Heart of Health: Discover how one physiotherapist provides hope and empowering strategies for recovery at home

An interest in the medical field and her passion for helping others began long before Laura Power became a physiotherapist with the Continuing Care Program at Nova Scotia Health. 

Laura graduated from Dalhousie University’s Master of Science in Physiotherapy program in 2015, where she completed a student placement with the Continuing Care Community Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy team. Thoroughly enjoying the experience, she joined the team in Halifax not long after graduation.

Many of the people supported by Laura and her colleagues face significant mobility challenges or have needs best assessed at home. Some are recovering from a hospital stay, or coping with an acute illness or injury, while others require support to remain at home, all to maintain or improve their mobility and quality of life. 

“Some people see physiotherapists as exercise specialists, but we provide a wide range of care,” explains Laura. “Our team helps individuals find ways to enhance their everyday function at home, and this support can vary greatly from person to person.”

Laura assists people in recovering at home, helping them regain independence and enhance their participation in daily activities. “Meeting a person where they are comfortable leads to more client-centred care,” says Laura. “You meet their family, learn about their lifestyle and culture, what is important to them and their goals.”

Through an in-home assessment, Laura determines how an individual’s medical condition affects their physical function and develops a treatment plan focused on their goals. A person living with a neurological disorder may benefit from breathing exercises to maintain respiratory health, while a person returning home from hospital may require an exercise or walking program. Someone living with pain may benefit from education about their injury and positioning techniques to help them be more comfortable in bed, or people living with palliative or progressive conditions may require reassessment and ongoing recommendations. 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a physiotherapist is helping people achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Whether it's helping someone learn to walk again after an injury, supporting them in participating in an exercise program to gain strength or coaching an essential care partner in the best way to assist the person they are caring for with functional movements, such as standing up from a chair, I find great fulfillment in my work,” says Laura.

As a member of an interprofessional team, Laura often conducts joint home visits with an occupational therapist or a rehabilitation assistant. She collaborates with care coordinators from Continuing Care and allied health professionals within the patient’s circle of care to achieve optimal health outcomes.

“One of my favourite things is working alongside occupational therapists. They have an incredible ability to think outside the box and problem solve to improve people’s lives through adapting their environment or introducing new equipment to promote their independence and participation in meaningful activities,” says Laura. “I truly enjoy our team environment and witnessing my colleagues demonstrating such compassionate care.”

Almost ten years after stepping into the world of Continuing Care, Laura's enthusiasm for her work has only grown stronger. For Laura, each day brings new challenges and rewards, reinforcing her deep commitment to the care she provides and the meaningful connections she builds with clients and colleagues.

“I take the time to listen to each person’s challenges and build rapport with them,” says Laura. “I believe hope is such a powerful medicine. My Dad used to tell me, ‘Laura, you have to give people hope,’ and I remind myself of that every day. Several people have told me that I gave them hope when they had none, and that is as meaningful to me as it is to them.”

If you or your loved one needs assistance remaining in your home or requires support following a recent hospital stay, you can be referred to Continuing Care. Staff will work with you and your essential care partners to create a plan of care that is right for you.

For more information or to make a referral: 1-800-225-7225 or visit https://www.nshealth.ca/continuing-care.

Photo of physiotherapist Laura Power.