Do you have a loved one who is recovering from surgery, a traumatic event like a heart attack, or even dealing with symptoms of dementia? If so, you aren’t alone. Thousands of Americans are considering their options every day when it comes to loved ones in that same situation. Many times these situations present even more questions than you started with. Questions like “should we be looking for a senior rehabilitation center, short-term care facility, or a nursing home?” Those questions are tough for anyone to answer. Here are a few things that may help you make a decision:
1. The Condition Of Your Loved One – A key factor in where to place your loved on is their condition. For instance, a nursing home is typically a good place for people who do not require hospital care, but cannot care for themselves at home, whereas short-term care services tend to be more helpful for individuals who will be able to care for themselves after a bit of rehabilitation, therapy, or both. Some nursing homes even have special care units for those people who may need Alzheimer’s or dementia care.
2. Doctors Orders – When a loved one has recently undergone a tough surgery and needs to spend some time recovering before they go home, your main concern will be placing them with the bests therapists possible. The good news is that the doctor who performed the surgery will typically have a great recommendation of exactly where your loved one should go. That doctor will also make the plan for the physical therapist who will help your loved one gain flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and balance.
3. Vicinity To Family – Another piece of information that will play a huge part of the decision for you to move your loved one to a nursing facility or a rehabilitation is distance. That is, the distance between your loved on and their nearest family member or able caretaker. If your loved one is in a different state from you, you may want them to move from a rehabilitation facility to a nursing home or assisted living situation so that you can know they are being cared for around the clock. Whether they need complex dementia care or just a little help every now and then, a skilled nursing care facility can help.
If you are facing the tough question of where to move a loved one who is recovering from a surgery or needs Alzheimer’s or dementia care remember to take the condition of your loved one, the doctor’s orders, and the vicinity to family into account. You can rest assured that senior rehabilitation centers and long term care nursing have the same goals as you: to keep your loved on on the road to a quick recovery. Ask friends, family members, and neighbors about any recommendations they have on facilities in your area so that you can get a good sense of what sorts of questions you need to ask when you tour the place. Let the professionals help and eliminate quite a bit of stress from the situation. You’ll be glad you did!