What should I look for in a therapist for an elderly parent?

Look for experience in geriatric or neurological rehabilitation, clear information on how much one-on-one time your parent will receive, acceptance of their Medicare or insurance plan, willingness to involve family, and a clear plan for communicating progress.

How do I know if my parent needs physical or occupational therapy?

Physical therapy addresses strength, walking and balance; occupational therapy addresses daily tasks such as dressing, bathing and medications, plus home safety. A physician or therapist evaluation can help decide, and many older adults use both.

Does Medicare pay for physical and occupational therapy?

Medicare Part B generally covers outpatient physical and occupational therapy when it is medically necessary and provided under a plan of care, subject to deductible and coinsurance. Ask the clinic to verify your parent's specific benefits.

Does my parent need a referral to start therapy in Florida?

Florida allows direct access to a physical therapist for an initial period without a referral. Medicare, however, requires a physician or qualified practitioner to certify the plan of care, so most Medicare patients involve their doctor.

Can I attend my parent's therapy sessions?

Many clinics welcome family members, and it is worth asking before booking. At Say Yes Therapy, care partners are welcome to attend and learn how to help at home.

What should we bring to the first appointment?

Bring the Medicare or insurance card, a photo ID, a current medication list, any referral or recent medical records, glasses or hearing aids, comfortable clothing and shoes, and any walking aid your parent uses.

Family Guide · Orlando & Central Florida

How to Choose a Physical or Occupational Therapist for an Aging Parent in Orlando

To choose a physical or occupational therapist for an aging parent, look for a clinic with experience in geriatric and neurological rehabilitation, ask how much one-on-one time your parent will get, confirm it accepts their Medicare or insurance plan, and ask how family will be involved and kept informed. Visiting or calling two or three clinics with the same questions makes the comparison easier. This guide lists those questions, the signs that therapy may help, and how to get started in Florida.

Ask Us Your Questions Medicare & Insurance 321-348-0317

What to Expect

Questions to ask any clinic before booking
Signs a parent may benefit from therapy
The difference between physical and occupational therapy
How Medicare and referrals work in Florida
How to involve your parent in the decision
What to bring to the first appointment

What questions should I ask a therapy clinic?

Specialization: Do your therapists have experience or certifications in geriatric or neurological rehabilitation (for example Parkinson's, stroke or dementia)?
One-on-one time: How long is each session, and how much of it is spent directly with a licensed therapist rather than an aide or in a group?
Medicare and insurance: Do you accept my parent's Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan, and will you verify benefits and explain costs before the first visit?
Caregiver involvement: Can family attend sessions and learn how to help at home?
Communication: How will progress be shared with my parent, our family and their physician, and how often?
Practicalities: Where is the clinic, is parking accessible, and what appointment times are available?

What are signs an aging parent may benefit from therapy?

A recent fall or near-fall, or a new fear of falling
Holding onto furniture or walls, shuffling, or walking more slowly
Difficulty getting up from a chair, bed or toilet
Struggling with dressing, bathing, cooking or managing medications
Changes in memory that are affecting daily routines or safety
Returning home after a hospital stay, surgery or stroke
A diagnosis such as Parkinson's disease that affects movement

Does my parent need physical therapy or occupational therapy?

Physical therapy focuses on strength, walking, balance and mobility. Occupational therapy focuses on daily activities, home safety and, where needed, thinking and memory strategies. Many older adults benefit from both. See balance and fall prevention therapy, occupational therapy for memory loss and dementia and neurological physical therapy.

How do we get started — do we need a doctor's referral in Florida?

Florida allows patients to see a physical therapist directly, without a referral, for an initial period of care; continuing beyond that period generally requires involvement from a physician or other qualified practitioner. Separately, Medicare requires a physician or qualified practitioner to certify the therapy plan of care, so most Medicare patients will involve their doctor either way.

A practical first step is to tell your parent's primary care physician about the concerns you have noticed and ask whether therapy is appropriate. Then call the clinic, have the Medicare or insurance card ready, and ask the questions above. Our Medicare and insurance page has more detail.

Where does Say Yes Therapy fit in?

Say Yes Therapy & Wellness is one option in the Orlando area. Our clinic at 6917 Narcoossee Rd Suite 740, Orlando, FL 32822 provides one-on-one physical and occupational therapy, accepts Medicare, and welcomes family members at sessions. Our team includes Dr. Baher "B" Wahba, PT, DPT, DN; Marie Caban, OTR/L, MOT, with LSVT and Dementia Care certifications; and Cassie Kriparos, OTR/L, MOT, CNS. You are welcome to call 321-348-0317 and ask us the same questions you would ask any clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Ask Us Your Questions Medicare & Insurance