I am also one of the "lurkers"...but I do have a topic of discussion I would like to hear some opinions on. I am an OT in the LTC setting and I have always had a passion for working with those with cognitive disability (Dementia - all types, head injuries, some forms of mental illness, etc...) At any rate, I have always incorporated into my treatments( for residents with these and other disabilities with cognitive effects), some of the cognitive type goals. Sometimes I will use the ACL as part of my testing and measurement, but not always. Here is my topic I would like some discussion on: I am noticing that more and more OT's are referring their clients with these issues to the SLP. Now I know, or am assuming that this is part of their practice area as well.....but I am concerned that so many OT's do not touch this area. I was trained back in the early 80's (yes I am one of the"old" therapists) and this has always been an integral part of OT practice area. I am concerned that we are turning it over to Speech to take as their sole domain......remember when OT's used to do the majority of dysphagia (also an 80's practice area!) In my area, SLP's are hard to come by right now and many are getting huge prn rates (which I don't begrudge) however, why should they pay an SLP to come in at $60 an hour when I have a staff OT that could provide the same treatment? Am I off base on this? Are we shying away because the goals are not "functional" enough? Maybe someone could also enlighten me on which areas possibly that a SLP could do that an OT would not be able to cover.......I'd love to hear some of your thoughts because I am getting ready to "retrain" my therapists in how to address cognitive disability. Terrie O.
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