Depending on your needs, you may see physical therapists, occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists during your stay. The primary role of therapy during an inpatient stay is to evaluate patients who have had a recent change in their ability to carry out activities of daily living such as walking, dressing, swallowing and talking. Based on the evaluation findings the therapist may make recommendations for ongoing treatment, including suggestions for post-discharge rehabilitation, equipment needs and diet modifications to for swallowing issues.