The most basic difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy is that a PT focuses on improving the patient’s ability to move their body whereas an OT focuses on improving the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Our occupational therapists follow your physician’s recommendations to examine and design a specialized therapy program to enhance and develop your skills for activities of daily life. This team helps you overcome the effects of your accident to return to your normal activities or as close as possible. It encompasses physical as well as psychological, social and your environment.

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to help individuals regain or develop the necessary skills and abilities to engage in their daily activities and routines, improve their overall quality of life, and enhance their independence while living at home. Occupational therapy services in home care are particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, managing chronic conditions, or facing physical or cognitive challenges that affect their daily functioning.

Key Aspects of OT Include:

1. Assessment: Our occupational therapists assess a patient’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors to identify areas of need and determine personalized therapy goals.
2. Customized Care Plans: Based on the assessment, our occupational therapists develop individualized care plans and strategies that address specific functional deficits or limitations. These plans aim to improve the patient’s ability to perform daily activities.
3. Activities of Daily Living: Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing a patient’s ability to perform essential activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating.
4. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: This includes more complex daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, managing medications, and handling finances. Our occupational therapists help patients develop the skills needed for these activities.
5. Functional Mobility: Occupational therapy can assist patients in improving mobility and safe transfers, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges due to injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions.
6. Adaptive Equipment: Occupational therapists may recommend and provide training on the use of adaptive equipment, assistive devices, or home modifications to enhance safety and independence at home. This can include devices like grab bars, wheelchair ramps, or kitchen aids.
7. Cognitive Rehabilitation: For individuals with cognitive impairments, such as those resulting from stroke or brain injuries, occupational therapists use cognitive rehabilitation techniques to improve memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
8. Energy Conservation: OT in home care teaches patients how to conserve energy and reduce fatigue during daily activities, especially important for those with chronic conditions.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Our physical therapists follow your physician’s recommendations to examine and develop an individualized plan to improve your mobility, manage or reduce pain and restore function. The primary goal of home-based physical therapy is to assist patients in regaining or improving their physical function, mobility, strength, and independence, while helping them manage and recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic health conditions.

Physical therapy in home care is a patient-centered approach that allows individuals to receive care in a familiar and comfortable environment, which can be especially valuable for those with mobility challenges or when traveling to a clinic is difficult. Our physical therapists work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals and caregivers to provide comprehensive care to patients in their homes. The specific nature and duration of the therapy will depend on the patient’s condition and therapy goals.

Key aspects of physical therapy in home care include:

1. Assessment: Our physical therapists conduct an evaluation of a patient’s physical condition, including assessing mobility, strength, balance, and any physical limitations. They consider the patient’s medical history and goals for rehabilitation.
2. Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, our physical therapists develop customized treatment plans designed to address the patient’s specific needs and goals. These plans may include exercises, manual therapy techniques, and other interventions.
3. Mobility and Function Improvement: Aims to improve a patient’s ability to walk, move, and perform daily activities with greater ease and independence.
4. Pain Management: Our physical therapists can provide techniques and exercises to alleviate pain, whether it’s due to an injury, surgery, or a chronic condition.
5. Strength Training: Exercises that target muscle strengthening are an important component of physical therapy. This can be particularly beneficial for patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries or those with muscle weakness.
6. Gait Training: For individuals with walking difficulties, our physical therapists work on improving gait and balance, helping patients regain stability and confidence while walking.
7. Falls Prevention: A significant focus of physical therapy is to reduce the risk of falls among older adults. Our therapists can assess the home environment for safety and provide exercises to improve balance and coordination.
8. Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: After surgeries, such as joint replacements or orthopedic procedures, our physical therapists assist patients in their post-surgical recovery, helping them regain function and strength.