Let’s face it — taking care of an older parent is far from being easy. Whether they’re recovering from an illness or surgery, you’ll have a long list of care to-do’s to ensure they receive the best care.
One option family caregivers often consider as a backup to avoid the overwhelm is to hire a therapist who can provide rehab services at home. But because of the endless options, navigating this help can be stressful.
Rehab in home is a convenient care option. It allows your senior loved one to receive therapy in the comfort and familiarity of their abode. Discover how it can help your loved one increase their independence.
Understanding Rehab Provided at Home
In-home rehab has several upsides. First, it’s convenient. Second, the one-on-one approach allows for a more personalized treatment. A therapist visits your loved one, assesses their specific needs, and creates a customized program to help them restore their lost mobility.
What do these advantages mean for your loved one? What services can they take advantage of? For in-home care, your family can enjoy a wide range of services to improve their overall well-being.
Physical therapists can help your senior mom or dad regain strength and mobility after an injury or surgery. Occupational therapists can teach them new ways to manage daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and preparing meals, promoting independence. Speech therapists can provide strategies for improving communication if they have trouble speaking or swallowing.
Now, you might be wondering how this differs from outpatient rehab or clinic-based therapy. Essentially, rehab provided in the home is more centered on your loved one’s individual unique needs and environment.
Besides personalized care, therapists can assess their homes for potential safety hazards. They can then make recommendations for modifications, like installing grab bars in the bathroom. Moreover, they can tailor exercises to utilize furniture or everyday objects, making them easier to integrate into daily routines.
In the U.S., about 12 million people receive home care. They’re either infirm, disabled, or chronically ill. The demand for in-home services is without any doubt growing.
Therapy Services Offered in the Comfort of Your Home
Below are some of the therapy services available through in-home rehab.
Physical Therapy
Suppose your dad had hip replacement surgery and wants to continue recovering at home. In this case, an in-home physical therapist can guide him through a series of exercises to regain strength, flexibility, and balance. No need to travel to a clinic since interventions are done from the comfort of his living room.
Occupational Therapy
On another note, if your senior mom struggles with arthritis and finds it difficult to button her clothes, turn to in-home therapy. An occupational therapist can introduce her to adaptive tools and strategies to make everyday tasks easier to manage. Their treatment programs can help foster independence.
Speech Therapy
Did your loved one develop speaking problems clearly after a stroke? A speech therapist can walk them through exercises to improve communication skills. Treatment done at home can reduce anxiety, which can help achieve better treatment outcomes.
Skilled Nursing Care
In-home rehab isn’t limited to therapy services. If your loved one has complex medical needs, in-home skilled nursing care is an alternative to hospital stays. A qualified nurse can provide wound care, medication management, and other vital services for your loved one without them stepping out of their door.
All these services are delivered with a personalized care plan in mind. Therapists work closely with you and your loved one to set realistic goals and adjust the program as needed.
Advantages of In-Home Rehabilitation
The benefits of choosing in-home for your senior loved one are abundant. Here are some of them.
1. It’s convenient and comfortable
How does it sound to you if your senior mom can receive therapy sessions while relaxing in her favorite chair? You won’t have to worry about driving to the clinic. At home, they’ll feel more relaxed, reducing their anxiety and promoting a more positive healing experience.
2. It supports recovery
A study showed that familiar surroundings can support recovery. Seniors in their 70s and 80s who were discharged within one day following a hip replacement surgery did not have worse outcomes or complications compared to those who stayed longer in the hospital. This data suggests that longer hospitalization may not be necessary for recovery. Instead, in-home rehabilitation is a better option for older people who want to heal in a setting with a home-like atmosphere.
3. It’s accessible
In-home rehab eliminates the need for travel, making it easier for seniors with limited mobility to access the care they need. They can take their sessions in their bedroom or living room. An even better merit of this setup is it increases adherence to the treatment program. Your loved one will have no excuse for missing their therapy since the therapist goes to them instead of the other way around.
