OT and PT Toolkit Blog

Staying Connected – Technology Options for Older Adults.

2012-03-06T14:19:00.002-08:00

Excellent resource from Eldercare.gov to help your clients learn to use Text Messaging, Email, Facebook and more.
Brochure

Hospital to Home - Plan for a Smooth Transition

2012-03-06T14:13:00.005-08:00

Excellent resource from Eldercare.gov to help your clients transition after a hospital stay.
Brochure

Transportation Options for Older Adults

2012-03-06T14:09:00.005-08:00

Excellent resource from Eldercare.gov to help your clients with transportation options
Brochure

Benefits CheckUp

2012-03-06T14:06:00.004-08:00

Benefits CheckUp is free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Many adults over 55 need help paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other basic needs. There are over 2,000 federal, state and private benefits programs available to help. But many people don’t know these programs exist or how they can apply.

Benefits CheckUp asks a series of questions to help identify benefits that could save you money and cover the costs of everyday expenses.

After answering the questions, you will get a report created just for you that describes the programs you may get help from. You can apply for many of the programs online or you can print an application form.
Benefits CheckUp Website

Wheelchair Ramps

2012-03-06T13:25:00.001-08:00

Everything you always wanted to know about wheelchair ramps. The Home Wheelchair Ramp Project.
Website

Flexibility Exercises for Older Driver

2011-11-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

AAA brochure

The Manual Ability Measure

2011-11-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

An occupation-based assessment of hand function by Christine Chen, MA, MS, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA.
Advance for OT

Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment

2011-11-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

Assesses physical impairment and disability in clients with stroke and other neurological impairment. Includes Administering the Chedoke Assessment and Scoring and Interpreting the Chedoke Assessment.
Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment

Rehab Management Journal

2011-11-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

The Rehab Management Journal has some very informative articles, archived journals are available online.
Rehab Management Journal

Harnessing the Power of the Brain

2011-11-18T13:58:00.000-08:00

Harnessing the Power of the Brain by Amber Devers, PT, DPT, C/NDT.
Best practice for assessment and treatment of gait and balance after stroke.
Rehab Management

Low Vision Basics

2011-11-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

Topics include - Eye disease definitions, Anatomy of the eye, Videos, Low vision defined, and Finding resources
Optelec

Kinesiology Taping

2011-11-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

Learn the basic theory, functions and the application principles of the Kinesiology Taping
Kinesio Taping
Spider Tech

Computer Keyboard

2011-11-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

Extra large letters on this keyboard makes it easier to see. Available in QWERTY or ABCDEF style.
BigKeys Keyboards

Adaptive Mobility Services

2011-11-18T13:41:00.000-08:00

Workshops for those interested in the field of driver rehabilitation services.
Adaptive Mobility Services

AOTA Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

2011-11-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

"AOTA's Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 5–9, 2011) aims to promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation to ensuring older adults remain active in the community—shopping, working or volunteering—with the confidence that transportation will not be the barrier to strand them at home."

There is a lot of great resources for both consumers and practitioners
AOTA Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

USB Medical History Bracelet

2011-11-17T09:47:00.001-08:00

Cool Idea
USB Medical History Bracelet

Wheelchair Ramps

2011-11-17T09:38:00.001-08:00

How to measure for a wheelchair ramp

Rollators

2011-11-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

How to measure for a rollator.

Transformer Rollators

2011-11-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Great idea. Rollators that are also transport chairs
Combo Rollator/Tranporter

Hoyer Lift Guide

2011-11-17T09:28:00.001-08:00

Several resources on using a Hoyer Lift from PHC DME
How to use a Hoyer Lift
How to use a Hoyer Lift Sling
How to choose a Sling

Measure for Wheelchair

2011-11-17T09:26:00.000-08:00

How to take simple wheelchair measurements.
Measure for Wheelchair

Wheelchair Seating and Positioning

2011-11-17T09:23:00.001-08:00

A handy guide you can print out
Wheelchair Seating and Positioning

Clinical Practice Guideline

2011-11-09T12:56:00.001-08:00

Care of the Patient with Visual Impairment (Low Vision Rehabilitation) from the American Optometric Association
Clinical Practice Guideline

Cognitive Training Decreases Motor Vehicle Collision Involvement of Older Drivers.

