How can Physical Therapy in the SNF Setting help you?

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Clinical Services

How can Physical Therapy in the SNF Setting help you?

October is National Physical Therapy Month! Every October we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month to raise awareness among consumers about the many benefits of physical therapy. 

The PTs, PTAs, and PT students at Restore are part of a collaborative care team. They work with physicians and other medical professionals in the skilled nursing facility (SNF) to design individualized care plans that address your unique needs. Depending on your requirements, these programs may focus on boosting coordination, improving flexibility, enhancing strength and endurance, and more.

 With age, you may notice your usual movements become challenging. This change may threaten your safety because of the increased chances of a slip or fall. Our SNF clinicians consider physical therapy a crucial aspect of the residents’ care program. 

With a plan of care, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enjoy independence in your senior years.

5 Benefits of Physical Therapy in Skilled Nursing Facilities

1. Minimize the Risk of Falling
1/3 of  the population over 65 falls each year and falls are the number one cause of fractures in the elderly. Physical therapy in a skilled nursing facility helps you recover quickly from a fall. Moreover, our clinicians create a safe environment and help you learn how to prevent falls. 

At Restore, our physical therapy Falls and Strengthening Programs can reduce falls risk by up to 42%.

To find out if you are at risk for falls, answer the questions below. Give yourself one point for every “yes” answer.

Risk Assessment

Do you have a history of falling?




Do you experience dizziness and/or have trouble keeping your balance?




Is walking difficult due to muscle weakness, stiff joints, or foot problems?




Are you on more than three medications?




Do you have problems with your vision?




Do you make frequent or hurried trips to the bathroom?




Have you put off dealing with household hazards, such as poor lighting, slippery floors, throw rugs, lack of grab-bars, etc?




Is fear of falling making you less physically active and reducing your social activity?




Are you experiencing problems with concentration, depression, or isolation?




If you were to fall, would you be alone and possibly unable to call for help?



 

Tally your score. “Yes” answers suggest a specific area of risk that needs to be addressed. The higher your score out of 10, the higher your level of risk of falling.  Talk to your physician or your Restore Physical Therapist about your falls risk. 

 

2. Reduce the Chances of Injuries
Balancing and improving your gait is essential to prevent tripping or falling. Physical therapy helps you learn the crucial aspects of mobility in your senior years, lowering the risk of injuries and re-injury.

 3. Decrease Chronic Pain
If you have medical conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis, physical therapy can alleviate any discomfort and help offset any further symptoms. This way, you can manage chronic pain. 

4. Reduce Prescription Drug Reliance
If you need several prescription drugs to soothe your chronic pain, physical therapy can help reduce your dependence on medications. In addition to enhancing your well-being, it is also a more cost-effective treatment option.

 5. Maintain Your Independence
Recovering from an illness or surgery and managing your pain in the later years is easier when you choose physical therapy. Doing so will help you lead an active independent lifestyle for longer.

5 Common Consequences of Ignoring Physical Therapy

  • Falls – If you experience weakness and are vulnerable to falls, failing to complete physical therapy may increase the chances of mishaps and severe injuries.
  • More Pain – Muscles and joints that do not move often get stiff. This slows the healing process after hospitalization and may lead to more pain.
  • Infections – Restriction to a bed increases the risk of pneumonia due to inactivity. Moreover, the lack of movement may cause skin conditions such as ulcers.
  • Reduce Endurance and Strength – Physical therapy ensures proper recovery and improves resilience. Missing this critical step can increase heart rate, high blood pressure, and lower oxygen saturation. It may also lead to blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and other severe health conditions.
  • Less Recovery Support – This therapy focuses on wellness, physical health, and recovery education. It helps improve mental and physical well-being and enhances the quality of life. By ignoring physical therapy, you will forego crucial support.

 

Talk to your physician, your family, and your Restore team about how Physical Therapy in the Skilled Nursing Facility can help you stay active,  independent, and living a full life  in your senior years. 

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