I am submitting a change in topic :) I am an OT with over 25 years of experience. Currently I am managing a inpatient rehab unit. Our OT's do a lot of dressing and grooming, but have a tendency to not participate in bathing of patients until close to discharge. They repeatedly state "the patient is not ready for that yet". Well, the patient is getting bathed, of course, so they ARE ready for that and I think that OT should work with nursing on the best way to facilitate the patients independence in bathing during the entire stay, not just do one bath the day or two before discharge when the patient is more independent.
I guess it is a difference in theory that I see bathing as a functional task that can be used as treatment for all sorts of things (body awareness, balance, following directions, motor control, etc) and they feel that they are just assessing the level of independence prior to discharge and teaching compensation (ie do they need a tub seat or bench, etc). I think the OT should do one bath per patient per week....initially working more with nursing, then later more independently when the patient gets stronger. Can any of you tell me about your ADL programs if you work, or have ever worked, in an inpatient rehab unit?? What are your thoughts on OT's role in bathing in this situation?? Thank you for any thoughts you may have.... Linda Linda Stovall, OTR/L [EMAIL PROTECTED] Program Manager Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation Program 228-867-4179 228-867-5357 (fax) 228-883-8443 (beeper) A CARF (Three-Year) Accreditation was awarded to MHG for the following programs: Inpatient Rehab - Adults, Adolescents, and Children Inpatient Rehab- Stroke Specialty -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