2011-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Volume 58, Issue 11, pages 2107–2113, November 2010
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

AbleData

2011-11-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

"AbleData provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment"
AbleData

Reader's Digest and Newsweek Talking Magazine

2011-11-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

American Printing House for the Blind provides free of charge to blind and visually impaired readers:
Reader's Digest and Newsweek Talking Magazines

Webinars from the American Foundation for the Blind

2011-11-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Older Persons and Visual Impairment
Physical Issues Affecting Older Persons
Social Issues Affecting Older Persons with Visual Impairment
Providing Services to Older Persons with Visual Impairment
Contrast and Lighting
Reading Without Seeing
Management of Foot Disorders Related to Diabetes

AFB eLearning Center on Aging and Visual Impairment

Dementia Care Specialists

2011-11-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

A dementia training and consulting company
Dementia Care Specialists

Love of Car Documentary

2011-11-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

A wonderful documentary created in collaboration with Catherine Sullivan PhD OTR. Love of Car is a 1 hour video about senior driving safety, strategies, adaptations and transitioning to not driving.Watch online or order a copy.
Love of Car Website

National Guidelines Clearinghouse

2011-11-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

National Guidelines Clearinghouse

Yoga helped older stroke victims improve balance, endurance

2011-11-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Read article here

The REHABDATA Datebase

2011-11-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

"REHABDATA, produced by the National Rehabilitation Information Center, is the leading literature database on disability and rehabilitation. The database describes over 70,000 documents covering physical, mental, and psychiatric disabilities, independent living, vocational rehabilitation, special education, assistive technology, law, employment, and other issues as they relate to people with disabilities." From the website.
REHABDATA Database

Senior Community Services Database

2011-11-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Database of locate senior community services organizations.
ElderCare Locator.gov

Communicating with Older Patients

2011-11-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

A publication from the National Institute on Aging, 70 pages
Talking With Your Older Patient: A Clinician’s Handbook

Caring for the Person with Alzheimer's Disease

2011-11-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Free publication from the National (US) Institute on Aging, 146 pages.
Caring for the Person with Alzheimer's Disease

Stay Safe in Cold Weather

2011-11-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Instruct your patients on preventing hypothermia.
From the National Institute on Aging, a 20 page PDF publication
Stay Safe in Cold Weather

Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease

2011-11-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Free publication from the National (US) Institute on Aging, 44 pages
Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease

A Guide to Bed Safety - Bed Rails

2011-11-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Download the brochure here
A Guide to Bed Safety

Assistive Technology (AT) loan program.

2011-11-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

A National (US) Assistive Technology (AT) device loan program. With affiliate in each state.
Pass It On Center.org

Type of equipment available:
Vehicle Modification & Transportation (Accessible Vans, Wheelchair/Scooter Lifts/Carriers, etc.)
Daily Living Aids (Bathing/Toileting Aids, Lift Chairs, Patient Lifts, Adjustable Hospital Beds,Standing Frames/Aids, etc)
Mobility/ Seating & Positioning (Power & Manual Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Ramps, Canes, etc)
Speech Communication (Communication Devices, etc)
Environmental Adaptations (Electronic Aids for Daily Living, Environmental Control Units, Telephone Systems, Stair Lifts, Home Modification/Adaptation Items, etc.)
Vision (Desktop & Portable Video Magnifiers, etc)
Other (Accessible Homes, Therapy/Rehab Devices, etc)
Computers & Related (Accessible Workstations, Adjustable/Ergonomic Chairs, Computer Access Equipment, etc)
Hearing (Assisted Listening/Alerting Devices, Amplified Phones, etc.)
Learning, Cognitive, & Developmental (Literacy Software, Photo Phones, Portable Word Processors, etc.)
Recreation, Sports, & Leisure (Handcycles, Adaptive Exercise Equipment, 3 Wheel Bikes, Pool Lifts, etc.)

