Senior Rehab Guide

Female physical therapist helping senior woman in rehab

Understanding your options is the first step to a full recovery.
When you’re ready to be discharged from the hospital, your doctor will probably recommend some form of rehabilitation to help you recover. Depending on what kind of surgery you’ve had, you might go to a senior rehabilitation center for a few days (or even a few months). Or your doctor may suggest you do your therapy as an outpatient at a rehab center. Sometimes a therapist will come to your home. It all depends on how much help you need and how much support you have at home while you’re recovering.

Home health care and outpatient rehabilitation.
Many older adults recovering from relatively mild health issues recuperate at home while receiving skilled nursing and therapy services. The nurse typically visits for an hour or so several days a week to take care of medical needs, such as wound care or injections. A rehabilitation program at home may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy.
If you’re able to drive or have access to transportation, outpatient rehabilitation may be a good option. There are many senior rehabilitation centers in the Greenville area where you can receive therapy as an outpatient, including Rolling Green Village. Senior rehabilitation centers are designed and equipped for more intensive therapy than you typically can get at home — which could result in a quicker recovery.

Short-term rehabilitation as an inpatient.
When it’s not safe to be discharged from the hospital to your home, inpatient rehabilitative care is usually necessary. Inpatient rehab normally involves a temporary stay that may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Options for short-term rehabilitation include senior living communities, nursing homes, and stand-alone rehab facilities.
The benefit of being an inpatient is that you can focus on your rehabilitation program and not have to worry about anything else. A senior rehabilitation center has the equipment and a dedicated space designed for rehabilitation that can’t be replicated at home. Some rehab centers, including Rolling Green Village, also have an indoor heated pool for aquatic therapy. Staff members are available around-the-clock to meet your needs and make your stay as comfortable and productive as possible. 

The three main types of rehabilitation therapy.
Your rehab team will work with you, your family and your doctor to create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals. Therapies may include:

  • Physical therapy to improve joint and muscle function, balance, mobility, and manage pain.
  • Occupational therapy to assist with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating), use of adaptive equipment, or fine motor skills.
  • Speech therapy to help with conditions that affect communication, swallowing, or cognitive skills, such as attention or memory problems.

A quick look at the costs and coverage.
Costs vary depending on the type and length of treatment you receive, and whether you’re an inpatient or outpatient. According to the Genworth Cost of Care study for 2020, the average daily costs associated with various providers in the Greenville area are:

  • Home Health Aid $135
  • Assisted Living Facility $92 (private one-bedroom)
  • Nursing Home $283 (private one-bedroom)

The rules for coverage through Medicare are complex, but generally Medicare covers “medically necessary” care you get in a senior rehabilitation center. It’s best to contact your Medicare provider to understand how coverage rules apply for your situation.
Rehabilitation care can also be covered by:

  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Private Health Insurance Policies
  • Private Funds
  • Medicaid

Rehabilitation at Rolling Green Village.
The Health and Wellness Center at Rolling Green Village offers a full range of rehabilitation services, including aquatic, physical, occupational and speech therapies. Private rooms; chef-prepared meals; and a warm, welcoming environment will make your stay as pleasant as it is productive. To learn more about inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation at Rolling Green Village, visit our rehabilitation page or contact us. We can help you get back to the life you love.