Occupational therapists can provide patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries with handouts about helpful community resources to complete activities of daily living independently after being discharged from the hospital. The handouts include information on grocery and meal delivery services, medication delivery, equipment loans, transportation assistance, home care, and benefits for veterans and older adults. The goal is to promote patients' autonomy and ability to function at home following shorter hospital stays.

1. Management Project
Alexandra L Thompson
D’Youville
December 5, 2015

2. Part I
Occupational therapy is highly prevalent service offered in hospital settings.
Crum reports that around 581,000 total knee replacements and 193,00 total hip
replacements are performed each year in the U.S. The average ages for these surgeries
are between 60-80 years of age. Due to aging baby boomers, this number is expected to
drastically increase by 2050 (2011). Unfortunately, patients are being discharged within
2-3 days because of the push for hospitals to shorten the average length of stay and
collect more financial benefit. Their decreased length of stay means that they are
receiving less physical and occupational therapy. Their endurance, balance, ability to
participate in activities of daily living (ADLs) and independent activities of daily living
(IADLs) may be less than optimal upon discharge.
Patients are often worried about grocery shopping, getting medications, their
inability to drive, not feeling safe at home alone, etc. when they recovering and are
functioning at a decreased physical state. Depending on the pts age and level of
disability, many hospitals are pushing for outpatient rehab to increase internal cost
benefits. Several patients who sustained hip fractures, spinal, knee or hip surgeries, leave
the hospital in a less than functional state and struggle to be independent when they arrive
home. This leaves patients without good external support at a disadvantage.
My project is eight patient handouts that highlight helpful community resources
for post operative, injured and disabled patients that make it easier for them functionally
do their ADLs and IADLs once they are discharged from the hospital. Occupational
therapists (OTs) can give their patients the applicable- comprehensive handouts that upon
discharge to aid them in their everyday tasks. The handouts consist of local Pennsylvania
resources such as grocery delivery, boxed meal delivery, medication delivery, adaptive

3. equipment/assistive technology loan programs, veteran benefits, transportation, home
care, and elderly advantage programs.
The goal is to help patients feel more capable and provide them with resources
that will help them to become more independent in their ADLs and IADLs. The target
population is people between the ages of 45-100 years of age. OTs are great at thinking
outside the box and grading situations and tasks so that their clients have a just right
challenge. These services are recommendations for patients to make their everyday
living easier. I would like patients to be able to use these community resources to aid in
their rehab process. I would like to promote autonomy.

4. Part II: The project. Scroll down V

5. Peapod Partners with GIANT for
Grocery Delivery
Peapod and Giant Grocery store have partnered up to
make grocery shopping an experience that you can do from
home. Groceries are delivered to your door just 24 hours
after your order is placed!
Easy grocery selection can be accessed through the
internet or a cell phone (both android and iphone) to select
the groceries that you would like delivered to your front door
The first 60 days of delivery is free and you can still earn
points toward gas with your Giant card when using peapod.
Peapod has a $60 minimum for groceries being ordered and
a $10 service fee not including gas
Find out more at www.peapod.com

6. Boxed Meal Delivery
When ordering from boxed meal delivery companies,
ingredient and recipe cards are sent to your front door!
They way it works:
1. Pick original recipes you like from the website
2. Choose the number of people in your family
3. Name any accommodations to your dietary and delivery
scheduling preferences
4. There is an easy to follow recipe card w/in 35 minutes prep time
5. Each meal is between 500-700 calories
6. AND They deliver weekly
 Blue Apron: Grocery Delivery, Menu Planning (6 meals
59,94 w/ free shipping)
www.blueapron.com
 Hello Fresh: Fresh ingredients delivered (Classic Box
69.99- 6 meals)
www.hellofresh.com
 Home Chef Meal Delivery (6 plates 59.70)
https://www.homechef.com/cook-well-live-
well?gclid=CjwKEAiA1o-
zBRDomsWasvKh4S8SJADSlZkqTxmcBSSh3TGMGkD_iA74smkT
B8_tptqUNkbvfU-fmhoCnHTw_wcB
Other companies that deliver refrigerated food:
 Five Star Home Foods: Meat & produce
 Schwans: Nationally recognized specialty foods

7. Meds on Wheels
The following drugstores will fill and deliver your
prescriptions right to your door!
 CVS
http://www.cvs.com/help/help_subtopic_details.jsp?subtopicNa
me=Ordering+prescriptions+for+home+delivery&topicid=40001
1
 Drugstore.com http://www.drugstore.com/medicine-and-
health/qxg180610-0
 GetMyRX delivery www.getmyrx.com
 Familymeds.com www.familymeds.com
 Harrisburg’s Hometown Pharmacy
www.harrisburgpharmacy.com
 Walgreens ships prescriptions for free
www.walgreens.com
 Walmart ships for free and deliver $10/90days
www.walmart.com

