Sub Category

Did you know that families have options when choosing where to complete rehab for elderly loved ones after they’re discharged from the hospital? From skilled nursing homes that offer 24-hour care to rehab services that can be carried out at home or at an assisted living community, learn about options that will help your loved one get better as quickly and safely as possible.

What is a rehabilitation center for seniors?

Senior rehabilitation centers are designed to help those recovering from an injury or serious medical event to reduce pain and improve function. Senior rehab facilities often include services such as:

• Physical therapy to help improve mobility, balance, flexibility, increase strength, and manage pain
• Occupational therapy to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), use of adaptive equipment, or fine motor skills
• Speech therapy to help with conditions that affect communication, swallowing, or cognitive skills, such as attention or memory problems

Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for the elderly

Senior rehabilitation centers may offer inpatient and outpatient services. Your loved one may need inpatient rehabilitation if they need around-the-clock care and continuous monitoring.

Inpatient rehab requires those recovering from a serious injury, debilitating disease, or major surgery to stay at a facility for a period of time. This type of rehab allows for intensive care that generally includes daily physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Inpatient rehab facilities may offer meals provided by dietitians, exercise classes, social activities, and counseling services, while providing skilled medical care and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing and getting dressed.

Outpatient rehab also offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy. However, seniors live at home and go to a rehab center to complete their rehabilitation.

Short-term vs. long-term rehabilitation for elderly patients

Some senior rehab centers offer both short- and long-term inpatient rehab options. Your loved one’s health will dictate how much rehab they need.

For example, after a minor surgery, your parent may only require a short stay at a senior rehab center. However, chronic, serious conditions, such as heart problems or a stroke, may require several months of rehab services at a skilled nursing home that offers 24-hour care, seven days a week.

Your loved one’s doctor will consider the severity of their illness or injury to determine the type of rehab program they need. Together, you can decide if your parent is most likely to achieve rehab goals safely at a skilled nursing facility or a different rehab option.

Apply Form