Contest - Importance of Incorporating Standardized Tests and Measures

hand-pen-noteOur practice standards expect evidence-based approaches to the care we deliver. More and more, health plans including Medicare, Medicare Advantage and various commercial insurances are requesting outcomes to measure the value of the services we provide. Just recently, the IMPACT Act was signed into law, which will require standardized reporting of outcome measures for patients receiving therapy services in Post-Acute Care Settings.

Standardized outcome measures provide a common language with which to evaluate the success of therapy interventions. This provides a basis for comparing outcomes related to different intervention approaches. Measuring outcomes of care within the relevant components of function, including body functions and structures, activity and participation among patients with the same diagnosis is the foundation for determining which interventions comprise the best clinical practice.

As professionals we need to capture evidence-based documentation. Incorporating standardized tests is an easy way to show evidence-based data to support our intervention.

There are a number of tests that are available for free and many are referenced in the POSTette located on the Therapy Portal entitled, “Therapy Tests and Measures.” Some tests do require purchase and can be expensive – we recommend focusing on the diagnoses you treat most and purchase accordingly.

Standardized measures also help to:

  • Identify dysfunction and deficits
  • Remove subjective factors from assessment
  • Provide results that can be generalized and repeated, which provides for external validity and reliability
  • Compare deficits to normative data by age group
  • Provide a “starting” point especially with the increased emphasis on evidence based practice
  • Provide measurable/objective outcomes for patient success from start of care to discharge to improve quality of care
  • Provide evidence based information to support intervention and reimbursement
  • Allow for tracking and trending of outcomes over time.

To Enter the Contest: Complete a blog entry below on how you successfully implemented the use of standardize testing into your clinical programming and documentation. A committee will review all entries to determine winners. The names of winners will be posted and prizes will be sent to you at your facility. HAVE FUN!!

The Deadline: Friday December 19th

Transformational Leadership Course

taking-notes-900x900Wow! This week, during our Transformational Leadership – Unit 3 discussion, Dr. Roussel shared a wealth of information on Emotional Intelligence as a Core Leadership Skill. Course Participants in can access the tools and resources available for further exploration of your own Emotional Intelligence and awareness of characteristics in others by visiting Ensign U. Today’s WebEx Meeting will also be uploaded. How does Emotional Intelligence impact you as a leader? If you haven’t had a chance to complete the viewing of resources in Unit 1 (Defining Leadership) and Unit 2 (Complexity, Chaos and Change), please take some time to do so. ALSO, the strengths assessment available to you through your book, Leadership 2.0, provides some amazing information to further your understanding of your own leadership strengths. Your personal code for completing the online strengths assessment is located at the back of the book. Please share your thoughts, questions, discussion, right here! Simply click the “Discuss” link to get started. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION.

PEPPER IS HERE!

pepper!written by Ellen Strunk, PT, GCS, CEEAA

The Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) provides SNF-specific data statistics for Medicare services by provider. Each report compares a SNF’s Medicare billing practices with other SNFs in the states, MAC jurisdiction and nationwide, so the SNF can determine the level of risk for improper payments. The 2013 reports contain statistics for episodes of care ending between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2012.

The type of information that can be obtained from these reports include:

  • Proportion of days billed in the highest ADL categories (X, L, and C)
  • Proportion of assessments completed as a change of therapy assessment
  • Proportion of days billed in the RU and RV RUGs
  • Proportion of episodes with a length of stay of 90+ days

The reports were mailed to each SNF individually on or before August 30, 2013 and are not available to the public; CMS is providing these reports “freely” to all SNF providers nationwide. SNFs are encouraged to use the data to support their own internal auditing and monitoring activities.

Ellen Strunk is owner of Rehab Resources and Consulting and a partner to the Therapy Resource Team at Ensign Services, Inc.

National Rehab Awareness Week 16 Sep 2013

rehab in motion

 

SHARE YOUR PLANS FOR NATIONAL REHAB AWARENESS WEEK SEPTEMBER 16-22 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES FOR YOUR TEAM!

