OT/PT

I always forget the difference between OT and PT so I looked it up.

OT=Occupational Therapy=a form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life. 

PT=Physical Therapy=the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery. 

So generally speaking, OT has to do with getting back life skills and PT has to do with helping injury or discomfort.

I have noticed that whenever Gregory is "off" as in not feeling well, having a cold or flu, having his meds out of balance, having emotional highs or lows ... his neck is the first to go. It lists to the right with chin to chest and looks very uncomfortable and painful.

When you try to help him move his head back to "normal" he winces and/or "ouches." So both Manny and I give Gregory lots of back rubs and use pillows to help support his head when watching TV or eating or whatever.

I made this a priority because I know that good posture has always been important to Gregory and having back/neck problems myself, I know how painful having your body out of alignment can be.

Medicare has strict guidelines for when they will pay for OT/PT and only for a certain amount of time and if the patient shows continued improvement. Gregory has had several sessions since last January which eventually expired for one reason or another.

Periodically I approach the head nurse and ask her to ask for a re-evaluation by the OT/PT staff to see if therapy would be right again for Gregory and if he again meets Medicare requirements. 

A few weeks ago, he once again qualified and after three sessions a week, his neck has been looking much better. 

Following are a few videos that Manny took with his iPhone (a gift from Gregory and me) of today's treatment. You can see how comfortable and relaxed Gregory gets during these treatments. 

His therapist, Pam, is quite wonderful and Gregory has come to trust her with electro stimulation, massage, and using special support tapes on his neck.

Pam asks, "Does it feel good?"

Gregory replies, "Yes. I love it!"

Gregory is resting after electro-stir, massage, and heat pack.

Manny is singing gently in the background.

Fast Seizure Update

Just a fast update. Gregory is doing well and returned to Lieberman on Saturday after three days in the hospital. He ended up being in the hospital for the requisite 3 midnights of Medicare so he will be eligible for up to 100 days of skilled nursing care (read my not having to pay Lieberman) and occupational therapy and physical therapy as well. This should help him get back onto his feet more confidently. It is said that for every day in the hospital, three days are needed to regain your strength!

The care Gregory received at the hospital was stellar however an advocate is always needed, especially when the person cannot advocate for themselves. Turns out he hadn't pooped for two days so Alaksh and the nurse's aid sat him on the toilet and he was successful. Last thing one needs is to be constipated. The hospital was a little hesitant about G's being up in the bathroom but Alaksh convinced them. It isn't that Gregory couldn't walk or be on his feet. It is just that he is unsure on his feet and needs support. Also the verbal communication of expectations takes longer then most people are used to and sometimes doesn't work at all. This makes it look like Gregory cannot get up but also there are the times when Gregory just doesn't know how to "sit!"

Another thing that happened. Gregory's medical records are now on the hospital system's computers. For the most part that is good. But somehow it was assumed that an old, unused prescription for Xanex, an anti-panic medicine was to be administered three times a day. When I found that out I threw a hissy fit! First why? Second don't assume, ask me! Third his doctor has only known Gregory for the three weeks since he was admitted at Lieberman, I have known Gregory for 39 years!

When Gregory got back to Lieberman, the nurse called me early the next day to re-check his medications. I guess they do that every time a resident returns from a hospital visit. Good for them! They put him in a wheel chair to move him about but take him out and help him into a regular chair when they reach their destination. Good for them.

Today or tomorrow we will have another "Care Conference" to discuss Gregory's progress so far at Lieberman, especially with all the "interruptions."