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PATH program designed to address individual needs

Most Parsons Presbyterian Manor residents are here to stay, with the exception of people living in the PATH® (Post-Acute to Home) neighborhood.

The PATH program is designed for people who are recovering from surgery or a medical crisis that prevents them from returning home immediately. With the help of Presbyterian Manor nursing and therapy staff, PATH residents get the support they need to recover in an environment designed for comfort.  

“If there’s a need for additional skilled care, it could be nursing or therapy or a combination of both, that’s where we step in,” said Kaysha O’Daniel, therapy director at Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

She said the care that PATH residents receive is tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

For example, a PATH resident recovering from a stroke may initially require an emphasis on medication management or other medical needs. Once the immediate needs are no longer as pressing, the resident will be evaluated for therapy services.

Parsons Presbyterian Manor provides a range of therapy services through a partnership with Aegis Therapies®. PATH residents may receive physical, occupational and speech therapy services. Kaysha said PATH residents work with therapists around 10 hours a week, though it could be more or less time, depending on the individual.

“As a company, we have a hierarchy of treatment,” Kayla said. “We can’t hit the ground running with therapy if some of a patient’s lower-level needs aren’t being met.”

She uses the example of a patient who has had joint replacement surgery and still has a lot of pain. Until the pain is addressed, that person can’t focus on regaining their mobility.

“In a way, we try not to look at the big picture. We focus on the little things that will help with overall performance,” Kaysha said. “And once those little things are accomplished, the big things are a breeze. I focus on educating the patients, so they understand we’re focusing on smaller goals in order to get to the big picture.”

Some of the other “little things” staff might address are cognitive difficulties and reestablishing a feeling of safety.

“The biggest thing I preach to my patients is that I want them to be home safely,” Kayla said. “I don’t want them to just go home — I want them to be successful at home.”

Before the pandemic, staff would conduct an in-home assessment before each resident went home permanently. They would check on the residents’ ability to do essential everyday tasks, such as get in and out of bed and take a shower on their own.

Now, staff mimics these activities on the Presbyterian Manor campus and coordinates with family members in order to ensure residents don’t encounter any obstacles upon their return home.

PATH residents who need a little more transition time sometimes spend additional time in the assisted living neighborhood at Presbyterian Manor. Kaysha said the “in-between step” helps some residents transition. The assisted living environment gives residents more independence while still having help nearby.

Kaysha says the patients who get most out of path share two characteristics. First, they’re willing to put in the work that is asked of them. Secondly, they remain positive in the face of rehabilitation challenges.

“In therapy, we do like to push people,” Kaysha said. “There are times they can’t fully perform the task. But the repeated action, continuing to push to progress, will result in success. It’s important not to get discouraged when you can’t do something the first time.

“Work hard and don’t get discouraged. That’s the best advice I can give.”

PATH services are available to campus residents and the public. For more information on the PATH program at Parsons Presbyterian Manor, call 620-717-4030 or complete this online form.

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