3 FAQ About In Home Physical Therapy

Blog

For various reasons, many seniors are no longer able to drive. Not being able to drive makes them more dependent on others, especially when they need to go to medical appointments. For those who have no one to take them, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to make it to their appointments. The good news is, most seniors are eligible to receive medical care in the comfort of their own homes. Physical therapy is one of many types of in-home health care that can be of benefit to home-bound seniors.

For those who want to know more, here are the answers to three frequently asked questions about in-home physical therapy.

1. What Are the Benefits of In-Home Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy involves certain movements and exercises that help to strengthen the muscles in the body. Physical therapy is beneficial as it increases range of motion, reduces pain, and improves mobility. For these reasons, physical therapy is especially important for seniors who have suffered from something like a stroke. 

Another major benefit of in-home physical therapy is that it helps to improve balance, which is important for seniors who are at risk of falling. One more benefit of physical therapy is that it can prevent seniors from having to undergo certain types of surgery, such as knee arthroplasty.

2. Who Should Consider Physical Therapy at Home?

Any senior who struggles with limited mobility, reduced range of motion, or chronic pain should consider physical therapy in their home. Seniors with certain medical conditions should also consider physical therapy at home.

Some of the types of medical conditions that physical therapy can help treat:

  • Lymphedema
  • Osteoporosis
  • Vertigo
  • Headaches
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Ankle sprain

Seniors who have gotten out of the hospital following a surgery are also excellent candidates for in-home physical therapy. This type of therapy is very beneficial when it comes to helping post-surgical seniors regain their strength so that they can return to their normal activities.

3. Does Insurance Cover In-Home Physical Therapy?

Most private insurance companies, as well as Medicare, cover in-home physical therapy. However, there are usually criteria that need to be met before insurance plans cover in-home physical therapy.

Some of these criteria include:

  • Leaving the home increases a senior's chance of becoming injured or makes their condition worse.
  • The senior has limited mobility and cannot travel outside of the home to receive physical therapy.
  • The senior does not have a way to transport themselves to physical therapy.

It's important to note that one more stipulation of in-home physical therapy is that the insurance company might only cover a certain number of sessions each year or per condition. To learn more, contact a company like Attentive Home Health.

Share

8 July 2021

utilizing a home health care nurse

Hiring a home care nurse can make things much easier to deal with for so many families. How do you choose the home care service that you use? Is there anything that you can do to make the nurse's job a little easier to accomplish each day. My blog is all about hiring a home care nurse and utilizing all of the services offered by the company. It is my hope that my years of having a home care nurse in my home will help you to find a comfortable and pleasant arrangement that keeps your family member comfortable and healthy for years to come.