Telehealth Therapy: A Therapist's Perspective
You can learn more about Telehealth Therapy by calling 570.348.1360 or by clicking here.
Sondra Morgan, PT, DPT, MHA has been serving patients at Allied Services for 30 years. She currently works at Allied Services Luger Rehab Center in Scranton, where she treats patients with a wide range of conditions including concussion, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and neurological conditions.
In May, Allied Services reopened its outpatient rehab centers to patients including the Luger Rehab Center where Sondra works. The rehab centers reopened with safety precautions including health screenings, masking, rigorous cleaning protocols, social distancing and changes to patient care areas. Although patients have returned and are adapting well to the safety precautions, the pandemic prompted Allied Services to introduce new ways for its patients to access the care they need.
“We knew that some of our patients didn’t feel comfortable leaving their homes to come to therapy. But for people with chronic conditions or patients who are recovering from a fall, injury or surgery, it’s so important for them to keep up with their therapy.”
In response to a growing need, Allied Services introduced Therapy Your Way. In addition to traditional therapy services offered at Allied Services outpatient rehab centers, patients can receive physical, occupational and speech therapy either by having a therapist visit their home or by enrolling in telehealth therapy. Using an iPad, tablet, laptop or desktop with webcam, patients enrolled in telehealth therapy participate in one-on-one therapy sessions from the comfort of their home. The patient and therapist can see and hear each other for a secure, real-time, video therapy session. Some of Sondra’s patients have opted to use Telehealth therapy and the results have been positive.
“As a therapist, it’s my goal to improve my patient’s mobility and movement. With telehealth therapy, I can still do that. I can make sure that my patients continue to make progress and don’t decline. There are even some added bonuses. Fall prevention is part of our usual therapy services. However, with telehealth therapy, I can see what the fall hazards are in a patient’s home and make specific suggestions about what they can do to be safer. ”
Although Sondra agrees that some patients who do not usually use an iPad or computer regularly may struggle initially, in general, the process is simple and safe for patients. She has found that those patients who need a little help from a family member may benefit in other ways. Sondra takes the opportunity to involve the family member in the therapy session and incorporates family education about safety in the home.
You can learn more by calling 570.348.1360 or by clicking here.
About Sondra Morgan, PT, DPT, MHA: Sondra specializes in the treatment of balance and vestibular disorders for which she holds a Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation. She is also a Certified Therapist in LSVT Big and Loud for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Sondra earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, a Masters in Health Administration and Doctorate in Physical Therapy, all from the University of Scranton.
