Rehabilitation programs are doctor-supervised programs designed to assist individuals with a physical or mental condition that they may not be able to deal with on their own. The therapists who work in these programs treat a variety of conditions including physical conditions, occupational limitations and narcotic abuse. Patients participate in rehabilitation either by going to inpatient sessions for a certain amount of time or visiting the facility on a daily basis for visits until he or she no longer needs the therapy. There are many different types of programs and are administered in medical facilities and by local or county agencies.
One of the many different types of programs is physical therapy that helps people regain use of a body part that was injured or that sustained deterioration from a medical condition. During physical therapy, a physical therapist tries to decrease the amount of pain the person has as well as improve function and mobility. The therapist also develops a treatment plan consisting of exercise, hot and cold massages and nerve stimulation therapy. Some individuals require extensive physical therapy for many months such as those who have hurt several body parts from being in an accident.
Some rehabilitation programs assist individuals who have suffered brain injuries caused by an accident, a blow to the head or severe health condition such as a stroke. The treatment for these types of injuries varies depending on the severity of the brain injury and consists of physical therapy and other activities that will help the person to re-learn cognitive and physical abilities. In extreme cases, patients may need to learn how to read and write again and perform simple things like brushing their teeth. Individuals who have suffered brain injuries often have both short-term and long-term memory loss and the therapist will have to use memory techniques to help the person recognize family members and remember how to do tasks. Unfortunately, some brain defects are permanent and the person may have to live in an assisted living facility that can provide a high level of medical care and therapy.
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs provide rehabilitation to people who have a chemical dependency. These types of programs have trained psychologists and therapists who help the patient address the mental reasons why the individual became addicted to the toxic substances. Drug and alcohol treatment centers also have the patient participate in a detoxification plan to get the toxins out of the person’s system so that the person can start to recover physically as well as mentally.
When considering rehabilitation programs, it is important that the patient get the best treatment that is suitable to the mental or physical condition. Make sure that the staff of the facility is licensed and the doctors are board certified in their profession.
Individuals with health insurance should check with their plan provider to make sure the program is covered. If admitting a family member, visit the facility if possible before admitting the individual to see how the staff and patients interact with each other so that you can feel comfortable knowing the staff will be giving your family member the best care.