After being discharged from the hospital following an injury, or illness, or planned surgery such as a joint replacement, older adults are often referred to a short-term rehabilitation center by their doctor. These senior rehab centers are comforting, calming environments where older adults can continue their recovery and therapy treatments before safely returning home.
As part of their rehabilitation, older adults receive therapy treatments such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy based on a care plan that’s customized to their individual needs. By working with an interdisciplinary team of therapists, nurses, physicians, and social workers, older adults are able to maximize their recovery and regain confidence after a hospital stay.
When it’s time to choose a short-term senior rehab center for an older loved one, it’s important to remember that you have options, and not all rehab centers are exactly the same. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask will help you make the best decision.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a short-term senior rehab center:
Types of therapy offered
Some senior rehab options only offer one type of treatment, such as physical therapy. However, depending on what your loved one is recovering from, other types of care may be needed. For example, occupational therapy can help older adults with limited mobility regain the motor skills needed to perform daily activities such as getting dressed, eating, or doing household chores. Speech and language therapy can help with communication or swallowing problems after a stroke.
Additional services may also be needed throughout the recovery process, including help with personal hygiene, medication management, nutrition and dietary advice, and transportation to doctor appointments. For this reason, it’s wise to choose a senior rehab center that offers a full spectrum of care.
Patient to staff ratio
The number of patients that interact with each staff member is another factor to consider when choosing a senior rehab center. A low patient to staff ratio allows caregivers and therapists to spend more time with each patient and provide quality, personalized care. When touring senior rehab centers, ask about the staff ratio and pay attention to interactions between patients, caregivers, and therapy staff.
Privacy
Rehabilitation is a highly personal matter. Many people prefer to focus on their recovery in a private setting, but not all senior rehab centers offer private rooms. If privacy is a priority for your loved one, be sure to find out about the room arrangements before committing to a senior rehab center.
Location
A short-term rehab center that’s close to your loved one’s hometown may bring a sense of comfort and familiarity. Having nearby family members and friends visit can also keep your loved one in good spirits throughout the recovery process. Keep location in mind when choosing a senior rehab center and consider who will be visiting most often.
Discharge planning
Ideally, discharge planning will begin the moment your loved one enters a senior rehab center. The entire care team should work together to create a customized discharge plan that includes recommendations for continued in-home or outpatient therapy treatment and resources for support. An organized plan helps to ensure a successful transition from rehab to home, so be sure to find out about the senior rehab center’s approach to discharge planning.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to visit the senior rehab centers you’re considering. When touring senior rehab centers, don’t hesitate to ask questions and talk to several staff members. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can ease any concerns about the rehab process and pave the way for a more successful recovery.
Do you have questions about short-term senior rehab? We’d be happy to help answer them. Contact us online or call (937) 433-2110 to get more information and set up a tour of the Bethany Rehabilitation Center.
