Overview

Evaluates patients in the home setting and develops an occupational therapy treatment plan for patients suffering from injuries, neurological conditions, developmental delays, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone disease; to restore function and prevent disability by performing the following duties:

Responsibilities

Reviews Physician's referral, patient's condition and medical records to determine occupational therapy treatment required. Obtains history and subjective components of the evaluation

Test and measures patient's range-of-joint motion, grip/pinch strength, sensation, coordination, functional muscle strength, balance, ADL/IADL status, and cognitive status in the home setting to assist with the evaluation

Completes an assessment of patient's current status, develops goals and a treatment plan with recommendations

Plans and implements therapeutic programs and activities designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance task performances, diminish or correct pathology, and to promote and maintain health and self-sufficiency

Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities and daily living activities

Recommends, designs and adapts equipment for the working and living environment

Modifies splints and other assistive devices as needed

Assists in instructing patient and family in home programs as well as care and use of adaptive equipment

Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, mobilization of tissue and joints, heat, water, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot and cold packs

Confers with members of occupational therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs

Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit

Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's electronic medical chart thoroughly and timely

Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home

Confers with Physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate occupational therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care

Assists in the orientation and training of new staff members

Participates in the PI and CQI process through committees as needed

Assist with the supervisory visits of HHA if indicated

Coordinates and provides training for annual HHA competency skills fair

Education and Experience

Graduate of an accredited program in Occupational Therapy

Home Health experience preferred

Certification/Licensure

License to practice Occupational Therapy in the state of Wisconsin and/or Illinois

Registered by NBCOT or eligible for certification and registration

Oasis certification or other approved therapy certification preferred

Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days of hire

Maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with proof of vehicle insurance when requested.

Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercy’s HR-01 Fleet Safety policy.