2 Things You Should Look For In A Short-Term Rehabilitation Facility
Your hospital might be instrumental in stabilizing your vitals after an injury, a surgical procedure, or a bout with an illness, but what if you don't feel strong enough to jump back into your regular life right away? To help patients to regain their strength, endurance, and sense of well-being after dealing with major medical problems, some physicians recommend inpatient services. If you are facing a complicated and arduous recovery, here are two things you should look for in a short-term rehabilitation facility:
1: A Comprehensive Approach To Therapy
When most people think about their stay in an inpatient facility, they usually imagine long days filled with loads of physical therapy. Although learning to move and function normally is an important part of therapy, some facilities maintain a more comprehensive approach to therapy by staffing different types of professionals. Here are a few other experts your facility might have on hand to help you out:
- Psychologists: Dealing with a serious injury or illness can be overwhelming and difficult, which is why some facilities rely heavily on in-house psychologists. These experts can help you to wrap your mind around dealing with the long-term ramifications of your condition, or teach you ways to cope with stress and pain.
- Nutritionists: Your health starts from the inside, but it isn't always easy to eat right. To make things easier, some rehabilitation clinics have on-site nutritionists who can help you to plan your own menus and who will encourage you to exercise.
- Aftercare Specialists: Sometimes, recovery might take longer than your stay in that short-term facility. To make sure that you are healing properly, some facilities offer aftercare help. For example, you might be able to enroll in a wellness program to keep your nutrition on track, or your facility might send out a doctor to check on your overall progress.
As you visit different facilities, take the time to ask which professionals are on hand to help. Ask about their experience level and their overall patient satisfaction ratings. If you can find a facility with a wide range of kind, caring staff members, you might be able to exit the program feeling better than ever.
2: Helpful Amenities
Although you won't likely change your home address to that rehabilitation facility, you might be in "short term care" for longer than you think. On average, most short-term care patients stay in treatment between 2 and 6 weeks, which is why you should find a place where you can be comfortable. Here are a few helpful amenities that might improve your experience:
- Wi-Fi Access: During your down time, you might want to watch a show, work from "home," or even video conference with a friend or family member. To avoid hassles, ask prospective facilities if they offer in-house Wi-Fi and how fast the connection is.
- Quality Dining Options: Before you enlist in a rehabilitation facility, do a little research about the dining options. If possible, eat in the cafeteria to see how well the dishes are prepared. If you like the food, it might improve your day.
- A Serene Environment: To help you to focus on your recovery, look for a facility that maintains a peaceful, serene environment. Pay attention to the décor, the size of the rooms, and the comfort of the chairs and beds. If you have time, hang out in lounge areas to get a feel for the atmosphere in the building.
- Large Common Areas: If you have family that will visit you during your stay, look for a facility with large common areas. That way, your friends and relatives won't have to scrunch into a tiny room to see how you are doing.
By knowing what to look for in a short-term rehabilitation facility, you might be able to improve your stay and focus on your recovery.
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