Home OT and PT

[Anonymous]

For those who had home PT and OT can you tell me what to expect. How soon did they come after being discharged from hospital, how often / how long did they come? Also what did they do- exercises? Or get us equipment? I know in the hospital they both really focus on mobility - what should I / prepare her for expect at home? They’ve been absolutely amazing resources within the hospital just wondering how this will differ from home

[Anonymous]

For my dad, they usually came within a few days after discharge. Some equipment they would bring, like stretchy bands. They also helped us procure stuff we needed, like a walker.

You might ask the therapist 'what can we do to make this home safer for parent?' In my dad's case, we removed the area rugs (slip hazard) and made sure he could navigate around with the walker. They know what to look for, and it can be simple, like moving a rug.

If parent is not discharged yet, ask the hospital to arrange home PT/OT. It starts faster if they arrange it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: For my dad, they usually came within a few days after discharge. Some equipment they would bring, like stretchy bands. They also helped us procure stuff we needed, like a walker.

You might ask the therapist 'what can we do to make this home safer for parent?' In my dad's case, we removed the area rugs (slip hazard) and made sure he could navigate around with the walker. They know what to look for, and it can be simple, like moving a rug.

If parent is not discharged yet, ask the hospital to arrange home PT/OT. It starts faster if they arrange it.

I don't want to be morbid but I agree with this 100%. Also, ensure you're comfortable with the home arrangements before consenting to your dad getting discharged. I wasn't in the same city when my mom got discharged after a two week stay in the hospital and, over my objections, they discharged her (IMO) negligently. The OT/PT wasn't set up properly, we had to coordinate it on our own, and she wasn't even evaluated at home for close to a week. In between the time she was discharged and before OT/PT could start, she suffered significant setbacks (including falls) and eventually passed away. Once they are discharged the hospital will not be any help at all.

[Anonymous]

We delayed home OT and PT by lobbying for (and getting) a week in sub acute rehab. If that's an option, I would really try to make it work. Home-based exercises aren't nearly as good unless your parent is super motivated and has constant assistance available.

[Anonymous]

One tip I have if it is possible, be around for the sessions or even right there to advocate. The PT pushed the limit with him and he fell. That is just a risk you take, but also I think she didn't understand she was pushing too fast and beyond his capability. He bumped his head during the fall so we ended up needing to get him checked out. I don't want to scare you and maybe the fall could not have been prevented. I just think she seemed a little green.

[Anonymous]

My experience was that they were kind of useless. A lot of asking questions where they could have simply reviewed the chart. A lot of "talking down" to my parents and generally irritating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My experience was that they were kind of useless. A lot of asking questions where they could have simply reviewed the chart. A lot of "talking down" to my parents and generally irritating.

Yes, this happens and you can request a new one. I've been through this with EI for my then toddler and for an elderly parent. Some suck. You can try to gently address it with the person first and see if they are receptive to feedback regarding tone of voice/approach. (Find something to compliment too if you can). If they aren't, call the agency and request to try someone new. Keep in mind driving your parent to outpatient services may not be much better and it's a lot more work to plan and prep for outings. I am willing to put up with someone who doesn't review chart if services are mediocre or better.