Do Nursing Homes Provide Physical Therapy?

There are two types of nursing home facilities: long-term and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

At an SNF, residents are recovering from injuries or surgical procedures with the goal of a limited stay until mobility is improved. Residents transitioning to a long-term facility need around-the-clock supportive care for an extended period.

In both types of nursing homes, there will be ongoing physical therapy sessions tailored to the needs of each individual.

Physical therapy also plays a crucial role in helping nursing home residents recover from injuries that might have occurred during a fall. Some facilities have in-house therapists and others that book third-party contractors licensed and certified by the state. The following guide provides an overview of the types of available physical therapy options.

Types of Physical Therapy

There are different types of physical therapy with distinct goals. All of these types of therapy could be included in a nursing home resident’s schedule:

• Geriatric Physical Therapy deals with aging-related concerns such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
• Orthopedic Physical Therapy helps residents recover from injuries that affect the bones and joints.
• Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy improves endurance and functional independence.
• Neurological Physical Therapy assists residents facing the challenges associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Multiple Sclerosis.

Physical therapy exercises can also be prescribed to residents to provide them with the following ongoing benefits:

Mobility Boost

The primary goal of physical therapy is to help residents facing mobility challenges.

The exercises can strengthen muscles and improve balance, helping them move around the facility more easily. Improving balance and strength can also reduce the risks of falls from getting in and out of bed or chairs.

Reduces Risk of Infection and Joint Pain

By engaging in physical therapy, residents have the opportunity to improve their circulation. That goes a long way towards preventing many health issues, especially the risk of infection from pressure ulcers or pneumonia.

These exercises can also reduce the joint pain associated with arthritis, which positively impacts the residents’ well-being.

Mental Stimulation

Physical therapy does more than improve muscle strength. It can also stimulate the mind. When you engage in physical therapy, it requires you to focus on the task. That type of concentration fires up the neurons in the brain, which promotes cognitive health.

Reduces Depression

Regular physical therapy exercises trigger the release of endorphins in the brain. This is a natural mood lifter that helps combat feelings of depression and anxiety. Because physical therapy is goal-oriented, the residents can experience a sense of accomplishment, further boosting their self-esteem.

Feeling Independent

When residents have improved strength to move around independently, they will feel more independent. That matters even in a nursing home, where residents occasionally feel isolated or alone.

Promotes Better Sleep

When physical therapy reduces pain, it can increase the quality of sleep. That is essential for mental and physical health and provides energy to get through the day.

Improves Overall Quality of Life

When you add up all the benefits of physical therapy for a nursing home resident, it can improve their overall quality of life. Having the strength to perform the simple task of getting in and out of bed can positively boost a resident’s overall quality of life.

Physical therapy offers residents energy and mental stimulation that puts them in a better frame of mind.

If you want to learn more about nursing home life and how to support your loved one, My Nursing Home Abuse Guide has many resources to keep you informed.