There is a direct correlation between therapy, length of stay, and more importantly, the longevity of residents in assisted living communities. In addition therapy gives residents who have seen a decline in their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL's) an opportunity to improve and regain lost mobility and skills which can increase their independence.

We found in our communities, the highest average length of stay was where we had the highest utilization of resident therapy. The sweet spot was 25% of residents receiving physical therapy at any given time. This makes sense when you realize residents who are in better health and who function at a higher level directly affect the overall health of the community.

Partnering with a good therapy company is essential for achieving desired results and you will want to consider implementing these systems when putting a successful therapy partnership in place.

• Track your average length of stay and therapy utilization each month.

• Evaluate residents quarterly as well as after changes in condition.

• Commit to having at least 25% of your residents on therapy.

• Work with your therapy partner to make sure residents have the same therapists for home health and outpatient therapy

• Have therapy partner provide statistics showing their optimum outcomes for your residents.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in a published Fact Sheet said this about the value of providing occupational therapy in an assisted living setting.

Occupational therapy practitioners can provide a unique and valuable service in supporting clients residing in assisted living facilities, directly and indirectly, in their occupations (activities) of choice, and in their efforts to remain independent and to successfully age in place.