As we tour the Midwest, networking with students and therapists, we are often prompted with questions regarding finding a job and making sure it’s a good fit. However, the most popular question continues to be, “how and when do I have that uncomfortable conversation about money?” You’re looking to find that delicate balance between knowing your worth and not appearing greedy so as to make a good impression on your potential employer. To follow you will find some tips and ideas to help that conversation go a little more smoothly: Read more
DEMAND FOR THERAPISTS CONTINUES TO GROW
Economic health directly impacts job trends, but jobs in some market sectors are relatively unaffected by economic downturns. Those jobs are in industries which are driven more by demographics than by economics. One of these sectors, the healthcare industry, is experiencing growth primarily tied to population factors as baby boomers age and as Generation X spawns its own next generation. Read more
For everything there is a season. Sports, farming, fashion … What about “fall” season? Does the time of year affect the types of injuries therapists may be treating in their older patients? Falls are a main cause of injury among older adults, and research shows that about half of all falls among older adults happen when they’re outside, where the seasonal impact of weather conditions would be a factor. Many falls do not cause injuries, but one out of five falls does cause a serious injury, such as a broken bone or a head injury, that would result in a need for therapy to promote recovery. Read more
During a recent college visit, we were prompted with this question: how do you know if a company is reputable if you’re not from the area? Many times, newly licensed therapists consider positions in different cities and states from where they grew up or attended school. Pursuing an opportunity out of your geographic comfort zone poses excellent potential opportunities including: landing a job in your desired setting, growing and developing as a person and a therapist, and a chance for a fresh start. However, sometimes it’s difficult to determine if the new position you’re considering will actually be in your best interest in the long run. Here are some tips for finding and vetting a new company: Read more
Check the news headlines and you can’t avoid seeing stories – usually negative – that essentially involve cultural clashes: wars, immigration debates, police-involved shootings, terrorism, the list goes on. In healthcare, there are similar clashes. A child taken from its parents because the parents disagree with doctors about cancer treatment, a patient who chooses alternative remedies rather than conventional treatments, even healthcare affordability and accessibility; all involve cultural issues. Read more
By: Emily King, OTR, Clinical Consultant
Dementia/Memory Care
Dementia is one of the leading causes for placing a loved one in long term care. Nearly 60% of all nursing home elders have dementia and many individuals are concerned about the quality of memory care in nursing homes across the country. Healthcare Therapy Services, Inc. (HTS) recognizes the growing number of elders who suffer from memory impairments, and prepares their therapists to provide quality care through intense cognitive therapy educational trainings. These trainings are based on the theoretical frame of reference by Claudia Allen called the Cognitive Disabilities Model, which focuses on recognizing and reinforcing the use of remaining abilities. The therapists conduct formalized testing within this model to identify the elder’s current cognitive level. Based on the cognitive level established through testing, therapy staff and other care partners adapt activities, adjust approaches, modify the environment, and implement appropriate communication strategies. This evidence based treatment model helps eliminate trial and error treatment techniques and promotes each person’s best ability to function. Other training opportunities regularly offered to HTS teams include the Virtual Dementia Tour®—a Hands-on Dementia Experience and Positive Approach to Care.™ Read more
Let’s face it. Despite the fact we in the Long Term Care market tend to talk and focus on our Medicare A, Advantage and, more recently, private insurance patients…most of us still financially depend on our Case Mix rates. Except those relatively few specialty SNF providers in larger metro markets, the rest of us need our Medicaid (TennCare, Medi-Cal, etc.) dollars as a large portion of our revenue base. When that goes down? Well, no one’s happy. Read more
RECRUITERS ARE THE FACE OF THE ORGANIZATION
Recruiters are usually the first people candidates come into contact with. We are the reflection of the company. We establish and attend job fairs, networking events and campus events. We know the company inside out and understand the leadership structure of the organization. We are sales people, organizers, negotiators, personal guides, matchmakers, trainers, researchers and public relations specialists. The ability to encourage the right therapist to join our organization is what makes a great recruiter. Read more
HTS hosted our 4th Annual Rehab Week Contest and it was a huge success!
National Rehab Awareness Week was established by the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation (NRAF) to educate people about the benefits of rehabilitation. This year, “Rehab Week” was September 20-26th. Every year, we challenge our HTS therapy teams to participate in a contest to engage and educate their patients and community on the benefits and life changing offerings of physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Our people go all out! Utilizing themes, organizing fundraisers and engaging entire towns, we had 13 teams participate this year. Teams submitted pictures, video and shared stories to show how they celebrated rehab week! As always, we are amazed by the creativity and time that went into making this week so special for residents, staff and the community. Thank you to everyone that participated in National Rehabilitation Week.
The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation’s (NRAF) mission is to educate people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation; develop programs which aim to increase opportunities for nearly 50 million Americans with disabilities, and help those who are disabled live up to their fullest potential. For more information, go to www.rehabweek.com.
Read more about the winners and there fun contributions to National Rehab Week in long term care.
1st Place Winners!
