Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant - Full Time
Reports to: Clinical Supervisor/Rehabilitation Supervisor/Physical Therapist
The physical therapy assistant provides physical therapy services under the direction of the physical therapist and according to the physician's plan of care.
Provides direct physical therapy according to directions of physical therapist and in accordance with the physician's plan of care.
Treats patient to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance.
Directs and aids patients in active and passive therapeutic exercises, muscle reeducation, gait and functional training, transfer activities and prosthetic training.
Utilizes physical agents, including, but not be limited to heat, cold, water, light, electricity, ultrasound and massage.
Observes and reports to the physical therapist and the Organization personnel the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in patient's condition.
Instructs patients in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes, and prosthetic or orthotic devices.
Maintains necessary records; clinical notes and conference notes, which will be incorporated into the patient's clinical record in prescribed time frames.
Participates in Organization Home Care Team Members meetings and Organization Inservice Education Program.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Provides physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician's plan of care. This may include, but will not be limited to: 1. Assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participation in the development of the total plan of care. Evaluates home environment. 2. Assesses for muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM—potential for rehab. 3. Directing physical therapy treatment. 4. Instructing patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances. 5. Determining priority needs for physical therapy. 6. Reporting to physician patient's reaction to treatment or changes in condition.
Initiates physical therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family/caregiver members in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences.
May train patient in the use of prosthetic device.
Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers as necessary.
Prepares and submits clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals.
Participates in discharge planning for patient.
Prepares and submits a clinical progress summary based on the attainment of goals as directed by Organization policy.
Provides physical therapy consultation to home families/caregivers when indicated.
Provides inservice education programs for nursing organization personnel as needed.
Participates in peer consultation process.
Supervises physical therapy assistants according to organization policy and state regulations.
When therapy is the only skilled service, instructs, supervises and evaluates home health aide care every two (2) weeks.
The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.