Hi, Therapy Teams!

It’s hard to believe, but September is HERE!! This is the month in which the National Rehab Awareness Celebration was born. The history of this celebration as a national event dates back to 1976. The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation was established in 1996 by Allied Services, a not-for-profit healthcare system headquartered in Scranton, Pa. Allied, since 1976, served as sponsor of National Rehabilitation Week, a nationwide celebration to educate people about the benefits of rehabilitation and the capabilities of people with disabilities.

The Foundation was created to extend the observance from a week-long event to a year ‘round awareness campaign. One of the Foundation’s main initiatives is to elevate the celebration to a greater level of prominence. This year’s Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration Week is scheduled for September 16 – 22, 2013. You can check out great ideas for RAISING AWARENESS OF REHABILITATION THROUGH CELEBRATION EVENTS by visiting the Foundation website at http://www.nraf-rehabnet.org/

WHAT DOES YOUR TEAM HAVE PLANNED TO CELEBRATE THIS IMPORTANT WEEK? We encourage you to share your facility team’s scheduled events for National Rehabilitation Awareness Week set for September 16 -22, 2013 . Share your stories by Blogging them right here and enter for a chance to win prizes for your teams–T-shirts, Water Cans and More!

Kinesio Taping® Course 1 & 2 - Salt Lake City Area

 

Where: Salt Lake City College – Jordan Campus

3491 W 9000 S

West Jordan, UT 84088

When: Friday, April 12 11:30 am – 9:00 pm (Dinner Served)

Saturday, April 13 8:00 am – 5:30 pm (Lunch Served)

Ensign Services, Inc. hosts seminars in facilities that are ADA accessible. Please let Kelly Alvord (kalvord@ensigngroup.net) know if you will need any special accommodation.

Instructor: ‘Dee’ Virginia Ellis, PTA, CKTI

Dee is a Physical Therapist Assistant who has practiced in many different settings and states. Dee specializes in aquatic therapy and Pilates based spinal stabilization and orthopedic outpatient rehab. She has been a PTA for 15 years, graduating with her A.A.S. from Community Colleges of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas with a Gerontology Wellness Specialty. She also did undergraduate study at San Diego State University in California. Dee has a special interest in wellness and prevention.

Dee has been a Certified Kinesio® Taping Practitioner for 8 years and has been a Certified Kinesio® Taping Instructor since 2005. She has her American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Advanced Proficiency in the musculoskeletal realm and was the recipient of the Texas Physical Therapy Association’s (TPTA) Joy Davenport award in 2008. She is an active volunteer in the APTA, the TPTA and the Aquatic Section of the APTA. Dee has presented continuing education on Electrical Modalities, Aquatic Physical Therapy and Kinesio® Taping: Fundamentals and Whole Body Techniques.

Dee currently works for as a PRN for local south Texas hospital systems and home health agencies.

Topic: Kinesio Tape Course (KT1 and KT2)

KT1: Fundamental Concepts & Basic Muscle Applications (To be taken in conjunction with KTAI approved KT2 course)

The KT1 course is designed to introduce practitioners to the Kinesio Taping® Method. During this eight-hour class, the instructor will introduce Kinesio Taping® concepts, theory and history, and discuss the four major physiological effects; skin, muscle, circulatory/lymphatic, and joint. During lab sessions, attendees will have ample time to practice Assessment Tests approved for the enhancement of their Kinesio Taping® skills and muscle applications for both the upper and lower body. Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to discuss and apply the Kinesio Taping® Method to relax overuse syndromes, stimulate weak muscles, and decrease pain and swelling.

