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Whether from a fall or other type of accident, injuries can be an especially trying time for older adults. For many, injuries serve as milestones in decline. One of the best things a senior can do following an injury that requires hospitalization is pursue rehabilitation at a Skilled Nursing community. Why?
Here are our top three reasons:
1. You need to rebuild strength!
After a fall or accident, you may temporarily eliminate most of the exercise from your routine. If inactivity goes on too long, you'll see your strength and endurance change which can alter your wellbeing entirely. Studies have shown sedentary behavior is associated with unfavorable health outcomes. However, for most, getting started is one of the biggest obstacles. Left on your own, you may be less likely to begin a fitness routine due to pain or exhaustion and less likely to focus on the areas that would be most beneficial to your recovery. That's where physical and occupational therapists at a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) can be excellent partners for success. They will not only motivate you to get started on a strategic routine each day, but they will also guide you to apply your exercise efforts to practical strengthening for when you go home too. For example, they can work with you on entering and exiting the shower safely, refining the group of muscles responsible for each movement while working on the flexibility needed to complete the task safely. The combination of physical therapy, working the muscles and building endurance, paired with occupational therapy, applying new learned techniques to daily tasks to reduce risk, you'll leave much stronger than you came in.
2. You need to rebuild balance!
The longer you have had a sedentary lifestyle, the greater your issues may be with balance, largely due to muscles weakening and joints becoming stiff. Also, getting up on your feet may feel completely different following an injury, sometimes because you are instinctively shifting your body weight to manage pain or discomfort. The therapists will be able to help you identify where exactly your gait is unsteady and work to target that area for strengthening. Keep in mind, for older adults, there are many things that can cause falls like changes in blood pressure, circulation issues, low iron or blood sugar, inner ear trouble, or even some medications. That's why choosing to recover from injury in a SNF is ideal with helpful clinicians nearby to assess your needs and coordinate with your provider as needed.
3. You need to rebuild confidence!
Like they say, "confidence is key!" One of the biggest turning points for an elder who endures an injury is whether or not they recover their sense of confidence. While the instinct to sit down and stay down may be a normal one after your sense of confidence has been diminished, it is also a costly one. Not only is there risk of muscle atrophy, but there is also significant risk tied to depression and cognitive function. Building back the confidence that you can shower safely, navigate the porch steps with ease, or get in and out of the car on your own could be the key to retaining as much independence as possible. Left to conquer this feat on their own, most do not ever achieve the same level of confidence they had pre-injury. That's where the therapy team can help, they will give you the guidance you need to continue your recovery, even after you go home. The occupational therapist can even offer helpful insight on necessary modifications to your home or to your routine to promote continued healing and rebuild your confidence.
While these are the top three reasons, there are other factors to consider that are found within this environment as well. For example, having well-balanced meals prepared can be one of the last things you want to deal with in your condition. Also, companionship, coming to a community where other folks are working towards similar goals can be inspiring and uplifting, especially when compared to the loneliness that may await you at home.
If you are recovering from an injury, ask your healthcare provider about a therapy in a SNF to see if it could be the right fit for you.
