Acute care physical therapists and physical therapy assistants work with the healthcare team and the patient to maximize their function, improve their strength and endurance, and prevent many complications of prolonged bedrest and immobility. Physical Therapy services may be referred for:

• Prolonged bedrest or immobilization, or anticipation of prolonged bedrest or immobilization.
• Changes from pre-admission levels or over the last 3-6 months in ambulation ability, balance, or strength or endurance.
• Advocacy for discharge needs, including family/caregiver training.
• New need for assistive devices such as a brace, orthotics, cane, crutches, or a walker, including appropriate sizing and training in safe use.
• Discharge planning recommendations, including recommendations for durable medical equipment and transitioning to the next level of care.
• Feeding, positioning, and developmental care for premature infants and neonates with complex medical conditions.

Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them to promote health, make lifestyle or environmental changes, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. Occupational Therapy services may be referred for:

• Splints and positioning devices to preserve joint integrity and protect skin from breakdown.
• Training in self-care activities (e.g., bathing, dressing).
• Neuromuscular re-education, trunk stabilization, and balance activities to improve clients’ ability to move in and out of bed and maintain an upright posture necessary to perform self-care and, eventually, home management activities.
• Cognitive and perceptual deficits, including compensatory techniques.
• Training in postsurgical orthopedic protocols, including appropriate weight bearing and/or precautions during activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Home programs and instruction in how to use them to continue rehabilitation after discharge.
• Discharge planning recommendations, including recommendations for durable medical equipment and transitioning to the next level of care.
• Feeding, swallowing, and developmental care for premature infants and neonates with complex medical conditions.

Speech-language pathologists in the acute care setting provide evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders and speech and language problems resulting from strokes, head injury, respiratory issues, and other medical complications. Speech Language Pathology services may be indicated for:

• Dysphagia management, including videofluoroscopic examinations (FEES, modified barium swallow studies (MBSS)
• Spoken Language Comprehension & Expression issues
• Motor Speech
• Voice Therapy
• Memory & Cognition issues
• Discharge planning recommendations, including recommendations for transitioning to the next level of care.
• Feeding, swallowing, and developmental care for premature infants and neonates with complex medical conditions.