It’s common for doctors to recommend in-patient rehab to seniors after an illness, surgery or injury. These rehabilitation facilities usually offer a mix of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech or language therapy inside a hospital or a senior community.
In-patient rehab provides around-the-clock care, treatment and supervision while closely monitoring the progress of the senior’s health. The goal is always to improve the patient’s health, enabling him or her to get back to an independent, active lifestyle.
How Seniors Benefit from In-Patient Rehab
In-patient rehabilitation can make life easier for seniors as they go through the recovery process. Traveling to and from an outpatient center can be difficult and dangerous, especially if the risk of re-injury is involved. Senior rehabilitation is offered in a residential-like setting, making it comfortable and safe for recovering.
Some of the types of conditions that are best treated with in-patient rehab include:
- Orthopedic or musculoskeletal injury, such as a hip fracture or other broken bone
- Joint replacement
- Brain injury
- Stroke
- Neurological conditions
- Arthritis of the spine or other joints
- Cancer/tumor
- Amputation
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
The treatment provided will help seniors recover loss of mobility by rebuilding muscles and developing the necessary strength to use assistive devices like walkers or canes, improving communication skills, and offering emotional support to help seniors through the changes they may be facing in their lives. Patients will have a very structured day that involves the necessary therapies to get them back to an independent lifestyle, with time devoted to both addressing any ongoing issues and performing therapy to build up strength and skills. If a senior is recovering at home, it can be easier to remain sedentary than to work on improving their condition.
The length of stay in an in-patient senior rehabilitation center will depend on the individual and the degree of the injury or illness, as well as the willingness of the patient to participate. In general, it’s common for a stay to last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. The healthcare professionals will assess the progress of the patients and make changes to the treatment as necessary, with the goal being to get them back to doing things as independently as possible.
American Senior Communities has a unique in-patient rehab program through our Moving Forward Rehabilitation program, called the Road to Recovery. The patient, family, and our interdisciplinary team all meet within the first 72 hours of admission to map out the discharge goals for the patient. Outcomes are continually monitored to improve our services, and patients will enjoy private suites, spacious living rooms, an exclusive dining room and courtyard area, and much more!
Choosing the right in-patient rehabilitation center for your loved one is important. Make sure the facility you choose specializes in senior rehabilitation, with highly- qualified physical and occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, case managers, nurses, and psychologists on staff. The facility should be familiar with the specific type of condition your loved one is recovering from so you can be sure they provide the best treatment possible.
ASC’s Moving Forward Rehabilitation program is offered at locations statewide. For more information about American Senior Communities, please visit www.ASCSeniorCare.com.
