Practice Settings

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and therapy assistants can choose to work in various practice settings. While each setting is unique, they all provide rehab therapists with the satisfaction of helping restore patients to their highest level of function.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

A skilled nursing facility (SNF), also commonly referred to as a nursing home, provides 24-hour care for both short-stay and long-term patients. The skilled nursing environment is complex and challenging for physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and assistants. Comprehensive rehabilitation in the skilled nursing environment can help patients improve function, enhance quality of life, and maximize independence in preparation for return to home or re-engagement into the long-term care community.

Assisted Living Facilities

An assisted living facility (ALF) provides a home environment for residents who need help with activities of daily living, but who need little help with medical care. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists use home health care and outpatient care delivery models to work with residents of assisted living communities, allowing for optimal independence and the ability to remain at this level of care for as long as possible.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Spanning the full continuum of care from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing care, rehab therapists ensure that residents receive the appropriate levels of care based on their clinical needs throughout the aging process. 

Transitional Care Units and Hospital-Based Care

Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists provide comprehensive rehabilitation services in transitional care and acute care units that serve as a bridge between hospital and home. Therapy in these settings focuses on returning patients to home and community activities.

Home Health Care

Rehab therapists can treat patients in their home environment, whether in an Assisted Living Facility or the patient's community-based home. Clinicians in this setting focus on returning patients to independent living and community re-integration.