Why advanced rehabilitation care after surgery or illness is important

Medical events like surgery or illness can be life changing, especially if physical, mental or cognitive abilities are affected. After the medical needs are met, it is time to regain those lost abilities. This time of recovery is referred to as rehabilitation. For many people, a higher level of services, known as advanced rehabilitation, is needed in order to improve quality of life. Simply sitting at home and hoping these abilities will return is not an option. Focused help from professionals is the best way to return to daily life and functioning.

Who needs advanced rehabilitation services?

There are a variety of medical events that will require rehabilitation. One of the more common causes are injuries including broken bones, especially hips, or injuries to the spinal cord or brain. Strokes and heart attacks are two major medical events that also require services after hospital discharge. Severe infections and major surgical procedures can impair a range of abilities and require follow-up rehabilitation. There are also patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain who can benefit from advanced rehabilitation services.

What are the types of advanced rehabilitation?

The goal of all rehabilitation services to help individuals recover and regain lost functional abilities. Different types of therapy are available to meet a variety of needs. One person may receive several types of therapy while others need only one. Here are six common therapy types:

Physical therapy

This type of therapy focuses on restoring movement, strength, stability and function to parts of the body that have been impaired. Some physical therapy is also used to address pain concerns. Therapists use targeted exercise techniques and equipment to carry out these goals.

Occupational therapy

Daily activity performance is the focus of this area of therapy. Therapists work with patients on fine motor skills, balance and assist with strategies to perform needed daily tasks. In some cases, the patient is trained how to use adaptive equipment to increase independence.

Speech therapy

This area of therapy deals with speech and communication, two important skills that can affect quality of life. Speech therapists also address a patient’s swallowing issues to make sure they are able to eat safely.

Respiratory therapy

Patients who have difficulty breathing due to pain or weakness benefit from respiratory therapy. It is important to have open airways and to breath properly to avoid other complications like pneumonia. When needed, therapists can train patients on how to use inhalers and supplemental oxygen.

Cognitive rehabilitation

When a person’s memory, thinking or reasoning skills are affected, therapists can provide therapy to help regain these skills. By exercising and engaging the brain with games and tasks, patients can regain some of these skills and strengthen others.

Vocational rehabilitation

Part of an independent lifestyle is being able to work. Some people need help getting their skills and strength back so they can return to work. Therapists can help prepare patients physically and mentally to return to their professions. In some cases, therapists can also recommend adaptive equipment to make it possible to return to work.

Back to life

Rehabilitation after surgery or an illness can be the key to getting back to a life with a body that may work a little differently than before. Therapists are skilled in helping patients overcome obstacles but progress can take time. One of the most focused and successful ways to recover is through a stay at a short-term rehabilitation center where a team of therapists can work with guests up to seven days a week. New challenges can be quickly addressed at a short-term care facility as they arise. The level of care can quickly be adapted for a quicker recovery.

One of the premier locations to receive these levels of service is Whitehall of Deerfield. This acclaimed short-term rehabilitation center has consistently received Medicare’s highest rating in its five-star quality rating system of rehabilitation facilities and is accredited and certified by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading and most respected health care accrediting authority. Whitehall of Deerfield also consistently receives U.S. News & World Report’s highest ranking “Top Performing” rating.

When it comes to expertise, Whitehall of Deerfield is one of the best. A clinical nurse liaison works with each guest to design a personalized plan of service. One-on-one therapy is provided seven days a week by the area’s top therapists in multiple specialized gyms, which allows each guest to get the individualized services they need. Safety is also addressed in many ways from the strictest standards of infection control to accessible showers and barrier-free hallways.

There are few competitors than can match Whitehall of Deerfield’s ability to pamper their guests. Well-appointed rooms and suites feature world-class amenities, including concierge service, high-speed wireless internet, daily delivery of Starbucks coffee and newspaper, in-room massage and dozens of cable channels with a 24-hour channel of newly-released movies. Guests select meals from menus and enjoy in-room dining. There are also complimentary fresh-baked treats and ice cream available at an on-site ice cream parlor and coffee shop.

See for yourself if a short-term stay at Whitehall of Deerfield answers all your needs by requesting a private tour. After meeting the team of professionals and seeing the luxurious surroundings, it will be clear that Whitehall of Deerfield is the ideal place for short-term care.

To learn more about Whitehall of Deerfield or to schedule a tour, visit whitehallofdeerfield.com or call 847-945-4600.