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P ATIENTS LEAVING THE supervised care of their physicians are gener- ally at a risk for poor compliance with follow-up instructions. Too often the result is hospital readmission. Enlisting the services of Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio provides critical support to extend the continuum of care, enhance patients' recovery process and decrease patients' return to the hospital. "VNA of Ohio therapists are the phy- sicians' eyes and ears in their patients' homes. We work under physician orders to provide all components of home care, which includes physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as skilled nursing, home care aide and social work services," says Wendy Fishman, PT, MS, Director of Rehabilitation Services at VNA of Ohio. Patients with multiple diagnoses are eligible for rehabilitation services if certi- fied as homebound by their physician. As a Medicare-certified organization, VNA of Ohio delivers skilled therapy to qualifying patients. When therapists engage patients, they assess whether the home environment is conducive to a patient with limited mobility and reduced independence. Therapists identify areas of risk which may lead to navigation problems and falls. They also look for accessibility to exits in the event of emergency. "We conduct home safety assessments and identify areas where patients may need help to ensure their safety at home," Fishman explains. "They may require assistance from a skilled professional, or they might benefit from simple modifica- tions, such as grab bars in the bathroom or Hoyer lifts for transfers." Physical Therapy VNA of Ohio's physical therapy services help patients who have difficulty ambulat- ing. This may be due to amputation, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, spine surgery or a num- ber of neurological or orthopedic disorders. Therapists develop individualized plans of care, including exercises to optimize strength and endurance. Physical thera- pists utilize pain management techniques to supplement exercise regimens that help patients function through chronic or post- operative pain. These plans empower patients to be full participants in their own rehabilitation. Specialized programs, such as Therapy Connect, are designed for patients recover- ing from orthopedic surgery. Physical therapists begin working with patients within 24 hours of discharge and continue daily for a two-week period. Lymphedema Therapy Lymphedema therapy, another special- ized program, provides relief to patients who suffer from chronic swelling. Because of anomalies in the lymphatic system, blood clots, chronic venous circulation disorders, lymph node removal, radiation or surgical procedures, these patients are at a higher risk for wounds, falls and rehospitalization. To reduce swelling to manageable levels and educate patients about diet, skin care WHAT BEGAN MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO AS A GROUP OF 13 CLEVELAND WOMEN DEDICATED TO HOME HEALTH CARE NOW INCLUDES MORE THAN 700 PROFESSIONALS PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE HOME HEALTHCARE, HOSPICE AND REHABILITATION SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHEAST AND CENTRAL OHIO. By Michael Ferguson VNA of Ohio: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services at Home VNA of Ohio therapists develop individualized plans of care, which may include exercises to optimize a patient's strength and endurance. Gayle Fabian, PT, is shown here working with a patient at home. 2 2 | Cleveland/Akron/Canton MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M ■ J U LY/AU G U S T 2 0 1 4