Senior Rehab: 4 Take Aways for Better Care Options After a Hospital Stay
1.What is senior rehabilitation?
Senior rehabilitation is a specialized form of post-hospital care designed to help older adults recover from injuries, surgeries, or serious medical events. This type of rehab may be provided at a dedicated facility or offered through in-home or assisted living community services.
Rehabilitation for seniors aims to reduce pain, restore functionality, and promote independence and overall health. Senior rehab facilities and centers provide a range of therapies tailored to meet each person’s recovery needs.
Types of Rehabilitation Therapies at Senior Rehab Centers
Senior rehabilitation centers offer several types of therapy, often combining treatments to support a comprehensive recovery. These commonly include:
**Physical Therapy:** Focuses on improving mobility, balance, and flexibility, and is designed to increase strength and manage pain. It’s frequently recommended after serious injuries or to alleviate chronic pain from conditions like arthritis.
**Occupational Therapy:** Supports daily living activities, use of adaptive equipment, and fine motor skills. This therapy is often used for seniors recovering from injuries, illnesses, or strokes to help them regain essential life skills.
**Speech Therapy:** Assists with communication issues, swallowing difficulties, and cognitive skills such as memory and attention. It’s commonly recommended for individuals recovering from a stroke or other brain-impacting injuries.
Common Conditions Requiring Rehabilitation
Many seniors need rehab following musculoskeletal issues, joint replacements, or stroke. Other conditions that often require rehabilitative therapy include:
– Fractured or broken bones
– Joint or hip replacements
– Parkinson’s disease
– Heart-related events (e.g., heart attack, cardiovascular disease)
– Arthritis and osteoporosis
– Cancer treatments
– Mobility challenges (such as frequent falls)
Rehab is also frequently recommended after surgery to help seniors adjust back to daily life. For some, this may involve a temporary stay at a rehab center to support a safe and successful recovery.
2. Why Rehab is Essential for Seniors
For many senior health issues, a hospital stay is just the starting point in recovery; most of the healing process actually happens after leaving the hospital. That’s why planning a loved one’s post-hospital care—especially if they’ll need rehabilitation—is essential. Selecting the right rehab facility can shorten recovery time and enhance their overall well-being.
Maureen Bradley, a senior new hire support specialist at A Place for Mom with over 20 years in the senior care field and currently pursuing a doctorate in memory care, has supported many families navigating a loved one’s recovery after rehab.
“After a hospital stay, it’s crucial for seniors to have the best chance at recovery,” Bradley shares. “Whether it’s mobility, pain management, or cognitive skills, rehab centers offer a comprehensive range of resources to help seniors regain confidence and independence.”
According to Bradley, rehab also supports families, providing them with relief and peace of mind as trained professionals guide their loved one’s recovery journey.