Teresian House

Additional Case Study Findings - Spotlight on Rehabilitation

 
The Rehabilitation Department at Teresian House won the 2009 "Innovation of the Year Award" from the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging for their incredibly innovative and successful programs that integrate therapeutic services into resident centered living. According to Kelli Hawver, Director of Rehabilitation, "working within these innovative frameworks for long-term care requires creative problem solving and teamwork, as well as development of services provided out of the box." All of the therapists (physical, occupational and speech) work together as a team to develop these creative solutions, and below are a few of the "events" that attract home-wide participation of residents, families and staff:

• Dancing with the Residents is modeled after television's Dancing with the Stars. Occupational Therapy coordinates the show and residents are chosen based on OT and PT recommendations. Residents dance with therapists, staff members, other residents or family members and are judged by a three person panel (just like the TV show).
  
  
• The Annual Wheelchair Bowl gives residents in wheelchairs the opportunity to leave it all out on the field each January in a modified, indoor football game. Residents in wheelchairs wear jerseys displaying their name and favorite team. Cheerleader residents are selected by the Speech Pathologist based on speech needs and other residents are chosen based on therapeutic needs for functional mobility.  Residents and staff cheer on the teams in this tremendously popular yearly event.
  
  
• Starberry's Place incorporates intergenerational theatrical activities with the Little Flower Day Care Center. Coordinated by the Speech Pathologist, residents portray forest animals in a small forest cottage setting and entertain the children who learn "why Grandma needs a walker and Grandpa sometimes forget things."
  
  
• Technology is a core component of therapy and is utilized to improve coordination, language, endurance and movement. The Wii System was purchased with funds raised by the rehabilitation team. Kelli observed that "We were definitely one of the first. We got it when the first came out." IN2L (It's Never Too Late) also has demonstrated excellent value in the therapy department and residents report that it makes therapy more fun.  

                                      

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