Telehealth

Utilizing modern communications technology to increase access to physical, occupational, and speech language therapies and medical specialists in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.

TELEHEALTH AT SHELTERING ARMS INSTITUTE

Increasing access, maximizing efficiency

Powered by Microsoft’s Teams applications, telehealth services at Sheltering Arms Institute allow individuals to receive outpatient physical, occupational, and speech language therapies remotely, or connect with external medical specialists while receiving inpatient rehabilitation.

OVERVIEW

Reimagining therapy delivery

Telehealth at Sheltering Arms Institute supports individuals in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, eliminating potential hurdles such as distance and transportation.

Outpatient

Ideal for individuals who do not have access to reliable transportation, travel long distances, or are immunocompromised, telehealth services can deliver physical, occupational, and speech language therapies safely and conveniently. 

Therapists and care teams evaluate telehealth viability on a case-by-case basis, taking into account various criteria such as individual ability, condition, and type of therapy.

Inpatient

Powered by VER-CLINIC telehealth carts, individuals currently receiving inpatient care are able to connect with medical specialists and receive consultative services virtually to support their rehabilitation stay without leaving the hospital for appointments.

Sheltering Arms Institute care teams work with individuals to identify telehealth options and benefits on a case-by-case basis.

Telehealth has allowed me to learn new skills and techniques. It has permitted me to be mask free where the therapist can see complete face and mouth movements. I am more comfortable at my own table with a cup of coffee or iced tea.

BEST PRACTICES

Optimizing your telehealth experience

At Sheltering Arms Institute, our physical, occupational, and speech language therapists are ready to help you get the most out of your telehealth experience.

Be technically ready

Before each telehealth session, make sure you have a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer; the right application such as Microsoft Teams; and a consistent cellular service or internet connection. Make sure to check your audio and video connections too!

Know where to access your session

When your therapy session invitation is sent, make sure you accept it. You can access the session link in either the email invitation or through your calendar. Please be at your computer or with your phone 5-10 minutes prior to your session start time.

Paperwork

Please have paperwork and any essentials ready prior to your session. For speech therapy telehealth visits, patients should have paper, pen/pencil, and a place where they can write such as a desk or a table. 

At-home equipment may be necessary for other types of therapy.

Minimize distractions

As with in-person therapy, focus and a distraction-free environment contributes greatly to overall outcomes.

Telehealth therapy is a very valuable option, especially for speech therapy. We are able to serve people who have difficulty obtaining transportation, or who would otherwise have to drive long distances to the clinic. It is also a great option for patients receiving multidisciplinary services and have difficulty scheduling all three therapies consecutively in a day.

TELEHEALTH FAQs

Understanding telehealth

Telehealth is the administration of healthcare services via videoconferencing technology or telephone. At Sheltering Arms Institute, we offer telehealth services for physical, occupational, and speech language therapies in the outpatient setting. Additionally, we offer telehealth services in the inpatient setting, helping patients access medical specialists.

Sheltering Arms Institute therapists and clinicians evaluate telehealth as a care delivery option on a case-by-case basis, taking into account various criteria such as individual ability, condition, and type of therapy. The majority of Sheltering Arms Institute patients receiving therapy—particularly speech therapy—are eligible for telehealth services.

Sheltering Arms Institute telehealth participants are encouraged to download our best practices guide available here and consult the Microsoft Teams support page.

Start your Journey

Learn more about telehealth at Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.