Sensory reeducation exercises are a vital aspect of the rehabilitation process following an injury or condition where nerves have been damaged such as stroke or brain injury. Sensory reeducation exercises consist of stimulating different senses including tactile, olfactory, auditory, visual, orofacial, and proprioception. Use of this rehabilitative approach is very common after nerve injuries (especially of the hand) where an impairment has occurred affecting the way the … [Read more...]
Occupational Therapy
Art Therapy Benefits Beyond Mental Health
Art therapy has typically been reserved for patients with mental disorders, but recent research shows art therapy benefits patients with neurological disorders as well. Although contemporary art therapy is a fairly new practice, using art for therapeutic purposes was well known in ancient times. For example, philosophers in ancient Greece referred to the healing power of music with restoring the soul. Fast forward to the 1940′s, the therapeutic use of art was refined into a … [Read more...]
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week: Fun Facts about Therapy
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week occurs each September to honor therapists and therapy assistants. During the month of September and especially National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, we celebrate the rehabilitation professionals who all work together to make a difference in the lives of others. Therapists truly are some of the most highly caring and sensitive individuals who genuinely enjoy helping people. So, we want to say, “A BIG Thank You!” for the compassion, … [Read more...]
Are You Prepared for PDPM on October 1st?
The journey to PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model) presents many new changes for healthcare organizations in the skilled nursing world. On October 1st, PDPM will bring about a paradigm shift from the current RUG-IV system for SNF patients covered in Part A stay. This blog will help your organization prepare for a smooth transition ahead. How is PDPM divided? PDPM consists of five case-mix adjusted components, and one fixed component. The five variable components are: … [Read more...]
Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM)
Skilled nursing facilities need to be prepared NOW for Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM). Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced a new payment model/case-mix model called Patient Driven Payment Model, which will take place starting October 1st, 2019. Ultimately, Patient Driven Payment Model (also known as PDPM) is going to affect the Medicare patient’s stay in skilled nursing facilities across the country. PDPM is replacing the current RUG … [Read more...]
Losing Sleep Because of Work Can Make You Sick
Losing sleep because of work can severely impact your health and well-being. A study done by Dr. Torbjon Akerstedt, PhD and Dr. Kenneth P. Wright, Jr., PhD notes that losing sleep because of work schedules may be doing damage to your overall health. An estimated 40.6 million Americans sleep six hours or less a day based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the most affected are night shift workers. The CDC notes that sleep deprivation can … [Read more...]
Get to Know Your CE Presenters! Lorie Schleck, PT
I recently sat down with one of our speakers, Lorie Schleck, PT, to discuss the emotional toll that both healthcare professionals (and patients) can experience when working with difficult pain management cases. We also discussed how stress impacts pain. Lorie’s course, Pain Physiology and the Pain Experience, is quite thought-provoking! You can check it out here. … [Read more...]
5 Critical Heat Safety Tips for Patients
Brush up on your summer safety knowledge with our top heat safety tips so you can educate your patients on how to remain safely active during these long, hot summer days. Summertime is hot… especially in the South! With temperatures climbing to 100 degrees or more, it’s critically important you provide life-saving heat safety tips to your patients. #1 - Educate your Patient on the Signs of Heat Illness. This is the first and most important of our heat safety tips. You must … [Read more...]
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