Rehab Select Blog

Did you know that occupational therapy originated in the mental health setting? The profession developed from the mental hygiene movement of the early 20th century. The first occupational therapists worked with American soldiers who came back home “shell shocked” after World War I, teaching them crafts and vocational skills that would improve their morale. From there, occupational therapy continued into community health centers after the deinstitutionalization movement in the mid-20th century. In fact, most occupational therapists once worked in mental health. That number has decreased over the years, but new opportunities are arising with recent changes in the mental health field.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Approximately 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2019, and 85% of those deaths were caused by heart attack or stroke. Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. They may affect the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart, brain, and limbs. They may also cause blood clots in the body or simply be damaging to the heart muscle, heart valves, or structure of the heart.

The vast majority of people who develop COVID-19 fully recover after 2-6 weeks. But a small minority of patients will experience persistent COVID symptoms for 3 months or longer. Known as “long COVID” or “long-haul COVID,” this condition affects patients of all ages. COVID long term effects occur more often when patients have pre-existing conditions that put them more at risk and for those whose symptoms were more severe.

Pulmonary issues can hinder a person’s ability to live life fully, but patients who enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can dramatically improve their capabilities and quality of life. Occupational therapy is only one critical part of a program that includes exercise, education, and support provided by a team dedicated to pulmonary rehabilitation, but the benefits of occupational therapy are many. Occupational therapy is essential to helping patients with pulmonary issues regain their ability to do many of the everyday activities that we often take for granted.

This is the last installment of a four-part series exploring how to navigate the complex landscape of Medicaid eligibility with success.  

This is the third of a four-part series exploring how to navigate the complex landscape of Medicaid eligibility effectively. 

This is the second of a four-part series exploring how to navigate the complex landscape of Medicaid eligibility with success.

This is the first of a four-part series exploring how to navigate the complex landscape of Medicaid eligibility with success.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are three related disciplines in rehabilitation that work together to treat patients as a whole. Each discipline has a different focus, but there are some areas of overlap. For patients with injuries or medical conditions that limit their physical capabilities, a combination of the three therapies can help restore their life.

There’s no doubt the role of occupational therapy in a skilled nursing facility has evolved and grown over the last several years. Whether you’re a short-term resident recovering from an illness or injury or a long-term resident with chronic disease, the right occupational therapy team and plan can have a significant impact on your progress and your overall quality of life.