Sunday, April 7, 2013

What Is a Nursing Home Rehabilitation Center


Senior citizens often require specialized health services. When they undergo surgery, suffered an injury, or show signs of losing their memories, seniors may need the specialized services offered at a nursing home rehabilitation center. At this facility, seniors can regain their mobility, improve their memories, and overcome challenges to their health.

The staff at a nursing home rehabilitation center caters a patient's care according to the needs of that specific individual. A person who has had surgery on a knee or hip may need physical therapy to improve his or her balance and strength in that part of the body. Physical therapy often includes working out with weights, walking around an indoor track, or bending the affected part of the body in rhythmic exercise routines. Most patients work directly with a therapist as they build up their strength and resistance to the exercises.

On the other hand, a patient who is suffering from memory loss may benefit from occupational therapy. A therapist uses flash cards, puzzles, and games to assist that person in remembering basic skills, such as placing puzzle pieces together or pronouncing words. This therapy is most often used for patients who have suffered strokes or who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Staff at a nursing home rehabilitation center also assists people who suffer from physical conditions that interfere with basic daily activities. For example, dysphagia tends to be a common condition among the elderly; this condition makes it difficult for seniors to swallow food, water, and medication. People with this affliction feel that they are choking or unable to swallow these substances. In worst case scenarios, sufferers lose weight, choke on their food or medication, or develop pneumonia by aspirating substances into their lungs. Therapists assist these individuals by teaching techniques that make swallowing easier. They may also position patients differently in their beds or at their tables to facilitate eating and drinking. If all else fails, therapists can discuss remedies that include feeding tubes or intravenous hydration.

Patients at this facility may be surprised that their therapies are not dull and lack entertainment. In fact, a nursing home rehabilitation center may use a Wii game system as part of people's daily therapies. Playing a virtual game of bowling, tennis, baseball, basketball, and more lets people work out while having fun. Even more, playing video games has proven to be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Patients often look forward to playing the Wii as part of their rehabilitation processes. This approach and others like it allow senior citizens to regain their mobility, improve their health, and overcome challenges to their wellbeing. They can benefit from staying at this facility.

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