PHYSIOTHERAPY IN LONG TERM CARE HOMES

Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care

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FACT SHEET
FOR LTC RESIDENTS & THEIR FAMILIES

PHYSIOTHERAPY IN LONG-TERM CARE HOMES

Q1. What is physiotherapy?

A1. Physiotherapy involves the assessment of a resident’s physical status, functional abilities, needs and goals, the development and implementation of a treatment plan and reassessment schedule to achieve specific, individual goals. Treatment is complete when goals are achieved or if further treatment will not have a significant impact on outcomes or if the resident receiving care or their substitute decision maker no longer wishes to participate.

Q2. Who provides physiotherapy?

A2. Physiotherapy is provided by a physiotherapist, registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, or by an assistant, under the supervision of the treating physiotherapist, in accordance with College guidelines.

Q3. Does every resident of a long-term care (LTC) home require physiotherapy?

A3. No, the need for physiotherapy services varies according to each resident’s health, medical circumstances, ability to carry out the activities of daily living and their potential to benefit.

Q4. Who determines that a resident of a LTC home may require physiotherapy?

A4. The resident’s attending physician and/or the multidisciplinary team may refer him or her to the physiotherapist. The physiotherapist performs an assessment to determine if the resident would benefit from receiving physiotherapy services. Throughout the course of treatment, the physiotherapist will reassess the resident’s physiotherapy requirements and progress.





Q5. What is an OHIP-funded physiotherapy service?

A5. Services provided to insured residents of a long-term care home by a physiotherapist, when referred by a physician, are funded by OHIP. Services may be provided by a Designated Physiotherapy Clinic or by a physiotherapy service provider who has a service contract with the LTC home and a funding agreement with the ministry. Under new funding agreements, the LTC home’s multi-disciplinary team may refer patients for OHIP-funded assessment by a physiotherapist.

Q6. Are all LTC home residents eligible for OHIP-funded physiotherapy services?

A6. Regardless of age, insured residents of LTC homes are eligible for OHIP-insured physiotherapy services when referred by a physician. If the LTC home and the physiotherapist are under a new funding agreement, the LTC home’s multi-disciplinary team may refer patients for assessment by a physiotherapist.