For those experiencing a range of physical, memory or neurological issues as the result of a recent surgery, severe injury or illness such as a stroke, rehabilitation therapy (or bounce back physical therapy, as it’s sometimes called) can help restore their strength and ability to function as they did previously.
Rehab therapy can include any or all of these:
- Physical therapy, which uses various techniques including exercise, massage, stretching, cold and heat treatments, strength training and physical manipulation to help mobility and strength.
- Occupational therapy, which helps people regain their ability to do everyday tasks, from bathing and getting dressed to preparing and eating meals. It can also assist in increasing coordination and certain memory functions.
- Speech therapy to help with communication skills, which can include strengthening the muscles used in speech and working to improve communication-related cognitive functions. It can also be used to resolve problems with swallowing.
In a setting like Penrose Harbor at Heron’s Key that provides comprehensive senior rehabilitation support, a team of skilled therapists and nurses work with the patient’s doctor to develop a therapy plan designed to help the patient reach his or her personal goals.
3 Ways You Can Ensure the Best Bounce Back Therapy Success
#1: Understand your therapy plan.
Knowing how the different components of your treatment plan will affect your recovery can provide the incentive you may need to stick with the plan throughout the rehabilitation process. If you aren’t sure why a certain recommendation was made or you aren’t clear on specific steps of the plan, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Knowledge is empowering!
#2: Set goals you can realistically attain.
Goal setting should be one of the first topics you cover when talking with each of your therapists. Setting specific goals, with time frames for achieving them, can break down the overall recovery process into smaller segments that will seem more attainable. This can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or discouraged. And remember, your goals can be revised along the way.
#3: Be honest with yourself and your therapists.
Adhering to your therapy plan will give you the best chance at achieving your desired outcomes, so if you know up front that there are parts of your plan you won’t do, tell your therapists. Likewise, if you skip the exercises you’re supposed to do outside of your therapy sessions, tell your therapists. If you’re feeling pain, tell your therapists. They may be able to make modifications to address your concerns or challenges you’re having. Think of them as partners you’re collaborating with to restore your best possible quality of life. They, too, want to see you succeed.
Reasons To Consider an ‘Inpatient’ Rehab Center
When you’re discharged from the hospital or surgery center, you may have the option of going somewhere like Penrose Harbor, where you stay for a certain period of time before going home. Receiving rehabilitation therapy in this type of setting has advantages over going home and doing rehab on an outpatient basis.
Here are several examples:
- You can focus entirely on your recovery, free from the distractions and responsibilities you would have at home, which could speed your recovery process.
- You don’t have to drive to your therapy sessions or rely on someone else to take you.
- You have professional caregivers available to assist you around the clock.
- Your team of therapists can more easily monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. They’re also available to answer questions that may arise.
- You don’t have to worry about cooking or having food delivered to your home.
- You’ll have opportunities to get to know others who are there for rehab therapy, and they can provide additional encouragement while you’re recovering.
- You can be confident your therapy team will know when you’re ready to safely transition from rehab to home.
The Perks of Rehab Therapy at Penrose Harbor
If you go online and look for a rehab facility for elderly adults in Gig Harbor, Penrose Harbor will appear in the search results along with a few others. Here’s what sets Penrose Harbor apart from the rest:
- Penrose Harbor is the only place in the Gig Harbor area that offers comfortable, all-private suites for short-term rehab.
- We’ll encourage you to have fun while you’re here. You’ll be able to use the amenities and participate in many of the same activities Heron’s Key residents enjoy every day.
- The food here is quite good, and you’ll be assured of getting the nutrition you need during your recovery.
Although Heron’s Key residents have priority access to Penrose Harbor’s short-term rehab services, residents of the greater Gig Harbor community and surrounding areas also have access to them, as space permits.
When Life Throws a Curveball …
The experts at Penrose Harbor can help you take on the challenges often associated with rehabilitation therapy. While rehab calls for diligence and concerted effort, our specialized therapists, our dedicated staff and the comfortable, private environment we provide can make your recovery more pleasant.
If you’d like to see Penrose Harbor in person, contact us and we’ll set up a time for you to visit.
