What Is Senior Rehabilitation?
The population of older adults in the United States is growing rapidly. Today, there are more than 46 million adults age 65 and older in the U.S., with that number supposed to increase to almost 90 million by 2050. Thankfully for seniors and their families, there are many diverse options for support on the aging journey. Even if a senior does not require serious health care assistance or daily support, there are many options for different levels of senior care in a variety of settings.
There are many choices for senior care that cover various situations – when seniors need support at home, when seniors can no longer live at home and when seniors need memory care services. When an older adult is leaving the hospital following an illness or surgery and needs support on their recovery journey, senior rehabilitation is a great option. When this situation arises, it helps to understand what senior rehabilitation is, where seniors receive this type of care and what outcomes to expect from senior rehab.
What is Senior Rehabilitation?
Short-term senior rehabilitation care is generally recommended for seniors who require extra support or supervision during recovery after an injury, illness or surgical procedure. Senior rehab is commonly needed to facilitate recovery after medical issues like a stroke, heart attack, traumatic brain injury, joint replacement, hip fracture, amputation or pulmonary disorder. Senior rehabilitation helps older adults to regain as much of their physical and functional abilities as possible. Most seniors pay for this care using a combination of Medicare Part A benefits and private funds.
Inpatient senior rehab involves a formal admission to a hospital or other health care facility for a temporary stay that may last anywhere from a few days to a few months. There are two levels of inpatient rehabilitation:
- Subacute Rehabilitation
This is the most common type of senior rehab that most elders and family caregivers are familiar with. A subacute rehabilitation program consists of a few hours of therapy each day and usually includes a combination of physical, occupational and speech therapy.
This type of senior rehab includes skilled nursing care and assistance with activities of daily living as needed, and seniors are seen by a physician periodically during their stay.
- Acute Rehabilitation
Acute senior rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary senior rehab program for patients who have a debilitating disease, have sustained traumatic injuries, had a severe stroke or had an intensive surgery. During their stay, seniors receive multiple hours of therapy per day for up to five days per week. Nursing and personal care are part of the care plan, and seniors are seen by a physician regularly.
At Griswold Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, senior rehab services are available for older adults who are recovering after a surgery, illness or injury. Through physical, speech and occupational therapy and activity programs, Griswold fosters an environment of engagement and positivity. Other senior rehab services available include:
- 24-hour skilled nursing care
- Extensive rehabilitation
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy
- Advanced wound care
- IV therapy
- Pulmonary care
- Tracheostomy care
- Infectious disease care
- Pain management
- Restorative nursing
- Nutrition management
- Community re-entry program
- Post-surgical treatment
Goals of Senior Rehabilitation
The goal of senior rehab is to help a senior return to their highest possible level of functional potential after suffering a life-altering event. Senior rehabilitation providers, like Griswold Rehabilitation, offer various therapies and work alongside health care professionals to achieve the best possible results.
Goals for treatment during senior rehabilitation vary depending on each senior’s needs and may include:
- Regaining communication skills
- Enhancing coordination, balance and strength to reduce fall risk
- Learning to use new mobility aids, such as a walker or wheelchair
- Regaining the ability to perform activities of daily living
About Griswold Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Griswold Rehabilitation & Health Care Center is located in Griswold, IA and offers assisted living, Courtyard Memory Care, long-term care, rehabilitation and respite care. Our community offers the freedom seniors want and the support they deserve. Our compassionate health care professionals help you keep living as you like – with encouragement of a helping hand when needed.
Interested in learning more about Griswold Rehabilitation? Contact us today to learn more about our community or to set up a tour!