Learn 6 Things to Look for in a Senior Short-Term Rehab Care Center

If you or a loved one is facing the prospect of a stay in a short-term rehabilitation care center, there are a number of factors to keep in mind as you make your decision. Here are 6 considerations to assist you make the best choice during this short but important period in recovery.

1. Do you need pre-certification, or do they accept your insurance, whether it covers the entire stay or just a portion of it?

Finding out whether or not a short-term rehab center accepts your insurance and whether or not your insurer requires pre-certification for the stay is the first step. Find out how much of a stay in a rehab center will be paid by your insurance, as well as any associated co-pays or deductibles.

And some health insurance plans limit how long you can stay in the hospital. To be eligible for traditional Medicare coverage, for instance, a senior must meet a number of criteria, one of which is having a “qualifying hospitalization episode.”

Patient eligibility for up to 100 days of care in a nursing home is contingent upon meeting the above criteria. Unfortunately, complete coverage is provided for only the first 20 days. Then, a copayment will be required for each of the next 80 inpatient days.

2. Does the facility have a distinct team of workers and physical space for both acute and chronic care?

It is common for a rehabilitation facility that provides short-term care to be integrated into a larger skilled nursing facility. The needs of patients in rehab for a short period of time are significantly different from those of long-term residents, so if this is the case, make sure the rehab center has dedicated staff for short-term patients.

Short-term and long-term care services may also be housed in separate facilities or floors in some retirement homes. Short-term rehabilitation patients benefit most from this setup since it facilitates individualized care and a speedier return to a more independent, mobile lifestyle.

3.  What treatment options are there?

Depending on the nature of the rehabilitation required, you should check that the facility provides the necessary therapies for a speedy and secure recovery. In a rehab care center, you can find professional clinicians who can provide you with physical, occupational, cardiac, and cognitive therapy right there on the grounds Massage, yoga, and fitness centers are a few more therapeutic services and amenities that might help you feel better.

4. Is it tidy, and can you see clearly?

The atmosphere and setting of a short-term rehabilitation clinic are important factors to consider. If the facility is bright, clean, and well-lit, it’s probable that the staff is invested in the myriad elements that add up to a successful rehabilitation.