Rehabilitation Professionals in Nursing Homes
Professionals who specialize in rehabilitation are in top demand in skilled nursing facilities. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing improvement in function and independence gained. Many nursing home residents progress to a point of greater mobility and self-sufficiency. Some can even return home. These therapists make it possible.
Physical Therapist (PT).
Helps patients who have disabilities. PTs plan and carry out programs to help these people gain strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and overall physical functioning. A physical therapist also provides programs to lessen pain and to prevent injury.
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA).
Performs routine treatment procedures as directed by physical therapists and assist them with more complex procedures. A PTA may monitor a patient's progress on exercise equipment; perform massage; provide heat/cold, electrical, and ultrasound therapy; and provide the therapist with a detailed account of all therapeutic sessions.
Occupational Therapist (OT).
Helps people learn or re-learn the activities of daily life such as eating, dressing, and writing. OTs evaluate functional skills, train people to do things such as dress or use a wheelchair, identify barriers to meaningful activities, and help people adapt activities or use adaptive equipment to achieve self-sufficiency.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Works under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist. COTAs help individuals handle the occupations of daily living, such as dressing, eating, or maintaining their home. They carry out treatment plans established by the occupational therapist.
Speech Therapist.
A specialist in communication who evaluates and treats problems with speech, language, and swallowing. Such problems include difficulties with articulation (pronunciation of the speech sounds), fluency (such as stuttering), vocal nodules caused by improper voice use, as well as problems with organizing heard or spoken language that result from brain disorders or strokes. Speech therapists work closely with hearing specialists to treat patients whose hearing problems affect their communication skills.
Respiratory Therapist.
Participates in the development, modification, and evaluation of care plans, protocol administration, disease management, and patient education involving such disease states or conditions such asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, and conditions brought on by shock, trauma, or postoperative surgical complications.