Occupational Therapist (OT) - Home Care

The Home Care Occupational Therapist evaluates and develops treatment plans for patients of all ages to resume or adjust the activities of daily living. Collaborates with health care team and modifies plan of care as appropriate. Serves as a role model in the delivery of professional services and as a clinical resource for staff and students. Hours may vary depending upon census and program need.

• Reviews plan of care and orders with primary physician, written and evidenced as read-back, completed immediately and transmitted within time frame established by policy.
• Educates patient and family members in a manner that overcomes barriers; matches their learning capabilities and meets fundamental needs.
• Documents through comprehensive detail about patient visit, information is sufficient that following staff can determine exactly what and how care was rendered with a clear plan for the next contact. Documents within guidelines and timeframes set by regulatory requirements and/or department policy.
• Updates goals promptly, ensures goals are closed as met or changed as patient condition progresses.
• Collaboratively communicates and initiates case conferencing as necessary and documents interactions (other disciplines, MD, care coordinator, insurers, etc.).
• Documents care plans and patient/family assessments; the documentation indicates evidence of therapy knowledge, assessment skills, and critical thinking.
• Anticipates and orders an appropriate quantity of supplies with sufficient lead time that patient does not run out of supplies between visits.
• Educates and documents discharge planning prior to discharge , including communication with physician, insurance source, outpatient visits and community resources are planned and arranged if applicable . Patient is provided with discharge documentation.
• Completes audits and other assigned tasks within assigned time frame.
• Evaluate the patient's level of function within regulatory requirements by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures as directed by the physician or podiatrist.
• Guides the patient in the use of therapeutic, creative and self-care activities for the purpose of improving function.
• Observe, record and report to the physician or podiatrist the patient's reaction to treatments and any changes in the patient's condition.
• Instruct other health team personnel including, when appropriate, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Home Health Aides and family members in certain phase of occupational therapy in which they may work with the patient.
• Communicates the Occupational Therapy Assistants assignments with scheduler, prepares written instructions for the assistant and supervises the assistant in the patient home.
• Has an understanding of all home care rules and regulations. Comprehends influence on case mix index.
• Completes and documents OTA supervisory visits, as required (at least every 6 visits). Completes HCA supervisory visits every 14 days if only therapy in home.

• Completes comprehensive OASIS assessment of patients.
• Assess homebound status of patients.
• Completes comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation in patient’s home and develop plan of care.
• Communicate with patients to schedule appointment times and manage daily schedule.
• Assess home safety and recommend equipment to improve patient’s home safety.
• Educate family/caregivers on recommended home exercise program.