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Cutting-edge care backed by evidence and experience at senior living communities
Stellar Therapy & Wellness/Senior Living specializes in providing high-quality in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for seniors in assisted and independent living communities. With a deep understanding of the crucial role of rehab services in senior living, we offer strategic partnerships with retirement communities to offer tailored rehabilitation and wellness programs designed to reduce fall risk, enhance independence, promote long-term health and wellbeing.
Traditional vs current models: home health alone vs integrated home health + in-house therapy
Many senior living communities are shifting toward in-house therapy partnerships with providers like Stellar Therapy & Wellness, moving beyond the traditional reliance on home health agencies (under medicare Part A) alone. While home health agencies play a crucial role by providing skilled nursing services when necessary, their therapy services can be limited by frequency and volume. The most effective approach combines the strength of both models; home health for skilled nursing care when deemed necessary and in-house therapy for ongoing, high volume therapy.
Key differences between therapy provided by an in-house provider (under medicare part B) vs home health agency only (medicare part A).
- In house provider: up to 4-5 times a week as clinically needed for faster recovery.
- Home Health: typically 2 times a week, pending agency approval.
- In House Provider: Physical, occupational and speech therapy services (PT/OT/ST) can be provided simultaneously for those that meet the criteria, offering a well-rounded approach.
- Home Health: typically one discipline at a time (2 max), pending agency approval.
- In-House Provider: Under the Florida Direct Access provision, a doctor’s order is not required to begin therapy services, allowing for immediate treatment initiation which is a key element in fall risk reduction and prevention of functional decline. Direct Access eliminates delays associated with obtaining referrals, ensuring faster access to care. (Throughout the therapy process, we maintain open communication with the patient’s physician to coordinate care and optimize outcomes)
- Home Health: doctor’s orders are mandatory to start services, sometimes causing delays in initiation of services.
- In-house provider: medicare advantage plans are becoming increasingly popular in the senior population. Therapy services (under PPO plans) are normally automatically approved under the part B (or outpatient) therapy benefit of the policyholder.
- Home Health: if the agency is in-network, therapy services are subject to strict approvals and limited to a certain number of visits.
BENEFITS OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HOME HEALTH AGENCIES AND IN-HOUSE PROVIDERS:
Extended Therapy Coverage
By partnering with home health agencies, in-house therapy providers can seamlessly deliver therapy services while a resident is receiving skilled nursing care under Medicare Part A. This collaborative approach ensures that residents receive the necessary medical and rehabilitative support needed The duration of home health services varies based on individual needs (typically up to 60 days. Once skilled nursing care is no longer required, therapy services can transition smoothly to Medicare Part B, allowing residents to continue rehabilitation without interruption. This integrated care model ensures consistent, long-term therapy access, helping residents maintain mobility, independence, and overall well-being.
Seamless Care Coordination
In-house therapy providers collaborate closely with Directors of Nursing (DON) and Executive Directors (ED) to ensure residents receive comprehensive care. When additional medical services are needed—such as wound care, medication management, or psychiatric services (if offered by the home health agency)—therapy providers facilitate timely referrals to home health services. This proactive, team-based approach ensures that residents receive the right level of care at the right time, promoting faster recovery, better health outcomes, and uninterrupted therapy services.
Smooth Discharge Planning
Effective coordination with home health liaisons ensures a seamless transition from hospital to community living, reducing delays in care and minimizing treatment gaps. By facilitating early communication between hospital case managers, home health agencies, and in-house therapy providers, residents can quickly receive the therapy and medical support they need upon discharge. This proactive discharge planning helps maintain continuity of care, prevents functional decline, and promotes faster recovery, ultimately supporting residents in regaining their independence and quality of life.
n-House Therapy vs. Multiple Outside Providers: The Advantage of Full Integration with Resident care
A dedicated in-house therapy provider offers seamless integration with a senior living community’s daily operations, ensuring consistent, personalized, and proactive care
Key benefits of in-house therapy integration:
Personalized & Tailored Care
Having an in-house therapy team fosters constant interaction with residents, allowing therapists to develop a deep understanding of their individual needs, functional goals, and health challenges. This level of personalized care is difficult for outside providers who may only see residents for short, infrequent sessions.
Continuity of Care
Long-term therapist-resident relationships are a key factor in successful rehabilitation and wellness programs. In-house therapy ensures ongoing progress tracking, tailored modifications to treatment plans, and a deeper understanding of each resident’s evolving needs, leading to better functional outcomes.
Seamless Integration with Daily Operations
Close collaboration with community staff, nurses, wellness teams, and healthcare professionals ensures that therapy plans are aligned with residents’ daily routines. This level of coordination improves consistency, adherence to therapy plans, and overall health outcomes.
