Not a
problem – call in McLaren Visiting Nurse & Hospice physical therapists
McLaren Visiting Nurse & Hospice have put together the puzzle pieces for continuity of care for homebound patients with new hips and knees, and those recovering from heart surgery. Each program is coordinated through the referring physician, and custom-fit for each patient’s needs. So, how do these pieces fit together for McLaren Visiting Nuse & Hospice patients?
Joint Express:
A therapist is assigned to contact homebound patients with hip or knee replacements within 24 hours of discharge. Rebuilding muscle strength, range-of-motion and a good walking pattern can’t wait. This is an intense, customized program, where patients receive the same physical therapy exercises that would normally take 3-4 weeks in an outpatient setting. By the end of week two, patients usually are walking with a cane. The puzzle of motion has been solved swiftly and efficiently.
Cardiac Rehab:
Another perplexing puzzle: how to deliver cardiac rehab to homebound patients who have had bypass surgery, valve replacements, or some other form of open heart surgery? The physical therapist and registered nurse work together with the patient after their initial evaluations. For warm-ups, workouts and cool-downs, patients are monitored by electrocardiogram, blood pressure and pulse.
If the patient’s blood pressure, pulse and heart rate stay within normal range, the pace increases. More repetitions in exercise, longer walking distances. This improves the patient’s strength, balance, endurance, and ability to walk without difficulty. Two weeks is the general duration of the program.
The patient moves on to Phase 2 – either as part of Home Care, or by transfer to outpatient cardiac rehab. Patients benefit from two professionals combining their skills to meet each patient’s exercise and medical needs. Actually this puzzle was solved when the program started in 1997. The program has grown exponentially, as cardiac surgeons, patients and family have seen the amazing physical rebound rates and the rise in energy levels.
For information about either of these programs, call (989) 894-4700.