KT2: Advanced Concepts & Corrective Techniques (To be taken in conjunction with KTAI approved KT1 course – prerequisite is completion of KT1 course)

The KT2 course builds on material learned in KT1. During this eight-hour class, the instructor will introduce the six Corrective Techniques (Mechanical, Functional, Space, Fascia, Ligament/Tendon, and Lymphatic) and discuss their application in a variety of clinical conditions. During lab sessions, attendees will have ample time to practice applying these techniques to a variety of upper and lower body conditions. Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to discuss and apply the Kinesio Taping® Method to orthopedic and neurological conditions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES. Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Describe the concepts of Kinesio Taping®.
  • Review muscular anatomy as it is related to Kinesio Taping®
  • Explain and apply the concepts of the Kinesio Taping® Method.
  • Describe the unique qualities of the Kinesio Tex Tape.
  • Recognize the principles of Kinesio Tex Tape application.
  • Utilize and demonstrate application skills in guided laboratory sessions.
  • Demonstrate application skills during lab sessions.
  • Practice the various cutting techniques and their clinical application.
  • Apply Kinesio Taping® Method to relax and stimulate muscles.
  • Apply Kinesio Taping® Methods for pain, swelling, joint mobility and stability.
  • Apply various taping techniques for treatment of the spine, and upper/ lower extremity dysfunction
  • Apply various taping techniques for treatment of unique conditions using the concepts and principals of the Kinesio Taping® Method.

Who Should Attend? PTs, OTs, ATs, DCs, LACs, MTs, PTAs, OTAs and other medical practitioners. THIS COURSE IS INTENDED FOR LICENSED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS ONLY.

CEUS: You can submit 16 hours continuing education credits to UT Physical Therapy Association. The Kinesio Taping® Association is an approved provider for AOTA (Provider # 4489). The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. The Kinesio Taping® Association is recognized by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) to offer continuing education for certified athletic trainers (provider # P2293). Kinesio Taping Association is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Approved Provider (Provider #450030-06).

Cancellation/Refunds: No refunds

KINESIO TAPING® AGENDA

Friday, April 12, Day 1 – Fundamental Kinesio Taping

11:30 Sign in

12:00 Instructor Introduction and Bio

12:10 – 2:00 Introduction to Kinesio Taping Concepts, Theory and History, Qualities of Kinesio Tape, Differences, Benefits and Finger Demonstration, introduction of Five Major Physiological Effects and Skin Function, Circulatory Function, KT Skin & Fascia Function, Iliocostalis Lumborum Demo Lab, KT Muscle Function and Basic App Concepts

2:00 Break

2:15-3:30 Joint Function; Biotensegrity; Application Basics, Directional Lab – Upper Trapezius, Challenges, Contraindications & Precautions, Intro to KT Assessment Tests

3:50 Q&A

4:15-6:15 KT Cervical Flexion Assessmet, Longissimus Cervicis (Cervical Paraspinals) Application Lab, KT Cervical Extension Assessment, Scalenus Anterior Lab, KT Trunk Flexion Assessment, Rectus Abdominis App Lab, KT Pectoral Girdle Assessment, Pectoralis Major and Rhomboid Major Lab,

6:15 Dinner

6:45–8:00 KT Hip Rotation Assessment with Lab, Gluteus Medius App Lab, KT Leg Raise Assessment with Lab, Quadriceps Femoris App Lab, Review Five Major Physiological Systems, App Concepts, Assessment Questions, Extensor Digitorum Lab, Hamstrings Lab

8:00-9:00 Assessment Q&A; KT1 Review & Q&A, Application Requests; Conclusion

Day 2- Advanced Kinesio Taping

8:00 – 10:05 Overnight Responses, Troubleshooting, Assessment Questions, & KT1 Review, Basic Concepts of Corrective Techniques, Tension guidelines, & Precautions., Mechanical Correction, Y Technique with tension in the Tails and base, Mechanical Correction, I Technique, Mechanical Correction Lab: Patellar Tracking, Mechanical Correction, Shoulder Instability, Mechanical Correction Lab: Shoulder Instability

10:05 Break

10:20 – 11:30 Introduction to Fascia Correction, Fascial Oscillation and Gliding. “Y” Tension in Tails, Tension in Base, Rams Head., Fascia Correction, Y Technique with tension on the tails. Manual Fascial Glide Correction With Tension through the tails., Fascia Correction Lab, Fascia Correction, Y Technique with tension through the base. Manual Fascia Winding Correction Technique with tension in base., Fascia Correction Lab, “Y” Strip: Tension on Tails, Rams Head App, Fascia Correction Lab

