Recovery is a necessity after an illness, surgery, or any type of injury. Depending on the severity of the condition, you or your loved one’s doctor may recommend a short-term rehabilitation program.
These programs are designed to help people regain their strength and improve their mobility. This way, they can safely return home.
It’s important, however, to understand what happens during short-term rehabilitation, especially during the first week after a hospital stay. Richwood Nursing & Rehab offers this guide to better help you understand what to expect.
The First Day After Discharge
After you are discharged from the hospital, our team will greet you and walk you through the admissions process. We want to know your medical history, current condition, and what you want to achieve while here.
During the admissions process, we will:
- Review the discharge instructions from the hospital
- Determine what medication you need and how to manage it
- Do a nursing assessment
- Review your current health and medical history
- Introduce you to your care team
- Do a walk-through of the facility
We know that moving into a new place – even for a limited amount of time – can be intimidating. Our team will answer any questions you may have. We will lay out what you can expect each day and ensure that you are comfortable.
First Few Days
During the first couple of days, we will schedule time with you to meet your rehabilitation specialists. They will determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
To create the plan, they will evaluate your current abilities. These may include:
- Physical therapists may assess a person’s balance, strength, mobility, endurance, and walking ability.
- Occupational therapists will assess how well residents perform daily living necessities, including bathing, cooking, grooming, and dressing.
- Speech therapists will assess how well residents swallow and speak. They also review cognitive and memory functions and problem-solving skills.
Personalized Care Plans
After assessments, the care team will develop a customized rehabilitation plan. This plan may include:
- Therapy schedule
- Pain management
- Nursing care
- Dietary needs
- Medication management
- Rehabilitation goals
- Discharge planning
Therapy Sessions & Nursing Care
During your short-term rehabilitation stay, you will participate in one or multiple therapy sessions. These will happen typically five times a week depending on insurance. The goals will vary from improving muscle strength and balance to increasing endurance and flexibility.
Round-the-clock nursing care will also be available to handle medication and pain management, wound care, and more.
Staff will walk through the residents’ expected routine, including mealtimes, rest periods, therapy schedules, and available recreational activities.
Throughout the First Week
During the first week of treatment, care staff will do regular assessments. They’ll evaluate how well you or your loved one is progressing and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
You or your loved one may be evaluated on:
- How far they can walk
- How well they can balance
- Current pain levels
- Current strength and endurance
- How well daily activities can be accomplished
- How well a person can handle independently living
Discharge Planning
While it might not seem like the right time, discharge planning will begin during the first week. For one, some patients may be able to leave after a week or so of rehabilitation.
So, the care team will walk through your discharge goals and the support you may need after completing the program. This planning may consider:
- What home equipment and safety requirements
- Home health services
- Follow-up appointments
- Caregiver training
- Ongoing therapy sessions
Short-term rehabilitation is designed to be temporary. The goal is to ensure that you can handle your daily living needs and return to your normal routine.
Why Trust Richwood Nursing & Rehab
At Richwood Nursing & Rehab, our team is committed to providing you or your loved one with the highest level of care during short-term rehabilitation. We offer personalized healthcare services in a state-of-the-art facility.
Trust us to get you back on your feet and living independently. Schedule a facility visit today!