Community-based activities in skilled nursing facilities
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) serve as a rehabilitation center for the geriatric population by providing therapeutic and nursing services. Skilled services allow for the residents to transition from the SNF to home. Incorporating community-based activities into therapy sessions allow that transition to be eased by providing services in their natural environment in addition to improved quality of life by allowing individuals to return to their life roles and desired community occupations.Community-Based Activities in Skilled Nursing Facilities is an educational program designed by an occupational therapist to provide knowledge to rehabilitation therapy staff in SNFs on how to integrate community activities with residents, bill for their services under CPT code 97537, and to use empathy mapping to stay client-centered and understand their client’s goals for community re-entry. Being authored by an occupational therapist, this program provides a unique OT perspective to ensure a holistic approach. Discussions surrounding accessibility and how best to implement these activities into therapy sessions will allow therapists to use the local community such as grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, the post office, and more to enhance community mobility and overall participation. Paired with the educational program is an evaluation plan that will use surveys to illustrate the effectiveness of the program in regards to therapists’ increase of knowledge and implementation of community-based activities taking place in skilled nursing facilities. The funding plan outlines the proposed budget to recruit, implement, and disseminate results of the program including potential funding sources such as angel funding, federal and state grants, and corporate grants and gifts. The dissemination plan describes the utilization of state, national, and international conferences to present this program and results through posters, presentations, and short courses in addition to publication.
Description
2025