subject: A Guide To Geriatric Rehabilitation Centers In New Jersey [print this page] Most people often have the wrong impression about the notion of rehabilitation centers. Due to its prominence in show business and the media, it's often associated with drug use. Unless there's an elderly loved one, most are not aware of geriatric rehabilitation.
Geriatric rehabilitation is a branch of medicine that focuses on rehabilitation and physical therapy for the elderly. For most cases, in-home rehab care is usually recommended. Because of this the elderly are brought to a residential nursing facility. An outpatient system may be used, but residential care is recommended to avoid the stress of having to travel. These facilities go by many names, like nursing homes and inpatient rehabilitation centers. In New Jersey, they're known simply as rehabilitation centers or facilities.
How would I know if inpatient rehabilitation care is for my loved one?
First of all, a doctor will most likely recommend geriatric care for their patients. In some cases, families could make the call. Although it might be a hard choice to make, it is strongly recommended for the elderly who've experienced one or more of the following:
Stroke - While strokes aren't exclusive to the elderly, these are too common for anyone of their age. Stroke leads to neurological or brain damage, and may sometimes even end up in death. Most survivors often get long term physical or brain disability.
For stroke survivors, early rehabilitation is key to regaining lost ability. It's widely known that the quicker the rehabilitation starts, the quicker the abilities are recovered. Continued rehab and physical therapy help out with the steady restoration of not just abilities, but the independence as well.
Parkinson's disease - The tremors that are often related to Parkinson's continue to grow in time. Furthermore, advanced stages of the disease can cause postural instability, and worse, being unable to move. New Jersey rehab centers have knowledgeable staff that can help the elderly with whatever challenges they may have.
These are only just two of the several major health conditions that can be addressed with inpatient care. Rehabilitation centers in New Jersey also help those with fractured or broken hips, multiple sclerosis, and other nerve conditions bringing about physical impairment.
Some New Jersey rehab centers offer comprehensive physical rehabilitation with the use of high tech equipment and facilities. They merge these modern technologies with a home-like atmosphere so the elderly aren't scared. It has been determined over and over again that a home-like atmosphere boosts and sometimes quickens the recovery process.
Aside from geriatric physical therapy, rehabilitation centers in New Jersey also offer occupational and speech therapies. This is particularly ideal for the elderly that have developed speech problems because of a stroke or other nerve conditions. Length of stay would depend on the seriousness of the illness. The problem being treated and when a person goes into the facility also help with figuring out how long the treatment process might last.
