This week marks Rehab professionals week in the US. It is a time to celebrate all the caring and dedication to health that all the rehab disciplines empower to our patients regardless of clinical setting.
Rehab occurs in many settings
Rehabilitation Services are vital parts of multiple clinical settings. These can be drastically different in types of patients as well as different skill sets needed for a therapist to work in that area.
Rehab professionals of all disciplines are encountered in hospitals, acute rehab facilities, skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, outpatient clinics, home health, and even in schools.
Regardless of the discipline involved, or the setting they work in, the ultimate goal is the same basic goal. We as therapists are trying to improve the quality of life of whoever we come across.
Quality of life
Quality of life is a fundamental reason of why we do what we do. Every person deserves to have the best quality of life available to them in whatever situation they find themselves in.
The idea of quality of life differs from person to person as well as the living situation of an individual. Sometimes it’s as simple as someone who has had a stroke being able to brush their teeth. It could also be so simple as the person with a traumatic brain injury saying “I love you” to someone that they care about.
Rehab is not just after a surgery
Often times it is obmverlooked how much rehab can be preventative. With the skills of a physical therapist or an occupational therapist, there are frequently conditions that can be improved without surgery.
A therapist focuses on not only fixing a problem, but how to prevent it in the future. This is true for all aspects of therapy in all settings.
Frequently you don’t even need to see a doctor first
In many parts of the country there is no need to get a prescription to see a therapist first. Often therapists can save cost by being the first line of help for an injury. You might just have to check with your insurance first.
Show a therapist how much they mean
Some time this week please find a way to say thank you to a therapist. You would be surprised how much a simple thank you can help to make someone’s day.
Often times we in the skilled nursing realm have some difficult residents to deal with. When we get reminded of the importance of the diffence we make with a simple thank you, it can completely turn around your day.
So please send a text, make a call, drop a note or even a treat. It can make a huge difference.
