Physical Therapists
If you are a physical therapist, you enjoy helping people live a better quality life by increasing their mobility and function. On the Apex Social program, you will have a unique opportunity to use your training as a physical therapist as you work with the children in your care.
Approximately 80% of our host families have children with special needs (including cerebral palsy, gross motor delays, genetic or neurological disabilities, and developmental delays) providing ample opportunity to put your career experience into practice. Our goal is to place you with a host family where your skills and the family’s needs are compatible. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about a family’s particular special need requirements when you are interviewing with families.
Common Care Needs:
- Therapeutic stretching and exercises
- Taking children to therapy appointments
- Working with family to achieve developmental milestones and other goals
- Hygiene care and feeding
- Adapting the home environment
- Modifying tasks
- Improving mobility and function
- Helping children to adapt fully to school and social situations
In addition, you may also be responsible for the following types of care, relevant to children with or without special needs, including:
- Preparing healthy meals
- Helping with bathing children, toileting and bedtime routines
- Introducing age-appropriate activities (art, outdoor play, reading time)
- Helping with homework/therapy homework
- Managing children’s busy schedules (play dates, appointments, activities)
- Packing school lunches and getting ready for school
- Managing children’s laundry
- Driving children to activities and school
- Going on special outings and activities