Introducing Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation through South Shore VNA
In an effort to ensure that patients of all abilities have access to high-quality rehabilitative services, South Shore VNA recently launched a Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation Program.
This unique program offers patients the opportunity to receive occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy services in the comfort of their homes – without requiring a homebound diagnosis.
“Prior to this program, Medicare and many commercial insurers would only approve VNA therapy services for patients who were considered ‘homebound’,” said Richard Pascarelli, Director of Revenue Cycle & Business Operations for South Shore Health’s Home Care Division. “This overlooked patients who had specific needs or had difficulties leaving home for any number of reasons.
“Our program bridges the gap by offering patients in-home rehabilitation services without a specific ‘homebound’ diagnosis.”
What is Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation?
For most patients, outpatient rehab (also known as outpatient therapy) involves a trip to a local rehabilitation clinic one or more times per week to work with an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech therapist.
Visits often occur with the same therapist and on a regular schedule, creating a steady routine that aids in progress and recovery.
Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation operates in a similar fashion – but the roles are reversed!
Instead of a patient traveling to a rehab appointment, a skilled South Shore VNA rehab clinician travels to the patient’s home for each visit.
By bringing the care into the home, our program eliminates the need for multiple trips per week to a rehab clinic while still providing patients with the services and support they need.
What are the benefits of Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation?
Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation offers a number of benefits to patients:
- Patients, particularly those with mobility challenges, don’t have to worry about driving or getting a ride to a therapy appointment – we bring the appointment to you.
- Patients enjoy the privacy that comes along with one-on-one care in their home.
- Clinicians tailor treatment plans to each patient’s home environment and how they live, helping patients build confidence and increase independence in the home.
- Clinicians help patients establish a dedicated space for exercise in their home, making it easier for patients to follow through with a commitment to a home exercise plan.
In addition, patients will build a strong relationship with the clinician they welcome into their home and benefit from working with a clinician who is familiar with their unique goals and challenges.
How can a patient sign up for Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation?
Patients must be referred to Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation by their doctor.
If you think you or a loved one would be a good candidate for Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation, speak to your doctor about a referral to South Shore VNA.
Once you become a patient, one of our therapists will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your situation.
As part of the assessment, your therapist will look at your medical history, make clinical observations, and discuss your goals and what you hope to gain from the program.
From there, your therapist will create a unique care plan tailored to your specific needs and your appointments will begin – right in the comfort of your home.