Eldercare at Home

2011-10-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Eldercare at Home is a comprehensive online guide for families and friends who are caring for older people at home. Available free from the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging
Eldercare at Home

Wheelchair Accessible Trails

2011-10-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Encourage you patients to get outside and exercise. This website lists trails that are accessible for wheelchairs (self propelled, electric or pushed) or walking. They provide a safe solid walking surface (concrete or asphalt) and easy access point from parking lots.
Trail Link.com

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association

2011-10-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment manufacturers, dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists. Learn the what, how and where of obtaining an adaptive vehicle.
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

2011-10-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

A free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Directory Assistance Exemption Program

2011-10-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Application for directory assistance (411) exemption program. Available to people with:
• Visual Disabilities (e.g., blindness, unable to read print with correction)
• Physical Disabilities (e.g., loss of hands or use of/or control of hands; constant severe tremor, spasticity or paralysis; non-correctible double vision; significant debilitating conditions)
• Cognitive Disabilities (i.e., difficulty with short term memory, inability to sequence numbers, etc.)
Directory Assistance Exemption Program

Low Vision Catalogue

2011-10-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've seen a low vision catalog in large print. Daily Living Solutions from ShopLowVision.com
Shop Low Vision Website

Free White Cane Program

2011-10-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Free white cane program from the National Federation of the blind.
Free White Cane

Remembered: The Alzheimer's Photography Project

2011-10-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

An extraordinary photo documentary.
Remembered: The Alzheimer's Photography Project

E-Z Walker Caddy

2011-10-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

My favorite walker accessory. I recommend this for long term walker users because it about $50. It's a basket and a tray in one.
E-Z Walker Caddy

Sock-eez for Removing Compression Stocking

2011-10-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

I tried this product at the AOTA expo and found that it works great. The handle was comfortable and the product slipped the sock right off.
Sock-eez

Lever Extender

2011-10-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Provides leverage to raise and lower recliner leg rest. I've also used PVC pipe or the wand extension from a vacuum.
Lever Extender

Sofa Arm

2011-10-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Help a person get off the sofa on the side without the sofa arm. Looks like a great idea but what keeps it from leaning over when you depress on it?
Sofa Arm

No-Cost/Low-Cost Home Safety Improvements

2011-10-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Easy, inexpensive ways to make a home safer and more comfortable.

No-Cost/Low-Cost Home Improvements

Brain Games

2011-10-25T21:43:00.001-07:00

Tell your patients about these free online games from AARP. They will keep memory, problem-solving and language skills sharp.
Brain Games

Using Walking Poles for Mobility and Balance

2011-10-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Using walking poles for mobility and balance. Website, Book and DVD.
Poles for Mobility

Adapted Yoga - Sit, Stand or Wheel

2011-10-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

"Created by an occupational therapist for people with mobility challenges, who want to experience the many benefits of traditional yoga. This unique video provides 3 variations of each pose, to make it accessible for all!"
Adapted Yoga - Sit, Stand or Wheel

NoBow Shoe Tie

2011-10-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

"The NoBow ShoeTie - a simple device! Any lace up shoe can be tied quickly and easily using only one hand! The NoBow ShowTie becomes part of the lacing system of the shoe. As soon as you put your shoes on, it's ready to go. The knot formed is simple, secure and easy to release."
NoBow Shoe Tie

Carfit Exam 12-Point Checklist

2011-10-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Tips and videos from AARP Driver Safety Program
Carfit Exam

ADL Assessment

2011-10-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Modified Barthel Index
Located on the Australian Government Department of Health and Aging website.

24 hour Virtual Exchange

2011-10-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

OT4OT hosted a free virtual exchange in celebration of World OT Day on Oct 26, 2011. Archived lectures from 2011 and 2010 are available on the website.
OT4OT website.

