The Role of Therapy in Alzheimer’s Treatment

Because there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, PT and OT are about making the patient’s remaining years as wonderful and enjoyable as possible.

When we discuss occupational and physical therapy, certain things come to mind. Occupational therapy is often viewed through the lens of helping the developmentally disabled lead lives that are as productive and normal as possible. Physical therapy tends to be thought of in terms of recovery from accidents, surgeries, and debilitating illnesses. Yet it turns out both therapies are crucial in Alzheimer’s treatment. Those who work in such therapy jobs are dealing with a different kind of patient and, ultimately, a different outcome. But the role they play in treating patients is still important.

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of degenerative dementia that claims the lives of its victims in nearly every case. And because there is no cure for Alzheimer’s at this time, physical and occupational therapy is about making the patient’s remaining years as wonderful and enjoyable as possible. This kind of therapy requires a different way of thinking. It means doing the best you can today despite knowing that your patient will eventually succumb to the disease.

Occupational Therapy for Alzheimer’s Patients

Occupational therapists are trained to focus most of their attentions on what clients can do rather than what they cannot do. For example, most Alzheimer’s patients can maintain the ability to walk normally until the latest stages of the disease. But walking might be affected by imbalance issues. An occupational therapist might work with the family to declutter certain areas of the home in order to make walking safer.

Along those same lines, the therapist may observe an Alzheimer’s patient become agitated about household clutter or a particular furniture arrangement. He or she will work with the family or other caregivers to rectify the situation so the patient does not get agitated as frequently.

Occupational therapy for Alzheimer’s treatment is all about making the patient’s remaining years as enjoyable as possible. It concentrates on the positive aspects of daily life so that patients and their families can make the most of their remaining time together.

Physical Therapy for Alzheimer’s Patients

Physical therapy plays a very different role in Alzheimer’s treatment. In fact, it is directed both toward the patient and his or her caregivers. Therapists work with patients to overcome diminishing physical abilities as the disease progresses. For example, the therapist may help the patient overcome eating difficulties in order to maintain as much independence as possible.

Therapists also work with caregivers, especially during the later stages of the disease. They will teach caregivers how to help the patient out of bed, how to properly bathe the patient, and so on. This form of treatment is about providing appropriate care for patients without compromising the health of caregivers.

The physical therapist is also in an excellent position to explain to caregivers what’s going on with patients as their physical abilities begin to diminish. The combination of compassion and knowledge therapists bring to the table makes it easier for caregivers to understand the physical challenges patients are going through, increasing their own empathy and compassion at the same time.

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating disease that takes its toll on far too many families every year. Researchers are feverishly looking for successful treatments and an ultimate cure, with the hope that one day the disease will be just a distant memory. Until that day comes, occupational and physical therapists will be significant contributors in the treatment of the illness.

Therapy jobs involving Alzheimer’s patients are both challenging and rewarding. For those who do it well, there is great satisfaction in helping patients and their families enjoy a better quality of life despite the disease.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Overcoming Patient Excuses for Why They Can’t Pay

If collecting patient payment at the point of service was important before, then it’s critical now, as reimbursements continue to shrink.

from WebPT

If collecting patient payment at the point of service was important before, then it’s mission-critical now—especially as reimbursements continue to shrink. That’s because only 21% of patient balances that aren’t collected at the point of service are ever recovered. That’s a lot of cash you’re leaving on the table if your patient collection strategy is not on point. So, in addition to implementing a solid payment policy, successful providers must also ensure they have an excellent front office staff with the qualities necessary to enforce that policy and overcome objections when patients can pay, but would rather not. According to Courtney Peterson—MultiCare Health System’s administrator of business operations—“If our front-end registrars do not know or can’t speak with confidence about what they are attempting to collect, our patients will notice that.” And that’s not good for anyone. With that in mind, here are several common patient objections—as well as ways you and your team can confidently overcome them.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Building a Connected Community

Based on research and personal experiences, a Speech-Language Pathologist strives to build a community for adults with autism.

from The ASHA Leader

There’s a stereotype that people with high-functioning autism seek to avoid in-person interaction because of social challenges. But Heidi Stieglitz Ham believes the opposite is true for most people with autism. “I’ve seen so many people on the autism spectrum make significant gains with just a little outreach,” she says. That’s why she’s planning to build a community where adults with autism can enjoy social contact and develop a sense of belonging.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The 5 Best Things About Being an Occupational Therapist

There are tons of great things about being an OT. But what are the very best things?

from Mama OT

When it comes right down to it, the primary, overarching purpose of any occupational therapy service or intervention is to improve a person’s ability to participate in their daily occupations. Those activities they want or need to be able to complete on a daily basis. Learning or re-learning how to get dressed, self-feed, or bathe. Learning how to play with friends while maintaining appropriate physical or emotional participation. Learning how to drive again after a life-altering injury. Figuring out how to stay focused or organized enough to keep up at school.

These are all “occupations”. And occupational therapy practitioners care about all of them.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Physical Therapists

PTs who consistently perform at the tip-top of their potential exercise these seven habits.

from WebPT

You’ve completed the necessary coursework to earn your credentials—and you’ve kept up to date on new research in your field through continuing education courses—but if you want to be a highly effective physical therapist, you’ve got to do more than that. PTs who consistently perform at the tip-top of their potential also exercise these seven habits.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

6 Ways to Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month

April is OT Month—and that means it’s time to bust out the confetti and celebrate all the hard-working therapists!

from WebPT

April is Occupational Therapy Month—and that means it’s time to bust out the confetti and celebrate! Now, many would agree that celebrating OT—and the benefits occupational therapists provide—shouldn’t merely be a one-month endeavor. But, it’s a great opportunity to showcase this amazing profession on a bigger stage. That means raising awareness about OT in general and showing appreciation for all the hard-working therapists who are helping patients become as independent as possible in their daily lives. Looking for ideas on how to celebrate—or how to honor your OT friends or colleagues? Check out these six suggestions.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Untangling the Language Challenges of Autism

When a toddler hasn’t uttered a word by 24 months, many parents get understandably concerned and start raising the possibility of autism spectrum disorder.

from ASHA

“My toddler isn’t speaking yet. Should I be worried?”

If you’re a speech-language pathologist working with young children, this likely sounds familiar. When a toddler hasn’t uttered a word by 24 months, many parents get understandably concerned and start raising the possibility of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The Nuts and Bolts of Preparing for Audiology Telepractice

A telepractice expert shares what you need to know before—and how to prepare for—providing online services.

from ASHA

Audiologists may be able to use telepractice to expand their client base and better provide access to care. And although audiology telepractice regulations vary by state, there are a few universal components that all audiologists need to consider before they sit down for their first session in front of the computer.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Knee Patients Spending Millions on Wasted Treatments, Study Finds

According to researchers, wasted treatments for knee pain have racked up millions of dollars in medical bills.

from NBC News

Patients who had knee replacements went through treatments such as injections that did not help, that are not recommended, and that accounted for a third of their total medical bills, the researchers found.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Keeping the Elderly Safe

Study shows tailored physical therapy program reduces bad falls in the elderly.

from ScienceDaily

A research team has studied the effectiveness of tailored physical therapy programs for the elderly to prevent falls, also known as the Steps to Avoid Falls in Elderly (SAFE) study.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.