Following a hospital stay due to a surgery, illness, or injury, older adults often transition from the hospital to a short-term rehabilitation center to continue their recovery and regain strength before returning home. Having friends or family visit can help older adults in a short-term rehab center up stay uplifted and motivated throughout their recovery. If you’re planning on visiting a loved one in a short-term rehab center, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Bring something to share
When visiting a friend or family member recovering in a short-term rehab center, it can be difficult to think of conversation topics other than their health. That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring along something to share with your loved one, whether it’s a favorite snack, pictures of grandchildren, their favorite movie or music, or even a cozy blanket. These small, thoughtful gestures can show how much you care and help guide the conversation.
Enjoy a meal together
Enjoying a meal together is a great way to spend quality time catching up with your loved one. One benefit of a short-term rehab center is that patients are provided with nutritious meals each day, so there’s no need to worry about grocery shopping, cooking, or housekeeping, enabling patients to focus on a quick and effective recovery. When visiting a loved one in rehab care, try organizing your visit around a mealtime to make the most of your time together without disrupting their daily schedule.
Try observing a rehabilitation session
In a short-term rehab center, older adults have access to care 24/7, and often receive therapy treatment throughout the day to maximize their recovery. A professional care staff provides treatments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and skilled nursing services. Try visiting your loved one at a time where you can observe their activities at the short-term rehab center. You can help encourage them to stay motivated and focused on their hard work throughout recovery. Learning more about their treatment is also beneficial if you need to help an older loved one continue their exercises once they return home.
Above all else, it’s important to relax and stay positive while visiting a loved one in a short-term rehab center. Your visits can provide much-needed encouragement and motivation as your loved one faces the road to recovery after a hospital stay.
