Christian Health Care Center Offers Unique Approach to Physical Therapy

A unique approach to physical therapy is being offered at The David F. Bolger
Post-acute Care Unit (PACU) at Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) in Wyckoff.
The Breakfast Bar was a collaborative effort between PACU staff and Peter
Peterson, LNHA, Heritage Manor Nursing Home/Southgate Vice President and
Administrator, and Denise Ratcliffe, LNHA, Executive Vice President and COO, as
a means to allow high-functioning PACU patients to serve themselves breakfast from a buffet-style line and then go to the gym for therapy. Breakfast, therefore, becomes a therapeutic activity that prepares the patients for at-home management.

“This functionally based treatment approach prepares the client for the specific activities and skill sets that they need to both successfully transition and remain in their discharge environment," said Ritchie Lim, Rehabilitation Services Director.
 “With the use of this approach, patients benefit from a skilled-therapy intervention program taht will better prepare them for the skills they will be required to perform daily in their environment."

In addition, the Breakfast Bar provides a practical guage for the therapists to determine if the patient is ready to be discharged and take care of his/her daily living needs. They watch the patient pouring juice, making toast, and handling a cup of coffee, all things he/she will need to do upon discharge.

One patient commented that after doing the Breakfast Bar, she realized that she
wasn’t strong enough yet to manage by herself at home. Another patient
commented that after participating in the Breakfast Bar, he felt more confident
that he could manage going back home.

Feedback from the patients has been very positive, since they enjoy the social aspect and don't really even consider it a part of their treatment plan. One patient said, "I enjoy socializing with other rehabilitation patients and realized that I am not alone in my struggles."

CHCC provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering superior mental-health, elder-care, residential living and rehabilitation services. As a non-profit organization, we deliver care to our community based upon the Christian principles on which we were founded more than a century ago.