Suffering any sort of physical pain is never easy. Ever. So finding ways to get help for physical injuries are imperative to helping improve your physical well-being. One of these ways may be finding a rehabilitation center specializing in areas closely related to senior citizens’ ailments. These centers help the elderly get back on their feet while maintaining their sense of confidence. Coming back from any surgery or injury is tough to do alone, and it’s always okay to need a little (or a lot) of help. There are different reasons for attending a rehabilitation center. Every senior will have a specialized need, so finding out if one is truly needed is the best place to start.
There are different reasons for attending a rehabilitation center. Every human being is different, and the way they experience pain is different. And, being a senior means an even different sense of pain. Due to the aging process, seniors’ bones and muscles are already not as strong as they could be. But, rehabilitation centers may be the answers to helping the pain problem.
Do I Need a Rehabilitation Center?
Knowing the severity of your injuries is where you should start. If you recently suffered a fall, have any type of fractures, or have suffered an aneurysm or stroke it is best to seek the help of a rehabilitation center as quickly as possible. There are also forms of rehabilitation for seniors who have chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease, arthritis, and even cancer.
The best thing to do is check with the primary care physician first. They may already have a plan in place for finding a specific program depending on your needs.
Types of Rehabilitation
There are many different types of rehab for seniors, but 5 common ones are skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and cardiac rehab.
Skilled Nursing Care
If you have trouble completing activities of daily living (ADLs) because of a past injury or a condition then consider a rehabilitation center. Skilled nurses work around the clock to assist patients with ADL activities. Skilled nursing care rehabilitation centers are also trained to provide medical monitoring, wound care, IV therapy, and oversee medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy treatments can help you recover from many different injuries or health problems. This type of treatment would be beneficial for seniors who recently received surgeries or joint replacements, suffered a fall, or survived a stroke. Exercise programs are unique for each patient and work to reduce pain, regain mobility, and improve strength and balance. You might also be prescribed mobility aids or other devices to encourage recovery.
Occupational Therapy
During occupational therapy at rehabilitation centers, you will work with occupational therapists to improve your ability to perform ADLs. This can involve relearning those activities that many people carry out mindlessly. Adjustments also might be made to the living environment to promote functional ability.
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Seniors who suffer from aphasia, dysphagia, or other neurological issues can receive treatment in rehabilitation centers. These problems usually result from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or progressive neurological disease. Patients will learn how to regain their communication skills as well as to safely eat and drink.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehab can help improve heart health for seniors who have suffered a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty, or heart surgery. Through treatment, you will participate in exercise routines, learn about your risk factors and diet, and tackle stress.
Life After Rehabilitation
After rehabilitation, you will need to keep up with certain lifestyle changes and continue care routines. Seeing a specialist regularly will help to keep you in check and allow a doctor to make changes as necessary. If you notice that you are starting to get back to your old habits or are getting lazy, there is a higher risk of suffering the same, if not worse, injury.
Maintaining Physical Activity
Physical activity is often referred to as medicine for older adults. Exercise routines will vary by each individual, but it is important that you follows the guide that the doctor provides and follow it correctly. Keeping physically active after time in a rehabilitation center will further promote functional abilities and health.
Continuing Care Routines
After rehabilitation, you will need to continue caring for the area of concern. Whether this is seeing a doctor regularly, a therapist every so often, or performing tasks on your own, it is an important step to recovery. These routines can include ice and heat schedules, routine stretching, wound care, and others.
If you family is able, encourage them to check in with your daily to be sure they are keeping your accountable. Transitioning from rehabilitation centers back to normal life can be difficult, so be sure to have a support system and accept help when you can.
