Q. My dad, who’s turning 85 in July, had a fall at home, which sent him to the hospital. After a few days in the hospital, he seems like his old self and is antsy to return home. His doctor referred him to a short-term rehabilitation facility upon discharge from the hospital. My sister and I have been touring nearby facilities and feel like dad doesn’t belong here. Why would his doctor recommend a short-term rehabilitation stay and how does this process work? He does have Medicare.
A. I’m glad to hear that your dad is feeling better after his fall. While I can’t speak exclusively to his case as to why his doctor made the recommendation, I can tell you that there are many benefits to a short-term rehabilitation stay after a hospitalization for older adults. I can also provide you with a brief overview of how the process works. First, short-term rehabilitation allows more time for your dad to get back on his feet, with the supervision of a medical team. He’ll receive physical and occupational therapy at the very least. His therapy team can work with your dad on balance, endurance, and provide recommendations to modify his home environment in order to prevent a fall in the future. He’ll also be monitored by a nurse and have certified nursing aides to assist him with using the toilet, taking a shower, and getting dressed. The entire team will focus on helping your dad regain mobility, strength, and endurance, so that he can safely return home. Although he may appear fine, if his doctor is recommending short-term rehabilitation, it’s in your dad’s best interest to follow his doctor’s orders. The admission process is quite simple, and it sounds like you’ve already taken the first steps by touring nearby facilities. Once you’ve chosen your preference, notify your dad’s discharge planner at the hospital. They will then reach out to the short-term rehab facility with the necessary paperwork to get the admitting process started. It’s important to note that some facilities have limited beds available, so it’s always a good idea to have a back-up place in mind. The discharge planner will make all the necessary arrangements to get your dad to the rehab facility, once the rehab facility has approved him. This includes transportation and any medical documentation that the rehab facility needs. Once your dad is transferred, the rehab facility will help him settle into his room and walk him through their admission protocol. He’ll be assessed by the nurse and therapy team and begin his therapy shortly after that. The social worker will be in touch with you to discuss discharge plans, so you’ll have plenty of time to make necessary arrangements based on the recommendations of his therapy team. In time, your dad will hopefully regain his strength and endurance, and return home to a safe environment.
