South Point celebrates OT month

The rehabilitation department at South Point Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Island Park is celebrating occupational therapy month. Occupational Therapy enables people of all ages live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, prevent – or live better with-injury, illness or disability.

South Point began operating in April 2003 as Bayview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Due to the extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy the facility had no choice but to undergo a major renovation. The facility then decided to rename and rebrand itself as a short term-sub acute rehab facility. Although the renovations took some time, the residents, staff and community are very pleased with the results. The 1st floor 33 bed short-term unit, rehab suite, dining room, kitchen and offices, as well as the facade are all completely remodeled. The facility also resurfaced the parking lot and put on a new roof. The facility plans to start renovating the 2nd floor within the next month.

Occupational therapy practitioners provide interventions and services:

- Helping children with mental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder and physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy to participate fully in school and social situations

- Keeping older drivers safe and independent in their vehicles by providing in-car assessments, recommendations for adaptive equipment, and appropriate self-restrictions

- Offering a client who is recovering from a stroke ways to resume independence in bathing, dressing, and cooking a meal

- Helping people recovering from injury to regain skills necessary to return to work

- Providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes

- Evaluating an older adult’s home to promote safety and prevent falls

- Helping Wounded Warriors overcome physical injuries such as limb loss, and mental challenges such as TBI and PTSD, and reintegrate into the community.

It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science. Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.

If you are interested in learning more about South Point Plaza, contact them at their website, www.southpointplazarehab.com or call 516-432-0300.