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Rehabilitation therapists may not technically be considered frontline by some, but they have come to be seen as just as essential as caregivers to surviving the global pandemic. The road has been bumpy, but experts offer advice on how therapists can make it through this time without succumbing to overwhelming stress and fatigue.

1. Avoid burnout at all costs. This was emphasized again and again.

Providing safe spaces for residents during work while minding your own loved ones’ safety at home — all while the rules and science keep changing — can be stressful, said Kristin Hoffman, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP, therapy success manager for IN2L.

“Try not to get ‘COVID burnout’ from the constant attention to safety protocols. Create an open and honest relationship between therapists and directors,” she said.

2. Take a break from social media pessimism.

While most people continue relying on social media to stay connected, its insidious ability to fuel negativity is unmistakable, said Liz Barlow, BSN, RN, CRRN, RAC-CT, DNS-CT, senior director of quality performance for RehabCare.

“There is so much division right now and social media can have a big impact on how we are feeling,” she said.  “Be able to recognize your emotions while you are reading through stories. Take a break, and be sure to take time to focus on the positive stories of success and celebrations.”

3. Take off your therapist hat for a moment. This pandemic has prodded, if not at times forced, therapists to leave their comfort zone.

“For the foreseeable future, the speech, occupational or physical therapist also needs to be a social worker with residents craving socialization,” observed IN2L President and co-founder Jack York. “We’re seeing emerging skill sets in the therapy world that enhance clinical modalities with general socialization. It’s remarkable to see.”

Peggy Gougues, chief operating officer for Reliant Rehabilitation, said the company’s therapists are keen on socialization while supporting efforts to help with temperature checks at the door, passing meals, pitching in on various activities and providing up-to-date regulatory guidance. 

When Centrex Rehab CEO/President Kristy Wikum found herself staring at plunging
caseloads at facilities with COVID-19 patients, and was painfully forced to furlough some of her own staff, she had an epiphany: offer direct care services to the company’s major clients.

The plan gave everyone a newfound appreciation for direct care workers and was so wholly embraced that Wikum was able to recall most of the furloughed therapists, who took roles as basic care assistants, housekeeping, dietary staff, receptionists and memory care monitors.

4. Mind your own health and immunity. Just like adults are reminded to don their own oxygen masks before helping children, therapists need to rev up their own healthy habits.

“Self-care for all therapists has become an important area for us to monitor, as working with these strict conditions for the extended period of time can take a toll on morale,” said Barlow, who was in the process of querying RehabCare’s therapists about wellness opportunities.

5. Forge more meaningful bonds. 

“Building rapport increases our odds of achieving goals that matter to patients, families and providers alike,” said Christopher Krause, OT/L, director of operations and business development, MedCor. “To build a solid foundation, we must dig a bit more.”

However the COVID-19 saga ends, therapists’ role won’t soon be forgotten, said Paul Riccio, vice president of finance and development for Vertis Therapy. “We need healthcare workers to carry the country forward — person by person and story by story. That matters.”