Moving to a new town comes with a lot of tasks to get done. Not only do you have to get all of your belongings moved, but you have to make changes to your medical care facilities. So, when you get to your new home town, do you know what health care clinics you can rely on for the care of your family? Will you couple your family's healthcare with both a clinic and a PCP? This blog will give you several suggestions about how to manage the changes in your family's healthcare adaptations to ensure you receive the best possible care in your new home town.
Whether recovering from a joint replacement surgery or rehabbing after an automobile accident, someone who's going through physical therapy often faces a long, challenging road. Although the encouragement of the health clinic staff members can help the patient feel uplifted, there are times that he or she could use a helping hand from outside the clinic's walls. If you have a family member or friend facing several months of physical therapy, there are a number of ways you can lend a hand. Instead of simply asking the person if you can be of assistance, think of the specific ways that you could provide help and take pride in pitching in. Here are three ways you can support the person and his or her family.
Play The Role Of Chauffeur
Anyone going through physical therapy might spend several hours per week commuting between home and the health clinic. You can breathe new life into this routine -- and give a much-needed break to the patient's spouse or partner -- by offering to handle the driving duties once per week or at whatever frequency suits your schedule. Extend your offer of driving to the other family members. If the family has children, see if you can take them to their after-school events, doctor appointments or daycare. The simple, everyday tasks often become a challenge when one parent is spending time in physical therapy and your pitching in can help significantly.
Learn The Exercises Yourself
If you're able, attend a physical therapy appointment with your friend or family member to gain an understanding of the exercises the person is supposed to practice at home. Then, visit the person's home at a chosen time each day to guide him or her through the exercises. Simple, encouraging words, such as, "Just a little higher with your leg!" or "You're almost there -- just one more rep" can help the person feel supported during what can often feel like an arduous, uphill workout at home.
Read Up On The Stats
You can boost the morale of the physical therapy patient by browsing on the Internet to learn statistics and other valuable data about the typical recovery of people with the same injury. For a knee replacement patient, for example, learn about the expected length of time until the patient should walk without a limp or research home remedies that can help reduce the scar quickly. Taking a vested interest in the patient's rehabilitation and post-rehab life can remind the patient that he or she has a valuable ally in his or her corner.
If you or someone you know is looking for physical therapy, visit Park Avenue Trauma Associates.
Share18 September 2015
