After experiencing a debilitating illness or injury such as a stroke, hip fracture or spinal cord injury, where you choose to do rehabilitation will make a difference in you or your loved one's independence and quality of life.
The truth is that most people do not begin their research until they are in the hospital and are faced with a life-changing decision.
With many types of healthcare facilities, the tips below can help you compare the availability of services, personnel, approach to delivery of patient care, and patient outcomes.
Rehabilitation facilities vs nursing homes
The amount of intensive therapy hours provided at each type of facility varies. Be sure to ask important questions before making your choice:
- How much therapy will the patient receive?
- Are the programs customized to meet the specific needs of the patients?
- During the stay, how many visits will a physician make to assess the patient’s needs?
- Are members of the patient’s care team specialized in rehabilitation?
Take a tour
Before you make a decision, make an appointment to take a tour of the hospital. Look for cleanliness, smell for odors and ask to see therapy areas and equipment. Will they incorporate advanced technologies into the patient’s therapy? Also, talk with the providers and find out how familiar the team is with the patient’s condition being treated.
Do the comparison
Make sure to compare the years of service, types of specialty programs offered, patient satisfaction, national clinical ratings and patient clinical outcomes among facilities. In addition, The Joint Commission awards many Disease-Specific Care Certifications for rehabilitation programs that demonstrate compliance with national healthcare standards in quality and safety.
Ultimately, the provider chosen should strive to help you or your loved one achieve the highest level of independence possible. Educate yourself as your choice can make a difference in the patient’s life post-illness or injury.
This article is brought to you by Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Austin.