Greater Accessibility & Convenience
Residents can access therapy whenever they need it, without waiting for an outside provider’s scheduled visit. Therapy sessions are offered on-site, eliminating the need for transportation.
Enhanced Communication for Proactive Care
Daily communication between therapy and nursing/wellness staff regarding potential changes in a resident’s physical/cognitive/emotional condition is a crucial component to ensure ongoing wellbeing to residents.
High-Volume Therapy for Respite Residents post Hospital/Rehab stay
A major benefit of strategic partnerships with Stellar.
Having an in-house, Medicare-certified Therapy provider like Stellar offers significant benefits for potential residents seeking respite care/temporary stay in senior living communities after a hospital or rehab discharge. Often times, these residents are not fully ready to return home due to ongoing physical limitations and require daily therapy to speed up recovery. These services can be covered under Medicare Part B (only) and other private insurance plans, making it an attractive selling point for the sales team when promoting the community to prospective residents. Very often, these respite residents become permanent residents after experiencing the convenience of living in a fully-serviced and caring environment.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERAPY PROVIDED UNDER MEDICARE PART A AND B
Medicare Part A:
Covers therapy during hospital stays, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing and home health (limited to 60-days certification periods)
Residents must meet the homebound (must be physically unable to leave their residence)
Volume of therapy is typically restricted to twice a week and one discipline (PT, OT or ST) at a time
Medicare Part B:
- Covers outpatient therapy, including outpatient centers and in-house therapy clinics at senior living communities.
- There are no specific certification periods and patients do not need to meet homebound criteria. Therapy can be provided as long as it is deemed to be medically necessary.
- Therapy can be provided up to 4-5 x days a week between all disciplines (PT/OT/ST) if deemed medically necessary.
Why an In-House Therapy Provider is the Superior Choice
By integrating therapy services directly within the senior living community, residents receive faster, more personalized care, leading to improved mobility, independence, and quality of life—all without the limitations of relying on multiple external therapy providers.
Communities we currently serve
FALL PREVENTION AND COMPREHENSIVE THERAPY PROGRAMS: KEY ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESS
01.
Fall Prevention: It All Starts with Early Intervention
Proactive Balance Screening
Routine balance assessments using cutting-edge AI-integrated fall risk assessment technology (VSTBalance) to detect and address fall risks early.
Data-Driven Prevention
Regular screenings for all residents to identify those at risk of falls before an incident occurs.
Pain Management with Cutting-Edge Modalities
Non-invasive, evidence-based pain relief techniques incorporating shockwave therapy and pulsed radiofrequency systems for faster recovery and improved mobility.
02.
Integrated Therapy Programs: Strength, Cardiovascular Fitness, Balance, Cognitive Training & Pain Management
Advanced Balance Training
Functional balance programs using AI-powered VSTBalance technology, state-of-the-art balance equipment and evidence-based skilled therapy interventions to enhance stability and prevent falls.
Pain Management with Cutting-Edge Modalities
Non-invasive, evidence-based pain relief techniques incorporating shockwave therapy and pulsed radiofrequency systems for faster recovery and improved mobility.
Functional Strength & Cardiovascular Training
Evidence-based therapy programs focusing on functional resistance training to combat sarcopenia and VO2 max improvement for cardiovascular health and longevity.
Cognitive Training & Neurological Support
AI-integrated cognitive exercises with VST Systems and one-on-one therapy sessions with occupational and speech therapy clinicians to enhance memory, problem-solving, and executive function.
Our core pillars?
Empowering seniors for longevity, strength and safety: Promoting active lifestyles and fall prevention for a healthier and independent future
Longevity Through Strength & Cardiovascular Fitness
Longevity is more than just adding years to life—it’s about maintaining strength, mobility, and independence at any age. Research highlights that muscle development through resistance training and cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max improvement) are key factors in extending both lifespan and healthspan, regardless of age or medical condition.
Combatting Sarcopenia & Reducing Fall Risk
Sarcopenia—the age-related loss of muscle mass—begins as early as 30 and becomes more pronounced by 60, significantly increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Falls remain a leading cause of hospitalization and loss of independence in older adults. Our therapy programs focus on progressive resistance training to rebuild muscle strength, improve balance, and reduce fall risks, allowing seniors to remain active and confident in their movements.
Additional services and programs provided at retirement communities
Weekly wellness group classes including:
- Rock Steady Boxing.
- Functional Fitness for seniors.
Monthly presentations on topics of interest with emphasis on senior wellness.
Sponsorship of community/marketing events.
Monthly back-safety training classes to nursing and CNA staff providing care to the residents.
Ready to improve your quality of life?
Our team is here to help. Contact us today and start your journey towards better health and well-being.