nursing assistant monthly copyright © 2012 delmar, cengage learning. all rights reserved. august...
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Nursing Assistant Monthly
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012
Understanding the therapy alphabet
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012 Understanding 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)
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012 Understanding 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
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012 Understanding 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
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012 Understanding the therapy alphabet
Speech and language pathologistsor “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
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012 Understanding 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
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012 Understanding 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.”
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012 Understanding 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
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
August 2012 Understanding 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!