My siblings and I call my 81-year-old father “Pop.” My cousins call him “Uncle Ben.” By any name, he is a fortunate octogenarian. While still in his 70s, he spent nine months of a year in three different hospitals and one short-term rehabilitation center following major abdominal surgery. While the surgery saved his life, it was his time in an acute in-patient rehabilitation facility in Mount Vernon that set him on the path to recovery. He now lives a full, active life: He recently drove from southern New Jersey to Manhattan to see his twin sister visiting from Ghana.
While his short-term rehab occurred at a skilled nursing facility, care can also take place at an outpatient clinic, a hospital, even at home. Short-term rehab is prescribed when a patient needs extra support and skilled care to recover from surgery or a serious illness or injury.
“The most common conditions that bring patients (to short-term rehab) are stroke, heart disease, orthopedic injuries and total joint replacements, brain injury, spinal injury and surgery and neurological disorders,” said Helen Dallaris, director of rehabilitation at United Hebrew of New Rochelle (UH), a nonprofit health-care organization overlooking Long Island Sound. UH provides short-term rehab in partnership with Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains as well as independent senior housing, home health care and award-winning skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care.
In-patient short-term rehab, typically located in nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities (SNF), generally occurs in a hospital-like setting. Registered nurses (R.N.s) head the administrative team while licensed practical nurses (L.P.N.s) and certified nursing assistants (C.N.A.s) provide daily patient support. A doctor who serves as the medical director, a director of rehabilitative services, dieticians, plus physical, occupational and speech therapists are among the staff. Facilities either contract with additional outside doctors or nurse practitioners or employ them on staff.
Available services typically include physical and occupational therapy, simple wound care, monitoring vital signs, help in relearning basic skills and speech therapy ”“ especially after a stroke.
Short-term rehab offers assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing and dressing; dining services; housekeeping; varied programs ranging from art classes to singing to light exercise; access to a shop and café to purchase snacks, meals and personal items; and hair and nail services.
Dallaris advises families to set up appointments to consult with a therapist caring for their loved one, observe a therapy session and attend interdisciplinary care team meetings ”“ with the physician, nursing staff, social workers, therapists and dietary and recreation staff ”“ to discuss progress, changes, plans for discharge and home care.
Tips for a successful short-term rehab stay
A family member or professional advocate needs to:
- Bring the patient comfortable clothes that are easy to move in and supportive shoes for exercise.
- Check the medications list when the patient transfers out of a hospital to be sure it is up to date and accurate.
- Find out if meals served not only comply with dietary needs but are familiar to and culturally appropriate to the patient and flavorful. If the patient is complaining, meet with the dietician to explore alternate menu selections.
- Bring reading material, cards or solitary games as there will be considerable downtime. Visit frequently. Keeping the person engaged is an important step towards recovery.
- Develop a good relationship with the staff managing personal care needs. Aides can facilitate the transition to the new environment.
- Stay alert. Watch for changes in the patient”™s condition and health status and report concerns right away. Raise any serious personnel issues to management.
When it is time for discharge, some patients may be hesitant, especially if they are recovering from major surgery. According to Dallaris, rehab center discharge teams work with the interdisciplinary care team and family to make informed decisions on readiness, taking into account the patient”™s progress and medical condition, along with the parameters of health insurance. While patients may expect to leave short-term rehab fully recovered, there is actually, “a continuum that extends after discharge,” Dallaris said. “We help to ensure resources are available at home for a safe transition and further recovery.” She added that maintaining a good attitude is key: “Our team works closely with families and patients to encourage them to stay motivated and work hard to achieve their rehabilitation goals.”
Short-term rehabilitation stays can be invaluable if all involved practice patience, good humor and kindness ”“ and if a trusted family member or patient advocate remains an integral part of the process.