11:30 Lunch

12:30 – 3:10 Introduction To Space Correciton. Space Correction “I” Technique, Space Correction “Donut Hole” App. Space Correction Lab, Space Correction “Star” App. Space Correction “Button Hole & I Strip” App. Space Correction Lab, Space Correction “Web” App and Lab, Introduction To Ligament/Tendon Correction, Ligament Correction, Tendon Correction “I” & “Y” Techniques, Ligament & Tendon Correction Lab

3:10 Break

3:25 – 5:15 Tendon Correcton with Plantar Fasciitis App, Tendon Correction With Plantar Fasciitis Lab, Introduction to Functional Correction, Function Correcton Technique, Functional Correction Lab, Introduction To Circulatory / Lymphatic Correction, Circulatory / Lymphatic Correction “Fan” Technique Lab, KT Clinical App Finger, Documentation, Billing, Precautions, Contraindications and Rules, Assessment Questions, Glossary Review, Application Requests and Q&A

5:10 – 5:30 Assessment Questions, Glossary Review, Application Requests; Q&A; Conclusion

COST: $569 for licensed professionals

$369 for students (limited space available)

$100 for Professionals working in a facility supported by Ensign Services, Inc.

Questions/Information/Registration: Kelly Wallerstedt, Ensign Services – Therapy

kwallerstedt@ensigngroup.net or 602-538-6783

KT 3 Course in Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Kinesio Tape Course (KT3)

Location: University of North Texas Medical Education & Training
 1000 Montgomery St; Fort Worth, TX

Ensign Services, Inc. hosts seminars in facilities that are ADA accessible. Please let Jon Anderson, jonanderson@ensigngroup.net know if you need any special accommodation.

Instructor: Virginia “Dee” Ellis, PTA, CKTI

Dee is a Physical Therapist Assistant who has practiced in many different settings and states. Dee specializes in aquatic therapy, Pilates based spinal stabilization and orthopedic outpatient rehab. She has been a PTA for 15 years, graduating with her A.A.S. from Community Colleges of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas with a Gerontology Wellness Specialty. She also did undergraduate study at San Diego State University in California. Dee has a special interest in wellness and prevention.

Dee has been a Certified Kinesio® Taping Practitioner for 8 years and has been a Certified Kinesio® Taping Instructor since 2005. Dee has her American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Advanced Proficiency in the musculoskeletal realm and was the recipient of the Texas Physical Therapy Association’s (TPTA) Joy Davenport award in 2008. She is an active volunteer in the APTA, the TPTA and the Aquatic Section of the APTA. Dee has presented continuing education on Electrical Modalities, Aquatic Physical Therapy and Kinesio® Taping: Fundamentals and Whole Body Techniques.

Dee currently works for as a PRN for local south Texas hospital systems and home health agencies.

KT3 Costs:

For non Ensign therapists the cost will be $279.00

KT3 Course Description:

Purpose: Assimilate and progress clinical problem solving skills using the Kinesio Taping Method

Required Text: Kinesio Taping Work Books (WB) 1-6—pg references for taping (bring from KT1/2)

Suggested Text: Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method (page #’s in parenthesis)

KT3 Course Objectives:

1. Demonstrate ability to problem solve clinical case studies and utilization of Kinesio Tape to effectivelyenhance patient status/progress.

2. Fulfill requirements to apply for Kinesio Taping Practitioner Certification through Kinesio Taping Association, USA

REGISTRATION & Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. Course from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For information regarding pre-registration and to hold your spot for the course, please contact Kelly Wallerstedt at kwallerstedt@ensigngroup.net

Kinesio Taping Course - Dallas Area

Date: Nov 17 and 18, 2012

Time: 8 AM – 5:30 PM each day

LOCATION:
University of North Texas
Allied Health Center
Fort Worth, TX

Ensign Facility Services hosts seminars in facilities that are ADA accessible. Please let Jon Anderson, jonanderson@ensigngroup.net know if you need any special accommodation.

