National Rehabilitation Awareness Month and National Physical Therapy Month

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists are helping patients to live life to the fullest.  

Physical, occupational and speech therapists guide patients through some of life’s most challenging times like recovering from injuries or illnesses. Their healing treatments help patients live life to the fullest and, in some cases, can be life changing.

Jason Sabo, manager of quality and innovation for the Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, is a physical therapist who has worked in numerous settings as a physical therapist and is now focused on the quality role for home-based care.

He says patients who meet the qualifications for home health care like the convenience and comfort it provides. In addition to being more cost effective, home health also is more personalized for patients because they learn to safely navigate within their own environment with a personalized focused goal. Family involvement can also be a big benefit. 

“It’s always helpful when a family member learns the treatments along with the patient,” said Sabo. “People are more likely to share things in their own homes and make it part of their daily routine. All this makes it more likely for the patient to adhere to the plan.”

According to Sabo, it is not unusual for people to have misconceptions about these therapies, especially for those who have never had it before.  He emphasizes that the patient’s adherence to the exercises and recommendations is a crucial part of effective recovery.  

“Some misconceptions are that the therapist’s actions alone will make the patient better,” he explained. “We cannot do it alone-- it is a collaborative approach with the patient and caregivers that allows for the education and training to be effective.   The patient and caregivers are truly part of the team with the patient’s goals being the focus for the overall outcome.”   

The main role of the therapist is to empower the patient with skilled training, which includes specialized techniques and exercises while using the science behind how the body functions.  All the while, therapists maintain communication with the ordering physician/provider.  

“Therapist are very good motivators,” he continued. “We empower our patients to make the right choice and we look for internal motivations--Maybe there is an important upcoming event like a graduation or a wedding. We help find motivating factors that will assist the patient with maximizing their abilities in a safe way.”
Most all, home health therapists are creative thinkers who seek a range of solutions to a patient’s needs while working collaboratively with the other home health team members, such as home health aides, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists.  They are known for their persistence, looking for alternate treatments if the patient is not comfortable.

During the home visits, one important factor therapists look for are potential risks for falls, which are a major cause of injuries that require rehab. 
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides a Fall Risk Factor checklist.  These factors include falls history, medical conditions, and medication. It also measures one’s gait, strength, balance, and vision. Low blood pressure upon standing or sitting, a condition known as postural hypotension, also increases one’s risk for falling.

VNA of Ohio honors its team of physical, occupational and speech therapists working in the community every day to improve lives. VNA is a pioneer in home health and recognizes the millions of Americans who suffer from disabilities, injuries or illnesses. They stand ready to help. For more information, please call (216) 931-1300.