Why is Senior Rehabilitation a Good Option After a Hospital Stay?
If you are looking for a place to complete rehab after being discharged from the hospital, you’ll find that there are several options. From senior rehabilitation centers to skilled nursing facilities that provide round-the-clock care and assisted living communities, it is best to learn about all of the options available to you. This will help you make an informed decision and recover as safely and quickly as possible.
What is a Senior Rehab Facility?
A senior rehabilitation center is primarily designed to improve function and reduce pain for those recovering from a critical medical condition or an injury. They often include services such as the following:
- Occupational therapy – helps with everyday activities like bathing, dressing and use of fine motor skills
- Physical therapy – helps you gain strength, improve balance, mobility, enhance flexibility, and manage pain
- Speech therapy – assists you with conditions, such as memory problems or brain injuries that may affect cognitive skills, communication, chewing and swallowing
Choosing a Rehabilitation Center After Hospitalization
Rehabilitation for older adults typically takes place in a variety of settings. When it comes to rehab, it is essential to find a location that can help improve your condition, allowing you to stay out of the hospital and regain your strength.
Rehabilitation Services for Older Adults
Inpatient Rehab Facilities
Most senior rehab centers offer inpatient and outpatient services. If you are recovering from a severe injury, major surgery, or debilitating illness, you will need continuous monitoring. Staying at a well-equipped and staffed facility where you can get 24/7, professional care can help you recover quickly. This type of rehab includes the following:
- Intensive care that comprises daily physical, speech, occupational, or other therapies, as required
- Healthy meals provided by dietitians
- Exercise classes, counseling services, and social activities
- Skilled medical care with assistance for everyday activities like bathing and getting dressed
Outpatient Rehab Services
Outpatient rehab also provides occupational, physical, and speech therapy. You can live offsite and visit the facility to complete your rehabilitation.
Short-Term & Long-Term Rehabilitation
Some rehab centers for older adults offer services for short and long-term rehabilitation. Your doctor will consider your health condition and the severity of injury or illness to determine how much rehab you will need. They will also decide the rehab goals and type of program to ensure you receive the best care. For instance, if you had a minor surgery, a short stay at a senior rehab facility may help you regain strength. However, if you have a chronic condition, such as a stroke or heart problem, you may need to opt for rehab services at a skilled nursing home for a longer period.
Skilled Nursing Facilities for Senior Rehab Therapy
Skilled nursing homes generally offer temporary, short-term rehabilitation and housing facilities for older adults who need professional medical care and nursing services. They have trained specialists and often include dietary counseling, meals, and social services.
Rehabilitation Therapy at Assisted Living Communities
In addition to skilled nursing homes, you can also complete your rehabilitation in an assisted living community. The facilities have health professionals who provide nursing assistance and specific therapies, along with 24-hour care from the assisted living community staff. If you require assistance with daily activities such as preparing meals, bathing, or dressing after hospitalization, you may also consider an assisted living community as a place to recover. These facilities also offer occupational and physical therapy services.
If you want to go home after rehab or have completed your rehab but are not confident enough to live by yourself, you may ask about a short-term respite care stay at an assisted living community. This will ensure that you have qualified staff available to help you transition back to your everyday life and support you in case of emergencies.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Hospital Discharge Plan
Before leaving the hospital and choosing a rehab option for recovery, you need to be prepared and clear about the place where you will recover. It is best to ask your doctor the following questions so that you can make an informed decision:
- What types of therapies will I require after leaving the hospital?
- How many medicines do I have to take, how often, and in what dosage?
- What is the purpose of each medicine?
- Will the medication have any side effects?
- Will I need help with bathing or dressing?
- Do I need help with housework and meal preparation?
- How much time does it take, on average, for patients to recover?
- Do I have to watch out for specific symptoms or problems?
- Will I need professional assistance or medical care throughout the day upon discharge?
- Who do I call if I have any questions about needing or using medical equipment such as a walker?
- Will my health insurance or Medicare pay for rehab services?
Contact The Holiday Retirement for Senior Rehabilitation
Whether you have age-related problems or are looking for a place to recover after surgery, The Holiday Retirement offers complete services for senior rehabilitation or post-surgery rehab. Our nursing homes in Rhode Island have professional and friendly staff to assist you and ensure quick recovery in a safe environment. We are the premier facility when it comes to rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and respite care, with a state-of-the-art gym and other amenities and technology.
Our specialists will assess your condition and create a detailed care plan customized as per specific needs. Our facility offers:
- The highest staff-to-patient ratio in Rhode Island
- Qualified staff who are committed to offering the best care
- A patient-friendly building with easy access and advanced equipment
- A host of exciting activities for residents
For more details about our skilled nursing facility in Rhode Island, feel free to call us at 1-401-765-1440. You can also book a tour of our facility to get a better idea of whether it will suit you. We’ll be glad to assist you and help you find a suitable place where you can recover without any worries!
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