THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN LONG TERM CARE March 12, 2015

Physiotherapy is necessary.  We provide the expertise to capitalize on the physical abilities of the frail resident.

Physiotherapy is instrumental.  We assist nursing and other Long Term Care staff in providing safe care that maximizes the residents abilities and reduces risk of injury to both residents and employees.

Physiotherapy intervention provides residents with:  Activation of physical capacity  Restoration of function  Improved or maintained mobility  Safe transfers  Reduction of falls and fall related injuries  Reduction in pain  Decreased incontinence  Less incidence of pressure sores  Improved quality of life

Physiotherapy intervention provides staff:  Workplace safety and injury prevention  Safe transfer methods  Education on care concerns  i.e. fall prevention, least restraint, resident handling, pain management

Every resident should be assessed by physiotherapy:  On admission and prior to all care conferences  Minimally every 6 months  After a fall  After a fracture or other physically limiting injury  As needed for conditions related to reduced physical ability ie: pain, tone, range of motion, strength

Physiotherapists provide care as part of the LTC Rehabilitation Team  Team members:  Physiotherapists  Occupational therapists  Physiotherapy Assistants  Occupational Therapy Assistants

Physiotherapists, as part of the Care Team, should be involved in:  Resident Care Conferences  Team meetings that are centered around team approach to care and continuity of care  Building, furnishings and equipment purchases as related to resident and staff anthropometrics  Quality of life contribution in keeping with person centered care (Eden Philosophy) Involvement in the daily needs of the resident

Physiotherapy requires some basic equipment  Dedicated space for Physiotherapy Activity  Parallel Bars  Practice Stairs  Ergometers: leg and arm  Wall weights  Shoulder pulley  Platform walker  Mobility aids  Weights  Theraband and Theraputty  Pain management equipment: TENS, Hot Packs

Physiotherapy performance indicators in Long Term Care  Transfer assessment within 24 hours of admission  Full mobility assessment within 1 week of admission  Therapeutically prescribed activation programs for all residents

The Physiotherapist in Long Term Care  There is no other discipline that offers the expertise in exercise prescription matching physical, functional, and quality of life needs of the complex residents in Long Term Care.

 With the right team of Physiotherapists and Physiotherapist Assistants no other profession can offer the same positive impact on resident and staff quality of life.

 Because of the holistic nature of the practice of Physiotherapy, we offer the greatest resource in providing person centered care.

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