We are running into a problem keeping patients "skilled" who are NON-WEIGHT BEARING after lower extremity surgery. They are unable to mobilize safely on one leg independently due to general fraility, osteoporosis and/or RA. They may be able to use a whelchair, but really need assist for toileting due to the need to let go of the walker or grab bar during transfer to manage clothing. It really seems too risky to have them standing on one foot unsupported when they have say three more weeks before they will be able to put weight on the affected leg. So....what happens is they come to SNF after surgery,get therapy for two or three weeks, then plateau, pending change in weight-bearing status. Now they are not eligible for SNF services because they cannot progress in therapy. They can't go home safely, so they have to pay privately (prohibitive!) until their weight bearing status changes, or go home, which is unsafe. Anyone else running into this problem?
*****************************��********************************** To remove yourself from the OTnow mail list, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message, indicate what address you want removed from OTnow - List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] *****************************��***********************************
