that I’m the only OT here, and was hired to provide care to those patients who may need a bit of extra hands on support. This means most of my patients have balance concerns, which can be a result of a general decline in health, aging, or neurological issues like Parkinson’s Disease.
What do you enjoy about what you do? Or what do you find rewarding?
I love working with my patients! A lot of the time they’ve experienced a fall, oftentimes with a resulting injury. So, they’re nervous and fearful about trying some things or have become a bit discouraged about how their life appears to have changed. I like to empower them by giving them resources, showing them ways to keep themselves safer, and make themselves stronger.
I find it so rewarding when they report back to me something they did at home or in the community that they were unable to do before or perhaps lacked the confidence to try. Seeing them regain their confidence and feel good about taking care of themselves is what I find the most rewarding. I really have the best patients:)
Switching gears a bit, let’s talk about being a mom! We know this may be a difficult question, yet we would like to know what you feel is the best part about being a mom?
What has been my favorite part of being a mom has changed throughout the years. My kids are all a bit older now, so they are independent and I don’t really get to do the snuggling up for bedtime stories anymore. Now, I love when my teenage daughters and I can talk about what’s going on with them. My boys will still be affectionate (not sure they would want me to share that 😉), but it obviously looks different now. Rather than bedtime stories, we play Wordle and other word games. They still get excited to share new things they learned with me. I like being able to do more with my kids now that they’re older. Going out for coffee/tea with my girls or bike rides with boys. I guess I like knowing I am a key player in their life and helping shape how they view the world, raising them to be good, kind people who see the world in shades of gray.
Do you have a mom hint or tip you would like to share?
Take time for yourself! It’s not being selfish and it will definitely help you to be a better mom. Moms give so much all the time. I’m a big believer in taking the time for yourself to refuel. Whether it’s walking my dog , going to dinner with a friend, or curling up and reading a few chapters out of a book – I do it! You will feel great and your family will ultimately benefit!
You live in Jackson… Where would you recommend we stop or places to check out next time we visit the area?
Jackson has an amazing library system. I take my kids to all the different libraries and they still love it (elementary, middle and high schoolers). They really enjoyed Hawk Island a lot when they were younger, both summer fun and snow tubing in the winter. I also think it’s great to just get outside and explore your local digs…walking trails, biking the Falling Waters Trail, etc.
Coffee or tea?
I like all warm drinks, but prefer coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon.
Do you have a favorite Instagram account?
I’m terrible on Instagram. My daughter teases me all the time.
How about a favorite podcast or two?
I am a dork…Hidden Brain, Ted Radio Hour, anything NPR. Favorite geared ones would be Good Inside and Coffee and Crumbs.
Do you have any local favorites you enjoy with your family?
We just got a super delicious new place to eat here in Jackson, called Love, Pasta. They have amazing fried brussels sprouts.
Also, I love when I can find time to go to Heart Flo Yoga. It doesn’t happen as much as I’d like, but I hope to be able to go regularly once fall sports season is over. All the instructors have been phenomenal and I always feel super relaxed after going.
Also, my boys LOVED Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum. It is a very unassuming building and I cannot tell you how many times I drove by it without a clue as to what a treasure we have right here in Jackson. It is filled with the most amazing exhibits and the volunteers are so informative and just the best. Highly recommend it!
Favorite book or what are you currently reading?
Too hard to give a favorite! I love to read and my tastes are very eclectic, depending on my mood. I like to alternate fiction with non-fiction. Recent favorites include Pineapple Street and Independence.
Most enjoyable book you read to your children?
Also too hard 🙂 I read to my kids a ton and thankfully, they all also love to read. Some favorites were Dear Zoo, The Monster at the End of the Book, Bear Snores On, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Put Me in the Zoo, any Eric Carle book. Honestly, too many to list! I have a HUGE tote of books I’ve saved
What are you looking forward to in the upcoming fall?
Just enjoying all the typical fall events with my kids. We willI love fall weather, kids’ fall sports, going to the orchards and pumpkin patches and are looking forward to Halloween with the kids.
Do you prefer to call or text?
Depends on who I’m trying to reach 😉 Usually I end up texting because I’m probably doing a couple things at once.
When you text, top 3 emojis?
LOL face, smiling face with heart eyes, face blowing a kiss 🤣😍😘
Angie, it was so nice to chat with you! Thank you so much for sharing so much of your story with Greater Lansing Area Moms. You truly are a wealth of information and we do not want to forget to share – Angie mentioned fall prevention and know the common causes of falls. Also, at any age, stay current with eye exams – particularly night vision and keep track of your medications! And most importantly, celebrate the positive aspects of getting older!
For additional information about Healthy Aging Week, visit activeagingweek.com
Whether you’re looking to support your aging parents or looking to invest in
your own health as a mom, ORS has got your back. Visit orsmi.com (links below) or call
877-202-2175 to find out how we can help you at one of our 10 locations in
Lansing and Jackson!
*Photos and video provided by Orthopaedic Rehab Speciaists
To find a Orthopaedic Rehab Specialist location near you, visit orsmi.com/ors-locations
More about Meet a Mom Angie Lefere, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists and GLAMoms HERE!
Reach Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists at 877-202-2175 or the social media links below.
