It is not at all uncommon for patients to be treated by a home care physical therapist following surgery or following some other medical event. What kinds of questions should you ask prior to hiring a home care agency to provide physical therapy to you or a loved one?

The following list reviews common concerns, according to physical, speech and occupational home care therapists with Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice, located in Port Huron, Michigan. VNA/BWH services patients in St. Clair County, including Algonac, Fort Gratiot, Marysville and St. Clair; Sanilac County, including Port Sanilac and Sandusky; and Macomb County, including Richmond, New Baltimore, Shelby Township, Chesterfield Township, Ray Township, New Haven and Fair Haven.

Does the physical therapist specialize in the condition you need treated?

Like family physicians, many home care physical therapists treat a wide range of maladies in any one day, including, but not limited to, walking, transferring from one surface to another, and balance. But you should always make sure that the therapist who has been assigned to your case has experience providing treatment to patients with your particular needs.

Will I see the same physical therapist every session or will different therapists treat me each time?

This is an extremely important question. Patients who are treated by the same therapists heal quicker. When you receive consistent care from the same provider, greater progress is made because the therapist learns, over time, what improvements you have made and what areas need more attention.

How long will each of our sessions last?

When meeting with a home care physical therapist, you want to make sure an adequate amount of time is spent working on your medical issues to ensure the quickest recovery possible. If you believe your therapist is rushing through your session in order to attend to other patients elsewhere, make sure you speak up or contact the agency.

Will I be treated by a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant?

A physical therapist will be responsible for completing the evaluation, reassessments, and overall supervision of your therapy needs. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants work hand-in-hand to provide the care needed. A physical therapist assistant is specifically licensed and trained to provide the care planned out by your physical therapist.

What kind of education, licensing and certification does my physical therapist have?

When hiring an agency to provide physical therapy in your home, do not hesitate to ask about the credentials of the therapist who will be working with you or your loved one. You want to work with a licensed physical therapist. Many also receive certifications in specialty areas, as well.

Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice

Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice is a non-profit provider of in-home hospice care, home health care and private duty services in St. Clair, Sanilac and Macomb Counties of Michigan, including the cities of Algonac, Marysville, Port Huron, St. Clair, Port Sanilac, Richmond, New Baltimore, Shelby Township, Chesterfield Township, Ray Township, New Haven and Fair Haven.

Additionally, the organization also operates the Blue Water Hospice Home in Marysville, Michigan, which allows patients to receive hospice care in a home-like setting.

by greatlakeswoman

Established in 1952, VNA/BWH consistently receives exceptional ratings for patient satisfaction and quality of care from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For more information, please visit our website at www.vnabwh.com or contact us at (810) 984-4131.