Rehab Services in Long-Term Facilities during COVID-19

Ever since COVID-19 has become a part of our lives, it has impacted us in unprecedented ways. From quarantining to social distancing, everyone has adjusted to this new normal in our day-to-day lives. Long-term care facilities have been no different. They especially have felt this impact more than others because of the vulnerable population they service. Not only did the demand for essential workers increase, but also their workload.

One of the key services in long-term care facilities is rehabilitation including physical, occupational and speech therapy. As more and more individuals became affected by the coronavirus, the need for rehab services increased as well. However, this need came with its own challenges. Due to the nature of the virus, gatherings and rehab gyms were closed. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services suspended all group activities in nursing homes. Rehab therapists worked around these challenges so the patients could continue receiving quality care. Instead of the patients coming to the rehab areas, therapists went to them on their floors and in their rooms to provide care. As schedules became packed, rehab caregivers continued to perform their duties as essential workers in this new world. With limited space and equipment, therapists adapted to providing care. Along with those limitations, they also had to be mindful of increased safety protocol to stop the spread of infection. Another challenge they faced was shortage of staffing. Not only did clinicians care for their patients, but also took on other patients and thereby increasing their workload.

Our therapists at Cornerstone Rehab have been at the forefront of this pandemic. As everyone stayed inside to quarantine, they continued to provide high-end quality care with compassion. Not only did they face obstacles, but also overcame them with success. As new challenges arise, Cornerstone is able to continuously offer solutions regarding rehab services for clinicians, facilities and patients.