A survey of physiotherapy and occupational therapy provision in UK nursing homes

Background: Nursing homes in the UK are increasingly regarded as potential rehabilitation facilities for disabled older people. Objective: To determine the current physiotherapy and occupational therapy provision to UK nursing homes. Sample: Four hundred private nursing homes in England, Scotland and Wales were selected by stratified proportional random sampling and surveyed by postal questionnaire. Results: The response rate for the effective sample was 346/355 (97%). Only 10% of residents were in current receipt of physiotherapy, mostly through private physiotherapists employed by the nursing homes. Occupational therapy was being provided to only 3.3% of residents. Conclusion: Older people in nursing homes in the UK currently receive little physiotherapy and occupational therapy input and are particularly isolated from National Health Service (NHS) services.