Senior Rehabilitation-A Better Choice After Hospitalization

At Pomeroy Rehabilitation we offer therapy gyms with state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and programs each calibrated to a holistic recovery goal for each client. Each program is designed to bring both the body and mind back into alignment. This includes

  • Positive and relaxed state of mind enhances capacity for recovery
  • Faster recovery period
  • Better outcomes with lasting results

Pomeroy rehabilitation specialists take time to get to know the unique situation of each client before commencing therapy. We believe that the extra time and effort taken up front, leads to a more targeted and effective recovery regimen.

After a hospital stay, 11% of older patients are referred to a long-term or short-term senior rehabilitation facility. Making smarter decisions about where to recover can make all the difference. For someone who has suffered an injury, surgery, or an illness, the next step is therapy.

Therapy is critical for patients to regain their independence, vitality, and strength. Navigating the spectrum of senior care options can be downright confusing. Here, we will take a closer look at how rehab can help your loved one recover properly.

Senior Rehabilitation Care – What Is It, exactly?

A senior rehab center is meant to assist patients recovering from a serious medical event or injury to ease their aches and boost function. They feature different services depending on the patient’s needs. The main goal is to replenish their strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility.

If necessary, long-term or short-term senior rehabilitation can use adaptive equipment. All to help with activities of daily living. If a medical condition has affected your loved one’s ability to communicate, remember, or swallow, then experts can suggest a targeted treatment approach. The level of rehabilitation varies based on the patient’s needs.

What Are the 3 Levels of Rehabilitation?

As we age, the body faces numerous emotional and physical changes that impact our level of well-being and function. The primary types of rehab therapy are speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

How Does Rehabilitation Help the Elderly?

What’s essential to geriatric rehabilitation is targeted improvement of any sensory impairment. As well as communication, hearing, and vision. The goal is to prevent trips and falls, particularly for those who suffer from osteoporosis or similar ailments.

According to 2019 reports, seniors at high risk for falls are more likely to ask for rehabilitation services. Compared to those with a moderate or low risk of falls. Among seniors who reported getting rehab services, treatment to address falls was reported by 2.8% in those with low fall risk. 12.6% with moderate, and 34.7% with high fall risk.

Outpatient & Inpatient Rehab Services for Seniors

Inpatient rehab for elderly patients is often reserved for complex rehabilitative needs. Where your loved one must receive intensive therapy. Experts suggest inpatient rehab when the patient isn’t safe to live alone. This includes treatment for:

  • a serious ailment (i.e., Parkinson’s disease, stroke, arthritis, aneurysm, cancer, nerve impingement, etc.)
  • or injury (i.e., hip replacement, fracture, joint injury, spine problems, etc.)

Outpatient rehab is great for boosting the quality of life, flexibility, and mobility of patients. Those who pick this kind of treatment are well-enough to live on their own. The goal is to restore function post-injury without the amenities of inpatient treatment.

Long-Term Versus Short-Term Care for Elderly

Reports show that around 92% of elderly patients have at least a single chronic condition, while 77% have two. Some of the most widespread illnesses affecting the elderly are diabetes mellitus, carcinoma, heart problems, and stroke.

Short-term senior rehabilitation offers a defined outcome. For instance, treating an injury is seen as short-term care. The purpose of short-term rehab is to get the body back on track so that patients can enjoy a more comfortable life. With it, your loved one has the end result in sight. The treatments are meant to fix their ailment and pain.

Long-term rehab for seniors is recommended for those suffering from a debilitating or chronic medical condition. Dementia and diabetes often need long-term care. This facility becomes your loved one’s new home so that they can get the treatment they need.

Final Thoughts

Rehabilitation for seniors offers a broad range of services provided by trained professionals. Some need short periods of treatment after hospitalization, while others require long-term care. Whenever you pick a rehab center for your loved one, be sure to talk to your doctor first. These centers offer life-changing opportunities and comfortable living space.

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Manda Ayoub

Manda is a nurse and a licensed nursing home Administrator in the state of Michigan. She has worked through all aspects of the post-acute healthcare industry, holding various positions including Infection Control Nurse, In-service Director, Quality Assurance Director, Risk Manager and a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.