APTA Provides Home Repairs For Local Resident Through Rebuilding Together Alexandria

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 21 Aug 2009 - 8:00 PDT

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The American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Board of Directors and senior staff teamed up today with Rebuilding Together Alexandria, a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates the homes of low-income homeowners, to conduct home repairs for a 92-year-old resident in Old Town.

"This is a great opportunity for our organization to give back to the community," said APTA CEO John D. Barnes. "Though Old Town is recognized for its historic architecture, unique shops, and plentiful restaurants, there are many residents who cannot afford to perform basic home repairs."

Repairs scheduled to be completed include securing an inside stair railing; leveling front and back doors; painting a bedroom; installing a grab bar, tub seat, toilet seat, smoke detectors/CO² detector, and a window air conditioning unit; and removing trash.

Rebuilding Together Alexandria will donate supplies and gloves. APTA will make a donation to the organization to cover the cost of supplies that will be used during the project.

The effort is being done in conjunction with the annual retreat of APTA's Board and senior staff, during which current issues in the physical therapy profession are discussed.

Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a physician referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can treat and find a physical therapist in your area at http://www.moveforwardpt.com.

Source
American Physical Therapy Association