At AmanaCare, we are blessed to work alongside organizations that share our commitment to helping older adults live safely, independently, and with dignity. This month, we are excited to recognize AgeWise Therapy and owner Shannon Ruzicka, OTR/L, as our July Power Partner.
AgeWise Therapy is a mobile outpatient occupational therapy practice serving Lincoln and surrounding communities. Rather than requiring clients to travel to a clinic, Shannon brings therapy directly into the home—whether that is a private residence, independent living apartment, assisted living community, or senior living facility.
The goal is simple: help older adults remain as safe, independent, and confident as possible in the place they call home.
Meeting Families Before Crisis Happens
After more than 20 years as an occupational therapist, Shannon recognized a gap in services for older adults and their families.
Families often notice subtle changes before a major health crisis occurs. They may observe increased falls, declining strength, cognitive changes, medication concerns, caregiver stress, or growing concerns about driving and safety at home. Yet many families aren’t sure who to call or what resources are available.
AgeWise Therapy was created to fill that gap.
As Shannon explains, AgeWise often helps families navigate the space between “everything is fine” and “we need a major change right now.”
Through comprehensive, home-based assessments, AgeWise helps families answer difficult questions such as:
- Is my loved one still safe at home?
- What changes could help them remain independent longer?
- Is additional support needed?
- Is it time to consider assisted living or memory care?
- What equipment or home modifications would improve safety?
Therapy Where Real Life Happens
One of the things that makes AgeWise Therapy unique is that services are provided in the client’s actual living environment.
Safety concerns, cognitive changes, caregiver challenges, and daily routine difficulties do not always become apparent during a clinic visit. Seeing someone function within their own home allows Shannon to identify real-life barriers and develop practical, individualized solutions.
Services provided through AgeWise Therapy include:
- Home safety and aging-in-place assessments
- Fall prevention
- Functional strength, balance, and mobility training
- Cognitive screening
- Parkinson’s and neuro-focused therapy
- Caregiver training and education
- Medication management support
- Equipment recommendations
- Driving risk-related assessments
- Support during transitions to higher levels of care
AgeWise also accepts Medicare Part B and serves older adults throughout Lincoln and surrounding communities.
Supporting Caregivers Along the Journey
Caregiver education is another cornerstone of AgeWise Therapy.
Many caregivers want to help their loved ones but may not know how to do so safely while still promoting independence. Shannon provides practical education on transfers, mobility, bathing, dressing, toileting, daily routines, home safety, and supporting individuals living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other progressive conditions.
By equipping caregivers with practical tools and strategies, AgeWise helps reduce caregiver stress and create safer, more sustainable home environments.
Making a Difference, One Family at a Time
The impact of AgeWise Therapy is best reflected through the words of families themselves.
One family shared:
“Being able to do therapy in a home setting makes such a difference—it naturally carries over into everyday tasks and real-life situations.”
Another client wrote:
“Shannon took the time and effort to determine what I really needed and then customized a plan that addressed my specific needs.”
And perhaps the most meaningful testimony came from a daughter who shared:
“My dad regained the strength and confidence to stand independently and greet me with a hug at a family gathering—something that hadn’t happened in over a year.”
Those are the moments that remind us why this work matters.
Congratulations to Shannon and AgeWise Therapy on being named Runner-Up in the 2026 Lincoln’s Choice Awards for Occupational Therapy. We are grateful for your partnership and for the difference you continue to make in the lives of older adults and caregivers throughout our communities.
To learn more about how AgeWise Therapy can help older adults remain safe, independent, and confident at home, contact Shannon Ruzicka, OTR/L. You can call or text 402-858-1555, email info@agewisetherapy.com, or visit www.agewisetherapy.com to learn more and submit an inquiry through the website’s contact form.
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