Therapy and Programs
Occupational Therapy at The Virginian
Knocked down by a truck, tripped over a rug, etc.
Two separate events - about three years apart. The score - fractured femur, spiral fracture of the shin, fractured wrist, and fractured shoulder. Three surgeries to repair the damage.
On my arrival at The Virginian, to say the least, I was not in a good frame of mind - I had not ever been in this type of situation. However, after meeting with the Director of Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, and her Assistant Director, an Occupational Therapist, I was very encouraged at my prospects for returning to a normal, active lifestyle.
In the weeks that followed, I was delighted at my progress, and realized that I was being cared for by a team of superb professionals. I found time to note the individual attention given to each patient – the therapist searching for the correct motivational "button" to help that particular patient realize the maximum benefit from each session. Through dedication, kindness, and patience of the different therapists, I could also see confidence returning to many of my fellow patients to a point where therapy sessions became a source of competition, socializing, and fun. A real pleasure to witness so many successes first hand.
Today, I am deeply indebted to the Rehabilitation staff at The Virginian. Through their kindness and extraordinary professional care, I am able today to live a normal, active lifestyle. My road to recovery led me to The Virginian and I could not be more grateful.
Tom Posey
The Virginian offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient occupational therapy services for adults seeking to improve independence in all activities of daily living.
Our outstanding therapists are committed to providing the highest level of care for all patients. They also work diligently with families and other caregiver staff to ensure carryover of skills in all daily activities.
To learn more about our Occupational Therapy program, click on the following links or scroll down:
- What is occupational therapy?
- Who is appropriate for occupational therapy?
- How are injuries and disabilities treated?
- The occupational therapy staff
- Special programs
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a licensed healthcare profession aimed at improving performance, preventing illness and disability, and promoting adaptation to life changes to create independence and quality of life. In this interdisciplinary field, occupational therapists use purposeful and meaningful “occupations” (goal-directed activities) to evaluate and treat individuals and to promote health and wellness. These “occupations” may include self-feeding, grooming/oral hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, showers, cooking, home management tasks, social activities, and community mobility. Occupational therapy would benefit those individuals that may have limitations resulting from a disease or impairment, which interfere with their ability to function independently in daily life roles.
Who is appropriate for occupational therapy?
A wide variety of people can benefit from occupational therapy intervention. The older adult may have a specific disease or disorder that affects their independence. These can include:
- Stroke
- Cardiac Problems
- Pulmonary/Respiratory Problems
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Amputations
- Fractures (hip, shoulder, wrist)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Joint Replacements
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Hand Injuries
- Head Trauma
- Dementia
How are injuries and disabilities treated?
Occupational therapy usually includes four steps which include:
- Evaluation and Planning:
- The person's needs and abilities are assessed through interviews, referral information, history, and testing. The occupational therapist, the patient and other members of the health team plan a program of treatment.
- Treatment:
- Many kinds of treatment may be used to help the patient. The goals of treatment include: attaining greater mobility, joint flexibility and muscle strength, adjusting socially and emotionally, learning to use any assisted devices, and learning self-care skills.
- Reevaluation:
- The patient's progress is frequently assessed, and the program of treatment reevaluated. Changes in the therapy plan may be made to help attain therapy goals.
- Preparation for Independent Living:
- This may include an assessment of the home environment. Changes such as removal of barriers may make independent living easier. The therapist may work with the patient's family to make adjustment easier. Equipment is usually recommended at this stage to prepare for discharge (example: walker, shower chair, reacher). Therapy may continue after the patient returns home.
The occupational therapy staff
Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury.
The occupational therapist enters the field with a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree from an accredited university. Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of healthcare settings, and pass a national board examination. They must also be licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
TOP- Rehab Dining:
- This program was designed for individuals who require supervision for meals secondary to inability to feed self or difficulty swallowing. Occupational Therapists educate the patient in adaptive equipment and compensatory techniques in order to increase independence. A Rehab Aide then carries out this program on a day-to-day basis once safely educated by the Occupational Therapist.
- Functional Maintenance:
- This program is designed to maintain a patient’s strength and abilities in order to prevent any future problems from occurring. Each patient (if appropriate) will have a specific program designed by the occupational therapist based on the patient’s abilities. This program may include exercises, functional activities (such as dressing) or mobility.