Considering a Career in Long Term Care
Therapy Services
Therapy services are a key aspect of today’s nursing facilities and are also available in some assisted living residences. Many facilities will contract for these services from a firm specializing in therapy services; some facilities maintain staff therapists. Therapists need education beyond high school. Areas where therapists specialize include:
Physical Therapists (PT) – Provide rehabilitation exercises for persons recovering from injuries, strokes, or suffering from arthritis. PTs offer training in the use of walkers and crutches along with exercises to increase strength.
Occupational Therapists (OT) – Provide rehabilitation training for persons who, after therapy, can be independent with self-care. OTs help patients maximize their ability to perform personal hygiene, food preparation, etc.
Speech Therapists – Provide evaluation and treatment of speech and swallowing disorders with the goal of restoring speech and language abilities.
Respiratory Therapists – Measure the respiratory responsiveness of patients and administer treatments that improve breathing capacity.