As everything around us seems to be headed online during these socially distant times, from circle time with classmates to extended family video calls, you may not be surprised that many physicians and other healthcare providers around the world are transitioning to offering Teletherapy services. NAPA Center is excited that we can be a part of this new online virtual world, delivering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy right in your home! Before you start working with one of our therapists, here are 5 things that are important to know.
Depending on where you live, there are 2 options for Teletherapy. If you live in a state where our NAPA therapists are licensed to practice and your child has a current evaluation on file at NAPA, then you are eligible for Telehealth sessions, which may be billed to your insurance company. Telehealth visits are structured to address current therapy goals, troubleshoot any home exercise program difficulties, and answer any questions you as parents may have regarding transferring skill sets from clinic environment to home environment.
If you live outside of the US, in a state where our NAPA therapists are not licensed, or your child does not have a current evaluation on file, then you are eligible for Telecoaching sessions, which are self pay. Telecoaching visits are structured to offer guidance on current exercises you are doing, exercises/activities that may be appropriate for your child displaying behaviors/movements/sounds that you are observing, and help you set goals for implementing exercises and activities at home.
It is more than ok to try something suggested by your therapists and fail. That is why we are here! We will offer you suggestions for modifications and try again. Practicing repetitions while you have your therapist there to observe and coach you is the best way to feel more confident! Both you and your child’s therapist have to get creative sometimes with using household items to create dynamic surfaces, wobble boards, bolsters, and more!
Siblings, pets, nannies- all are welcome! As therapists, we find kiddos are motivated by siblings and pets and are more engaged when the whole family participates! Plus it always helps to have an extra set of hands- we know it is tricky to do by yourself!
As a clinician, it is the greatest feeling to watch a parent or caregiver successfully execute their child’s home program. Our goal is to make you feel confident and comfortable with all of your child’s exercises and are there to help troubleshoot anything that comes up. We love being able to see your child’s home set up and modify their program to best fit their environment with any equipment you might have.
Using Teletherapy will allow you to perfect your child’s home program to ensure your child continues to make progress while out of his or her usual daily routine. After all, you know your child best. Practicing with our supervision and guidance will assure each exercise is titrated to meet the needs of your child, you, your home, and your family. We are there to help make each exercise easier or harder, depending on what your child needs, but you are the therapist! Teletherapy allows for a unique and new opportunity to provide you home support and we are so excited to be a part of it! We look forward to seeing you (virtually) soon!
Micayla Pedrick is a pediatric physiotherapist at NAPA Center Boston. Micayla’s favorite springtime activity is growing fresh vegetables and herbs in her garden to cook with in new recipes. Her 2 year old Husky, Theo, loves to keep her company while frolicking through the yard and gobbling up delicious zucchini, cucumbers, and tomatoes!
