Expert Home Care Physical Therapy for Elderly Adults in Richmond and Charlottesville
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman
Published:
August 9th, 2021
Are you an elderly adult in Richmond or Charlottesville, VA looking for “in-home physical therapy services near me?” Or, perhaps you’re an adult child with aging parents who could benefit from physical therapy home care. Home health PT is an excellent option for aging seniors recovering from surgery or who need to regain muscular strength. Health resources at home also provide elderly adults with the convenience and comfort of expert care without leaving the house. Do you know who can benefit from home care physical therapy?
Are you interested in learning about how in-home physical therapy works? Are you looking for one of the best in-home physical therapy providers in Richmond or Charlottesville? In this article, we’re sharing all about in-home PT. You’ll learn what it is, who should receive it, and why it’s beneficial. Keep reading to find out more about “home health care physical therapy near me.”
Your Guide to Home Care Physical Therapy
Many people may not know what in-home physical therapy is or what’s involved in it. To help you better understand home health PT, we’ve answered some of the top questions below.Here’s a quick guide to physical therapy home care.
What is In-home Physical Therapy?
In-home physical therapy (PT) is physical therapy in a client’s home instead of at a PT clinic or office. The physical therapist drives to the client’s house and helps the client perform exercises in their home.Like PT performed in a clinic, home health PT is administered and overseen by a trained physical therapist. Therefore, an in-home PT client will receive the same level of quality care as someone who goes to a PT clinic. In fact, the care received from an in-home physical therapist may even be better since the physical therapist isn’t at an office with other clients or distractions.
We offer in-home physical therapy in the Charlottesville and Richmond, VA areas.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Home Health PT?
Elderly adults will naturally experience decreases in their physical abilities as they age, so home care physical therapy can benefit most seniors. These decreases could be small, gradual declines or more severe hindrances brought on by illness or surgery. Here are three situations where aging seniors can most benefit from in-home PT.
1. Surgery
Seniors who have recently undergone surgery can significantly benefit from physical therapy. After surgery, physical therapists can help elderly adults rehabilitate:
Shoulders
Arms
Hips
Knees
Ankles
In-home physical therapy can be especially valuable for aging seniors who receive a hip or knee replacement.
2. Balance and Strength
Balance and muscular strength can also become an issue for adults as they age. A lack of balance or a decrease in muscle strength can increase the risk of falls or injury when moving around.Home health PT is an excellent way to regain muscular strength. An in-home physical therapist can help elderly adults perform exercises that encourage balance or increase strength in their legs. They can also help seniors learn how to walk with and become comfortable using a cane or other assistive device.
3. Daily Activities
Sometimes, performing routine activities of daily living can become a challenge for elderly adults. Activities that may become difficult include:
Bathing
Dressing
Feeding
Bending over
Moving due to joint pain
In-home physical therapy providers can create a professional plan of action to target specific activities and the muscle groups needed to perform those activities. Over time, therapy will help restore normal movement and functionality.Ultimately, home care PT is a valuable resource for any aging adult looking for a convenient and comfortable way to overcome mobility limitations.
What’s Involved in the Process of Physical Therapy Home Care?
The home health PT process starts by searching for “in-home physical therapy services near me” or asking a medical provider for recommendations. However, not all PT providers offer in-home PT, so you’ll want to make sure you find one that does.Once you’ve found a PT that will come to your home, you can schedule an appointment.During your first appointment, the PT will take time to:
Get to know you and your therapy needs
Help you create goals
Create a customized care plan
During subsequent appointments, your PT will:
Continue to assess your situation
Track your progress toward your goals
Introduce new exercises
Adjust your care plan if necessary
As therapy progresses, you should find that you’re reaching your goals and experiencing increased mobility.
How Long Does In-home PT Take?
Physical therapy treatment length will vary from person to person. It also depends on the severity of your needs and the frequency of your appointments.More serious therapy needs will take longer than simpler ones, and scheduling more frequent appointments can also help expedite the therapy process. In addition, listening to your PT’s recommendations and performing exercises on your own can further speed up recovery.
Does Insurance Cover In-home Physical Therapy Providers?
Some insurance will cover in-home PT, and others won’t. Some insurance companies will also cover more appointments than others. However, most insurance companies that cover in-office PT visits most likely cover in-home PT.It’s always best to talk with your insurance provider to see which health resources at home they do and don’t cover.
The Best In-home Physical Therapy Providers in Richmond and Charlottesville
For elderly adults who can’t or don’t want to leave their homes, home care physical therapy is a great way to get professional help from a trained physical therapist. At-home physical therapists drive to their client’s home, which provides quality care in a convenient and comfortable setting.Home health PT can benefit any elderly adult looking to keep their body healthy or overcome a mobility limitation. However, some individuals who most frequently need in-home PT are those who:
Recently underwent a major surgery
Struggle with balance or muscular weakness
Can’t perform routine daily activities
The home PT process begins by scheduling an appointment with an in-home physical therapist who:
Assesses your situation
Creates a personalized care routine
Oversees the care plan
They work with you regularly to help you reach goals and regain normal function.If you’re an elderly adult looking for “in-home physical therapy services near me,” then reach out to us. At Commonwise Home Care in Richmond and Charlottesville, we know how to care for elderly adults. Not only do we provide quality in-home care services, but we also offer professional in-home PT for those who need it. All our physical therapists have doctorate degrees in PT and are trained to provide the highest level of care possible. So whether you’re recovering from serious surgery or simply want to maintain your balance as you age, our therapists are ready to come alongside you.Contact our Richmond or Charlottesville office to talk to a Care Advisor and start home care physical therapy today.
We offer in-home physical therapy in the Charlottesville and Richmond, VA areas.