If you are considering a stay in short term rehabilitation after an accident, illness or surgery, clearly you're invested in ensuring that you make your best recovery, and do so as safely and quickly as possible. These goals will be shared by a quality rehab facility. So what should you look for to ensure that your rehab program is one of them? Here are 4 very important factors in short-term rehab success:
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A multidisciplinary rehab team – Getting your highest level of success from rehabilitation is best done with a program that offers comprehensive rehabilitation services delivered by a tightly-coordinated, multidisciplinary team of highly-qualified rehabilitative professionals. That team should be led by a rehab physician and include physical, occupational and speech therapists, pain management specialists, rehabilitation nursing staff, nutritionists, counselors, social workers, and case managers, among others, according to the needs of the clients they serve.
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Intensive daily rehabilitation therapy – Intensive daily therapy is fundamental to an effective short term rehab program. Intensive therapy means a minimum of three hours of therapy daily, 5 days per week, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). That therapy should be based on a thorough evaluation of each client to ensure that treatment plans are tailored to meet their individual rehabilitation and recovery needs, and should begin within 36 hours of admission. Additionally, progress towards recovery and rehabilitation goals should be evaluated at least once a week, allowing treatment plans to be adjusted as necessary to promote maximum improvement.
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Patient-centered treatment – A short-term rehab program that is invested in your success will take the time to understand exactly what success means for you as an individual. That means involving you, and if applicable, family members or friends providing you with support, in the evaluation and treatment planning process. You should be treated as an active member of your own rehabilitative team, free to express your concerns and provide your input as to your own needs and goals during your rehabilitation and recovery.
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State-of-the art equipment and facilities – Your short term rehab program should be equipped with modern facilities and equipment to serve your rehabilitative needs. Clients should have extensive access to the facilities and equipment, as well as to qualified staff members to aid and supervise them as they work towards rehabilitation goals.
Other important factors to look for in a short term rehab program include a clean, comfortable environment, respectful and caring staff, and a reputation for delivering high-quality medical and personal care. Combined with those listed above, these factors are good indications that your rehab program can offer you everything you need to achieve your personal best level of success.
