Inpatient rehabilitative care is when rehabilitative services are provided to patients in a hospital setting. Rehabilitation is a medical specialty that helps people recovering from disabling diseases or injuries. It can be effective for a myriad of people, including those recovering from orthopedic injuries, strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, and other impairments as a result of injuries or illnesses.
Rehabilitative care includes various treatments, such as physical, occupational and speech therapies. These therapies are used to help patients increase and prevent further loss of everyday productivity and independence. The goal is to improve quality of life for individuals by enhancing their independence with daily living activities, work and family responsibilities.
Rehabilitation is significant to a patient’s healing process. Patients who receive rehabilitative services in a hospital setting often experience positive results in regaining or improving productivity and independence. For example, a recent national study shows that patients treated in inpatient rehabilitation facilities have better long-term results than those treated in skilled nursing facilities. The study, which was commissioned by the ARA Research institute, shows that patients treated in rehabilitation hospitals live longer, have less hospital and ER visits, and remain longer in their homes without additional outpatient services.
In addition, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recommends that stroke patients be treated at inpatient rehabilitation facilities rather than skilled nursing facilities, because there is considerable evidence that patients benefit from the team approach in facilities that understand the importance of rehabilitation during the early period after a stroke.
At Sacramento Rehabilitation Hospital, we provide inpatient rehabilitation to people recovering from disabling diseases and injuries, such as those recovering from stroke, and brain, spinal cord and orthopedic injuries. We also treat individuals who may have chronic illnesses such as cerebral palsy, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.