The goal of any rehabilitation program is to help individuals get back to the level of independence they are accustomed to after an illness, injury or surgery. Rehabilitation for seniors can provide not only a greater level of independence, but also improved physical strength and mobility, increased cognition and communication skills, and a higher overall quality of life.
Rehabilitation is often needed to address issues following such incidents as neurological disorders due to head injury or stroke, joint replacement surgery, spinal cord injuries, or chronic conditions like arthritis or back pain. In general, two different types of rehabilitation are offered to treat these issues: inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation.
Choosing Inpatient Rehabilitation or Outpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient Rehabilitation
In the case of inpatient rehabilitation, individuals stay within a facility for a pre-determined amount of time, whether it’s for a shorter term of a few days up to a month or for long term care, a month or longer. Staying within the facility allows the individual to solely focus on their therapy and recovery. It’s a more intensive option that generally includes daily physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy when needed.
Plus, many inpatient rehabilitation centers offer a variety of services and amenities designed to make life as comfortable as possible for the residents throughout their stay. They enjoy not only the right amount of therapy to get them on their feet more quickly, but also delicious dining options, spacious common areas, and social activities and events.
It’s important to note that inpatient therapy might be a lengthy commitment. However, the focused, intensive therapy allows individuals to possibly meet their recovery goals in a shorter amount of time than an outpatient rehabilitation program.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Outpatient rehabilitation provides the same type of highly-trained professionals offering physical, occupational and speech and language therapies. A benefit of this type of rehabilitation for seniors is that each day they are allowed to return to the comfort of their own homes rather than stay in a rehab center.
However, it’s important to note that individuals are in control of their own recovery and how fast they progress. This means that sometimes outpatient rehabilitation does not produce the same quality results as inpatient rehabilitation. Individuals must be motivated to continue their therapy off hours at home in order to benefit as much as they would from inpatient rehabilitation. Still, for some, when less intensive therapy is needed, outpatient rehabilitation can be a beneficial, less time-consuming option.
Ultimately, a physician will advise or determine the rehabilitation that will garner the best results to help individuals regain as much independence as possible. Choosing one or the other depends mostly on the severity of the injury or illness, along with how much therapy is required for the best possible recovery outcome.
Find quality inpatient rehabilitation at American Senior Communities. Our Moving Forward Rehabilitation program is designed to help restore abilities and independence after illness, injury or surgery through personalized physical, occupational and speech therapies. Find a location near you today.