4. It’s cost-effective
While costs can vary, in-home rehab can sometimes be a more affordable option compared to long-term hospital stays or nursing homes. Plus, Medicare often covers home-based care under certain circumstances. Remember to check about insurance options with your healthcare provider.
Choosing the Right In-Home Rehab Provider
Here are some central factors to consider when choosing your therapy provider.
Licensure and expertise
Make sure the therapists and nurses are licensed in your state. It greatly helps if they have experience working with seniors. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or testimonials from their previous clients.
Customized care plans
Seek a provider who knows how to tailor their treatment plan according to your loved one’s specific preferences, needs, and goals. A good sign they can customize the program is their interest in discussing your loved one’s medical history and current limitations. They will use their findings of your loved one’s health situation as a baseline in creating the recovery plan.
Ongoing evaluation
Consistency is key to a successful recovery. Pick a provider who offers ongoing evaluation. By doing follow-up sessions, they can track your loved one’s progress or decline. If they don’t show any improvement, at least the therapist can adjust the care plan. Furthermore, regular assessments will determine if your parent is meeting their goals.
Comprehensive team
Look for a provider offering a team of skilled therapists, nurses, and social workers. Why does it matter? First, it allows your loved one to receive holistic care. Second, it’s more convenient and less stressful for you if you can find care in one place. Third, it makes communication easier.
Since you’re dealing with one company, you won’t have to explain your loved one’s condition to every care provider if they change a therapist. The company will likely have all the documentation needed for a turnover of care to the next professional. You’ll most probably find an effective care team through skilled care agencies. Scour one in your local area.
How to Get Started with Rehab in Home
Ready to explore in-home rehab for your senior loved one, but not sure where to start? Here’s a roadmap to help get you started.
1. Initial assessment and evaluation
If therapy is necessary, your primary doctor will refer you to a therapist. Typically, the process starts with an initial assessment. The referred therapist will evaluate your loved one’s needs and other medical factors to develop an individualized care plan.
2. Coordination with healthcare professionals
Sometimes, your loved one will have more than one condition to be addressed. For instance, they need physical therapy, but also skilled nursing to manage diabetes. You’ll have to discuss what the entire care provision will look like. For example, your parent may be asked to attend a group session at a clinic — instead of one-on-one at home — if it’s determined a better option for them. Nevertheless, coordinate with your doctor, therapist, and the rest of the care for the possibility of in-home rehab.
3. Insurance and Coverage
Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance plans may cover in-home services, depending on eligibility. Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and how it can help with potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. Scheduling Appointments
Most in-home rehab providers offer a flexible schedule to accommodate your loved one’s needs and preferences. Discuss this option with the provider to ensure therapy sessions fit seamlessly into your loved one’s daily routine.
5. Ensuring Safety and Comfort
Before therapy sessions, ensure the home environment is safe and comfortable for both the therapist and your loved one to work in. Remove clutter in walkways, install adequate lighting in the session area, and prepare the necessary equipment for their treatment. Doing so helps create a safe space that supports recovery.
Consider In-Home Rehab for a Loved One
They say there’s no place like home. That’s why in-home rehabilitation stands out as an option instead of hospital stays. Most seniors prefer to heal in a familiar and cozy environment where their loved ones are. The convenience and comfort of receiving care at home make it a valuable option worth considering. If your loved one needs care, consider in-home rehab services.
Why Choose Amy’s Eden Senior Care
Amy’s Eden Senior Care is your next option in case your loved one wants to rehabilitate in a setting with a home-like ambiance. Sometimes, your abode may not be equipped with the necessary modifications for older people to thrive. Our homes around Reno and Carson City have floor plans, interior design and amenities designed to help older people maintain their autonomy. Grab bars are installed in the bathroom. Furniture is arranged strategically to clear walkways.
If you find modifying your home less than ideal, visit one of ours or take a virtual tour to know what it feels like to live independently. While your loved one recuperates, we arrange every type of care they need from caregivers to therapists, nurses and doctors. We’ll take care of everything for you so you can focus on spending those meaningful moments with your parents.
Contact us to get started.
