Transitioning From a Hospital to a Short-Term Rehabilitation Senior Care Facility

Are you a senior citizen who's about to be discharged from the hospital? Perhaps you have a hospitalized loved one who will soon be released but isn't quite ready to go home. When a hospital stay comes to a close, often doctors recommend short-term rehabilitation treatments to their patients before they return home. Here are some basic considerations when transitioning from a hospital to a short-term rehabilitation senior care center.

Ask the Right Questions to the Hospital Discharge Team

There are several questions you'll need to ask, such as the prognosis of your loved one.  Ask when the hospital discharge team thinks the patient will be released and how the hospital coordinates with the rehabilitation center. You'll also need to know about required follow-up doctor appointments.

Find out how you or your loved one will be transferred from the hospital to the facility. Consider how it can be difficult for someone who had a hip replacement procedure to get  in and out of a vehicle and possible challenge to know how to do this safely. Fortunately, most hospitals have third-party transportation services that transfer patients safely.

What to Expect from a Short-Term Stay in a Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center

Expect to be monitored daily or for at least several days a week, such as checking your vitals (blood pressure, temperature and pulse) and for any side effects from medications. You should also expect to receive social interaction from other patients and even spiritual support.  In fact, many short-term rehab centers have recordings of local church services.

Expect to have a personalized nutrition plan and be placed on a balanced diet. In addition to getting physical therapy during the week, you can plan for a short-term rehab center to give you occupational therapy and instructions for doing daily chores and other activities to assist with your recovery.

Ask About the Types of Treatments and Services  

One of the most critical considerations when choosing a short-term rehab facility is the types of treatments that are provided. Be sure to look for one that offers a comprehensive approach to recovery. In other words, it should provide a wide range of services, in addition to physical rehabilitation. Typical services and treatments include medication management and skilled 24/7 nursing care. Also inquire if the provider offers transportation to medical appointments as needed.

Ask What You'll Need During Your Stay 

You'll need to have several items for your stay. Of course, the most important article is insurance information, such as a Medicare or Medicaid card. If you or your loved one has a living will or power of attorney, bring these documents with you.

Bring comfortable clothes, along with toiletry items. Loose-fitting pajamas can also be worn during the day and are especially ideal for physical therapy. To make a room seem more like home, bring along a few personal items such as family photos and your favorite quilt.

Ask About Outpatient Therapy

After your short-term rehabilitation stay ends, you'll want to know if the facility offers outpatient services, home rehab therapy or other care to ensure your transition from the center to home is as smooth as possible. Consider that most rehab facilities offer home therapy and/or outpatient rehab services, therefore gain an understanding of these services and schedule.

If approved by your medical team, you may be able to consider going to a nearby rehab workout center where there is equipment which will help improve and maintain muscle strength.  On the other hand, patients who may consider home therapy a therapist who comes to your home will assist you with in-home physical therapy sessions as well as help you identify possible hazards in your home and how to simplify task and create a safe environment. 

Other Considerations

• Be sure a rehab center has a good reputation and it has the proper state and or national accreditations.
• If possible, tour the facility or have a family member do this for you.
• Ask about laundry. Often, short-term rehab centers provide laundry services, provided that each piece of clothing is labeled.
• Make sure there's a good patient-to-nurse ratio. Try to select a rehab center where you can receive as much dedicated attention as possible and where you can have a personalized treatment plan.
• If possible, choose facility that isn't too far from your home or a family members home. This gives your family and friends the opportunity to visit and bring items if needed.
• Most short-term rehab facilities offer amenities, therefore understand what these amenities are to ensure your stay is comfortable.

Visit Church Home LifeSpring to learn more about our services. Our Senior Care Facility is located in Georgia and specializes in long-term care as well as short-term physical therapy and hospice care.  You're invited to contact us, schedule a tour and learn more about our wide range of services.