Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
CustomerServiceRepresentative

Karen Blumenshine

Pekin,IL

Summary

Dynamic Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a proven track record at Professional Therapy Services, enhancing patient independence through innovative therapeutic techniques and exceptional collaborative teamwork. Specialized in geriatric rehabilitation and adaptive equipment expertise, achieving significant patient progress. Excelled in helping patients achieve their highest level of functional independence and quality of life. Facilitated family planning and training into patient care. Recommend home modifications to improve safety and independence. Worked as a team in all settings.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Professional Therapy Services
10.1992 - 03.2018
  • Educated patients and families on conditions, treatments and home exercises.
  • Assisted patients with completing basic daily living activities such as grooming, dressing and self-feeding.
  • Provided direct occupational therapy services in Hospital Rehabilitation Setting, Hospital Acute Setting, Long term Facility, Home Health setting , and Outpatient Center Patient treatment settings.
  • Provided adaptive equipment recommendations to improve patients' daily living skills, facilitating greater independence.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient progress, facilitating data-driven decision-making for treatment plan adjustments.
  • Supported, maintained, and calibrated therapeutic equipment, ensuring optimal functionality for patient treatments.
  • Advocated for patient needs with insurance companies, facilitating approval for necessary therapy services.
  • Initiated community reintegration activities for patients, supporting their return to daily tasks and social environments.
  • Supported patients during transitions from hospitalization to outpatient or home-based rehabilitation settings.
  • Adapted treatment approaches according to individual patient preferences, ensuring engagement in the therapeutic process.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on home exercises and self-care techniques, promoting independence and long-term success.
  • Supported facility with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, mailing correspondence and answering telephone calls.
  • Participated in professional development workshops, staying current with advancements in occupational therapy practices.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized treatment plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Assisted in evaluation of patient progress, contributing to adjustment of therapy plans for optimized outcomes.
  • Served as a resource within the occupational therapy community by mentoring students completing fieldwork experiences.
  • Streamlined documentation processes for patient records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations.
  • Improved patient outcomes with application of therapeutic techniques tailored to individual needs and conditions.
  • Managed caseloads effectively while maintaining a focus on quality care delivery for each patient served.
  • Educated families and caregivers on home adaptation strategies to support patient needs and safety.
  • Built rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication for optimal therapy outcomes.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care, enhancing patient rehabilitation and recovery.
  • Trained new Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, resulting in improved team performance and productivity.
  • Conducted group therapy sessions, fostering supportive community environment for patient recovery.

Education

Associate Of Arts And Sciences - Occupational Therapy Assistance

Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL
05.1989

Skills

  • Activity analysis
  • Collaborative Teamwork
  • Team Collaboration
  • Range of Motion Improvement
  • Mental Health Support
  • Documentation And Reporting
  • Schedule Management
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Stroke Recovery Assistance
  • Adaptive equipment expertise
  • Therapeutic techniques understanding
  • Assistive technology use
  • Cognitive Retraining
  • Home Modification Planning
  • Upper Extremity Strengthening
  • Neurological disorders knowledge
  • Geriatric Rehabilitation
  • Functional Mobility Training
  • Fall prevention strategies
  • Traumatic Brain Injury Care
  • Orthopedic treatment proficiency
  • Fine motor skills development
  • Wheelchair positioning
  • Treatment Plan Development
  • Equipment Use Instruction
  • Patient Care Coordination
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Multitasking
  • Excellent Communication
  • Organizational Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Self Motivation
  • Time management abilities
  • Patient Education
  • Decision-Making
  • Geriatric Care
  • Medical Documentation
  • Effective Communication
  • Active Listening
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Professionalism
  • Documentation skills
  • Team building

Timeline

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Professional Therapy Services
10.1992 - 03.2018

Associate Of Arts And Sciences - Occupational Therapy Assistance

Illinois Central College
Karen Blumenshine