What Is Long-Term Rehabilitation?

Long-term rehabilitation is a type of therapy that aims to help individuals regain the ability to perform everyday tasks and activities after an injury or illness.

Published On

July 31, 2023

Dove Recovery's Team

What Is Long-Term Rehabilitation?

What Is Long-Term Rehab?

Long-term rehabilitation is an essential part of the recovery process for individuals who have suffered from injuries or illnesses that require extended care. In this article, we will explore what long-term rehabilitation is, who it is for, and different types of long-term rehabilitation programs.

Long-term rehabilitation is a type of therapy that aims to help individuals regain the ability to perform everyday tasks and activities after an injury or illness. This type of rehabilitation is usually required for individuals who have experienced a severe injury or illness that has resulted in a long-term disability.

Types of Long-term Rehabilitation

Types of long-term rehabilitation programs may vary depending on the individual's injury or illness. Some examples include:

Physical therapy

This type of rehabilitation focuses on improving physical strength and mobility through exercises and stretches.

Occupational therapy

This type of rehabilitation focuses on helping individuals regain their ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking, dressing, and grooming.

Speech therapy

This type of rehabilitation is designed to help individuals who have difficulty communicating due to an injury or illness.

Cognitive therapy

This type of rehabilitation focuses on helping individuals improve their cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

In addition to these types of long-term rehabilitation programs, there may be others that are tailored to specific injuries or illnesses. It's important for individuals to work with their healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.

Long-term rehabilitation is not just about physical therapy. It also involves emotional support and counseling. Long-term rehabilitation can be a challenging and emotional process, and it is essential to have a support system in place. Many rehabilitation centers offer counseling and support groups to help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of long-term rehabilitation.

The Importance of Setting Realistic Goals During Long-Term Rehabilitation

Setting realistic goals is a critical component of long-term rehabilitation. By having clear and achievable objectives, individuals can remain motivated and focused on their recovery journey. Here are some reasons why setting realistic goals is important:

Ensures progress

Setting goals that are both challenging and achievable helps ensure that individuals make measurable progress in their rehabilitation. For instance, if someone who is recovering from a stroke sets a goal to walk 1000 steps a day, this gives them something to work towards each day and provides a sense of accomplishment when they achieve it.

Provides direction

Having specific goals in mind can help individuals stay on track with their recovery plan. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps, individuals can focus on making progress one step at a time.

Builds confidence

When individuals set achievable goals and work towards them consistently, they build confidence in their abilities. This can be especially important for those who may have lost confidence due to an injury or illness.

However, it's important to avoid setting overly ambitious goals that are not achievable within the current stage of recovery. For example, if someone who is recovering from a spinal cord injury sets a goal to run a marathon within six months of starting rehab, this is likely unrealistic and could lead to frustration and disappointment.

On the other hand, setting goals that are too easy may not provide enough motivation for individuals to push themselves towards recovery. For instance, if someone who is recovering from a knee injury sets a goal to walk 10 steps per day, this may not be challenging enough to foster progress.

Working with healthcare professionals can be beneficial when setting realistic goals for long-term rehabilitation. They can offer guidance on what types of activities or exercises may be appropriate at different stages of recovery, as well as provide support and encouragement along the way.

By setting realistic goals and working towards them consistently, individuals undergoing long-term rehabilitation can improve their overall quality of life and regain independence in their daily activities.

Choosing the Right Long-term Rehabilitation Program

Choosing the right long-term rehabilitation program can be a daunting task, but it's an essential one. The right program can make all the difference in an individual's recovery journey. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a long-term rehabilitation program:

Type of injury or illness

The type of injury or illness that an individual has will play a crucial role in determining which rehabilitation program is best suited for them. Some programs may specialize in certain types of injuries, while others may have a more general approach.

Level of care needed

Individuals with severe injuries or illnesses may require a higher level of care than those with less severe conditions. It's important to choose a rehabilitation program that can provide the appropriate level of care and attention.

Location and accessibility

The location and accessibility of the rehabilitation program should also be taken into consideration. Programs that are closer to home may be more convenient for individuals and their families, while those located further away may offer specialized services that are not available locally.

Credentials and experience of staff

It's important to choose a rehabilitation program with qualified and experienced staff members. This includes physicians, therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who will be involved in an individual's care.

Cost and insurance coverage

The cost of long-term rehabilitation programs can vary widely depending on the type of program, level of care needed, and other factors. It's important to consider these costs when choosing a program, as well as any insurance coverage that may be available.

By taking these factors into consideration when choosing a long-term rehabilitation program, individuals can find a program that meets their specific needs and helps them achieve their goals for recovery. Working closely with healthcare professionals can also provide guidance and support throughout the decision-making process.

Long-term rehabilitation can help individuals regain their independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of complications from their condition. The goal of long-term rehabilitation is to help individuals achieve their maximum functional potential and return to their daily lives as much as possible.

Settings Where Long-term Rehabilitation Can Be Provided

Long-term rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery for individuals who have sustained injuries or illnesses that require ongoing care. Here are some examples of settings where long-term rehabilitation can be provided:

Hospitals

Hospitals may provide long-term rehabilitation for individuals who require intensive medical care and monitoring. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other types of specialized care.

