Licensed therapists help individuals gain strength & independence
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Home is where the therapy is, as a new rehabilitation wellness program affiliated with Jewish Home extends physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) services into the community — offering vital support in the home for individuals recovering from surgery, facing mobility challenges, or managing chronic conditions.
Rehabilitation Wellness Home Physical Therapy is an outpatient program administered by experienced licensed professionals who personalize each session to the patient and the home environment, ensuring comfort, consistency, and convenience. By providing services in the home, some of the challenges related to travel, mobility, and weather can be minimized, helping patients stay engaged in their therapy plans.
“For some patients the best place to recover and build strength and confidence is in the comfort of their own home,” said Maria Fitzpatrick, Director of Therapy Services. “The rehab team can present a variety of treatments to help older adults age in place and become more independent at home.”
The need for OT and PT services at home
The OT and PT therapists trained by Jewish Home specialize in serving older adults, which is a heightened need as Baby Boomers age. Those needing therapy in the home may have experienced an injury, surgery, a stroke, or are living with Parkinson’s Disease or other chronic conditions. Needs may include strengthening, balance and gait training, fall prevention, therapeutic exercises, and Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
“I’m most excited that this outpatient service enables rehab patients to continue their therapy at home,” Fitzpatrick said. “By treating individuals in their homes—where they’re most comfortable—we can also help address other safety concerns, and, when appropriate, recommend additional or more advanced services.”
Enabling older adults to remain at home
Most older adults want to remain in their homes. Rehabilitation Wellness Home Physical Therapy helps support independent living. By providing care in the home, therapists can also recommend simple safety improvements, like adding railings and ramps or supportive tools to help reduce risk and promote confidence.
The in-home treatment program begins with an evaluation of each patient’s goals, preferences, mobility and individual needs. Based on this assessment, a customized plan of care is developed focused on patient priorities. An occupational or physical therapist will meet with a patient for an evaluation within 48 hours of the initial call.
“Sessions are tailored for each individual and home,” Fitzpatrick said. “When treating patients in a clinical setting, we try to simulate the comforts of home the best we can, but patients are always more comfortable in their own home. Because the therapist comes to them, they canfocus on healing and strengthening.”
The Rehabilitation Wellness Home Physical Therapy outpatient service is available throughout Monroe County. The fee for services at home will work the same as receiving outpatient services at a facility, as related to private pay, insurance submissions, and co-pays. In-the-home patients are welcome to transition to in-person services at any time, as their strength and health improves.
Learn more by calling (585) 784-6488 or visiting RehabWellnessHomeTherapy.org.
Jewish Home offers other in-home services for older adults, such as physician house calls, licensed home care, companion care and technology support for computers and electronic devices. Learn more at JewishHomeRoc.org.