World Occupational Therapy Day is October 27th

2011-10-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

For more information visit World Federation of Occupational Therapy

AARP's Online Driver Safety Program

2011-10-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

"Tune up your driving skills and update your knowledge of the rules of the road
Learn defensive driving techniques. Discover ways to handle left turns, right-of-way, highway traffic and blind spots"
Recommended for those 50+
AARP Driver Safety

Physical Performance Assessments

2011-10-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

The Geriatric Assessment Toolkit includes the FICSIT-4, Four Square Step Test (FSST), Functional Reach, 6-Minute Walk Test, Modified - Physical Performance Test, Dynamic Gait Index,Tinetti Balance and Gait Measure, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), (ABC) Scale, Test of Reaction Time, Flexicurve Spinal Measurement. Courtesy of The Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.

The Geriatric Assessment Toolkit

Compassion Fatigue

2011-10-25T08:23:00.001-07:00

"Did you know? Caring too much can hurt. When caregivers focus on others without practicing self-care, destructive behaviors can surface. Apathy, isolation, bottled up emotions and substance abuse head a long list of symptoms associated with the secondary traumatic stress disorder now labeled: Compassion Fatigue" Quoted from the website. Learn more at
Compassion Fatigue.org

Compression Garments

2011-10-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

LympheDIVAs - Fashionable compression garments, available in patterns, solids and 30 shades of skin tone.
Lymphe DIVAS website

Newspapers Service for Low Vision

2011-10-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Free service for those who cannot read regular news print from the National Federation of the Blind
NFB Newsline Website

Wheelchair Lapboard

2011-10-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

"My4hands" is a lapboard that is placed on the lap, it was developed by a wheelchair user to carry things. It is non slip on both sides and does not transfer heat. I think it is a great idea.
My 4 Hands Website

Free CEU's

2011-10-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

My favorite magazines, all by Gannett, Today in OT and Today in PT. There is always a free CEU. I have also found some very relevant articles and CEU's in Today in Nursing. Check them out.

Today in OT

Today in PT

Nurse.com

Female Urination System

2011-10-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for new products to help my patients, I haven't tried this one, but it looks promising. Check it out. Let me know if you have used it with your clients.

Pibella Comfort Female Urination System

Resistance Bands

2011-10-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

"The Next Generation of Elastic Resistance is Here. Innovative, latex-free exercise products for rehabilitation and fitness." I love this product, I even bought some for my own exercising. Check it out. re:design website

Continuing Education - Spasticity

2011-10-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Learn more about spasticity at SpasticityAnswers.com

The Freedom Wand for Personal Hygiene

2011-10-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

I saw this innovative product at the AOTA conference. The Freedom Wand, a personal hygiene aid. It has 4 grippers that easily grasps toilet tissue, a razor, a loofah or an ointment applicator.

The Freedom Wand Website

Car Mobility Products

2011-10-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Some great products to help your clients be independent with car mobility. They sell 4 products the Handybar. a swivel cushion, a panoramic mirror and the Grab & Pull that assist with the seat belt.
AVIN Solutions for Independent Living

Puttycise

2011-10-02T12:57:00.001-07:00

What a great idea for exercising with putty. "Puttycise® consists of 5 tools which all function by inserting the base into a resistant putty. The tool is pushed, pulled or turned through the putty to produce the specified exercise."
Puttycise Website

Executive Functions Assessment

2011-10-02T12:56:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to the Executive Function Performance Test by Carolyn M. Baum, Tracy Morrison, Michelle Hahn and Dorothy F. Edwards from the Program in Occupational Therapy Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. It provide a performance-based standardized assessment of cognitive function.

Continuing Education - Stroke

2011-10-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Book and workshops by Glen Gillen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA. Glen has written 2 excellent books and presents engaging workshops. Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach and Cognitive and Perceptual Rehabilitation: Optimizing Function. Glen Gillen.com

Continuing Education - Low Vision

2011-10-02T12:51:00.001-07:00

Online courses on low vision, offered by Lighthouse International.
Lighthouse International

Geriatric Mental Health

2011-10-02T12:49:00.003-07:00

SAGE: Skills to Advance Gerontology Excellence

Integrating Mental Health into Occupational Therapy Practice with Older Adults

Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology

Documentation - Medicare Reimbursement Guidelines

2011-10-02T12:49:00.001-07:00

To be covered by Medicare, occupational, physical and speech therapy services must be:

