How to Choose the Right Senior Rehabilitation Facility

Navigating recovery and rehabilitation for yourself or a senior loved one can be challenging and emotional. Whether recovering from surgery, an injury, or a significant medical event, the quality and type of rehabilitative care received can significantly impact the recovery trajectory and overall quality of life. 

This blog contains tips to help you select a senior rehabilitation facility that meets your medical and therapeutic needs and supports your emotional well-being and independence. We aim to empower you with the knowledge and insights to make an informed choice, ensuring you or your loved one receives the best care tailored to the situation.

What Does Rehabilitative Care Include?

Senior rehabilitation services are designed to help older adults recover from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses, aiming to restore their functional abilities and independence as much as possible. These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors, taking into account the challenges that come with aging. Services vary from facility to facility, but they may include:

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Respiratory Therapy
• Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Pain Management
• Nutritional Counseling
• Psychological Support
• Recreational Therapy
• Patient and Family Education

The goal of senior rehabilitative care is to offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that addresses seniors’ physical, cognitive, and emotional needs, helping them regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

What Is One of the Most Common Conditions in Old Age that Requires Rehabilitation?

As we age, we may encounter various health conditions that can significantly impact our mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Rehabilitation services play a crucial role in helping us recover from these conditions or manage symptoms more effectively.

For example, a stroke can lead to a wide range of physical and cognitive impairments and require a focus on regaining lost skills and adapting to permanent changes. Hip fractures, knee replacements, or other orthopedic surgeries are also common as we age, requiring mobility, strength, and function improvements afterward. Arthritis is a prevalent condition that can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that can be managed with physical therapy. Osteoporosis, heart disease, pulmonary diseases, neurological conditions, falls and fractures, and post-hospital syndrome can all be treated at a senior rehabilitation facility.

What Is the Difference Between a Rehabilitative Service and a Nursing Home?

Senior rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes/skilled nursing care serve different purposes, each addressing specific healthcare needs and situations. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Choosing between rehabilitative care and a nursing home depends on the individual’s health status, care needs, and recovery goals. Seniors and their families should consider these factors and consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about the most appropriate type of care.

10 Tips for Finding the Right Senior Rehabilitation Facility

Finding the right senior rehabilitation facility is crucial for ensuring you or a loved one receives the best possible care and support during recovery. Here are some tips for seniors and their family members on what to look for and how to choose a facility:

1. Define Your Needs

Based on the senior’s condition, understand the specific rehabilitation services required (like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy). Speak with your or your loved one’s doctors or healthcare team for recommendations and to fully understand the level of care needed. Harrison House of Georgetown and Harrison House of Snow Hill offer a full range of physical, occupational, and speech/language therapies.

2. Research and Shortlist Facilities

Start with a broad search using online resources, recommendations from healthcare professionals, and word-of-mouth to compile a list of potential facilities. Look for facilities accredited by reputable organizations, indicating they meet certain standards of care. All Harrison locations are licensed and have received numerous awards and accolades for excellence in care. 

3. Visit the Facilities

Visit the facilities in person to get a sense of the environment, cleanliness, and the demeanor of staff and residents. Prepare a list of questions to ask during your visit, covering topics like staff qualifications, patient-to-staff ratio, therapy schedules, and success rates.

4. Evaluate the Quality of Care

Pay attention to how staff interact with residents. Are they respectful, patient, and attentive? Ensure the facility offers a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation program that meets the senior’s specific needs. All of our Harrison locations pride themselves on the feeling of family and the deep bonds that form between residents and staff. A friendly, warm, and welcoming atmosphere is one of the most important aspects of a successful senior rehabilitation facility.

5. Consider the Environment

Is the facility easy to navigate? Are there handrails and ramps to accommodate mobility needs? The facility should be clean, well-maintained, and equipped with safety measures to prevent falls and accidents. Harrison staff is not only trained to ensure the utmost attention to detail in terms of cleanliness and safety, but they care for our residents like they are family members and are always looking for ways to increase resident comfort, safety, and independence. 

6. Understand the Costs and Insurance Coverage

Get detailed information about the costs of care and what services are included. Ask about any additional fees that may apply. Confirm the facility accepts the senior’s insurance and ensure you understand what is covered under their policy.

7. Read Reviews and Ask for References

Search for reviews online or ask the facility for testimonials from former patients and their families. Talk to current or past residents and their families about their experiences.

8. Consider Location and Accessibility

The facility should be easily accessible for family members to visit, which can be essential for emotional well-being. 

9. Assess the Facility’s Amenities and Services

Consider the quality of meals, availability of private rooms, recreational activities, and other amenities that can contribute to a comfortable stay.

10. Trust Your Instincts

After visiting and gathering information, trust your instincts about which facility feels like the best fit for your loved one’s needs and comfort.

Choosing the right senior rehabilitation facility is a significant decision that can affect the recovery and quality of life of an elderly loved one. Thoroughly researching, visiting, and evaluating potential facilities can help ensure that you find a place that offers the care, support, and environment needed for effective rehabilitation.

Senior Rehabilitation at Harrison House of Georgetown and Snow Hill

If you or someone you care for needs senior rehabilitation services for a brief period or a more extended journey, our compassionate team of licensed and certified therapists is here for you. Everyone’s path to healing is unique, so we’ll work closely with you to craft a personalized treatment plan that respects your individual needs, goals, and abilities. Our commitment is to support each person in achieving the fullest independence possible – not just physically but also socially and emotionally. 

Our physical therapists are not just experts in their field but caring guides who will be by your side, using their knowledge and skills to help overcome challenges and enhance your quality of life. We’re here to assist in easing, compensating for, and even preventing the difficulties that might stand in the way of your or your loved one’s recovery. Contact us to learn how our services can serve you or your loved one.