Did you know that one in four Americans over the age of 65 falls each year? According to the National Council on Aging, falls cause more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments each year, including hip fractures, leg and ankle injuries, and even traumatic head injuries.
Without proper rehabilitation and treatment after a fall, older adults may be at an increased risk for falling a second time. That’s why it’s critically important for seniors to continue physical and occupational therapy in a short-term rehabilitation facility after being hospitalized for fall-related injuries. If you’re in the process of choosing a senior rehab program for yourself or a senior loved one, keep the following questions in mind.
What kind of treatment does the senior rehab facility offer?
When it comes to selecting a short-term rehab program, it’s important to remember that you have options. Look for a senior rehab facility that provides a holistic and customized treatment plan for each patient. Many older adults benefit from a senior rehab program that offers a combination of treatment types from an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and even dietitians.
How often is treatment available?
As you or a loved one start the road to recovery after a fall, illness, or injury, it’s important to maximize your recovery time with consistent treatment. Unlike at-home rehabilitation programs or outpatient rehab care, which may only offer treatment and therapy services a few times a week, short-term rehabilitation facilities provide treatment each day to promote a faster recovery time. Staying in a short-term rehabilitation facility also gives seniors the added security of care available around-the-clock in case emergency assistance is needed.
What are the next steps?
In some instances, staying in a short-term rehab facility may lead to the decision to move to an assisted living community on a full-time basis. In assisted living, older adults live independently but have access to help with daily tasks such as medication management, grooming, dressing, and much more as needed. After completing a stay in a short-term rehab facility, older adults are often required to continue their therapy treatments as part of a long-term health and wellness plan. Moving to an assisted living community that offers rehabilitation and therapy services on-site makes it easier for older adults to maintain as much independence as possible and prevent future falls.
Bethany Village offers the community access to the Bethany Village Rehab Center where you will receive the same quality of care as the residents of Bethany Village. Contact your physician to set up a referral.