Instructor:

‘Dee’ Virginia Ellis, PTA, CKTI

Dee is a Physical Therapist Assistant who has practiced in many different settings and states. Dee specializes in aquatic therapy, Pilates based spinal stabilization and orthopedic outpatient rehab. She has been a PTA for 15 years, graduating with her A.A.S. from Community Colleges of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas with a Gerontology Wellness Specialty. She also did undergraduate study at San Diego State University in California. Dee has a special interest in wellness and prevention.

Dee has been a Certified Kinesio® Taping Practitioner for 8 years and has been a Certified Kinesio® Taping Instructor since 2005. Dee has her American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Advanced Proficiency in the musculoskeletal realm and was the recipient of the Texas Physical Therapy Association’s (TPTA) Joy Davenport award in 2008. She is an active volunteer in the APTA, the TPTA and the Aquatic Section of the APTA. Dee has presented continuing education on Electrical Modalities, Aquatic Physical Therapy and Kinesio® Taping: Fundamentals and Whole Body Techniques.

Dee currently works for as a PRN for local south Texas hospital systems and home health agencies.

Topic:

Kinesio Tape Course (KT1 and KT2)

KT1: Fundamental Concepts & Basic Muscle Applications (To be taken in conjunction with KTAI approved KT2 course)
The KT1 course is designed to introduce practitioners to the Kinesio Taping® Method. During this eight-hour class, the instructor will introduce Kinesio Taping® concepts, theory and history, and discuss the four major physiological effects; skin, muscle, circulatory/lymphatic, and joint. During lab sessions, attendees will have ample time to practice Assessment Tests approved for the enhancement of their Kinesio Taping® skills and muscle applications for both the upper and lower body. Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to discuss and apply the Kinesio Taping® Method to relax overuse syndromes, stimulate weak muscles, and decrease pain and swelling.

KT2: Advanced Concepts & Corrective Techniques (To be taken in conjunction with KTAI approved KT1 course – prerequisite is completion of KT1 course)
The KT2 course builds on material learned in KT1. During this eight-hour class, the instructor will introduce the six Corrective Techniques (Mechanical, Functional, Space, Fascia, Ligament/Tendon, and Lymphatic) and discuss their application in a variety of clinical conditions. During lab sessions, attendees will have ample time to practice applying these techniques to a variety of upper and lower body conditions. Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to discuss and apply the Kinesio Taping® Method to orthopedic and neurological conditions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Describe the concepts of Kinesio Taping.
  • Review muscular anatomy as it is related to Kinesio Taping.
  • Explain and apply the concepts of the Kinesio Taping Method.
  • Describe the unique qualities of the Kinesio Tex Tape.
  • Recognize the principles of Kinesio Tex Tape application.
  • Utilize and demonstrate application skills in guided laboratory sessions.
  • Demonstrate application skills during lab sessions.
  • Practice the various cutting techniques and their clinical application.
  • Apply Kinesio Taping method to relax and stimulate muscles.
  • Apply Kinesio Taping methods for pain, swelling, joint mobility and stability.
  • Apply various taping techniques for treatment of the spine, and upper/ lower extremity dysfunction
  • Apply various taping techniques for treatment of unique conditions using the concepts and principals of the Kinesio Taping Method.

Who Should Attend? PTs, OTs, ATs, DCs, LACs, MTs, PTAs, OTAs and other medical practitioners. THIS COURSE IS INTENDED FOR LICENSED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS ONLY

CEUs:

You can submit 16 hours continuing education credits to TX Physical Therapy Association. The Kinesio Taping Association is an approved provider for AOTA (Provider # 4489). The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. The Kinesio Taping Association is recognized by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) to offer continuing education for certified athletic trainers (provider # P2293). Kinesio Taping Association is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Approved Provider (Provider #450030-06).

