1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012 Understanding the therapy alphabet

2. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012Understanding the therapy alphabet Who is on the rehab team?  Physical therapists (PT) and Physical therapy assistants (PTA)  Occupational therapist (OT) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA)  Speech and language pathologist (speech therapist) (SLP or ST)

3. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012Understanding the therapy alphabet Physical therapists  Use their knowledge of the musculoskeletal system to help people regain the ability to move, walk, or to do so with less pain  Focus on treatment and prevention of injuries  Exercise is a large part of PT

4. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012Understanding the therapy alphabet Occupational therapists  Focus on helping a person to interact with their environment  Work with individuals with physical and/or cognitive impairments  May recommend adaptive equipment for accomplishing tasks

5. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012Understanding the therapy alphabet Speech and language pathologists or “speech therapists”  Focus on issues related to communication and swallowing  STs have special knowledge about the complex interactions between brain and muscles of the mouth and throat  May assess and recommend proper consistency of food and fluids  May help with regaining the ability to speak after stroke or other brain injury

6. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012Understanding the therapy alphabet The rehab team works together Many goals of the PT, OT, and ST overlap:  Independence  Safety  Relief from pain  Best possible quality of life

7. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012Understanding the therapy alphabet The rehab team needs you  You can give valuable feedback and information  Examples of helpful CNA feedback –“Mr. Brown had difficulty feeding himself breakfast today.” –“Mrs. Carter said she is afraid of falling.” –“Mr. Moore seems much steadier on his feet this week.” –“Mrs. Allen didn’t sleep well last night.”

8. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012Understanding the therapy alphabet What else can a CNA do?  Understand the basics of the rehab goals –Learn about any special adaptive equipment used by a resident you care for –Ask the nurse, check the care plan, ask the therapist to explain  Communicate with the therapists when possible –Ask what they are working on with the resident –Ask what to watch for as you care for the resident –Inform the therapists about your observations or concerns

9. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2012Understanding the therapy alphabet The team includes YOU!  Residents benefit when the entire team works together.  Your special knowledge about a resident can make a big difference in the success of physical, occupational, or speech therapy!