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PT is not simply "given".
It is a medical procedure involving trained therapists who give medically ORDERED (by an MD) treatment.

Who ordered this PT? Have you asked? If not, do so and let us know.

I hope that you are not mistaking simple activities in which seniors sit in chairs or stand to do some enjoyable and fun exercise activities for Physical Therapy? Because those activities are voluntary and they are enjoyable and they help with circulation, movement, balance and enjoyment of daily life.

Do elaborate for us exactly what is happening here, and we can hopefully give you a better answer. Take care and wishing you the best.
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Kimlgr Oct 31, 2024
The PT that was ordered by whom I don’t know. No one has told me. Obviously if she needs it I want her to have it. This isn’t the first time they have done this. She recently had rhino virus. I was called and told they did bloodwork and that the PA was going to see her that day. I called for 3 days straight. No one had results or they just wouldn’t respond at all to my questions. I reached out to the social worker and she isn’t at all friendly
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PT=Physical Therapy - if it is not hurting her and she is not complaining about it and the insurance/hospice is paying for it - PT is good for her it will keep her muscles going, her lungs breathing, and gives her an activity.
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Why would you not want your mom receiving PT while she's in a nursing facility, to keep her muscles moving so she can remain as active as possible? It is in her best interest to continue PT, so not sure I'm understanding your thought process on this.
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How did you find out she is getting PT? If you are her medical PoA I'm a little surprised this would happen without your knowledge (since real PT is ordered by a physician and if there's no goal or cooperation or improvement it gets dropped).

If you are not your Mom's PoA then it would explain why you are not in the loop, but I agree that this is somewhat upsetting. I would query the facility about it. Does she not get a quarterly care review that you are included in?
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Geaton777 Oct 29, 2024
I just want to add that I think her getting PT is a good thing, but I'd certainly want to know what they're doing exactly and how it's going, etc. I wonder, are they billing Medicare for it? How is it getting paid for? Medicaid?
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My mom's nursing home routinely gave range of motion PT to even those practically comatose with advanced dementia like my mom, nobody there had contactures unless they came in with them.
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OMGosh we were THRILLED that FIL qualified for PT in the SNF. Until he went downhill in his last few months - that was the only thing that kept him able to get out of the bed with assistance. Physical Therapy in a SNF isn't usually super aggressive - its more just to ensure that they have some level of mobility maintained.

Is there a particular reason you don't want your mom to have PT?
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Kimlgr Oct 31, 2024
No one told me first that she needed PT. I’m all about OT but PT should be discussed with me for consent
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Why would you not consent to PT? You are likely POA since you put this question in the POA category so..... Plus, if mother doesn't want to participate in PT, she won't.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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My Mom got PT too. If your not paying for it, why worry about it. Medicare pays for PT.
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My mother developed painful contractures due to stroke damage. They can also come about from lack of movement. PT is a gift to retain motion. I’d call it a blessing, consent or not
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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Kim, you seem quite "angry" that PT was given without permission.
Can you tell us why PT angers you, disturbs you, worries you? Can you inform us a bit more on your concerns here?
While you are the POA your mother may in fact have been asked if she wanted exercises from PT, and she may have said that she did. While she does have Alzheimer's she may still be considered to have capacity enough to say whether or not she wishes to participate in PT.
You say that "this is the third time": can you tell us what you mean? Is this the third time they gave her PT despite your objections? Is this the third time they failed to inform you when you felt you should be informed?

I am a retired RN. PT and simple exercises for balance and strength is the most CERTAIN way to keep your mother from A) having circulatory problems including everything from skin breakdown to strokes B) keep her balance so she has fewer falls (though falls are INEVITABLE in the aging) and they provide muscle and bone strength and growth. WhyEVER would you decline? It may, in fact, be unimaginable to any involved that you would refuse PT. WOULD YOU REFUSE PT?????
And why?????

You have come here to a forum of strangers.
We cannot know the details here.
Why would you not go to the administration? Or DID you? And IF you did, what did they tell you.

I am afraid on the face of your question I don't understand the problem here at all. After reading your responses I still don't. There has to be something here that we are all missing. Could you tell us what that is?
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Kimlgr Oct 31, 2024
My Mom is not at all capable of giving consent to anything. I’m not angered that she had PT, I feel like they should call me prior to beginning PT so I know she’s receiving PT. I care very deeply for her and I’m not blaming nurses or the aides they have been wonderful. When I asked who said she needed PT and why wasn’t I called, I get the run around. I want to be included in her care. I’m looking out for what’s best for her.
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You'd have more to be concerned about if they weren't. You don't need to be a helicopter kid! Make a habit of being friendly with her aides, chat them up, thank them for what they do for her. You'll get a better handle on what's going on if you play nice.

Or you can threaten, fume, confront, etc. That is not the way to help your mom, though.
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JoAnn29 Oct 31, 2024
Aides have nothing to do with PT. The therapist usually comes to get the resident and bring them back.
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Your recent reply to Blue eyed
"No one told me first that she needed PT. I’m all about OT but PT should be discussed with me for consent."

I would be more about PT then OT. Pt helps to keep them moving. Its like exercises. OT is about relearning how to do ADLs. Like a stroke victim who loses there right side has to learn to use left. Maybe be taught how to dress themselves.

Do you hold POA? Why does it bother you she is getting PT? Its either in the cost of her stay or Medicare is paying for it.
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I'm sorry, but I also don't understand why this is an issue.

PT, can prevent falls!
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Reply to Anxietynacy
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Call a meeting with the Director and ask that you be informed of all therapeutic actions being taken with regard to your mother, then OP. I dont know that it will happen, but you can ask that it does.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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I think that you should ask for a "Care Meeting"
In the meeting you can express your concerns and LISTEN to their reasoning.
PT can help her retain mobility. This helps her be able to dress, get up easier or with less help from an aide.
PT can help delay the contracture of limbs that will come later on as she declines.
PT can help her with balance thus preventing some falls. (Falls are inevitable but if they can be reduced that is wonderful)
PT also gets her a bit of 1 on 1 time so that she has to get out of her room if she tends to stay there a lot.

If you are against the PT sessions because there may be a cost that is not covered by her insurance that is another thing. If this is the case then a nicely worded letter that indicates that PT costs will not be covered by her insurance and the financial POA will not approve this expense.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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From all I can see this is simple miscommunication.
I would take up MD orders for PT with the MD him or herself. Because you do not get Physical Therapy treatments without an MD order.
Please tell the MD that your mother is no longer able to make consent and you need to be informed of treatments and why they are being given. Tell him this is true for PT, Medication changes and anything else.

Then go to the ADMINISTRATOR (only) and say the same thing.

As you can imagine, a Forum of strangers has no power here.
This is about clear communication and clear answers between you, your mother's doctors and your mother's institution.
I wish you the best of luck. The world of Medicine is full of cracks. Things are leaking through them all the time. This is about clear communication, clear followup and on you go. It is a world full of imperfections. For those of us who require things lined up it's PAINFUL at the least. Again, I wish you the best.
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I was Moms Financial and Medical POA and not once was I called about PT or a new med. I was told by the Nurse at the desk. The Therapist called me after Mom was sceduled for PT to get information. I thought nothing of this. To be honest, once a person is in a LTC facility and your using their doctor, he is in charge of the residents care. Nurse tells him she feels resident could use some PT or a med, the doctor writes up an order. He is not going to call family.

Do you have POA for Medical, its really not in effect if Mom is competent to make her own decisions. Staff does not need to have your permission. I really don't see why you are so against this?
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