Maintaining independence and quality of life can be challenging as we age. In senior living communities, the aim is to promote and maintain independence and quality of life. Part of that might include offering in-house therapy services. This post will explore what an In-House Therapist does, different types of therapists, and their benefits. Read on to learn more.
Senior Living Communities and In-House Therapists
Physical Therapists
The main goal of physical therapy is to alleviate pain and improve balance, strength, and flexibility. They can also play essential roles in helping residents prevent future injuries. It is also beneficial for people who are recovering from injuries or surgery.
Your physical In-House Therapist can create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs. This plan usually includes exercise routines, techniques like heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and more.
The qualifications of a physical therapist are:
- They must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited school.
- Therapists must pass the state licensure examinations.
- While not mandatory, some physical therapists have Geriatric Clinical Specialists certification.
Occupational Therapists
The role of occupational therapists is to help senior adults be self-reliant. They may help them learn to handle daily activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing.
Occupational In-House Therapists will make a personalized program to help seniors build fine motor skills, dexterity, and strength. The qualifications of an occupational therapist are:
- They must finish a degree in occupational therapy from an accredited school.
- Finish all pre-requisite courses and pass the GRE or graduate record examination.
- Have a Masters or Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy
- Pass the state licensure examinations.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists are for people who have experienced neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke. They create plans to strengthen muscles responsible for speaking, swallowing, and eating. To practice being a speech-language pathologist, the therapist must have these qualifications:
- They must have completed an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology.
- The therapist has a master’s degree in speech pathology.
- Pass the Praxis 2 Examination in speech-language pathology
- They must complete their post-graduate clinical fellowship to earn a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).
- Pass state licensure examination.
Mental Health Therapists
Senior living communities may provide mental health support for senior adults. Mental health therapists provide support and counseling to senior adults experiencing depression, anxiety, dementia, and cognitive decline. There are different types of therapists who offer mental health support. They could be licensed clinical social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists. It is also common to have a geropsychologist, a therapist that specializes in dealing with the mental health problems of senior adults. To become a geropsychologist, he must have these qualifications:
- They must finish their geropsychology degree.
- Take the state licensure examination for geropsychology.
Achieving optimum health for senior adults in living communities is a collaborative effort. In-House Therapist can work with senior living staff to ensure the best possible quality of life.
Enrich Senior Living fosters an environment of purpose and independence for our residents. We strive to provide every resident with the best possible quality of life. Click here to learn about our customized services. You can also click here to contact our team.
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