It is important to start by saying that transitioning home after some time in a short term rehab facility isn’t easy. While home care after surgery will help speed up the recovery process, it takes time and effort. Going back to your old confident self or the person you were before the surgery or accident can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier.
Don’t Set Yourself Up for Disappointment
You shouldn’t assume that it’s going to be as easy as walking back into your old life. Many people think they can just go back to how things were before the accident or surgery, then when it does not happen, they are depressed. While home care help after surgery makes your life easier, and you should get it for that reason, you need to understand that recovery will be slow. Take each day as it comes and make small lifestyle changes over a period of days, weeks, and months, you’ll feel more comfortable.
Prepare and Plan Ahead
When you want to ensure a smooth transition, it requires that you plan for it. The goal is to make sure that you’ve planned for everything before being discharged from rehab. You will want to work with the staff in the short term rehab center to plan for what you’ll need when at home.
Make sure to find out if you will need a physical and an occupational therapist, and if you’ll need help around the house, any special equipment, or perhaps modifications to make the home safer. Some of the best rehab programs out there will offer patients the chance to have their therapists visit the home to see first hand what is needed. Then the therapist will follow up frequently to see if the home is ready. Also, rehab programs for post-surgical home care patients will ensure it has the support they need.
Have Realistic Goals for Recovering
As you are leaving the short term rehab center, you need to set realistic goals. Sure, it is fine for young people to be ambitious, and with home care, after short term rehab, it is possible to recover sooner than later. However, when you set realistic goals, you are setting yourself up for success and not depression. That said, speak to your physical therapist to figure out what types of recovery goals to set.
Use Local Community Resources
You will want to take advantage of any and all community resources available to you. Resources like to get meals delivered or transportation services. Discharge planners from the short term rehab center and social workers can help you figure out what is available and can be used.
Conclusion
Recovering from surgery or an accident takes time and effort. However, you shouldn’t overlook the power of family. If needed, reach out to family and friends for help or support. Family can often be the key that helps you recover sooner and helps you cope with emotional issues.
Do you have experience with transitioning from short term rehab to home?
Are you a physical therapist and have tips you’d like to offer?
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