Class Schedule:

KINESIO TAPING® AGENDA

Day 1 – Fundamental Kinesio Taping

Introduction to Kinesio Taping Concepts, Theory and History, Qualities of Kinesio Tape, Differences, Benefits and Finger Demonstration, introduction of Five Major Physiological Effects and Skin Function, Circulatory Function, KT Skin & Fascia Function, Iliocostalis Lumborum Demo Lab, KT Muscle Function and Basic App Concepts
Joint Function; Biotensegrity; Application Basics, Directional Lab – Upper Trapezius, Challenges, Contraindications & Precautions, Intro to KT Assessment Tests
KT Cervical Flexion Assessmet, Longissimus Cervicis (Cervical Paraspinals) Application Lab, KT Cervical Extension Assessment, Scalenus Anterior Lab, KT Trunk Flexion Assessment, Rectus Abdominis App Lab, KT Pectoral Girdle Assessment, Pectoralis Major and Rhomboid Major Lab,
KT Hip Rotation Assessment with Lab, Gluteus Medius App Lab, KT Leg Raise Assessment with Lab, Quadriceps Femoris App Lab, Review Five Major Physiological Systems, App Concepts, Assessment Questions, Extensor Digitorum Lab, Hamstrings Lab
Assessment Q&A; KT1 Review & Q&A, Application Requests; Conclusion

Day 2- Advanced Kinesio Taping

Overnight Responses, Troubleshooting, Assessment Questions, & KT1 Review, Basic Concepts of Corrective Techniques, Tension guidelines, & Precautions., Mechanical Correction, Y Technique with tension in the Tails and base, Mechanical Correction, I Technique, Mechanical Correction Lab: Patellar Tracking, Mechanical Correction, Shoulder Instability, Mechanical Correction Lab: Shoulder Instability
Introduction to Fascia Correction, Fascial Oscillation and Gliding. “Y” Tension in Tails, Tension in Base, Rams Head., Fascia Correction, Y Technique with tension on the tails. Manual Fascial Glide Correction With Tension through the tails., Fascia Correction Lab, Fascia Correction, Y Technique with tension through the base. Manual Fascia Winding Correction Technique with tension in base., Fascia Correction Lab, “Y” Strip: Tension on Tails, Rams Head App, Fascia Correction Lab
Introduction To Space Correciton. Space Correction “I” Technique, Space Correction “Donut Hole” App. Space Correction Lab, Space Correction “Star” App. Space Correction “Button Hole & I Strip” App. Space Correction Lab, Space Correction “Web” App and Lab, Introduction To Ligament/Tendon Correction, Ligament Correction, Tendon Correction “I” & “Y” Techniques, Ligament & Tendon Correction Lab
Tendon Correction with Plantar Fasciitis App, Tendon Correction With Plantar Fasciitis Lab, Introduction to Functional Correction, Function Correction Technique, Functional Correction Lab, Introduction To Circulatory / Lymphatic Correction, Circulatory / Lymphatic Correction “Fan” Technique Lab, KT Clinical App Finger, Documentation, Billing, Precautions, Contraindications and Rules, Assessment Questions, Glossary Review, Application Requests and Q&A
Assessment Questions, Glossary Review, Application Requests; Q&A; Conclusion

Stepping Stones - Balance and Falls Prevention

Mike Johanson, Physical Therapist for Horizon Home Health and Hospice, presented our first Stepping Stones – Balance and Falls Prevention course to therapists at our Horizon Home Health office in Boise, Idaho on July 25 and 26. With the support of Craig Esplin, Director of Rehab at Horizon, Steve Burningham, Administrator Horizon Home Health and Hospice, and Danny Walker, CEO of Cornerstone, Mike was given the time and support to create a very special program to help reach patients and clients in need. Seventeen therapists attended the course, including Beth Orcutt who traveled all the way from our Connected Home Health Office in Oregon. Mike and Craig are taking this awesome, interactive 1.2 (12 contact hours) CEU Course on the road, with their next stop at our Symbii Home Health branch in UT later this month. Stay connected at www.EnsignTherapy.com for more information.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

 

This annual event provides opportunities to raise awareness about communication disorders and to promote treatment that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding, or hearing. We have many resources to help you celebrate BHSM every day. The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), provides a variety of awareness activities and tools that our therapy programs can incorporate into improving the education and understanding surrounding Speech-Language Pathology and the services our SLP’s have to offer.

