The Program

The staff at Providence Place developed a personalized program of both occupational and physical therapy for Ma. The program is meant to help her rehabilitate from the surgery and to help her live independently and safely at home.  This approach at Providence is not uncommon at all; and, in fact the combined therapies have become the post-surgery rehabilitation standard as they have been found to provide many positive benefits.

The physical therapists at Providence have been helping Ma to restore her strength, balance, and motion after the surgery; while, the occupational therapists have been working with Ma on what are commonly known in the therapy world as activities of daily living.  Health professionals routinely refer to them as ADLs.  When evaluating patients, therapists typically rate them as either independent, needs assistance, or dependent. 

As she continues with her rehabilitation, we are suppposed to get periodic updates from the staff on how Ma is doing.  I met yesterday with the social worker in charge of Ma's case and here is what I found out: 

· Ma has completed all physical therapy activities.

· She is independent with bed mobility, transfers (like from a bed to a chair), and she can independently stand from a sitting position.

· She can walk 300 ft with a cane independently.

· She is independent in her room at Providence Place.

· Her balance is good.

· She can climb 12 stairs but needs assistance. 

· She is independent on her grooming and hygiene.

· She is independent with upper body dressing.

· She is in the needs assistance category with lower body dressing (legs/shoes/socks etc.)

· She did well on her mental testing.

· The staff is still working on cognitive performance - they've completed 2 out of 7 tests.

The social worker indicated that patients progress at all different levels, but overall her progress with the program is coming along just fine.