Acute Care - What to do when discharge from physical therapy?

[Guest guest]

Hi, this was a frequent problem I faced in long term care. the best

resolution is for the facility to provide a restorative aid to assist

patients with ambulation and/or functional mobility at a non skilled

level. The reality is this service is often as mythical as the

unicorn or minatar. We struggled for consistent coverage often

having our restorative aid pulled to the floor for CNA coverage. If

they had provided consistent RA coverage, I might still be working in

the subacute setting.

Try educating the physician about restorative care and the need for

this service each time you receive this type of order. Second, hound

the administrator for coverage and consider documenting this

conversation. Falls, mobility, and functional declines in patients

are all reviewed by state inspections. An RA can directly impact

those stats and can positively impact the action plan to address such

issues.

Screen when needed and eval as appropriate. Many times your personal

morality and professional responsibilities will be tested in this

setting. Stand your ground, do what is right.

Best of luck,

Dave Bender, PT