Physiotherapist

PHYSIOTHERAPIST POSITION DESCRIPTION
The physiotherapist enhances residents’ independence, safety, and quality of life by evaluating physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs; designing and implementing individualized interventions; and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize participation in daily activities, self-care, and meaningful occupations.

EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
Conduct comprehensive physio assessments for new residents and periodic re-evaluations.
Focus on mobility, balance, strength, endurance, range of motion, sensation, and coordination.
Assess functional mobility (transfers, ambulation, stairs), posture, and endurance within activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs).
Identify barriers to independence, fall risk, seating, positioning, and need for wheelchair or assistive technology.
Screen cardiovascular status, pain, and fatigue; integrate findings with other disciplines.

INTERVENTION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans to restore, maintain, and optimize function; prevent decline; promote safe self-care and community participation.
Provide therapy to improve mobility, gait training, balance, strength, flexibility, endurance, and functional ROM; address cognitive-motor integration and pain management.
Recommend adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, splints, orthotics, assistive devices, and energy-conservation strategies.
Deliver group or individual therapy to enhance engagement, mood, and cognitive stimulation; tailor activities to residents’ goals and preferences.

REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY SUPPORT
Collaborate with physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, nurses, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and care teams to coordinate comprehensive care plans.
Monitor progress, document outcomes, and adjust interventions as needed; implement evidence-based practices.
Reinforce home exercise programs and community-based activity plans to sustain gains post-discharge.

ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY
Assess and modify resident rooms, bathrooms, corridors, and communal spaces to optimize safety and accessibility.
Provide fall prevention strategies, seating and positioning recommendations, and safe transfer techniques.
Ensure equipment safety, maintenance needs, and infection-control practices.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Educate residents, families, and care staff on proper movement techniques, energy conservation, posture awareness, and safe device use.
Train caregivers and staff on safe handling, transfers, activity modifications, and how to support home exercise programs.
Promote awareness of pain management strategies, safety protocols, and self-management techniques.

DISCHARGE PLANNING AND COMMUNITY LINKAGES
Support discharge planning, transitions to higher levels of care when necessary, and connections to community resources.
Assist with caregiver support plans and home modification referrals; coordinate with community rehab services as needed.

DOCUMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE
Maintain accurate treatment notes, progress reports, and outcome measures in residents’ charts.
Ensure compliance with facility standards, regulatory requirements, and multidisciplinary care plans.
Utilize standardized assessment tools and outcome measures to demonstrate functional gains.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Degree in Physiotherapy from an accredited program; valid licensure to practice.
Proven experience in geriatric or rehabilitation settings.
Proficient in functional assessment, gait analysis, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise prescription.
Strong collaboration and communication skills; culturally competent care.
Ability to work autonomously and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Commitment to resident-centered care, safety, and quality improvement.