It is not uncommon that a parent, loved one, or close elder will have been in the hospital due to injury, chronic illness or surgery, and while that is an experience of carefully considered options and choices, so is what happens next: rehab. There are a couple different choices when it comes to that next step. We discuss the contrast between them and how to make the best choice for each individual situation.

Rehabilitation serves a purpose: the healing bridge between incident and, a sometimes new, normality. The result, quality, and time depends on numerous factors: availability of support, prognosis for recovery, and patient’s commitment to the regime. Rehab vs. Skilled Nursing: Which one?

While there are rehab options for in-home, patients will receive a more intensified and personal rehab when choosing skilled nursing-style programs. This is due to the high level of care that is provided.

Americare, specifically, has 5 distinct types of Senior Living facilities, two of which are skilled nursing and a rehab-to-home program. So, what’s the difference and how do you choose which one? Skilled Nursing

Skilled Nursing by Americare offers the comfort of in-home living while simultaneously providing the advanced medical skills of a hospital for those who need rehabilitation services. They are staffed and occupied by Registered Nurses (RN’s), physical, speech, and occupational therapists. Skilled Nursing is for those who are experiencing a need for rehabilitation due to:

• General physical decline or weakness
• Terminal illness
• Diabetic rehabilitation
• Stroke recovery
• Acute medical conditions
• Respiratory care
• Parkinson’s care
• General wound care
• Fracture or joint replacement

Rehab-to-home

Rehab-to-home takes a special and extra consideration for those recovering from injury, illness, or surgery by offering a rehab program that focuses on the short-term nursing care necessary to bridge the gap between the hospital and rehabilitation to optimize it in the best way. The aim is to provide the best comfort and care for each individual’s optimal recovery. Services offered include:

• Post-surgery recovery
• IV therapy
• Tracheotomy/feeding tube/colostomy care
• Cardiac/pulmonary rehab
• Amputation transition
• Specialized wound and skin care
• Pain management
• Wound-vacs
• Joint replacement rehab

This type of rehab includes a personalized plan for recovery, discharge, and follow up with specialized services provided by a team of nurses, nurse aides, and therapists that are all trained and committed to whole-person wellness. Everybody’s different, every injury, illness, and needs for recovery are different, that’s why there are different options available.

We are here to help every step of the way. Speak with an eldercare advisor regarding any questions you might have about your rehabilitation process. 573-544-0745