Do elderly usually get occupational therapists when loosing mobility?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by laura on June 27, 2009 at 8:41pm

hi,
im not elderly but due to my disorder my mobility is gradually worsening. i had to find my own hydrotherapy. i am terrified of regular physical therapy because my balance is bad and if i have a hard enough fall i can either be paralyzed or die
my cane and wheelchair i got on my own. i need to get a grabber next
i would imagine regular elderly dont think of getting any pt

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by NICOLE CADDELL on June 27, 2009 at 11:04pm

yes they do need ot when they have limited moblity after a strock or heart attack; but the medical only pays for about two or three week of ot then they are on there own.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kathy Barnett on June 28, 2009 at 8:47am

Hi ,I am not elderly either but all I do know is that when i started not being able to walk they did send OT & PT in but only for 4 weeks at 2 times a week ,come on thats not near enough ,so my legs esp.my right one went totaly dead and my left can't bare weight on it ,so at the age of 53 I can not walk ot stand at all ,I would have to agree with Laura the elderly probably don't think to get it ,I still feel to this day if they would of worked with my legs more I just may have been able to walk with at least a walker .

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenn Coleman on June 28, 2009 at 1:11pm

Thank you all for your great replies. I figured there is likely a shortage of OT and PT support for many people loosing their mobility and looking at ways to improve this.

Glenn
www.mobility-scooter-reviews.com

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenn Coleman on June 28, 2009 at 2:06pm

Do you know if doctors have any say in what level of OT or PT support you get? Or is it medical insurance that usually limits this? Would better education about your options help this situation so you have a better case for greater support?

Glenn

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John M Lenihan on July 12, 2009 at 11:24pm

It all depends on the doctors advice...and what your insurance will cover.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Alan Holt on February 10, 2010 at 1:21pm

Obviously if someone goes to a store and writes a check, they can get what they want.
If they are working through insuance, then their doctor will be involved in the process. If they are covered under Medicare, it is common practice (and required in some cases) that an independent assessment be performed by a licensed occupational or physical therapist. Doctors and therapists shouldn't be writing orders for mobility devices if they aren't needed.

Any provider of mobility equipment worth his or her salt will recognize people who are in marginal need of said device and will steer them in the right direction. The last thing I want to do as a provider is contribute to someone's decline.

Working with respiratory patients is a particularly murky area. On one hand, it is clearly demonstrated that maintaining activity extends lives. On the other, if the patient cannot make it to the bathroom without passing out from hypoxia.....

So it's always a tough call between providing appropriate assistance and a crutch, so to speak.
Involvement with one's physician is key to make sure that the appropriate course of action is followed.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenn Coleman on February 10, 2010 at 2:19pm

Hi Allan,

Thanks for your valuable insights. Especially the one about recognizing people who are in marginal need.

Glenn

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shannon Sullivan on February 10, 2010 at 9:59pm

My father in law's doctor would not approve a scooter until he had some PT (and complied with it). I'd call insurance directly. Some plans say you can have a certain number of sessions. Others say you can have as much OT as you can squeeze into a period of 8 or 12 weeks. You may find that an evaluation is covered, and you pay after that. It depends, but if you don't ask, you get nothing. Also, paying out of pocket for a service ($80 once a month, for example) might be a good idea in the long run, because you may find that you save money in other areas when you are feeling better (2 or 3 co-pays at the orthopedists, for example).

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rudy Sims on February 11, 2010 at 12:10pm

just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the great comments in this discussion thus far and of course more comments are welcome.

Sincerely
Rudy Sims

▶ Reply to This