Why are Rehabilitation Services Necessary in Nursing Homes?

Why are Rehabilitation Services Necessary in Nursing Homes?

Long-term care facilities such as nursing homes offer many services to cater to the needs of their residents. There are essential needs such as medical care, dining services and rehabilitation services. There are also other services offered to help improve their quality of life such as recreational therapy and social activities.

In nursing homes, rehabilitation therapy is a key service that is offered to the patients. This serves the purpose of both necessary medical needs as well as preventive health services. Nursing homes provide both long-term and short-term rehabilitation care. Long-term care is for residents who live in the facility permanently and have an ongoing need for physical and occupational therapy. Short-term care is for residents who have temporarily transitioned into the facility to get rehab services as they recover from surgery or an injury. Therapists help create customized care plans for all kinds of resident as per their health requirements.

As one ages, they lose the ability to perform flexible movements. Physical and occupational therapists play a key role in helping maintain their flexibility and movement. The loss of mobility also puts seniors at a higher risk for falls. Falls can be detrimental to them, as recovery may be difficult and prolonged. Nursing home residents are prone to age-related physical limitations which put them at higher risks for falls. These limitations include:

  • Poor eyesight

  • Loss of mobility

  • Decreased balance

  • Loss of muscle strength

  • Increased pain from conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis

Physical and occupational therapists help address all of these limitations with customized care plans and specific exercises for both long-term and short-term patients. Physical therapists help focus on larger muscle groups helping to improve the overall movement of the body. Occupational therapists, on the other hand, focus on finer movements helping patients’ ability to perform daily living activities.

Cornerstone’s clinicians are trained to provide top-notch care to patients specific to their needs. With expert knowledge and skills, our clinicians can help facilities provide quality care for their patients.