Occupational therapists work with patients to restore, maintain, or increase ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking, eating, bathing, and dressing. Speech therapists work with stroke patients or those recovering from throat surgery, also neurosurgery. Respiratory therapists prevent and treat breathing problems. Technicians conduct a variety of laboratory tests such as blood and urine tests and X-rays. Dieticians teach you how to plan a well-balanced diet.
Pharmacists know the chemical make-up and the correct use of drugs.
They prepare the medicines you will use. Social workers offer support to patients and their families. They can provide details about how to obtain healthcare and social services after leaving the hospital and know about financial aid programs, support groups, and home-care services. Some older people have many complex problems that may threaten their ability to live indepen-dently after they go home from the hospital. In some hospitals, a team including a doctor, a nurse, social worker, specialists, and therapists perform a geriatric assessment.