Many people hope to instantly return to normal routines after a hospital stay. Release from the hospital after illness or injury doesn’t mean the body is completely healed, however. It can be challenging to perform even the smallest daily tasks at this time!
Senior adults may need more time and effort to best recover from an injury or illness. After the doctor releases the senior patient from the hospital, he may feel stiff or experience pain. Lack of movement may be partially to blame. While senior therapy and rehabilitation may seem frivolous to some, it’s often the fastest path to functional recovery for many!
When the doctor recommends in-patient rehab, look for safe, supervised, and experienced rehab services.
Hospital Stay to Rehabilitation
Positive therapeutic results begin by reviewing and assessing the needs of the whole person:
- Post-acute rehab begins with a complete medical evaluation by a geriatric specialist.
- This evaluation considers the individual’s medical condition. It includes a review of current medications.
- Of course, the senior’s nutritional demands are considered to promote the fastest road to healing.
Rehab Services Make the Difference in Healing
Many older adults automatically assume that rehab or physical therapy is unnecessary. If the patient was previously active prior to an illness or injury, they may say, “I can do this on my own.”
Sadly, though, some people may hold cynical believes. They quip, “I’m past my prime.”
The bottom line is clear. Nobody is too old to feel better. Physical therapy and rehabilitation services help everyone. Doctors recommend these services because they’re proven to aid the patient’s recovery.
For instance, if an older person is released by the doctor after a fall, the statistics say that person is likely to experience another fall. Physical therapy services work to strengthen the patient’s body. Exercise helps to improve the patient’s balance. When combined with better nutrition, therapy can help prevent a later and more serious fall.
We’ve all heard the adage, “Use it or lose it.” After a hospital stay, the older person’s muscles and joints feel stiff or weak. Because it’s painful to move, the patient’s mobility decreases. Pain increases and may feel ever-present.
After relieving pain under the therapist’s guidance, the rehab process aims to restore the patient’s strength, endurance, and flexibility:
- Physical therapy helps to alleviate arthritis pain and/or osteoporosis effects with training and exercise.
- Therapists can also provide alternative ways for the patient to accomplish routine daily tasks.
- Self-confidence improves with the patient’s ability to achieve functional goals.
By restoring the senior’s functional strength, balance, and endurance, they may be able to retain independence and mobility for many years to come.