VW Manor using iPad as therapy tool

Van Wert independent/Van Wert Manor information

Van Wert Manor therapists are now utilizing the touch screen tool to dramatically improve resident’s experience in therapy.

“The iPad is revolutionizing therapy in long term care,” said Van Wert Manor Rehab Director Tracy Offerle. The iPad has new applications that are developed on a regular basis and are simple to download to the Van Wert Manor’s iPad.

The iPad is now one the most useful tools speech therapists have available for therapy. If a patient has suffered a speech deficit due to a stroke, iPad applications can project a voice to ask questions or respond using a word bank to build sentences. A sign language application is also available.

The possibilities are wide open with this innovative technology, and there are dozens of programs designed to help patients communicate and to expand their communication abilities.

Today, the iPad is seen as the number one therapy box for many therapists and that number now includes the therapy department at Van Wert Manor.

“The iPad can seem intimidating at first, but once we realized the potential, we knew it was something we needed to add to our therapy program at Van Wert Manor,” said Van Wert Manor Administrator Jacque Welch. “We could not ignore this innovative technology.”

The iPad has quickly become a popular therapy tool at Van Wert Manor. It is easy and motivational for our resident to use. There are many useful applications available specific to therapy (occupational, speech and physical therapy); however, there are applications also that have been created purely for entertainment — like Angry Birds — which can be used for therapy opportunities.

“It is frustrating as an adult who has had no problems communicating their whole life to now, all of a sudden, not be able to communicate that they want a drink of water or that they want to take a walk,” said Carly Hower, Van Wert Manor speech therapist. “Suddenly this simple communication is very hard.

“Now with the use of the iPad they are able to express their needs through the use of the symbols, text, pictures and expressions to what they need,” Hower added. “It also allows them to ‘retrain’ themselves to repeat what they hear on the iPad or to ‘relearn’ that verbal communication that is needed.”

Van Wert Manor has been serving the community for over 40 years with excellent and innovative rehabilitative and skilled services.  For additional information on this or other programs, contact Kimberly Laudick, Van Wert Manor director of customer relations, at 419.238.6655.