Commitment + Clinical Leadership = Better Outcomes

Photo, left to right: Annette Keffer, Sean Teknipp

October is National Physical Therapy Month, a month dedicated to celebrating physical therapists and all they do. Saber Healthcare is proud to celebrate our physical therapists and all they do for our communities.

To learn more about physical therapy, we talked to two Directors of Rehab: Annette Keffer at Autumn Care of Mechanicsville and Sean Teknipp at Azalea Health and Rehab. Both of these directors have gone above and beyond to help residents receive the physical therapy that they need to meet their goals.

“I love being a physical therapist. I believe I was put on this Earth to improve the quality of life for others, assist residents in their most vulnerable state, and make a positive impact in their lives,” Keffer shared.

“What I love most about my job is the residents and interactions that I have with them daily,” Teknipp stated. “I treat staff and residents as my family. Also, seeing people improve and better themselves on a daily basis is a great thing.”

What is Physical Therapy?

Teknipp described physical therapy as a mental, emotional, and physical healing.

“People have to work through situations and rearrange their whole lives because of the care they need,” Teknipp said.

Keffer described how physical therapy is essentially promoting movement. Physical therapists can be found in many fields and industries, from geriatrics to pediatrics to sports teams.

“We are experts in the body and functional movement,” Keffer stated. “We’re there for residents in their most vulnerable state, hoping to help them get stronger and functioning again.”

As physical therapists, Teknipp and Keffer work with people who have a variety of mobility challenges that include balance coordination, cardio-pulmonary issues, and physical impairments from strokes.

How did you get to where you are today?

Keffer and Teknipp shared a little bit about their background and how they got to where they are today.

“I’ve known since high school that I wanted to be a physical therapist,” Keffer shared. “I grew up playing sports, and I always enjoyed working with the physical therapist when I played soccer.”

Keffer explained how she earned her undergraduate degree in Virginia, then went to Georgia for a physical therapy program. She’s now been working as a licensed physical therapist for a year.

Teknipp went to school in Ohio, and has since then experienced working in a couple of different settings as a physical therapist. He worked in a long term care facility, moved into home health, and now has been back in long term care for the past four years.

What does a day in the role of a Physical Therapist look like?

Teknipp and Keffer both mentioned that their days involve treating residents and attending various meetings.

Physical therapists plan for the day, gather any notes they may need, and share updates with other staff members. They treat residents individually and make sure that they have everything they need. Treatment for residents in the therapy gym may include equipment such as bicycles, stairs, weights, and therapeutic exercise balls.

As Directors of Rehab, Teknipp and Keffer have various meetings to attend each day with other staff members. They discuss any new admissions, as well as any concerns and changes with current residents. Directors of Rehab also participate in care plan meetings to give an overall update to residents’ families, providing summaries and important information.

How do you help residents?

Teknipp and Keffer discussed how they help residents, and how their care plan for short term residents may look different from long term residents.

“Short term rehab is meant to be a stepping stone to improve functionality, safety, and finding the best way to do daily activities. Our goal is to get residents home and allow them to be independent,” Teknipp said. “Long term rehab is meant to prevent declines, make sure they’re getting the best overall treatment, and help them to be as independent as possible.”

“Short term rehab is meant for a short period of time to help someone achieve a stronger, functional level to be able to discharge and go home,” Keffer stated. “Long term care residents live here, and our role is to improve their overall quality of life, increase safety awareness, and promote independence.”

How is Saber’s PATH program beneficial?

Saber Healthcare utilizes a Progressive Approach to Home (PATH) program that includes customized treatment for each resident and a home evaluation conducted by a physical therapist to ensure a safe return home. 

“Saber’s PATH program benefits the residents and families we work with. They appreciate the time we take to help their loved ones,” Keffer stated. “With this program, we give families an update on therapy, as well as an update from a nursing standpoint. We want to be as transparent as possible.”

“This program helps our team and the resident’s family see where residents are at, as well as plan for discharge and any arrangements they may need at home,” Teknipp said. 

What is something you’ve learned since joining Saber’s team?

“Another Saber employee taught me to treat residents in the gym frequently so that I have the help of others. That way, I have others who can help me improve my treatment plans,” Teknipp shared. “That was a huge help and I can find as much support as I need.”

“I’ve learned that working on a team and communicating is very important,” Keffer said.

How do you celebrate PT Month?

We asked Keffer and Teknipp what they do with their team to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month.

Keffer shared that they hope to have an ice cream social, physical therapy trivia, and an Olympics day! They want to get staff and residents involved in all of the activities.

Teknipp said they’re hoping to celebrate with any kind of food because food keeps everyone happy!

Saber Healthcare Appreciates our Physical Therapists

Saber Healthcare appreciates Keffer, Teknipp, and all our physical therapists that work hard each day to meet our residents’ needs. If you know a physical therapist, be sure to thank them this month and celebrate all that they do! 

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides services to more than 115 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Delaware, and Florida. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.