For many professionals, children, and senior citizens, dealing with injuries is a part of life. Research from the National Safety Council reveals that over 55 million Americans had an injury in 2020, costing an estimated $1.158 billion in medical costs. The effects of fractures, electrical injuries, and dislocations do not go away with hospital confinement, and many individuals require a rehabilitation program to restore their mobility or eliminate chronic pain.
According to the World Health Organization, about 2.4 billion people deal with sleep issues, chronic fatigue, headaches, and hearing problems that a rehabilitation program can eliminate. Living with a senior citizen or disabled individual who needs rehabilitation is commonplace in many parts of the world and the United States.
In this explainer, our health care experts at the Azure Shores Rehabilitation & Care Center will outline the different kinds of rehabilitation programs and which of them can help you or your loved one get better.
What Is a Rehabilitation Program?
Health care professionals design rehabilitation programs to help people of all ages live independently as functional members of society after an injury, illness, or other detrimental life events. Rehabilitated individuals might still feel the effects of their injury, which can be life-changing. However, it will no longer stop them from performing meaningful tasks in their careers, education, and recreational time.
You can find three types of rehabilitation programs from healthcare providers:
- Occupational therapy aids people until they can perform daily activities like bathing, dressing, and feeding independently.
- Physical therapy helps people restore flexibility, balance, mobility, and strength while managing pain.
- Speech therapy helps people improve skills essential to communication, such as critical thinking, remembering events, and saying words correctly.
The Four Types of Rehabilitation for Seniors
In-Patient Rehabilitation
In-patient rehabilitation programs are for seniors and disabled individuals who require close monitoring and round-the-clock assistance. Health care professionals will admit them into an in-patient facility and administer an intensive program that might include exercise classes with physical therapists, therapy with a speech therapist, and occupational therapy with licensed caregivers.
Out-Patient Rehabilitation
Out-patient rehabilitation offers the same programs above but with less monitoring and hands-on care. It is for patients who might have long-term conditions like neurological disorders, cancer, and speech problems but are otherwise safe to send home with a family member or caregiver.
Short-Term Rehabilitation
Short-term rehabilitation programs function like in-patient modes of treatment for patients who will find it overwhelming to return to regular life after an accident, stroke, or major operation. They may involve wound care, physiotherapy, and skilled nursing care.
Long-Term Rehabilitation
Long-term rehabilitation is for patients who require psychological, medical, or interpersonal care that might last for years. Strokes, heart attacks, and dementia might qualify an individual for long-term rehab.
Contact Us Today for More Information
Rehabilitation goes beyond traditional treatment programs by addressing underlying conditions that could be the primary cause of chronic pain, diet disorders, and cognitive problems. Contact the Azure Shores Rehabilitation & Care Center by contacting us to schedule a tour.
