Physical Therapist

Job Summary

The Home Health and Hospice Physical Therapist is responsible for assessing, developing a plan of care and providing physical therapy services to home care and hospice patients of all ages. The physical therapist is an essential part of an interdisciplinary team.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

• Provides physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician’s plan of care and as defined in the state Physical Therapy Practice Act.
• Assessing and evaluating therapeutic, rehabilitative and functional status, and participation in the development of the total plan of care. Evaluates home environment.
• Assessing for muscle strength, mobility, gait, range of motion potential for rehabilitation.
• Developing a comprehensive patient plan of care.
• Completing OASIS assessments as indicated.
• Assessing vital signs.
• Directing physical therapy treatment.
• Instructing patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances.
• Determining priority needs for physical therapy.
• Reporting to the physician about patients’ reaction to treatment or changes in condition.
• Initiating a physical therapy program and instructing other personnel and/or family/caregiver members in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences.
• Identifying patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and referring as necessary.
• Preparing and submitting clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals.
• Participating in discharge planning for the patient.
• Providing physical therapy consultation to home families/caregivers when indicated.
• Providing in‑service education programs for nursing organization personnel as needed.
• Participating in peer consultation process.
• When therapy is the only skilled service, instructing, supervising and evaluating home health aide care every two (2) weeks.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those stated in this description.