Hazard Health & Rehabilitation Center | Hazard, KY
This year, the therapists at Hazard Health & Rehab organized a full week of fun and education that involved the entire community. They planned a “pirate-themed” adventure with a focus on teaching the long term care staff, residents and community how to “Treasure Your Health”. Utilizing social media, they posted daily rehab topics to educate the public on the benefits of physical, occupational and speech therapy. They organized a county-wide treasure hunt to keep the community involved, giving daily clues to a hidden prize. Every day, the Hazard Therapy Department held special events from games to educate on therapy terminology, to testing strength and eye-hand coordination. Hazard Health & Rehab Center in addition to the entire community embraced the theme during this wonderful week of celebration!
2nd Place Winners!
Wolfe County Health & Rehabilitation Center | Campton, KY
The therapy team at Wolfe County kicked off Rehab Week by organizing a 5K Color Run for the entire community! People came from six different counties and out of state to participate in the color run. The run involved the community and promoted fitness for all ages from 10 to 50+. All proceeds from this event went to the Wolfe County Residents fund.
The residents and employees were involved as the therapy team had a daily the Rehab/Game Show. Let’s Make a Deal, Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right are just a few of the games played by residents and staff. Employees played Jeopardy and all questions were directly related to educate through fun! Topics included: Safety, Proper Body Mechanics, Anatomy, Policies & Procedures and Adaptive Equipment.
Wolfe Health & Rehabilitation organized many other events such as an outing to Natural Bridge State Park. Congrats to Wolfe Health & Rehabilitation!
3rd Place Winners!
Hillcrest Health & Rehab Center | Corbin, KY
Que this awesome intro…“Boy oh Boy, the residents and staff were exhausted from their coast to coast travels across the United States during Rehab Week. Before departing on their trip, the residents participated in a Bon Voyage Balloon launch. After traveling 12, 486 miles across the United States, the residents still suffered from jet lag.” How awesome is this? The Hillcrest therapy department and staff organized and designed events in the building to replicate parts of the country for residents. The states visited include: Kentucky, Hawaii, Texas, California and Alaska.
Residents saddled up stick horses and placed bets at “Hillcrest Downs,” and created beautiful artwork using sensory processing skills and range of motion while making thumbprint hearts on Kentucky canvases. After landing in Hawaii, residents were welcomed with leis, fruit salad and virgin daiquiris while playing a competitive game of pineapple bowling. As a souvenir, residents captured the beauty of the ocean by making their own sensory ocean bottle. In Texas, residents were decked out in cowboy attire, deputized with sheriff badges and laced up their boots while using their functional endurance and increased resistance and center of gravity to climb the incline to a hayride. Therapists assisted on trunk stabilization and transfers on and off the hayride. Later that day, they participated in Tumbleweed Bingo using fine motor skills and visual scanning and recognition.
In California, they had a red carpet photo shoot and the “Hillcrest Stars” took a stroll down the Walk of Fame while working on sensory processing skills and proprioceptive input through their hands. Elvis entered the building and definitely got the crowd going. Lastly in Alaska, they began their adventure by making marshmallow igloos and snow using a sensory activity. Hillcrest’s Rehab Week was fun, super creative and one to remember!
Honorable Mention:
Corbin Health & Rehab Center
Bethel Manor
Williamsburg Health & Rehab Center
Thank You to All the Teams that Participated!
Glenburn Home, Hickory Creek at Winamac, Bethel Manor, Cumberland Valley Manor, Barbourville Health & Rehab, Corbin Health & Rehab, Harlan Health & Rehab, Hazard Health & Rehab, Hillcrest Health & Rehab, Hyden Health & Rehab, Knott Health & Rehab, Williamsburg Health & Rehab, Wolfe County Health & Rehab
Look for more contests and fun events from our amazing therapists that work for Healthcare Therapy Services, Inc. Our therapists give their best every day and are the foundation of our success by providing a “hope and a future” for each person they serve.
Balance is defined as the ability to maintain your center of gravity over your base of support (your feet). Poor balance can result in an unwanted movement, like a misstep, a wobble or tripping. Falling down is the ultimate loss of balance and the leading cause of debilitating injury and premature death in older adults. Each year 1 in 3 older adults will experience a fall; which is why it is vitally important to pay attention to your body to stay on top of your balance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), older adults can remain independent and reduce their risk of falling by taking these precautions:
- Exercise regularly. It is important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance, and that they get more challenging over time.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications to identify medicines that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.
- Get your eyes checked at least once a year and update eyeglasses to maximize your vision. Consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for some activities such as walking outside.
- Home Safety — reduce tripping hazards, add grab bars inside and outside the bath tub and next to the toilet, add stair railings and improve lighting to reduce glare and shadows.
Therapy Can Help Reduce Falls & Improve Balance
Maintaining proper balance and sense of body position is critical to preventing falls. A physical therapist works with individuals to identify risk factors and designs an individualized program of exercises and activities with an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and proper gait. Balance may be improved with exercises that strengthen the core, back, ankle, knee, and hip muscles along with exercises that improve the function of the balance system. Occupational therapists work with you to discuss changes and modifications that can be made around your home to help prevent falls from occurring. If you have concerns about your balance, call your doctor. Ask your doctor if you could benefit from therapy.
Healthcare Therapy Services, Inc.
1500 American Way, Suite 110
Greenwood, IN 46143
Toll Free: (800) 486-4449
Fax: (317) 886-5025
E-mail: info@htstherapy.com
Compliance Hotline
HTS Company ID number: 7816516030
Call 1-855-662-SAFE (1-855-662-7233)
Visit safehotline.com