Our guest joining YODO today is Joanne Koechner, an Occupational Therapist. Joanne shares information OT and how it differs from other therapy specialties by improving function a patients ADL and IADL. Individual goals may vary but patients and the Health Care system are all motivated for Aging in Place with improved in home function.

OT works with patients across the full spectrum of settings (home to Nursing Home). OT evaluates pts and determines what needs to be performed, guided activities and exercises. They work with and educate: patients, family, and facility staff to optimize patients ability for independence and safe completion of daily tasks and to help them stay in their own home.

Changes in guidance and reimbursement by CMS , thus subsequently other insurances have resulted in limits on patient access to OT. Previously pts had access to extended periods of care in rehabilitation (what we refer to as Geriatric Boot Camp) after a medical event. Now, there are established goals for abilities and timed acceptable time to accomplish the improvements. Once patients have achieved the determined goals or if the time has run out for patients to demonstrate the required improvement, the patients are discharged to a different level of care. Patients and families are hopeful that they will be able to be safely discharged to home.