Rehab Select Blog

2010 marked the passing of the Affordable Care Act, which was intended to overhaul the existing U.S. healthcare system. Its central goal was to provide higher quality and more efficient healthcare at decreased costs, made available to expanded numbers of people.

As an extension of the act, the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative was rolled out in 2011. The BPCI initiative speaks directly to the mission of the Affordable Care Act, centrally in its incentive-driven method of improving quality of care and implementing an efficient process of distributing payment to healthcare facilities.

A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of the brain. There are a number of ways to exercise the brain that will improve both memory and mental performance, and these strategies can serve to help an aging brain keep its edge longer or even aid in slowing the progression of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

Joint replacement surgery offers patients a number of life-changing benefits. However, as they recover, these patients often need their family members and friends to assist them in accomplishing their daily tasks, providing transportation to and from doctors' appointments, and most of all, giving much needed encouragement throughout the healing process.

If you have recently had joint replacement therapy, or such a surgery is in your near future, you may be wondering if you're still going to be able to enjoy time with your family and friends as you recover. After all, no matter how much we look forward to all that comes with having kids and grandkids over to visit, it can still be tiring and challenging – even under the best of circumstances.

Patients who suffer from a severe illness or undergo surgery often require a breathing tube, passed through the mouth, throat, and vocal cords, down into the windpipe. During the procedure the tube may bruise or otherwise damage your vocal cords, leading to temporary or permanent injuries. If you receive emergency intubation, you are at a particularly high risk for damage.

You are in a phase of life when you may be wondering, "What are the benefits of long term care insurance?"

Simply put, like car, home, or health insurance, long term care insurance is an important tool that you can use to protect yourself and your family against risk. These insurance policies work to ensure that policy holders will have financial help should they require long term care, such as home care services or a stay in an assisted living center or skilled nursing facility.

Chris Schmidt, co-owner of Rehab Select's parent company – Schmidt Wallace Healthcare Management Company – was elected by his peers last week to serve on the Executive Board of the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA) as the Region 2 Director.

If you will be spending time in inpatient rehab to after a surgery, accident, or illness, chances are that your stay will be in a semi-private room. While moving in with a total stranger may cause a little anxiety, for most patients it turns out to be a good experience. Having someone to commiserate with at the end of a long day of therapy – someone who knows exactly what you are going through – can be great for your morale and motivation level as you work towards regaining your strength, mobility, and health. Of course, having some personal space during recovery is also important. Here is what you need to know to ensure that you do.

Caring for a family member or friend who has become disabled due to illness or injury is often a very rewarding experience. However, stepping into the role of caregiver for a loved one isn't easy. It takes a lot of time, hard work, and patience, and no matter how dedicated you are, it can become overwhelming at times. Caregiver depression often becomes an issue under these circumstances, so it is very important to be aware of this common form of depression and how to reduce your risk of suffering its symptoms.

One of the most important realizations for someone providing a friend or loved one assistance for their physical disabilities is that the ability to live and function as independently as possible is an important quality of life issue. Two of the most pertinent aspects of daily life that challenge this independence are meal preparation and clean-up. However, with a few adaptations, a bit of planning and foresight, and perhaps some specialized tools and equipment, navigating the kitchen can be made easier and safer for individuals living with disabilities.