Nursing homes

Nursing homes may provide long-term rehabilitation for individuals who require ongoing care due to chronic conditions or illnesses. This can include assistance with daily activities, medication management, and physical therapy.

Rehabilitation centers

Rehabilitation centers may provide long-term rehabilitation for individuals who require specialized care for injuries or illnesses. This can include inpatient or outpatient programs that focus on physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other types of specialized care.

Home settings

Long-term rehabilitation can also be provided in a home setting, either through in-home healthcare services or through self-directed rehabilitation programs. This can include exercises and activities that are designed to promote recovery and independence.

The type of rehabilitation program that is best for an individual will depend on their specific needs and the severity of their injury or illness. Healthcare professionals can help individuals determine which type of long-term rehabilitation program is most appropriate for their needs.

The Benefits of Group Therapy Sessions for Long-Term Rehabilitation Patients

In addition to individual therapy sessions, group therapy can also be a valuable component of long-term rehabilitation programs. Here are some benefits of group therapy for individuals undergoing long-term rehabilitation:

Social support

Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who are undergoing similar challenges. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.

Shared experiences

Individuals in group therapy can share their experiences and learn from each other's successes and setbacks. This can help individuals develop new coping strategies and gain insight into their own recovery process.

Motivation

Group therapy provides an opportunity for individuals to see the progress that others have made in their recovery journey, which can be motivating. Seeing others succeed can inspire individuals to push themselves towards their own goals.

Cost-effective

Group therapy sessions may be more cost-effective than individual sessions, as they allow therapists to work with multiple patients at once. This can make long-term rehabilitation more accessible for individuals who may not have the financial means to attend individual sessions regularly.

Variety of perspectives

In group therapy, individuals have access to a variety of perspectives and ideas. This can help them develop new ways of thinking about their challenges and find solutions that they may not have considered before.

Overall, group therapy is an effective way to complement individual therapy sessions during long-term rehabilitation. It provides a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others, share experiences, stay motivated, and gain new insights into their recovery process.

What To Expect in Long-Term Treatment?

Long-term rehabilitation is a process that requires patience, dedication, and commitment. The length of the treatment depends on the individual's injury or illness. Here are some things to expect during long-term rehabilitation:

Individualized Treatment Plan

Each person's recovery journey is unique, so an individualized treatment plan will be created based on the specific needs of the patient. This plan may include a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, and other types of specialized care.

Progress Tracking

Progress will be tracked regularly to determine if adjustments need to be made to the treatment plan. This can help ensure that individuals are making progress towards their goals.

Challenges and Frustration

Long-term rehabilitation can be challenging and frustrating at times. This is normal and expected. It's important for individuals to stay positive and motivated throughout the process.

Emotional Support

Emotional support is an essential component of long-term rehabilitation. Many rehabilitation centers offer counseling services and support groups to help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of recovery.

Assistive Devices

Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, or prosthetic limbs may be used during long-term rehabilitation to aid in mobility and independence.

Examples of what individuals can expect during long-term rehabilitation include learning new skills or techniques to perform everyday tasks more easily; participating in exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination; working with a team of healthcare professionals who specialize in different areas; adapting to assistive devices as needed; tracking progress towards set goals; receiving regular emotional support through counseling or support groups.

By understanding what to expect during long-term rehabilitation, individuals can prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead. With patience and dedication, they can achieve their maximum functional potential and return to their daily lives as much as possible.

How To Find a Long-Term Inpatient Rehab in Ohio?

When searching for a long-term inpatient rehab in Ohio, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the level of care and support that is provided. Individuals should look for a program that offers a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who specialize in different areas of rehabilitation.

Here are some examples of long-term inpatient rehab programs in Ohio:

Arrowhead Behavioral Health - Located in Maumee, Arrowhead Behavioral Health provides specialized treatment for individuals with mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. The program includes individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and other types of specialized care.
Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital - With locations throughout Ohio, Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for individuals with a wide range of injuries and illnesses. The program includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, and other types of specialized care.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Rehabilitation Services - Located in Columbus, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Rehabilitation Services provides specialized care for individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. The program includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other types of specialized care.
St. Rita's Inpatient Rehab - Located in Lima, St. Rita's Inpatient Rehab provides specialized care for individuals recovering from orthopedic injuries or surgeries. The program includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management services and other types of specialized care.

By researching different programs and considering factors such as location, level of care needed and cost/insurance coverage; individuals can find the right long-term inpatient rehab program that meets their specific needs.

Conclusion

Long-term rehabilitation is a challenging and emotionally draining process, but it is also an essential component of recovery for individuals who have sustained injuries or illnesses that require ongoing care. By choosing the right program, setting realistic goals, and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals can regain their independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of complications from their condition.

While long-term rehabilitation may be challenging at times, it is important for individuals to stay positive and motivated throughout the process. With patience and dedication, they can achieve their goals for recovery and live fulfilling lives once again.