Therapy Services in Nursing Facilities

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Therapy Services in Nursing Facilities
Tammy Wicher
Pennsylvania State University
July 14, 2013

Abstract
Physical therapy (PT) is focused on developing, restoring, and maintaining maximum movement and function. Physical therapy often involves strength training, exercises to improve the range of motion, and training on the use of assistive devices, such as walkers. PTs are also trained in complex wound care (The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care, 2010). Occupational therapy (OT) centers on restoring fine motor skills and basic activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs are any activity performed on a daily basis for self-care, such as bathing and dressing, and are frequently referred to as a measure of the functional status of an individual (The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care, 2010).

Therapy Services in Nursing Facilities Therapy services in nursing facilities serve a critical role in helping individuals achieve and maintain maximum physical and functional well-being. Nursing facilities have evolved over the past twenty years to serve an increasingly acute, clinically complex, and rehabilitation- intensive population. Today, over half of all Medicare beneficiaries requiring care following a hospital admission are treated in nursing facilities (The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care, 2010). This article will discuss how physical therapy and occupational therapy promote positive outcomes in patients in nursing facilities.
Introduction
I currently work in a transitional care unit (TCU), where the patients come in for rehabilitation so I basically deal with my patients receiving physical and occupational therapy on a daily basis. Therapy is an important part of this care, enabling patients to re-gain speech and motor function as well as master key daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. Therapy helps accelerate patient discharge and

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