Rehabilitation: five trends are transforming the profession - and resident care by Marilynn Larkin, MA

Traditionally, the aim of rehabilitation has been to help individuals regain strength, relearn skills, or find new ways of doing things after a serious injury, illness or surgery. Rehabilitation services generally include physical therapy to help build strength, mobility and fitness; occupational therapy to help with daily activities; speech-language therapy to help with speaking, understanding, reading, writing and swallowing; and treatment of pain. Until recently, each of these services “has approached the patient on its own, with providers almost in competition with each other,” observes Jim Hummer, senior vice president, SunDance Rehabilitation, Maryland. Now, more and more, “we’re seeing collaborative relationships, where clinicians and wellness teams are working together to benefit the resident.”