Enhanced Medical Rehabilitation in Older Adults

Enhanced Medical Rehabilitation in Older Adults

The purpose of this study is to provide evidence that Enhanced Medical Rehabilitation is an effective treatment for older adults after disabling medical events.

The intervention involves physical and occupational therapy for patients who have been admitted to a skilled nursing facility for therapy following a disabling medical event.

Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to receive either Enhanced or standard of care therapy, meaning they will either receive their PT (Physical Therapy)& OT(Occupational Therapy) from therapists who have been specially trained in the study intervention or from therapists with normal training. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days after baseline, and at the date of their discharge from the skilled nursing facility.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 65 and older
• Admitted to a skilled nursing facility for post-acute care from PT and OT for 2 weeks or more.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Language, visual or hearing barriers to participation
• Medical illness preventing study participation or accurate data collection
• Moderate-severe dementia (demonstrated by chart diagnosis and/or short blessed score greater than 13)
• Progressive neurological condition such that recovery of function is not feasible
• Patient did not have the ability to walk prior to hospitalization (e.g. paraplegic)
• Schizophrenia or other chronic or current psychotic disorder.