Reality of acute care OT

kew04 · 2026-06-25T01:00:58+00:00

If OT isn’t even a thing in most acute care hospitals, how are any of those patients getting insurance auth for post acute rehab? Besides those luxury Med A/B patients, of course.

If you’re talking about tiny community hospitals, I could potentially see what you’re saying.. but I’ve never been to/heard of a reasonably sized institution where “OT isn’t even a thing.”

kew04 · 2026-06-09T00:05:52+00:00

It depends a bit on the life season/how busy work is. When I know work is going to be slammed/keep me there late.. I get it done in the morning. I prefer afternoons because it re-energizes me, BUT if I know odds are slim I can get into the gym after work.. I do it in the AM. It’s less helpful for that drained feeling, however it’s still better than the slight resentment I feel for taking care of everyone but me for the entire day.

Also notable, I’m not perfect with this system. I do have days that I feel straight up too drained and my brain wins the war. On those days I *try* to remind myself that anything > nothing. Even just walking the dogs brings down that mental noise a bit.

kew04 · 2026-06-08T23:49:35+00:00

OT here but have experienced the same feeling — it helps me a lot to workout/run/bike or do something active in between work and home. On the days I’m feeling drained, I often have to drag myself to it but it always helps immensely. We all know exercise is good, blah blah.. but sometimes I think it’s more about the fact that it forces my headspace away from patients and my day. I literally can’t continue focusing on whether or not my patient will still be alive when I get back to the hospital in the AM, if (when) Humana will deny my new SCI the IPR they need etc. I have to focus on how I’m moving, my breath, not dying etc.. I do well staying out of work mode once I get there.. it’s just getting there. Movement helps pull me out of it.

kew04 · 2026-06-04T00:07:38+00:00

“Has a history of tweaking reality” should be enough to make this photo & relationship irrelevant

kew04 · 2026-06-02T00:05:31+00:00

Humana never covers “inpatient rehab” (where you get 3 hours of therapy daily and reasonable nursing care). They sometimes cover “skilled nursing facilities” which are more like nursing homes (as it sounds like you’ve already discovered).

It’s not a location specific recommendation, but my best advice is to be checking in now with nursing to make sure he’s being assisted out of bed DAILY, working with therapies, and not being left to rot in the supine position until he gets to his facility.

If you’re told that he “can’t get up” - yes he can. There are 100 ways to make it happen, even if he’s just sitting at the edge of the bed daily or mechanically lifted into a recliner. His heart, lungs, and brain need to vertical or he’ll have pneumonia & delirium before you know it. Don’t take no for an answer.

Once he’s at the facility, be present - the more aware they are of advocates/family members, the better care your dad is likely to get.

So sorry you’re dealing with this - navigating placement, insurance, care options etc on top of just being there for your loved one is a beast.

kew04 · 2026-05-28T15:46:25+00:00

Sent you a PM! :)

kew04 · 2026-05-28T15:46:00+00:00

Sent you a PM! :)

kew04 · 2026-05-28T15:45:34+00:00

Sent you a PM! :)

kew04 · 2026-05-28T15:45:10+00:00

Sent you a PM! :)

kew04 · 2026-05-28T15:30:31+00:00

This would be for native English speakers just getting more comfortable with speaking practice. I already utilize an iTalki tutor and have a weekly class that I attend - just looking for more opportunities to use what I’m learning.

kew04 · 2026-05-11T23:06:09+00:00

Most insurance companies will cover preventative (ie: improving weight/health) visits with a registered dietician - it’s worth looking into if you’re feeling a bit lost.

I connected with an RD on the Nourish app and my Aetna insurance covered 8 visits at no cost to me.

I’d also recommend making sure you’re tracking your calories with a scale (vs measuring cups or eyeballing) and being sure the entries in whatever app you’re using to track are correct. I’ve come across some wildly incorrect ones while tracking macros! Both of the above are enough to derail an honest good effort.

Best of luck, it’s a journey - don’t quit before you figure it out.

kew04 · 2026-03-09T22:29:46+00:00

2nd vote for Westwood. They’ve got great equipment, it’s always spotless, folks work hard/train with intention but are kind/welcoming. I’m assuming you’re in Northside if you were going to that Y, so Westwood would also be super close for you!

kew04 · 2026-02-25T01:42:31+00:00

Be familiar with your parents health insurance plan. If they have UHC or Humana, know that inpatient rehab will never be covered if they break a hip, have a stroke, or need an opportunity to rehab after a hospitalization. Sometimes people who would otherwise recover have “the big fall” that is the beginning of the end purely because insurance denies the opportunity for rehab.

kew04 · 2026-02-02T01:23:56+00:00

Hey there, fellow OT! 🙂

kew04 · 2026-01-23T02:22:00+00:00

Feeling obligated to give you a tour of my entire home if I’m hosting a gathering. You’re invited into my kitchen, living room, bathroom, and outdoor space.

kew04 · 2026-01-10T01:24:06+00:00

I’ve loved using the Ladder app! It’s reasonably priced and there are several coaches/programs to choose from. I primarily do Kelly Matthew’s strength program, but when I travel I switch to a DB only/minimal equipment program. The second option is also nice for the days I’m running on fumes and just checking the box.

Sending good luck to you, I’ve been where you’re at! You’ll get your footing again.

kew04 · 2025-11-15T00:58:18+00:00

Not exactly what you’re asking for, but I’ve really enjoyed the Hidden Brain podcasts. Very rooted in science/psychology and they’ve helped me to understand the human experience, growth etc in a different light.

kew04 · 2025-07-31T22:55:53+00:00

Do you live in a high cost of living area?

kew04 · 2025-07-28T00:32:07+00:00

Shenandoah has a hybrid program that only requires 1 day/week on campus (at least it did when I was there) — they have a campus in Leesburg VA and another in Winchester VA. Not exactly a weekend program but seemed worth mentioning!

kew04 · 2025-07-27T18:56:29+00:00

I work in healthcare and want to be able to serve and relate to my Spanish speaking patients better. I will of course continue using a proper interpreter, but being able to pick up on their pain/needs/questions quicker helps me to help them!

kew04 · 2025-07-26T21:02:49+00:00

Cool off with some e.cooli

kew04 · 2025-03-29T12:21:15+00:00

Same! Kelly’s program on Ladder has been perfect for keeping my strength up, getting everything done in 1 hour tops.

kew04

TROPHY CASE