Choosing a rehabilitation hospital for an aging parent is one of the most important healthcare decisions you'll make. I've learned a lot in the past 18 months or so while my wife and I take care of my Father-In-Law, and frankly, I wish there were better resources out there to help other folks avoid the negative situations that we've gone through. The right facility can dramatically improve recovery outcomes, while the wrong choice may lead to setbacks or inadequate care. This comprehensive guide will help you evaluate potential facilities and make an informed decision for your loved one.
Before I get into this quick guide that I've prepared for you folks, I do want to provide some perspective. We've mostly had good experiences with a variety of facilities that Jim has been in but the unfortunate reality is that most rehab facilities are woefully understaffed and those nurses, aids, and other workers are typically underpaid, underappreciated, and overworked. This is not a good situation but with some careful consideration and asking the right questions you can tip the scale in your favor and pick a good facility that will help your mom, dad, or other family member have a successful rehabilitation experience.
Online Ratings and Reviews
While online reviews shouldn't be your only deciding factor, they can provide valuable insights into real patient experiences. Look beyond the overall star rating and read detailed reviews, paying special attention to comments about staff responsiveness and quality of care. Check multiple platforms including Google Reviews, Medicare.gov's Compare tool, and healthcare-specific review sites. Recent reviews are particularly valuable, as they reflect current conditions and management.
Unfortunately, these online ratings, as found on Google or Yelp, for instance, can be skewed. For instance, at one rehab center we noticed posters in the elevator paying staff and family members for five star reviews. Not surprisingly they had great online reviews and we thought this was going to be a great experience for Jim. It wasn't.
Go beyond just the ratings and review sites and do some manual research as well. For instance, if you see things like this about like Ocala Oaks Rehabilitation Center on multiple websites then it's probably a sign that you would want to keep shopping!
Available Therapy Options
Another thing that we discovered is that not all rehab centers have the same suite of therapists on staff. For instance, Jim needs a respiratory therapist and staff that are trained on his BI-PAP machine. Not all rehabilitation centers are able to accommodate this.
Luxury drug rehab centers differ significantly from assisted living and nursing home facilities because they are designed to get patients who need help prepared to go to the next level of care.
The amount and consistency of therapy services are crucial factors in recovery success.
A high-quality rehabilitation hospital should offer a comprehensive range of therapy services. Look for facilities that provide physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy if needed. The best facilities also offer specialized programs for specific conditions like stroke recovery, orthopedic rehabilitation, or cardiac care. Ask about their success rates with conditions similar to your parent's and whether they use modern therapeutic equipment and techniques.
Staff Training and Qualifications
You might think that all the staff in a rehab hospital are extensively trained and vetted the way they might be in an actual hospital but that just isn't true. This is unfortunate because the least trained people are often the ones that are interacting with he patients the most. This leads to situations where a patient must wait long periods of time if they need to get up to go to the bathroom or to be adjusted in bed.
The expertise of the staff directly impacts the quality of care your parent will receive. Inquire about the qualifications of their therapists, nurses, and care assistants. Ask about ongoing training programs, staff turnover rates, and the ratio of certified professionals to patients. A well-trained staff should be knowledgeable about current best practices in rehabilitation care and demonstrate competence in handling various medical conditions and emergency situations.
If you find yourself in a situation where it is clear that the staff isn't trained properly, please don't take it out on the staff. Most of the time they are simply trying to do their best. However, you can help out by spending more time with your loved one, providing suggestions, documenting incidents, and talking with managers as well as nursing staff to find solutions.
Daily Therapy Schedule
Rehab centers differ significantly from assisted living and nursing home facilities because they are designed to get patients who need help prepared to go to the next level of care.
The amount and consistency of therapy services are crucial factors in recovery success. Ask specific questions about how many hours of therapy patients receive daily, whether therapy sessions occur on weekends, and how the facility handles missed sessions. Quality facilities typically offer 3-5 hours of combined therapy daily, with individualized treatment plans that adapt to patient progress and stamina.
Food Service and Nutrition
Food service might seem like a silly thing to include here but Jim literally asked to go to a facility because the food was so good ... and conversely said he would never go back to another one because the food was terrible. This is a small thing that makes a big impact to a patients enthusiasm to participate in therapy and get fired up about getting better.
Ultimately, proper nutrition is essential for rehabilitation success. Evaluate the facility's meal service, including their ability to accommodate special diets, meal timing flexibility, and food quality. Ask about how they handle dietary restrictions, whether they have registered dietitians on staff, and if they can provide examples of typical menus.
Special Considerations for Bariatric Patients
Finally, I want to share a quick word on patients of size. In the industry this is referred to as "bariatric" and while most facilities will be able to accommodate obese patients, not all of them have staff that is properly trained on caring for them properly. The care of larger patients requires specific equipment, training, and protocols. When evaluating facilities for bariatric patients, consider:
- Equipment Availability: Verify the facility has appropriate equipment, including bariatric beds, Hoyer lifts rated for higher weights, properly sized wheelchairs, and reinforced toilet seats and shower chairs.
- Staff Training: Ensure staff are specifically trained in bariatric patient care, including proper transfer techniques and use of specialized equipment.
- Facility Design: Check if rooms, doorways, and bathrooms are designed to accommodate larger patients and necessary equipment.
- Care Protocols: Ask about specific protocols for bariatric patient care, including skin care, mobility assistance, and respiratory support.
Remember, proper care for larger patients isn't just about having the right equipment – it's about having well-trained staff who understand the unique needs of bariatric patients and treat them with dignity and respect.
Rehabilitation Hospitals Are Designed To Help Patients Recover!
Selecting the right rehabilitation hospital requires careful evaluation of multiple factors. Don't hesitate to ask detailed questions and request facility tours. Your parent's recovery and well-being depend on making an informed choice. Remember that you are your loved one's best advocate – if something doesn't feel right, continue your search until you find a facility that meets all your requirements.
