Fresh Air 2011
Rehab Services Unite for Momentum
Sometimes it's not what you are doing wrong that you need to think about, but what you could do better. That was the case a couple of years ago when therapy services were pulled together under one supervisor.
Nick Bastin, PTA, Rehabilitation Service manager, said the change in mindset that came with the reorganization has been helpful.
"As a team, we have been able to ramp up services, providing residents enough therapy to give them the full benefit of what our programs can offer," he said. "The main focus is to get people moving. We had been doing rehab with residents in their beds. By getting those who can tolerate it up more, we have increased their mobility so they can be more functional and have a better quality of life."
Residents are encouraged to get out of bed to use the commode rather than a bed pan, to take baths in the accessible tub or shower, and to participate in such activities as cooking, PT Olympics, and a wellness program called "Fit for Life."
Although working together, each therapy discipline maintains its own set of goals. For instance, Occupational Therapy focuses on dressing, feeding, bathing and other activities of daily living. Physical Therapy concentrates on mobility. Speech and Language Pathology works on swallowing as well as communication. And Respiratory Therapy helps residents with breathing, whether it is keeping airways clear, building lung muscles or participating in a weaning program.
The team approach is as rewarding for staff as it has been for residents.
"This can be a difficult setting for therapists because sometimes progress is marked in small increments," said Nick. "But working as a team, we have had extremely positive results. When you see someone go from not being able to do much of anything when they are admitted, to six months later making their own bed and being discharged, it makes it all worthwhile."
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