To reinforce the important messages about communication disorders during Better Hearing and Speech Month, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has released tips to raise awareness to help more than 70 million Americans age 55 and older identify and prevent a speech, language or hearing disorder.

As people age, normal changes occur in hearing, speech, language, memory, and swallowing. Once an individual turns 55, their chances of having a hearing loss, suffering a stroke, developing dementia or Parkinson’s disease increases which can lead to a related communication disorder.

Warning signs of speech, language, and hearing problems include:

  • Sudden trouble talking, thinking, or moving parts of your body—this could be a sign of a stroke, and you should see a doctor immediately
  • Turning the TV louder or asking people to repeat themselves
  • Trouble remembering appointments or how to do familiar tasks
  • A hoarse voice or easily losing your voice
  • Trouble speaking clearly that gets worse over time

Tips for preventing communication disorders:

  • Reduce your risk for stroke—stop smoking, control your blood pressure, exercise regularly
  • Use helmets and seat belts to prevent brain injury
  • Get regular checkups, including hearing tests, to stay in top form
  • Protect your voice—don’t yell or talk in noisy places, drink plenty of water, and avoid smoking
  • Turn down the TV or radio when you talk with others—you’ll hear each other better and you won’t have to speak loudly
  • Keep your mind sharp—do puzzles, read, and keep up with current events
  • Stay active and social—do things with friends and get involved in your community

For most Americans 55 and older, unlike many disabilities, speech, language, and hearing problems can be prevented. The key is early identification and intervention; the earlier a problem is identified the sooner treatment can begin.

If you suspect that you or family members have a communication disorder, consult a certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists play an important role in working with individuals who are 55 and older. These professionals can assist this age group in differentiating between normal aging and having a communication disorder. They can provide tips and techniques to prevent communication problems and keep your speech, voice, and language in top form.

For more information about speech, language, and hearing disorders and prevention, visit www.asha.org.

 

April is Occupational Therapy Month!

Did you know that April is National Occupational Therapy Month? What a perfect time for us to share a closer look at this important profession helping to make a difference in the lives of so many. On the American Occupational Therapy Association site (www.aota.org), the theme for Occupational Therapy is “Living Life to its Fullest”. Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants play an integral role in the lives of many. Let’s take a closer look at some of the areas impacting productive aging. Occupational Therapy is provided in a variety of settings. The skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting provides us the opportunity to more closely address the needs of the aging population, as this is the setting that many seniors choose for their rehab services. Our goal is to help the senior return to his or her prior level of living and functional ability as safely and efficiently as possible. We work closely with the patient’s family members to prevent and reduce the possibility of re-hospitalization. Reduced function in thinking, memory and problem-solving can create some challenges for the aging patient. Occupational Therapy addresses the areas of cognition in the following ways:

– Intensive, daily therapy to improve all aspects of function

-Intervention to address attention, problem solving, and perceptual deficits, and to manage impulsive behavior

-Intervention initially to address basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and sequencing tasks. If basic skills are achieved, progression to more difficult tasks may include:

  • preparing meals;
  • managing medication;
  • balancing a checkbook/paying bills;
  • organizing daily routines;
  • doing laundry and light housekeeping;
  • responding to an emergency situation, using the telephone, and engaging in socially appropriate behavior; and
  • preparing for community re-entry, driving, and workplace assessment as appropriate for the client’s level of progress.

To learn more about the role of occupational therapy with cognitive disability in the aging population, please check out the The American Occupational Therapy Association fact sheet entitled Cognition.

Give your OT and COTA a “high five” for making a difference in the lives of so many!! And please BLOG a shout-out to your favorite OT’s and COTA’s!!