A physical therapist is working with a 98-year-old female in…

A physical therapist is working with a 98-year-old female in a nursing home. During today’s session, the PT notices that the woman seems quieter than usual and a little sad and distracted. When she asks the woman how she is doing, she tells the PT that she is sad today because it’s the anniversary of her husband’s death, but that her daughter is checking her out this afternoon for a visit to the cemetery. As the session continues, the woman begins to break down and cry uncontrollably. She apologizes for being so upset and states that she knows she should be over it by now, since it’s already been 5 years since he died. What is the MOST appropriate response from the physical therapist?

A physical therapist is treating a 76-year-old patient who s…

A physical therapist is treating a 76-year-old patient who sustained a stroke 3 months ago and requires moderate assistance for most ADLs. The patient’s daughter is the primary caregiver and attends each therapy session. Over the past two visits, she reports increasing fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and feeling “overwhelmed” trying to manage her father’s feeding, dressing, medications, and transportation to appointments.  Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action for the physical therapist to take at this time?