Geriatric Rehabilitation And New Options
By Kelli Phillips
New trends make it easier and more comfortable for active seniors to participate in Rehabilitation programs!
Once admitted into the hospital, planning for your next phase of care begins. Physicians, therapists, and discharge planners will evaluate and determine your rehabilitation needs. Patient and family involvement with the discharge planning process is essential in determining which rehabilitation facility best meets specific needs. Take charge of your rehabilitation and know your options.
Many long-term care facilities are addressing the needs of active seniors who have a short-term goal of returning to their home. While these new advances are a growing topic among social workers and discharge planners, it is still very important for seniors to do their homework prior to scheduled surgeries. Discharge planners are accustomed discharging seniors to skilled nursing facilities, and while this is an appropriate plan, there are new options for the independent senior who is determined to regain independence. New Rehabilitation facilities are now in place for independent seniors having goals to return home.
Many times your hospital stay is not planned; however, it is still a good idea to be prepared. Call around and ask questions. Have an idea of the facilities that deliver "short-term" intensive rehabilitation to enable active seniors to meet their goals.
When doing your research, there are several things to consider. If you are an independent senior with a goal of returning to your home, make sure the rehabilitation center you choose has a dedicated therapy program for those participating in "short-term rehabilitation". Also, confirm that they offer intensive therapy that utilizes innovative therapy equipment. Finally, make sure physical, occupational and speech therapists will work in coordination with the physician, nurse practitioner and nursing staff, along with input from you and your family to customize a treatment regimen just for you. Confirm that the facility of your choice is able to communicate progress and discharge plans with your orthopedic surgeon and/or your community physician, to ensure you are returning home safely!
We would all like to think you will never need rehabilitation therapy! However, if you do, remember as an active senior your needs are different from those addressed by traditional long-term care programs, make sure to communicate to your health care providers that you are active and that you wish to participate in a program that will provide you with optimal results!
Kelli Phillips is a leader in her community and an advocate for the Aging Population. She is active with senior networking groups and utilizes 8 years of experience in working with seniors to assist caregivers with the admirable task of caring for their aging loved ones. Kelli is a member of various local chambers of commerce and is a certified Medicaid specialist. In addition to BA in Business Management and Marketing, Kelli has participated in many additional courses relating to Geriatrics.
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