In many cases, when an elderly person experiences an accident, illness, injury or other health issue, he is not able to return home right away upon leaving the hospital; he must undergo rehabilitation, and if you have multiple facilities from which to choose, you want to consider a variety of factors in making your decision. Here are just a few important points to consider.
Do Some Background
Don’t make any assumptions about a place based on how nice the website is, or how nice the staff on the phone seemed, etc…It is easy to think all businesses are on the up and up, and while this is generally the case, you always want to do a bit of a background check. Make sure the facility has accreditation from either the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Check if there have ever been any complaints or legal action taken against the facility. It is important you gather information of this nature to make the best choice.
Specialization in Your Loved One’s Condition
The types of health issues bringing a person to a rehab center are numerous, and the needs of each are unique. When considering a facility, it is important the staff is experienced in treating your loved one’s particular condition. Your loved one’s needs will be better met, and he will receive the most optimal treatments. The more skilled the facility in rehabbing these particular patients, the stronger recovery you can expect.
Percentage of Patients Who Return Home after Care
With even the best care, not every patient can return home—the severity of her condition may warrant a transition to a skilled care facility full-time. But, with that being said, finding out the percentage of patients who are able to reach a level of function high enough to return home can give you an idea of the effectiveness of the rehab program.
Family Involvement
When choosing a facility, it is important you inquire about family involvement in the process. Are you kept abreast of progress, and how? How often are you allowed to visit and for how long? Who can you talk to if you have questions? Will you have a set contact who will always field your calls and emails?
The ‘Little Things’
While the main focus is the quality of the rehabilitation services, there are other things to consider that can make a big difference. Patients who receive a private room have been found to heal more quickly and more successfully—this is likely due to a number of factors, such as better quality of sleep. What sort of social activities are available at the facility? You don’t just want your loved one lying around in a bed when not in therapy. A good rehab center offers a variety of activities, both inside and outside the facility, and will take the time to inquire about the interests of its patients.
This can feel like a daunting decision, but if you take these points into consideration, you should be able to make a decisio.