Transitioning to long-term care can be emotionally tough for patients and families alike. We all want to make sure our loved one is being properly cared for and treated with dignity. We also know that in some cases, seniors may have a hard time making the shift to residential care. Initial complaints and grumbling are often par for the course as our loved one gets used to the new setting. If a senior speaks out about treatment in long-term care, we want to differentiate between a challenging adjustment and potential abuse. Here are some … [Read more...]

Your 88-year old-father is in good health overall, but a fall and hospitalization have left him weak and in need of extra care. After ten days, he’s stable enough to leave the hospital but not ready to come home. This is where acute care rehab in an inpatient facility can be a lifesaver. This important step between hospital and home is often the key to a successful recovery. But many patients and families don’t fully understand how acute care works and how it differs from long term care. What Is Acute Care? Hospitals usually discharge … [Read more...]

You may have noticed that independent living for an elderly loved one is increasingly challenging. They seem like they’re struggling with basic day-to-day activities or may have medical needs they can’t manage on their own. As a family member, you come to the realization that they need help. But what kind of help is best? Would they benefit most from in-home care or long term care at an outside facility? These are often some of the most difficult choices a family has to make. Two of the biggest factors are cost and level of care needed. Here’s … [Read more...]

Your father has just had major surgery or a medical event and is going to be discharged from the hospital. He’s still feeling weak and uncertain, and you’re not sure that you can give him what he needs as a caregiver. There’s so much to consider: medications, therapies and fear of relapse or reinjury. How can you best help dad recover safely? The answer is often choosing a short-term inpatient rehab program as your loved one rebuilds strength and function and gradually works up to independent living. What Is Short Term Rehab? Short-term rehab … [Read more...]

An artificial joint is a tiny piece of equipment, but joint surgery is a big deal. Healing after joint surgery can often be a long and sometimes uncomfortable process, but in the end, it’s an incredibly positive game changer for most patients. There are a number of things patients and caregivers can do to help speed healing after joint surgery. These include a nutrient-rich diet, exercise and follow-up care, including physical therapy. The main thing is for patients and family members to follow instructions from doctors and other providers and … [Read more...]

If you have a loved one in long-term care, it can be challenging to make time to visit. But although the scheduling may be difficult, regular visits are important. Not only is it a good way to check up on their care, but it will help lift their mood and remind them that they have meaningful connections and people who love them. Before you visit, it’s a good idea to have a game plan to ensure it’s as successful and uplifting as possible. Here are 10 tips for a fun and relaxing visit. Select the Best Time of Day for Them We all get busy, … [Read more...]

It’s always a difficult and emotional time when your aging parent or loved one suffers a stroke, has a heart attack or undergoes surgery. This is especially true when they’re not yet able to come home. Often, people will need rehabilitation after these medical events, which can mean going to a short-term rehab facility. It’s common for patients to resist the idea of going into a rehab facility instead of going home. We’ve gathered some tips and guidelines to help guide your conversations with your loved one and ease them into the idea of … [Read more...]

There’s so much evidence that staying active is essential for seniors’ physical and mental well-being. Activity not only helps older adults stay physically healthy, it also helps them stay socially engaged, happier and more productive. That’s why activity--physical, mental and social--is such an important focus at Evergreen Health and Rehab and why our activities calendar is always packed. Physical Activity and Seniors A report from the U.S. Surgeon General found that older adults benefit from physical activity, and it doesn’t need to be … [Read more...]

Hip replacement surgery can be a game changer regarding the quality of life--especially for seniors whose mobility is limited by joint pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), total hip replacement is safe, effective and one of the most successful operations in the medical field. More than 300,000 hip replacements are performed each year, and outcomes are incredibly positive overall. However, patients don’t just bounce back to full activity directly after a hip replacement: it takes some time to recover, and a … [Read more...]

Caregivers are truly the unsung heroes of patient recovery. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, family caregivers provide up to 80 percent of long-term care in the U.S. today. These devoted family members take on a huge portion of the burden in an effort to help medical providers make their loved ones whole again. As most caregivers will admit, it’s an extremely rewarding but incredibly challenging role. Here are a few tips on how caregivers can help their loved ones while also focusing on their own well-being to make sure that they … [Read more...]