fundamentals
Overview of Rehabilitation
Setting
Where rehabilitation takes place depends on the person's needs and capabilities. Many people recovering from injuries can receive outpatient rehabilitation treatment in a therapist's office. People with severe disabilities may need care in a hospital or inpatient rehabilitation center. In such settings, a rehabilitation team provides care. With the doctor or therapist, this team may include nurses, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists (who evaluate speech, language, and voice), audiologists (who evaluate hearing), other health care professionals, and family members. A team approach is best because significant loss of function can lead to other issues, such as Depression None Apathy Financial problems Care at home can be appropriate for people who cannot travel easily but who require less care, such as those who can transfer from bed to a chair or from a chair to a toilet. Rehabilitation at home is often used after knee replacement surgery, after a fall, or for people who are homebound due to chronic illness. However, family members or friends must be willing to participate in the rehabilitation process. Providing rehabilitation at home with the help of family members is highly desirable, but it can be physically and emotionally taxing for all involved. Sometimes a visiting physical therapist or occupational therapist can help with home care. Many nursing homes have less intensive rehabilitation programs than rehabilitation centers. Less intensive programs are better suited to people less able to tolerate therapy, such as frail or older people. 