Physiotherapist – Nursing home
Physiotherapist – Nursing Home
Job Summary:
The Physiotherapist will work within a nursing home environment located in Co Offaly, helping elderly residents regain or maintain their mobility, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. The role involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating physical impairments caused by aging, injury, or chronic conditions, using therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and assistive devices. The physiotherapist will collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team and provide education and support to both residents and caregivers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Resident Assessment and Diagnosis:
- Conduct initial evaluations to assess residents’ physical condition, mobility issues, and pain levels.
- Diagnose movement dysfunctions and develop tailored treatment plans aimed at improving mobility, balance, strength, and pain management.
- Monitor residents’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
- Therapeutic Intervention and Rehabilitation:
- Design and implement physiotherapy treatment plans to address musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory conditions.
- Provide manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and joint mobilization to improve range of motion and reduce pain.
- Help residents recover from surgeries, injuries (such as fractures), strokes, or chronic conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or osteoporosis.
- Focus on fall prevention through strength and balance exercises.
- Mobility and Functional Training:
- Train residents in the safe use of mobility aids such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, or orthotic devices.
- Teach residents exercises to improve their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) like walking, standing, sitting, and transferring from bed to chair.
- Assist residents in regaining the physical abilities necessary for increased independence.
- Collaboration and Teamwork:
- Work with the interdisciplinary care team, including occupational therapists, nurses, physicians, and caregivers, to ensure comprehensive care plans are in place.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop holistic care strategies for each resident.
- Provide advice and guidance to nursing staff and caregivers on handling techniques, positioning, and transfers to prevent injuries.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Keep accurate records of residents’ progress, including assessments, treatments, and outcomes.
- Report findings and recommendations to physicians, nursing staff, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure documentation complies with legal, regulatory, and professional standards.
- Resident and Caregiver Education:
- Educate residents and family members on managing physical conditions and improving mobility at home.
- Provide training for caregivers on proper handling techniques, exercises, and the safe use of assistive devices.
- Lead group sessions on general fitness, mobility exercises, and fall prevention strategies.
- Pain Management and Well-being Support:
- Utilize techniques such as massage, stretching, and therapeutic exercises to relieve pain and stiffness.
- Encourage physical activity and exercises that support cardiovascular health, lung function, and overall well-being.
- Help manage chronic pain through a combination of manual therapies, relaxation techniques, and exercise programs.
- Assistive Device Management:
- Evaluate the need for, and recommend, adaptive equipment such as walkers, canes, or prosthetics.
- Teach residents the proper usage and maintenance of these devices to improve safety and independence.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy from an accredited program.
- Must be CORU registered
- At least 1-2 years of experience working with elderly or geriatric populations, preferably in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
- Skills:
- Proficient in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions such as arthritis, strokes, Parkinson’s, and joint replacements.
- Strong manual therapy, exercise therapy, and pain management skills.
- Familiarity with balance and fall prevention techniques.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with an interdisciplinary team.
- Compassion, patience, and a positive approach to motivate elderly residents.
- Excellent documentation and organizational skills.
to apply click below or message jreid@medforce.ie
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