When you or a loved one needs to stay in a health or rehabilitation center after surgery, illness or injury, it’s important you pick one best suited to your needs. Here are three important factors to consider.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Care
- Long-term care includes a range of services that one needs to meet personal care needs. Most long-term care is not medical care, but rather assistance with the basic personal tasks of everyday life, sometimes called Activities of Daily Living.
- Short-term care services last anywhere from a few days to a few months while someone recovers from an illness, injury or surgery.
Quality of Living
- Talk with staff and tour the locations you’re interested in to ensure you or your loved one would be comfortable with the environment.
- Ask about activities and programs offered to residents.
- Examine the dining area and menu to see what daily meals are served. Are they healthy? Is there a good variety?
Level of Care
- Research what levels of care are available at the facility. Will your loved one need physical therapy? Daily assistance? Be sure whatever facility you choose can offer all necessary care.
- Inquire about any specialized services that your loved one might need.