The Expanded Role for Rehabilitation in Home Care

Abstract

Disability and aging force most of us to recognize limitations created by declining physical, economic, and mental health. The curtailment of activity that usually accompanies declining health may lead to involuntary withdrawal from once familiar and comfortable activities, resulting in further decline and depression. It is in the patient's home that we as therapists can directly affect physical deterioration and function. Rehabilitation professionals can and should provide a key role in assisting those who are disabled to maintain the highest quality of life possible regardless of diagnosis. Home health agencies must consider treatment options that have traditionally been a part of therapist practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities as well as the use of therapists in the role of case manager. By maximizing the practice of their therapists, agencies may reduce the cost of providing care to their patients by reducing unnecessary visits by other disciplines. Thus, agencies would provide more efficient care to their patients while maximizing their reimbursement.

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