These days everyone is looking for ways to be more budget conscience.   The real trick is how to pay attention to the bottom line and not skimp on those things that are necessities.   This holds true  in the therapy world and is true across all disciplines.  As  the  saying goes,  necessity is the mother of invention.

With cuts in reimbursement becoming the norm, many  have decided to find ways to lower what they spend on their equipment budgets.  The article “OT on a Shoestring” in Today in OT magazine outlines some of the different tools that OT’s are using in order to accomplish their goals with patients while providing a quality solution.    According to the article,  many of the geriatric patients seen by Katie Bushala, OT are resistant to buying rehab equipment. While an additional benefit of using everyday items is that patients may be more likely to continue exercise on their own.  This has pushed some to become more creative in how they approach solutions for patients.

Alternatives

Standard // Alternative

• Arm skate // Beach ball, furniture dolly
• Dressing stick, sock aid // Detergent bottle, clothesline and duct tape
• Incline board // Panel board, telephone book, weights
• Jux-a-cisor arm exerciser // Coat hanger, piece of PVC pipe and duct tape
• Over-the-door pulley // Rope, socks, soup cans, PVC pipe
• Pointer // Pencil with eraser, foam tubing
• Shoulder arc // Hula hoop with plastic shower curtain rings
• Shower mitt // Tube sock
• Stereognosis kit // Tissue box, old keys, paper clips, coins
• Therapy clay // Play doh

What creative ways are you treating patients?  Let us know! Be sure to visit our Job Board for the latest jobs  in your area!