Medically Necessary
1. Prescribed by a physician
2. Directly related to the diagnosis or disability
3. Directed towards restoration of a lost or impaired function
4. The condition and level of function requires the special knowledge and skills of a therapist

Performed or supervised by a qualified therapist
1. Require a level of complexity and sophistication or can only be safely and effectively carried out by a qualified therapist

Reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the illness or injury
1. Results in significant practical improvement
2. Rehabilitation potential must be fair or good for the established goals
3. Within a reasonable and generally predictable period of time
4. Required to produce the expected improvements
5. Individualized

Why does the patient need skilled therapy now?
1. Is there a new diagnosis?
2. Is there an exacerbation of a current condition?
3. Is there a decline in function?
4. Is there a change in medical management?
5. Are there new safety issues limiting function?

Documentation - Treatment Goals

2011-10-02T12:48:00.001-07:00

Treatment goals are of two types, separate or in combination
1. The functional outcome goal; identifies the desired client performance resulting from therapy. (dress, ambulate, articulate)
2. The enabling goal; identifies the method by which a therapist enables a client to accomplish the goal. (increase ROM, improve memory, increase activity tolerance)

Treatment goals should:
1. Be realistic
2. Have a positive effect on the quality of the patient's life
3. Be measurable and quantifiable
4. Be related to function
5. Appropriately reflect the patient's needs

Treatment goals consist of:
1. Short term goals are interim targets; steps to achieve the long term goals.
2. Long term goals are what the client will have achieved at the time of discharge.

Treatment Goal Components:
1. Functional Outcome - (required) the desired result
2. Qualifier - (required) objective measure
3. Techniques or Strategies - verbal cues, energy conservation techniques
4. Condition - requirements necessary for correct performance; description of the environment, adaptive equipment.

Example:
Patient will safely perform upper and lower body dressing with set-up assistance while utilizing one handed techniques and long handled shoe horn.

Documentation - SOAP Notes

2011-10-02T12:47:00.001-07:00

S: Subjective
Often written as "patient states..."
Symptoms and complaints.
Generally tied to the skilled care being provided.
Statement or question from patient.
Patient perspective of current status, disability.
Patient identified goals and needs.
Patient reaction to therapy.

O: Objective
Treatment given
Record assessment results and observations.
Address all goals and progress made towards them.
State each goal, baseline and current status ( e.g. from a baseline of... patient has improved to...)
Record progress in measurable, objective and skilled term.
Use qualifiers and indicate changes in levels of assistance
Change in response to treatment within each level of assistance: increased participation, consistency and generalization.
Problems observed during treatment.
Type of treatment given, specific exercises, functional tasks, assistance and devices required
New skilled functional activities initiated, new skilled compensatory techniques added.
Report new episodes or conditions.
Instructions provided to patient/caregiver, their response, understanding and carryover.

A: Assessment
Professional opinion to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan, response to treatment and problems
Factors impacting the patients ability to attain goals
Document changes in the treatment plan
Patients attitude, cooperation, motivation

P: Plan
Services to be provided
Explain the need for continued skilled intervention.
Progressions to an assistive device, to begin a new task
Frequency and duration
Recommendations
Modifications to goals and/or treatment plan
Communication with other team members
Chart impending D/C

Welcome to the OT and PT Toolkit Blog

2011-10-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

My name is Cheryl Hall. I am an Occupational Therapist with over 25 years experience working in physical disabilities and geriatrics. I graduated from San Jose State University in California.

I wrote and illustrated the Occupational Therapy Toolkit which is a resource manual for OT's working with older adults. I also co-wrote and illustrated the Physical Therapy Toolkit with Denise L. Taff PT.

Denise has been a PT for over 16 years. She has worked in various settings including acute care, outpatient rehab and home care. Denise graduated from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

Please visit the websites for all the details
Occupational Therapy Toolkit Website
Physical Therapy Toolkit Website

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The ideas expressed are by no means the only approach to a given diagnosis; it is neither complete nor exhaustive and does not cover all disabilities, diseases, ailments, physical conditions or their management or treatment.

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