How This Will Work
So, how you do you know for sure that you need therapy? Your physician or caregivers are your best guide. If you have any of the signs below, you may want to ask them about the benefits therapy might provide:
- I worry I’ll fall
- I feel dizzy
- I wear glasses
- I’ve fallen in the past six months
- I take several prescription meds
- I exercise vigorously
- I often feel depressed or hopeless
- I’ve lost interest in doing things
- I sometimes feel unsteady walking
- It’s hard for me to get up from a chair
- I take extra care getting ready in the morning because of my balance
Occupational Therapy
SIGNS OF FUNCTIONAL DIFFICULTIES
- I’m weak from illness or injury
- I’m tired, short of breath, or have trouble doing once-simple tasks
- I struggle to bathe, dress, eat, or use the restroom
- It’s hard for me to get in or out of chairs, bed, and my shower
- I’ve fallen frequently or lose my balance doing tasks
- It hurts when I do functional tasks
- I don’t see well
- I was recently in the hospital
- I need more care because of cognitive issues
- I use an assistive device
- I’m more dependent on family or a caregiver
Speech-Language Pathology
SIGNS OF FUNCTIONAL DECLINE
- I can’t chew / swallow properly
- I often cough when I eat or drink
- I don’t have much appetite
- I’ve lost quite a bit of weight
- I struggle with having a conversation
- I don’t communicate much anymore
- I feel confused and have trouble remembering
- My voice is much higher (or lower) than before
- I have a hoarse or harsh sound to my voice
- I find it hard to manage personal affairs or follow directions
- I was recently in the hospital
- I have chronic disease that affects my function, cognition, and mobility
What Happens Next?
Your doctor writes a “physician’s order,” which is a referral for FOX to get started helping you. A skilled clinician then conducts a comprehensive assessment. Your plan of care is based on your medical history, standardized assessments, your therapists’ clinical observations, and your goals. From there, your FOX clinician creates your unique plan of care.
Is Treatment Time-Consuming?
It depends. No two treatment plans are identical. Your clinician works with you and your physician to set the correct frequency for your therapy. Maybe three times weekly, maybe four, maybe something else. It is always based on your individual clinical needs.
Is it Hard or Painful?
Most people look forward to their FOX clinician’s visits! Even though the work is challenging, you and your clinician are working together towards your goals. Sometimes it will be tough, but the investment is well worth the reward. As you progress through the steps of your plan of care, you will begin to understand how FOX can help you achieve what you once thought impossible.
When Will I Be Finished?
When optimal function has been met, and when skilled care is no longer required to provide service. At this point, your clinician helps you find the resources you need to continue your success, and trains you, your family, and your caregivers in techniques and strategies to ensure your ongoing success.