8. Pennsylvania Veteran Benefits
There are 6 PA State run Veteran housing programs
1. The Delaware Valley Veterans Home in Philadelphia
2. The Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton
3. The Hollidaysburg Veterans Home
4. The Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie
5. The Southeastern Veterans Center in Spring City
6. The Southwestern Veterans Center in Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania Financial Assistance Benefits includes
 Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Bonus Program: Allows
Veterans to earn up to $525 in total (translates $75 per month).
 Veterans Emergency Assistance: A program that provides
food, dairy, shelter, fuel and clothing, to vets, widows, and
infant children in an emergency situation for up to 12 months.
 Real Estate Tax Exemption: Veterans are Exempt from real
estate taxes
 Blind Veterans Pension $150/Month
 Paralyzed Veterans Pension $150/Month
 Educational Gratuity: Provides $500 per semester to
honorably discharged children of a Veteran
 Free Hunting/Fishing/Fur Trappers/Antlerless Deer
licenses available for certain disabled veterans
The Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation (PFV)
The PVF has awarded more than 20 organizational grants totaling
nearly $80,000. These organizations provide a myriad of support
to Pennsylvania Veterans ranging from mental heath care to
providing homes to facilitating recreational and spiritual
assistance that enhances the lives of the wounded and special
needs veterans. Find out more today at
http://www.paveteransfoundation.org/

9. Adaptive Equipment Loan Programs
The following programs have equipment loan programs for
temporary use of adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment.
Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library
Lends tools for communication, computer access, control, education,
house/personal, professional training, recreation, and vocational
management
http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/atlend/
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Institute
Available for all ages, and income levels. They distribute
 Adapted Vehicles
 Computers, iPads, and tablet software and hardware
 Adapted sports equipment
 Hearing aids and other devices for people who are deaf/hard of hearing
 Home modifications (ramps, showers, counter tops)
 Scooters and wheelchairs
 Seat lift chairs
 Safety and security devices
http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/piat/
Medical Equipment Recycling Program-UPMC
Provides medical equipment to those who lack the insurance coverage
or the means to buy new Durable Medical Equipment.
Wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, bathroom equipment, such as
shower chairs, tub benches, and potty chairs, as well as lift chairs.
http://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/horizon/about/giving/Pages
/equipment-recycling.aspx
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
Offers loans up to $60,000 to people who do not have the means to
buy assistive devices. https://patf.us/

10. 65+ Benefits
Meals on Wheels: A senior nutrition program that is church,
volunteer, senior centers, and community centers run. 1-2 meals per
week are delivered to your door. Recipients are the elderly who are
temporarily physically disabled. A note from Social work or your doctor
is often required is often required to apply. It is a salary-based
donation run program.
https://meals-on-wheels.com/?gclid=CjwKEAiA1o-
zBRDomsWasvKh4S8SJADSlZkqBx1LKiMl9FAvaGa8x7wkVjaBy5e0-
SeVIe_KE9D5hxoCDtvw_wcB
Area Agencies for the Aging:
Offers Information and counseling on:
- Protective services to prevent or stem abuse or exploitation
- Transportation
- Legal assistance for those who cannot afford it
- Home support to help with tasks of daily living
- Home health care, attendant care, & adult daycare
- Socialization/Recreation & educational activities
- Home-delivered meals
- Advocacy or ombudsman support to help negotiate complaints
concerning providers
- Caregiver support services
- Assessment and case management
- Aid with shelter and housing
- Employment
https://www.pabar.org/pdf/guidelegalservicessc.pdf
AARP: Benefits include discounts associated with travel, health, &
insurance, financial planning, events, programs, and publication
resources to those over the age of 65.
http://www.aarp.org/
Pennsylvania Benefits:
Offers affordable state and federal government benefits which include:
 Medicare & Medicaid services
 And The Dept of Aging offers
- Medical assistance
- Education on The healthy steps for older adults fall prevention
- PA Sr. games to promote staying active
- Mental Health resources
- Information on Alzheimer’s Disease care units and training

11. 60+ Transportation
The following transportation services are
available to residents of PA
ACCESS: Red Rose provides door-door shared ride
services for seniors and people with disabilities.
PA Free Transport System: Provides free transport
on local, established bus routes to seniors 65 and
older
*Capital Area Transits (CAT) Paratransit Division
provides Share-A-Ride Transportation service to
County residents age 60 or older who cannot use the
fixed route bus system or who reside in areas not
served by community based transportation
programs. The co-pay is 15% of the trip cost.
The following link provides transportation options for
people over the age of 65 years old:
https://pa211.communityos.org/zf/profile/search/dosearch/
1/taxonomy_name/Senior%20Ride%20Programs

12. Support Groups
Pinnacle Health System offers Support group on
varying topics:
 Cardiac and Stroke: Heart failure center education group,
powerful heart support, stroke support
 Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders
 Cancer Related: Cancer survivorship and support, children’s
lives include moments of bravery (CLIMB), Persons w/oral head
and neck, strength in numbers, young cancer survivors
 Diabetes: Hispanic diabetes & insulin pump support
 Maternal & Childbirth Education: Heartstrings, New Mom
Network 1, 2, 3, Rainbow pregnancy after loss, terrific twos, and
working moms.
 Mental health and Coping: Depression Bipolar support
alliances, anxiety: coping w/ anxiety and panic (CAP)
 Tobacco Cessation
 Weight Loss & Bariatric
For more information, visit:
http://www.pinnaclehealth.org/corporate-and-community-
wellness/community-wellness-and-prevention-programs/support-
groups/

13. Home Care Help
*CARE.com is a wonderful resource to find special
needs care, senior care, housekeeping, errands, odd
job hires and much more.
Angels on Call offers in-home care to the elderly
and disabled.
Home Instead Senior Care offers education and
safe alternatives to leaving seniors at home alone.
Home Care of Lancaster
Home Care Associates
Pennsylvania Homecare and Hospice Services
Pennsylvania Homecare Association is a great
way to find the perfect type for your home care
needs.

14. Resources
Crum, K. R. (2011). Readiness for discharge: occupation-based
treatment in the orthopedic setting. OT Practice, 16(14), 14-23
6p.