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Pediatric therapists from Family and Children’s Program find success providing care at home

For the past 10 months, Josephine Tobin, who celebrated her first birthday in October, has had regular playdates at her home in Hinesburg with Scottie Taylor, DPT and Rebecca Grimm, MS, OTR/L. At least that’s what she thinks.

Josephine, age 1, investigates her image in a mirror.

“It’s physical therapy and occupational therapy but it’s totally disguised with games and fun,” says Erin Bingham, Josephine’s mother.

Josephine might enjoy her time with Scottie and Rebecca, but every bit of play has a therapeutic purpose. Josephine was born with Williams syndrome, which can create
developmental issues. The treatment she receives through Home Health & Hospice helps her mobility, balance, motor skills, muscle strength, flexibility and eating.

‘She’s much more interactive’

“At the beginning she wasn’t able to do a whole lot; she was in a lot of pain and was distressed most of the time,” Erin says. But in less than a year her situation has improved significantly. “She’s much more comfortable in her body now and she’s much more interactive.”

Having therapy at home is more than just a help to Josephine’s busy parents. “This is her environment and it’s the best place for her to learn how to eat properly and how to move her body properly and how to gain strength,” says Rebecca, manager of the Pediatric Rehabilitation team at Home Health & Hospice.

The other main benefit, Scottie explains, is that a real bond can flourish between a therapist and a young patient in a home setting. “The beauty of meeting a child in their safe space is that trust, and therefore the child’s development, can flourish more easily.”