When Don Sosnoski first arrived in September for physical therapy at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, he was recovering from multiple rounds of pneumonia. He had severe swelling in his lower legs and trouble breathing. He needed two people to help him stand, move between chairs and get out of bed. Therapy exhausted him.
“I couldn’t walk anymore,” he says. “I’d have to recover from something as simple as trying to stand up from my chair.”
For Sosnoski, 69, regaining his strength and ability to move around was his top priority. He wanted to get back to his retirement job at Costco and sit around the campfire, enjoying a beverage with his friends. According to his physical therapy assistant, Sosnoski was determined to improve.
“Don was highly motivated, and he understood the importance of physical therapy,” says Jennifer Gale, a St. Elizabeth physical therapy assistant with more than 20 years of experience. “He wanted to get home and knew he needed to invest time and effort and build his endurance to get there.”
Sosnoski worked hard for three weeks. With Gale’s guidance, he went from needing constant help to walking almost 100 feet by himself. His progress highlights the impact physical therapists and physical therapy assistants have on skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
Helping Patients Return to Safe Living at Home
St. Elizabeth Healthcare has 115 physical therapists and physical therapy assistants. They provide care in five inpatient and 14 outpatient locations in Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. These healthcare professionals complete 20,000 inpatient evaluations and 13,000 outpatient evaluations every year.
They also collaborate with occupational therapists to deliver care to SNF residents. They work with each resident for 40–60 minutes daily. The length of each session depends on the resident’s endurance and abilities.
“Our long-term goal is to help patients return to a safe, independent life as much as possible,” Gale says.
She says each rehabilitation session includes balance and endurance training exercises, like the calisthenics Sosnoski did every day. The team helps residents regain the mobility they need for daily activities. Therapists also offer strength training with weights and resistance bands for patients recovering from orthopedic surgery. Therapists tailor these activities based on each resident’s goals and what they need to return home and be fully functional.
Meeting Emotional and Psychological Needs in a Motivated Patient Group
A resident’s physical needs are only one part of rehabilitation, Gale says. Some people also struggle emotionally and mentally because they’ve lost strength and mobility. Other residents may fear another injury, or they may be anxious or depressed.
Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants at St. Elizabeth Healthcare can address those concerns.
“It’s part of our role to acknowledge the frustration many residents feel about losing their independence — even if it’s only temporary,” she says. “The biggest challenge we face as therapists is a resident’s fear. We get to know them and help them feel safe. Then we can help them overcome those emotions and put them on a path to recovery.”
Sosnoski says Gale’s warm nature helped him overcome his concerns and contributed to his progress and recovery.
“Jennifer made physical therapy a very positive experience. She let me know that I didn’t need to rush. It was OK to take my time and work at my own pace. She was going to be there for me the entire time,” he says. “She was knowledgeable. But it was more than that. She was positive and understanding.”
Working with residents in a SNF gives providers a unique opportunity to deliver consistent, in-depth care.
“Helping residents in a skilled nursing facility can be more rewarding than providing outpatient therapy. Residents often have fewer physical capabilities and frequently need more family or social support,” Gale says. “But they’re here with us longer and get therapy every day. So, we often see residents progress from needing help from many people to being able to stand and move around safely on their own.”
Preparing Residents and Families for Life at Home
Gale says it’s important to explain what residents and families can expect once residents leave the SNF. Residents will need some help when they first get home.
“All involved must have realistic expectations. The resident has experienced a medical setback. And even with therapy, it takes a while for their capabilities to return,” she says. “Family members must acknowledge that recovery takes time.” Training is offered to help families and caregivers prepare for residents’ specific needs.
Ultimately, Gale says, physical therapists help SNF residents like Sosnoski recover their abilities, rebuild their strength and reclaim as much independence as possible.
“With every new resident, we try to remind them to be patient with themselves. We want them to trust us as their therapist,” she says. “We’re dedicated to helping them get back to their daily lives as safely as possible.”
