Participating in a senior rehabilitation program is extremely beneficial to improve mobility, balance and strength after any type of illness or injury. Or, for seniors who experience chronic pain that impacts how well they are able to get around, physical therapy can help them regain their independence- or maintain their current level of independence.
Plus, senior rehabilitation can also include both occupational therapy and speech therapy. Occupational therapy helps make activities of daily living easier, while speech therapy helps seniors learn to communicate effectively. So, physical therapy aids in seniors’ mobility, occupational therapy helps them complete tasks, and speech therapy allows them to communicate clearly—all allowing them to return to the most independent lifestyle possible.
Regain Your Independence through Senior Rehabilitation
As we age, it’s normal for our bodies to go through physical changes. This can lead to seniors feeling nervous or apprehensive about starting any sort of exercise program, due to the decline in muscle mass and bone density that may cause them daily pain. However, staying as active as possible is key to healthy aging. The less active you are, the more strength and balance you lose, both of which can lead to a debilitating fall.
After a hospital stay for an injury, illness or surgery, many seniors enter a rehab facility to assist them down the road to recovery. The type of therapy they receive will depend upon each individual’s situation.
For instance, if a senior has suffered a broken hip from a fall, physical therapy will help them regain their strength and balance through a variety of specific exercises to ensure they are steady on their feet. Physical therapy for seniors can influence their strength and endurance levels long after the sessions have ended, keeping them more resilient as the days go on and reducing the risk of a subsequent fall.
On the other hand, following a stroke, a senior may need all forms of therapy to return to his or her maximum potential. In many cases, the chronic conditions that a stroke causes may change over time. A physical therapist will do an evaluation on the individual’s balance, and can help provide training to improve his or her ability to walk or decrease the risk of a fall. Often, stroke survivors also need assistance re-learning how to do such tasks as dressing or bathing, and an occupational therapist will train and educate both the individual and family members involved in providing care. Finally, a speech therapist will help improve the stroke survivor’s ability to communicate, as well as their ability to swallow.
Whether seniors require long-term or short-term rehabilitation, there’s no denying the important role it plays in returning them to an independent, active lifestyle. Senior rehabilitation promotes overall wellness, ensuring individuals reach their goals and live as healthy and as confidently as possible.
American Senior Communities provides senior rehabilitation services through our Moving Forward Rehabilitation program, available throughout our locations. Contact us today to request more information.