Upper Extremity Rehab at Home

Upper Extremity Rehab at Home: an individual home care plan

The shoulder, arm and hand work together during many daily activities. Upper extremity rehabilitation considers that chain during reaching, positioning and object use, with the diagnosis and current restrictions guiding the assessment.

Whole-arm activity assessment

Upper extremity rehabilitation considers how the shoulder, arm and hand work together. A reach for a cup combines positioning, movement, grasp and control. The therapist reviews the diagnosis and restrictions before assessing relevant tasks, recognizing that neurological changes, pain or altered sensation may affect participation differently.

Reach and positioning

The plan can address the movement chain rather than focus on an isolated measurement. Positioning, appropriate practice or an adapted task may be considered according to the findings. Resistance exercises are not assumed necessary for every patient. When another discipline is involved, goals and precautions should be shared so that advice about arm use is consistent.

Object-use review

Caregivers may need specific handling guidance. Pulling or lifting by an affected arm should not be improvised, and an unperformed movement should not be forced. The patient's meaningful activities help determine what is assessed and reviewed. More focused hand, arm or fine motor services address particular components when those are the main functional concern.

Related care for upper extremity rehab at home

Stroke & Neuro Rehab at Home. Post-Stroke Care at Home.

Eligibility and insurance review

Original Medicare Part A & B may cover eligible home health care when the applicable homebound, skilled-care, clinician-order and certification requirements are met and services follow an individual plan through a Medicare-certified agency. Coverage and any patient responsibility require verification. Blue Shield of California PPO and Anthem Blue Cross PPO benefits are also reviewed individually. Equipment, medications and separately billed services require their own benefit review.

To discuss upper extremity rehab at home in Los Angeles County, contact HarvardCare Home Health with the current clinical instructions and the tasks that need support. Referring clinicians can use the patient referral page. Assessment, service availability and individual eligibility determine the next steps.