Inpatient Rehab For Senior Adults: What Is It and What Are The Benefits?
As we age, it becomes more and more essential to maintain our independence. For many of us, that means being able to live in our own homes and take care of ourselves. But as we get older, we may find it challenging to do everything we used to do. We may need help with things like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. When this happens, our family members and children may start to worry about us. They may wonder if we are safe living by ourselves.
When your loved one reaches a point where they need assistance with activities of daily living, it’s essential to know all the available options. This is important because your decision will directly affect their quality of life. One option that they may consider is inpatient rehab.
In this article, we will discuss what inpatient rehab is and the benefits it can offer your loved one.
What is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab is a type of rehabilitation that takes place in a hospital setting. It is often used for people who have suffered a severe injury or illness. During their stay, patients receive around-the-clock care from a team of medical professionals.
Inpatient rehab is often used as a step-down from acute care. This means that it is for people who no longer need the level of care that they would receive in the intensive care unit (ICU) but are not quite ready to go home.
Benefits of Inpatient Rehab for Patients
There are many benefits that your loved one can receive from inpatient rehab. These benefits include:
1. Increased Independence
One of the main goals of inpatient rehab is to help patients regain their independence. During their stay, patients will work with therapists to relearn how to do activities of daily living. This may include things like bathing, dressing, and using the restroom. The goal is for patients to be able to do these things on their own when they leave the hospital.
In addition to physical therapy, patients will also receive education on how to manage their condition. They will learn about things like diet, exercise, and medication management. This education will help them to live a healthier and more independent life.
Another way that inpatient rehab can help patients regain their independence is by providing them with the resources they need to succeed when they leave the hospital. This may include home health services or referrals to community resources.
2. Improved Quality of Life
Inpatient rehab can also help to improve your loved one’s quality of life. During their stay, they will receive intensive therapy that is aimed at improving their physical and mental health. They will also have access to social and recreational activities. These activities can help to reduce boredom and loneliness.
In addition, patients can form bonds with other patients and staff members. These relationships can provide support and friendship long after they leave the hospital.
3. Faster Recovery
Another benefit of inpatient rehab is that it can help your loved one to recover faster. They will receive around-the-clock care from a team of medical professionals. In addition, they will have access to the resources they need to improve. This may include things like:
- Physical therapy: This can help to improve your loved one’s strength, endurance, and range of motion.
- Occupational therapy: This can help your loved one to regain the skills they need to perform activities of daily living.
- Speech therapy: This can help your loved one to improve their communication skills.
4. Lower Risk of Rehospitalization
People who participate in inpatient rehab have a lower risk of being readmitted to the hospital. This is because they receive intensive care and education in the hospital. They also have access to resources that can help them stay healthy after leaving.
Benefits of Inpatient Rehab for Senior Living for Loved Ones
Inpatient rehab can also offer benefits to the loved ones of patients. These benefits include:
- Peace of mind knowing that your loved one is receiving the best possible care: When you place your loved one in an inpatient rehab facility, you can rest assured knowing that they are receiving the best possible care. This is because they will have around-the-clock access to medical professionals. In addition, the facility will be equipped with the resources they need to get better.
- An easier transition back home: One of the benefits of inpatient rehab is that it can help to make the transition back home easier. Patients will receive education and resources while in the hospital, which can help make the transition smoother for both the patient and their loved ones.
- Improved communication between you and the medical team: You will have regular contact with the staff members who are caring for your loved one. This regular contact can help to ensure that you are always up-to-date on your loved one’s progress.
- Access to resources that can help you to care for your loved one at home: When you place your loved one in an inpatient rehab facility, you will also have access to resources that can help you to care for them at home. This may include things like home health services or referrals to community resources.
Inpatient rehab can offer a wide variety of benefits to both patients and their loved ones. If you are considering this option for your loved one, talk to their doctor to see if it is the right choice.
Let Us Help You
If you have a loved one in a senior living facility who could benefit from inpatient rehab, Accel Rehabilitation Hospital of Plano can help. We are a state-of-the-art facility that offers a wide range of services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
We also offer a variety of social and recreational activities to help your loved one recover as quickly as possible. Our goal is to help your loved one regain their independence and return home as soon as possible.
To learn more about our facility or to schedule a tour, contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
