Tips for Choosing Quality Short-Term Rehab Care

Tips for Choosing Quality Short-Term Rehab Care

When choosing a Short-Term Rehab Care center many individuals might think they want to just focus on getting strong enough to go back home, but a more comprehensive approach, with opportunities for relaxation and fun can best promote healing and wellness.

Janel Wangsvick Lane, Director of Rehab, Occupational Therapist for Mission Health Services reviews 4 tips for choosing quality short-term rehab care.


1. Collaborative process in therapy.

There should be involvement of skilled therapists including physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists as well as the nursing home short-term rehabilitation center staff – nurses, social services, dietician, nursing staff, the resident and family in designing a therapy program that is right for the person. This collaboration extends to advising about home precautions/safety needs when the individual is ready to transition home. Look for how well the therapists and nursing home staff work together.

2. Individualized therapy plan.

The short-term rehabilitation therapy plan should be based on the individual’s goals (not the organization’s). Therapy should be at times that best suit the needs and preferences of the individual. A “morning person” should receive therapy in the morning, for example. Consumers should consider how flexible the therapists are in accommodating the needs/desires of the individuals?

3. Comfortable setting.

Does the short-term rehabilitation center feel more like a warm, inviting, comforting home or a cold, sterile, stark hospital? Is the short-term rehabilitation center focused on comprehensive care – physical, emotional, and spiritual? Healing and recovery happen best in an environment in which you can be comfortable and where your focus can be on gaining strength and returning to day-to-day life.

4. Opportunities for engagement.

Most short-term rehabilitation centers have an activities program but many individuals utilizing short-term rehabilitation services do not want to join in large group activities or connect with others. Look for rehabilitation centers that offer individualized activities that are geared toward short stay residents. While many individuals might think they want to just focus on getting strong enough to go back home, a more comprehensive approach with opportunities for relaxation and fun can best promote healing and wellness.


For more information about Mission Health Services nursing homes and its five locations in Utah go to:

www.missionhealthservices.org

or call toll free 855-At-Mission.

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